I don't love sewing under time deadlines, especially when I feel some level of obligation to finish (self-imposed, of course!). I could never have my own Etsy shop! Christmas 2011 taught me that overdoing the Christmas sewing just isn't for me. I made a promise to myself that I wasn't going to do that again. So this Christmas I kept my sewing super simple. I mean that! In the first three weeks of December, I made one, yes only
one, gift to be given away. A whole cloth quilt for my parents.
I made Indigo a
velveteen quilt for her 4th birthday and it's my all-time favorite blanket ever. I love it so much, in fact, that last Christmas Ind wrapped it up and gave it to me! I couldn't accept it - I made it for her, after all. But I definitely took her up on her offer to share... and it does end up on my bed more often than I might care to admit.
For my parents' version, I started with 1.5 yards each of
this and
this velveteen. In between the two velveteen layers, I sandwiched some cotton batting, for a heavy-duty, extra cozy quilt. (My folks do live in Wisconsin!). I tried
spray basting for the first time and it rocked my world. It is a million times easier and more effective than pin basting. I'm a convert! Then, to keep things simple, I tied each of the velveteen circles with embroidery floss.
I bound the quilt with Anna's Maria Horner's
Mixed Signals using
this zigzag binding tutorial. I had always been rather traditional about hand sewing my bindings, but this was much faster and I'll bet more durable, too. The zigzag stitch gave the quilt a fun look. I was really happy with that method and will definitely use it again.
I couldn't send a quilt without a label, could I? Nope, I couldn't.
I did manage to get in a few more projects, just in time for Christmas, and at a relaxed pace. I'll be back with those soon.
You are amazing!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a great quilt! The velveteen for whole cloth is so, so, so, RIGHT. I want to do that now! I love the way you tied it too. Convenient and fitting. Thanks for sharing, Rachel =)
ReplyDeletei just love this! the velveteen is beautiful- i wish i could feel how soft it is! gorgeous quilt... well done! -Erin
ReplyDeleteI made a promise to myself that I wasn't going to do that again. So this Christmas I kept my sewing super simple. I mean that! In the first three weeks of December, I made one, yes only one, gift to be given away. best basic sewing machine
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