I finished the cathedral windows quilt for my swap partner in the DQS11 flickr swap. It's amazing how heavy this little quilt is for being only 10 1/2" square. Turns out that it took just a little over 1/2 yard of fabric!
My favorite blocks are the brown and hot pink ones ... they remind me of raspberry chocolates and add a bit of a nice accent to all that orange.
I still needed a label so I took a cue from the broderie perse quilt label that Marisa of Quilt Otaku made and used a piece of lemon fabric and some DMC floss. It's an interesting technique that I'll try again. This hasn't been mailed out yet and we're supposed to keep our swap partner a secret, so the name has been photoshopped. I can't wait to find out what she thinks about it.
A few things that I've learned about sewing cathedral window blocks:
- Use lots of Mary Ellen's Best Press to keep the fabric nice and crisp
- Spend the time to iron your blocks well - it's worth it in the end
- Clover's Black Gold Needles size 10 Applique/Sharps work like a dream for hand sewing!
- Solid fabrics work better than prints for the blocks
- Ladder stitch gives a nicer finish than whip-stitching the blocks together
- Sew a 4 block sample first - later you can make it into a pincushion
Lynne Edward's book, Cathedral Windows Quilts, has great ideas for variations. I used one called the Secret Garden for my accent blocks. Yes it's more hand sewing, but it adds a fantastic punch to your quilt.
STUNNING! When you first started blogging about this quilt, I knew it would be but I had no idea just how gorgeous it would be. You partner is one lucky partner!
Posted by: Jackie | August 11, 2011 at 03:59 AM
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the color combo! I am new to this so I am timid about color combination's. But seeing what others do is inspiring.
Hugs!
Posted by: Sharon B | August 11, 2011 at 05:25 AM
Your newly finished Doll Quilt is amazing! There will be a very lucky recipient in this next round. You have sewn this beautifully.
Posted by: Kathy | August 11, 2011 at 06:04 AM
I know from experience what a labor of quilting love this must have been. Yours is amazing... so expertly, carefully finished. I am, truly, in awe. I am cheering for your success!
Posted by: Natalie VV | August 11, 2011 at 06:42 AM
This is GORGEOUS, Tami.
Turned out lovely - color choice is wonderful!
hugs
Posted by: Gerry | August 11, 2011 at 08:16 AM
Oh Tami this little quilt is a masterpiece. It should clearly win "Best of Show"! Love the colors together. This label is so cute and perfect for Lemon Tree Tales. You have truly created an heirloom.
Posted by: Saucy Chick Sherry | August 11, 2011 at 08:34 AM
Wow! Amazing!
Posted by: Heera | August 11, 2011 at 12:23 PM
This turned out absolutely great! The colours are spectacular and I know, beyond any doubt, that the recipient is going to be awestruck when she sees it.
Posted by: Mary Anne | August 11, 2011 at 03:39 PM
lol - when I saw this I said to myself .. STUNNING ... then when I scrolled down I saw the first comment said that too ... she stole the words right out from under my fingers! Your color choices are always spot on. Bravo!
Posted by: Judi W | August 11, 2011 at 08:44 PM
This has turned out beautifully. Love it!
Posted by: Angela | August 12, 2011 at 10:07 AM
You've done a lovely job Tami, I'm sure your swap partnet will be pleased. If not I'll take it off her hands if you like!
Love the lemon label,
Sandi in New Westminster B.C.
Posted by: Sandi H. | August 14, 2011 at 05:58 PM