I am currently working on a CW in the traditional technique. I do, however, put my blocks together by machine and hand-sew the windows. It is much easier than some may think. At first glance, it looked so daunting but hence have broken it down to find that it's not bad at all.

Whether you are in the middle of a CW project or have contemplated the idea... hop on the journey! We can learn from each other as we share info, techniques, pictures and the such. Whether you are just wanting to try a block, pillow case, table runner, or full blown quilt, it will be exciting!

I look forward to sharing this journey with all of you! :)

Do you have the link so we will know how to make one and can you give us tips and tricks along the way (I just sent you a private message)

Craftybear

The following links will give you an idea of the process, but I will also be giving tips and how to's to make things much easier for everyone! Even a beginner can do this!

http://hyena-in-petticoats.blogspot....-tutorial.html

http://static.quiltingboard.com/uplo...ff020_2513.pdf

Please let me know if you decide to take the ride. I will keep a running tab of those hopping on the journey so we can keep in touch w/out getting lost. I look forward to sharing with all of you! :)

Here is the link for this thread incase you want to make note of it: http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-133552-1.htm

This is the way I was taught to make them; the hand sewing is so relaxing but I like joining them with the machine because I feel they'll stay together better. I use the small applique pins to turn the windows and by the time I start hand quilting they stay pretty flat. I also include the secret gardens block to change the style.

I will break things down for you so it won't seem so daunting. Therefore there will be several posts by me:
1. Materials Needed: Cutting board, Rotary Cutter, Needle threader (if you are blind as a bat like me :) ), Needle, Pins, Thread (I use Coats & Clark Dual Duty), Ruler (I use a 9.5 inch square & a smaller one), Seam Allowance Gauge (not required, but I have found it makes it much easier) Iron, Ironing board, Sewing Machine (not required), Solid Material, Print Material.

2. About Material: Traditionally Muslin was used for the solid (which is cheaper) but you can use cotton if you would like. In addition in a traditional CW quilt, the print fabric was from different scraps that were left over from other projects.
What I am using: Unbleached Muslin and one type of print.
With the muslin, you can hold it up to a window or light and it has a stained glass effect. It is really neat.

3. How Much Material?: This will depend on what you are wanting to make. Ex: just a block, pillow case, table runner, quilt. I will give you the approximate amount for quilt sizes.
Crib (45" X 60") 9 yards Solid Color
Twin (60" x 96") 19 yards Solid Color
Double (75" x 96") 22 yards Solid Color
Queen (80" x 100") 25 yards Solid Color
King (100" x 100") 30 yards Solid Color

4. Sizes to cut? Solid you will cut 9 1/2 inch squares
(you will need 4 to make one block unit)
Print: 2 1/2 inch squares. (you will need 4 to make one block unit)

craftybear has joined our journey! We are so glad to have you!

Have faith, you can do this! You will feel so accomplished even after just one block! As I said earlier, even a beginner can do this! I have to go tend to supper, family obligations and the such. More "how to's" to come!

I think I will make a block and then maybe a table runner

And don't forget Eddie's tutorial on this board!

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-35742-1.htm

Thanks so much! All tutorials for this are welcomed! People can grasp the concept when it is presented in different methods. What works for one may not be clear to another. When I get settled down for the evening, I will combine all of the tutorial links on my page for this project & post that link. If there are any other links that have been used for tutorial, please let us know :)

I am so excited & doing the happy dance, lol. I look forward to seeing everyone's fabric choices!

I've already finished a queen by hand for my daughter and in the middle of a queen by hand for me, so I won't be joining in, but I'll be eagerly reading along on everyone's progress!
They really are wonderfully fun . . . Happy stitching everyone :)