Q is for Quilt

Actually these rectangles of flannel are waiting to become to rag quilts. You start by taking two pieces of flannel cut the same size and put a piece of batting between to make a sort of fabric sandwich. Then sew across the sandwich in an X shape to secure it all together. Once all the sandwiches have been made, I'll sew the rectangles into rows. Then the rows will be sewed together to create the finished size. When sewing the sandwiches and rows together, the seam allowances will remain visible and on the outside of the quilt, you just have to make sure that they are all on the same side.

Once it is all sewed together, you take little nippers and clip the fabric of the seam allowance into little bits that will fray when washed and create a soft fuzzy edge. You just have to be careful to not actually clip the stitching itself.

These rectangles will actually become two small lap size quilts approximately 58x70 inches each. I'm going to put all the warm colors on one side and use the cool colors on the reverse. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with them - maybe pack them away until I'm invited to a baby shower.

The picture to the left shows the first rag quilt I ever completed, and in fact my first sewing project. It was for my sister-in-law when she had her first baby. I used pastel colored flannels in a variety of colors and it turned out really soft. You can see the frayed border around each square. The backside does not have the frayed edges and is much smoother.

This is a very simple project that even a beginner can sew. In fact - it is the only type of sewing project I have ever finished. I've made several for gifts. One year I used red, green, and plaid flannel and created a tree shape in the middle for Christmas presents. My husband got one that looks like it is made out of old flannel shirts. I even made a really large one that looks like an American Flag.

My mom is a quilter and several years ago she sent me a sewing machine at Christmas. I had aspirations of making beautiful quilts like she does. But these rag quilts are all I ever completed. Another attempted hobby that bit the dust.

I did start two other quilt tops but never got them finished. My mom was visiting last week and took them both home to finish up for me. One of the tops is in all reds and purples and the other has a cat motif and is made up of batik fabric. The block above was my first attempt at one of the squares for the cat quilt. I ended up changing the pattern and changed the cat shape so the cat tail curls down and into a tail of a cat below it. I have no idea how long it will take her to finish the quilts - but I'm certainly not expecting them anytime in the near future. I'll take pictures and post them when they are complete.