The first week in October, I took time to put the 4th quarter panel background together so that I had some handwork to take with me on our long weekend trip to Niagara Falls. I don’t know about you, but I always like to bring handwork with me when I travel. It is calming and soothing to be able to take a few stitches here and there.
Let me take you on a small journey to create the quarter panel. In my last post, I gave the link of the “YouTube video” on constructing a single 4-patch. Here is a front and back view of the single 4-patch.
Single block - front view
Single block - back view
Then join two 4-patches together, right sides together. But before you sew them, place a black square, folded in half, between the layers on either side of the center seam. The fold in the black squares should butt up against each other at the center seam. Add the third 4-patch in the same manner. As you work with the black “flaps” between the seams of each 4-patch, you will begin to understand how this pattern works. Here is what half of the quarter-panel looks like from the front and the back.
Six 4-Patches - Front View
Six 4-Patches - Back View
Here is the entire quarter-panel background from the front.
Twelve 4-Patch Panel - Front View
Once the quarter-panel background was complete, I chose small to medium-sized floral prints as the “windows”, then pinned them over the black squares in a pleasing arrangement.
Full Quarter Panel with Floral Windows Pinned in Place
Once the “windows” are in place, my favorite part of the process starts…..the hand stitching. I begin by choosing one square, making sure that the floral print is centered in the black square. Then I roll one side of the black square over the floral (about ¼ to 3/8 of an inch in the center). Pin in place. Then work gently with fingers to bring the curve over the floral print in a gentle arc that ends at either end of the block. I usually pin again on either side of the center to hold the floral pane in place under the rolled black edge. I start sewing at the left side, taking tiny stitches across the bowed black edge, but only tacking the rolled edge through the black background piece. That way, the cathedral window has a 3-dimensional effect.
Rolling the Edges to Create the Window
While staying at Park Place Bed and Breakfast in Niagara Falls, NY, I spent time in the beautiful common area, sitting in a rocking chair and hand stitching on my Cathedral Window panel. Often, there was a fire in the fireplace and my tea sitting on the table next to me. What wonderful, relaxing moments……..
Rocking and Stitching at Niagara Falls
Beutiful quilt, I like your colors.
Sorry, I meant beautiful quilt. Hope you have a good time touring.