Thursday, February 25, 2010

CATHEDRAL WINDOWS

I did a lot of research before I made my first quilt - reading books, looking at pictures and magazines.  The first time I laid eyes on a Cathedral Windows quilt, I knew that I wanted one, but geez, it looked like an overwhelming task.  I really didn't think I would ever be able to make one.  But once I got a few quilts under my belt, there was no stopping me!  I started constructing a Cathedral Windows in January of 2009.  Here is a picture of some of the blocks:







My APQ Blogger Buddies have seen these shots before.  By June of 2009 I had this much completed:



I am doing all the work by hand.  The quilt is now wide enough for a queen size bed with a 12-14 inch drop on each side.  I am now working on the length.   Here is what it looks like now:



This is one end.



Here is the other.

This is a shot of the back.  Hope you can see the stitching:




I've run out of the muslin fabric I have been using.  It is unbleached but almost white.  This requires a trip to JoAnne's Fabrics.  I still have plenty of colored squares.  I really like how it is turning out.  Here is a question:  Do you think I should bind it?  Traditionally, a Cathedral Window is not bound but I am worried about the edges "unsewing" themselves just through handling.  What do you think?


Liri
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12 comments:

  1. SewCalGalFebruary 25, 2010 at 11:00 AM

    Beautiful. You are doing a great job!

    I would lean towards binding, but I've not done a traditional Cathedral Window...so I'll be curious what everyone else advises too!

    SewCalGal
    www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

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  2. canuckquilterFebruary 25, 2010 at 11:10 AM

    Oh my! This is beautiful. I love cathedral windows (not that I've actually made any, but I love to look!) and yours are gorgeous. -Joanne

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  3. KatieFebruary 25, 2010 at 11:13 AM

    I say go for it if you think you'll like the look. It may not be the traditional way, but it probably will hold up better for use. And it's YOUR quilt. Just know the "quilt police" may have something to say about it...

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  4. Stash HeavenFebruary 25, 2010 at 1:28 PM

    WOW! I am truly impressed. Your patience must be immeasurable... After all that work, I think I would put the binding on. Forget the quilt police, you want this one to last! Love it. Mary

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  5. Marsha BFebruary 25, 2010 at 6:31 PM

    I love the Cathedral Window pattern and some day I'm going to give it a try. Binding it sounds great, it would make it hold up better. Why not do a scrappy binding like the one I used on Pick & Choose from the June 2009 APQ magazine. Since you have so many wonderful colors in the quilt I think all of the varied colors would work great in the binding also.

    Marsha

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  6. ChristineFebruary 25, 2010 at 8:38 PM

    LOVE! Great work! It is really coming along beautifully. That is going to be a real heirloom quilt :) Christine

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  7. LauraFebruary 25, 2010 at 8:57 PM

    My goodness, that's amazing! I've always loved Cathedral Window quilts. I wish I had your patience.

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  8. ---"Love"February 25, 2010 at 10:37 PM

    So beautiful, and absolutely incredible! I think I'd bind it in the same fabric as the background. That would protect the edges, but not detract from the windows themselves. What a treasure you've created!---"Love"

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  9. BethFebruary 25, 2010 at 11:52 PM

    I made one Cathedral window square. One dy I wll try more. Yours is just stunning. I think I would bind it too, you do want it to be around forever! Fantastic job

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  10. a good yarnFebruary 26, 2010 at 4:42 AM

    The Block Swap block will be a snack for someone who can make Cathedral Windows, Liri. This is a stunning piece of work. I would be inclined to finish the edge. If you don't want to bind it you could add a piped edge. Cheers
    Ann :-)

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  11. ann hermesFebruary 26, 2010 at 9:08 PM

    Oh my goodness--what beautiful work!

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  12. UnknownMarch 4, 2010 at 8:12 PM

    Okay, we will see if this FINALLY works;) If you want, delete this comment if it manages to get posted.....it's me, seventhsister26 from wordpress
    Happy Quilting!!
    Kathleen

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