For several years, my sister June and I have talked about taking an entire day and experimenting with Cathedral Window quilt patterns that we have collected. Both of us love that classic pattern, but we wanted to play with several techniques to see which suited our fancy. That day finally arrived on July 4, 2009.
I was up early that morning making sure I could find all my Cathedral Window patterns. I had found them all except a book I bought a couple of years ago by Shelley Swanland titled “Machine Stitched Cathedral Windows, Updating an Old Favorite”, published by Martingale & Co. ©1999. Even though I had poured over the book after I bought it and liked her ideas immensely, I had never tried any of the patterns. I gave up looking (at least for the time being.) Another book that I recently bought is by Lynne Edwards entitled “Cathedral Window Quilts”, published by David & Charles Limited © 2008, 2009. It is a wonderful book that illustrates exciting variations on Cathedral Window Quilts. Someday I will take the time to experiment with some of her techniques.
I decided to surf the web for a little while before June arrived to see what ideas for Cathedral Windows I might stumble upon. I found a wonderful demonstration on YouTube entitled “How to make 3D Faux Cathedral Window Quilt Blocks.” After watching the demo, I knew that I wanted to make a quilt using the demonstrated technique.
The hardest part for me in using this technique was figuring out how to connect the individual blocks together. The demonstration only showed how to complete one block. After struggling for several hours the next day, I figured it out. I spent most of July 5 putting a 12 block background panel together by machine. It took another 2 or 3 weeks of picking a few hours here and there to hand sew the “windows” in. Here is what my finished quarter panel looks like:
Faux Cathedral Window Panel
I have 3 quarter panels now finished and have sewn two of them together. My next day of quilting will see me creating the 4th quarter panel background. Oh……for more days of quilting!
Another day, when I get a chance to take pictures of June’s project, I’ll post them. She chose a very traditional pattern that is coming along splendidly.
How exciting!! Now we can see what you’re working on! Mom actually got me in the sewing room yesterday and I did a little work on the quilt I’m making for Faith. I finished two embroidery projects this month, and I’m about to start a third. I’ve been learning new stitches from this blog: http://primrosedesign.blogspot.com/
very informative.
Now to peek in at Preston’s cooking nook:)