WIPs here we come

There are many crafters out there that know this dilemma all too well... it's those "works in progress" (WIPs for short). I've certainly got my share of them. Whether it's the current economic climate, or just plain sensible - I'm going back to those old gems and making my peace with them. Some I have re-purposed, others finished, and some have been given away. It's a wonderful sense of completion to get this area of my life under control.

So onto the goodies.

The baby quilt has gone around the various craft groups I belong to, so that all who have had some input could see the final product. It went to its new home today. Almost 4 weeks after the baby was born. The recipients love it! Whew! They did marvel (in a positive way) that it was completely done by hand.


My crochet ripple lap rug/blanket. A pleasant easy diversion. It meant I could mindlessly do something and feel productive while watching TV. It's finished, and in good time too as it is VERY cold here. Temperatures outside are below freezing most nights. Now I am toasty warm inside.



Another crochet rug/blanket in progress. This one is a twist on the traditional granny square. Makes it a bit more fun and contemporary. Loving this project - nice and easy.

I modified the instructions that I found on Sarah's blog. I found that extra chain stitches were required to make the block more flexible. A different pattern can be found on Attic24's blog, while I didn't use her pattern, I used her technique for joining the blocks.

Reflections on the Mock Cathedral Window Quilt

It's with great excitement that I can now show you the finished quilt.



I have always been captivated by the traditional cathedral window quilts. To be honest I have found a lot of the instructions quite difficult to understand (until I read HIP's instructions). There were 4 things that put me off doing the traditional version:

• all that hand work,
• the heavy weight of the finished product,
• the lack of batting, and
• the amount of fabric required.

If I'm going to put in so much effort on a "quilt" I want it to be cost effective and warm.

So I went looking for "mock" cathedral window quilt tutorials. There are a few out there - this is the version that I settled on (I have written about the method here). The finished result is quite pleasant, and does not involve an excessive amount of time. In fact, I would even suggest it to some as a good beginning quilt.

Now - there are some things that I would do differently. So I'll share those with you too.

If I was going to do this by hand again, and if I had the time - I would do quilting inside the neutral squares. Hand quilting the "wings" down is functional, and has to be done, but wouldn't it be nice to pretty it up with some decorative elements; maybe a simple flower or other motif. That would look gorgeous.

If I was going to do this by machine - which would be a LOT faster. I would sew the edges down with a decorative stitch. That would look very pretty. If I was being exceptionally bold, I might even do the stitching in a contrasting color. Just beautiful.

Anyway, hope the tips help.

Mock cathedral window quilt

Just over a week ago the ladies at my Tuesday night craft group helped me layout all the squares into a pleasant placement. I've been busily hand sewing the squares together. Just 3 more seams to go.

Once it's finished, I'll post an updated picture. Until then - happy quilting.