It's Not Just for Old Ladies

Today in celebration of National Quilting Day I am sharing another side to me. I am a "quilter." For some reason, I still can't bring myself to call myself a quilter (without air quotes). I use very basic techniques. When I see the incredibly intricate quilts being made by super talented ladies (and some men) I just can't compare myself.  So far, I have completed three bed quilts, two lap quilts and a doll quilt (and I have a couple quilts in progress).

A bed quilt for my nephew.

A lap quilt for my niece.

I got started by looking for a way to recycle old jeans. After seeing an article in a magazine about making a quilt in a weekend with 5 inch squares I decided to try it. (For the record it took a bit longer than a weekend!!!) The goal has been to use salvaged fabrics...old clothes (especially the jeans) and fabric that has been given to me from other people's stashes. I have a bunch of fabric that a friend had given me after her mother in law passed away.

I decided on a red/white/blue palette - classic Americana never goes out of style. I started collecting additional bits and pieces. One of my best sources was yard sales. I didn't need much yardage so old clothing worked very well. I could get unique patterns (super cheap) that were perfect for my crazy quilt design. I confess I have loosened my original rules and have purchased several new fabrics over time to incorporate. There are just so many great prints I couldn't help myself.

One of my favorite projects was making a quilt for my sister and brother-in-law. I worked for months with my two nieces and nephew to make it. We purchased extra fabrics to represent each person in the family's favorite animal - penguins, moose, horses, zebras and elephants. The kids all took turns sewing. And there were plenty of shenanigans like my nephew wrapping his little sister up like a mummy with the scraps from the fleece lining. We gave them the quilt for Christmas and I think the kids were proud of their accomplishment :)

It seems funny to cut up this much fabric just to sew it back together again. Laying out the squares for a quilt is no joke. We had to clear the living room to get enough space to lay this one out. We climbed over the couch we had crammed in the hallway for several days. It takes considerable trial and error to achieve a perfectly random layout.  This poor quilt has been in progress for years - since my husband and I were dating. I am guessing it is about half way finished...one of these days.

For years I have been making flannel baby blankets. It is a super simple pattern and I love being able to personalize the blankets with unique and colorful fabrics - how many pastel items does one baby need? Each side of the blanket is a different fabric.

To give myself a little wiggle room I always purchase a little more fabric than I need for the blanket. The blankets are 42 by 42 inches  - which is not coincidentally the size of my table top. I usually purchase about a yard and a third or half of each fabric. I have been saving the left overs and finally decided on a plan. One of my former co-workers (and awesome sewing mentor) showed me a quilt she was making. The pattern is Disappearing Nine Patch. I feel instantly in love with how complicated it looked though it is super simple.

First you sew together 9 blocks to make a large block. Then cut the block vertically and horizontally to make four new blocks. Notice the different size squares and rectangles you have created. Then twist the blocks whichever way you like. The end result looks so much more complicated than it really is.

I don't remember how many blocks I made total, but my quilt top is finished. I plan to sew together the batting and backing, then take it somewhere to be quilted. It is large enough for a queen size bed. I don't think it is the sort of quilt I would put on our bed, but I envision myself snuggled up on the couch in it. I am keeping it as a reminder of all the babies that have been wrapped in the blankets I have made : )

I love the Disappearing Nine Patch pattern. I am planning to use up the rest of my red/white/blue/denim stash to make a couple more quilts using this pattern.  I have a long way to go :)

If you are ever in the vicinity of Paducah, KY I would highly encourage you to check out the National Quilt Museum. They have all types of quilts on display and the artistry is incredible. We visited on our mini-vacation last summer. It was one of the most tormenting experiences of my life - no photography allowed in the gallery!!  Maybe photos don't do the quilts justice anyway. You can check out some pictures on the National Quilt Museum website, but again if you can visit in person. I just looked at their website to write this post and it made me want to plan another trip.

This picture is from the Quilt Museum's website

And what does this all have to do with losing weight. It is very difficult to snack when your hands are busy. In fact, I get so engrossed I don't even think about snacking...that is a feat in itself. I haven't sewn as much lately, but this post has me excited about completing the quilts I have in progress. And I definitely need all the help I can get keeping myself out of the snacks!!