As mooted on the linklog I’m contemplating quilting, which is kinda odd as I’ve never even thought about quilts let alone making one ever in my whole life. Something about it just seems right and circumstances seem to be leading towards me making one.
Firstly, one of my two duvet covers is getting very tatty and needs to be replaced.
Secondly, I have a box of old t-shirts which I can’t bear to throw away because of the designs, some of which are genuine art objects from the house of Pawson.
Thirdly, as Jez identified, I like making things with my hands but, thanks to yer interweb, rarely get the chance. This explains the whole camera modification thing last year.
Fourthly, as a pretty much full time blogger I really need something to do that doesn’t involve sitting at a computer. Currently this gap is filled by watching DVDs and that’s not very productive, not to mention still involving a screen.
Fifthly, photography is good but for each shoot I spend the same amount of time in Photoshop / Lightroom “developing” the photos, so it’s a zero sum game.
Sixthly, I’ve never done anything like this ever. I’ve sewed on buttons and the occasional zip but this is a new thing.
Seventhly, judging by the book I flicked through in Waterspoons today it doesn’t seem that hard. Yes, you can take it to extremes but basic patchwork quiltery looks to be very simple. Figure out what size you want the squares to be, prepare a template, cut around that template, sew the edges together. Easy.
Eighthly, if it goes wrong it just adds character.
Ninthly, I really like the idea of getting people to donate old t-shirts to the quilt. I can even blog about it.
So that’s me committed then. Quilting starts next week.
With so many reasons to start, I can’t believe you’re leaving it until next week!
Somewhere there is a grandmother smiling in delight at that! Remember the tea-cosey? Will anyone else be able to add a patch or two, or is it to be an exclusive activity?
Karen: Snow!
Sue: Still working out the details. Watch this space.
I have some old blue and pink sheets you can have if you like .
Mid-day. Very hot. Needing a cooling restorative break. The perfect antidote. Thanks!
Quilt making may look easy but belive me its not…………You get lots of material cut it all up then sew it all back together again total madness if you ask me.
I have many a few Quillows, which are quilts that fold into cushions when not in use.
They can be seen on my flickr which you can to through my blog…
http://www.sallyinnorfolk.com
HAPPY QUILTING…
Have added you to my blog roll……..will be intresting to follow your quilt making….and blog too
I’m with Sally: it’s a lot harder than it looks, and tee shirt material is stretchy of course, which makes it harder to sew together, especially for a newcomer. A zigzag machine might do it, but you probably need an overlocker attachment. Be better to do it by hand really, which I suspect is what you’re planning, but it’ll need to be done in a stretchy stitch like uhm, blanket stitch maybe is good for a beginner, easy.
Good on you, it’s a great idea. Ve very satisfying if you get anywhere with it. Photos! :)
I’ve decided on making my old unwearable t-shirts into cushions this year. Let’s see how we both get on…