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Idea for Gift Quilts

HisChildBeth | Posted in Quilting and Home Decor on

As soon as I get proficient enough to make a nice baby blanket, I am going to start making them for Moms who need a little help.  I was one of those Moms so I know how it feels.  A pretty, warm blanket, even if it is made of good, but not super good fabric, with a whole lot of love sewn in, is a wonderful way to show love and caring.

I was cutting tags off a shirt today, and there was a little plastic bag with a button inside.  I’ve been collecting these for quite awhile now.  This is when I had a light blub moment.

When I am cutting my pieces, I am going to cut a couple of extra pieces of each fabric for each part of a block, and put the pieces in a ziplock that I will attach with a love note to the quilt.  That way, down the road one day, they will be able to replace a stained or torn piece and still not have to redo the whole quilt.

Take care.  Beth

Replies

  1. damascusannie | | #1

    Another idea: Sew a label onto the back of the quilt and pop a few extra pieces behind the label before sewing up the last side. Jot down a note on the label so that they know the pieces are there. Less likely to be lost or misplaced than a ziplock bag.

  2. rodezzy | | #2

    If you can sew at all, you are sufficiently proficient.  You just need to sew.  Childrens/baby quilts can be as easy as sewing squares together in color combinations you like for babys and children.  All of this quilt making is straight line sewing. 

    If you don't like quilting the final sandwich (i.e. quilt top, batting, backing), you can tie it with thread in 2 and 1/2 intervals and fold over the edges for a binding.  Or you can put it all together, sew in pillow case fashion, turn inside out and sew around the edge.  You just must use polyester battings, not cotton.

    Oh, one more idea, you can buy prequilted backing fabric, skip the batting because it's already there and make a top, sew around three and 1/2 edges, turn inside out and hand or machine sew opening.  We do that with our guild for the hospitals where we donate quilts and sew-a-thons.


    Edited 6/2/2008 5:12 pm ET by rodezzy



    Edited 6/2/2008 5:14 pm ET by rodezzy

    1. HisChildBeth | | #3

      I am hoping to use quilting as a creative outlet that I can pour my love into for others.  I desire to be the best, if not the fastest quilter that I can be, but I know that takes time and practice, practice, practice!  I just didn't think I would have as much difficulty as I have been having since I have sewn before, alibi a very long time ago.  It is a learning experience for me not only as a craft, but also in making improvements to myself as person.  I finally have something good and creative to do with my life that I haven't had since falling chronically ill 5 years ago.  You don't expect to have the wind permanently knocked out of your sails at 50, and have to figure out how to re-invent life for yourself inside of this failing mind and body that is so different and is slowly slipping away.  I have to find something to to give life a spark.

      Unfortunately, I think you have misunderstood some of my complaining which I didn't intend it to sound like.  It is hard to convey feelings and needs for interaction when all you have is words.

      Some of my "whining", "complaining", etc. is really more about social interaction with others who share the same interest, quilting, with me, and with these connections not only do I learn about this new craft I am pursuing, I am making new social contacts in a way that is open to somebody like me who can't get out on their own anymore without someone to take them. 

      Even though there aren't a lot of quilters who come to this forum, I have enjoyed talking with each and every person that I have met so far.  All have been very helpful and I have used many of their suggestions.

      I do appreciate your suggestions for times that may arise when I need to turn out a lot of quilts really fast.  They are all very good and practical suggestions. I will copy your note over into a folder where I keep things about different subjects so I don't lose them.

      All the best, Beth

      1. rodezzy | | #4

        Hi Beth, I am glad that you have found a way to give back.  Quilting is an awesome way to give back.  It can also be very time consuming, tedious and lonesome because there are few quilting bees today.  I belong to a quilting guild and they have two days a week for people who don't work to get together and quilt (chat).

        I don't know if you have the mobility.  But a guild is a perfect way to give back to your community or whoever.  They have community outreach projects too.  We made quilts for soldiers returning from the Iraq war.  We sent them to the hospital that had the program going.  I've also made quilts with the guild for children's homes for abandoned and abused children.  These quilts are so greatly appreciated.  We also have made quilts for the homeless in Chicago.  The love in your heart can be shared with these people in need that are suffering so much more than we can even realize and this small gift is like a hug from you.  Saying "I care".

        But an heirloom quilt is not for a baby.  Most people need quilts they can and will use on a regular basis.  This is the best gift you can give.  Something someone can use.  I'm not saying not to make an heirloom, but if you are quilting to give of yourself, heirloom is not the way.  Make the heirloom quilt for a family member, or yourself.

        Edited 6/3/2008 11:47 am ET by rodezzy

        Edited 6/3/2008 11:48 am ET by rodezzy

        Edited 6/3/2008 11:48 am ET by rodezzy

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