Overcoming Mental Block By Making Two Applique Quilts
For each block you want to make also cut a five-sided piece of solid fabric. Make the sides angular, not parallel. Don't make it too big or too small roughly about a ninth of the block (like a tic tac toe pattern on the muslin foundation square). It will serve as your crazy, off center middle of your design.
Blanket Quilt Now you will need to begin putting it together. Follow your pattern and read the instructions carefully to know how to do this correctly. If you have small pieces, you will have to sew them together first to make larger squares and them continue to sew them together to make the larger blanket. For this you will need to use a sewing machine. Sew them together and add the border.
For each block you want to make also cut a five-sided piece of solid fabric. Make the sides angular, not parallel. Don't make it too big or too small roughly about a ninth of the block (like a tic tac toe pattern on the muslin foundation square). It will serve as your crazy, off center middle of your design.
Now it is time to start the actual quilting process. You need a small set of scissors, quilt needles (these have a larger eye but are very sharp in order to go through all the layers), quilting thread, thimble and a very comfortable chair.
As far as using a detergent is concerned do not go for the type that is used for casual wears as it would be harsh and fade the colour. Instead go to craft, sewing or fabric stores where one would easily get mild washing powders made especially for delicate fabrics. These days' liquid detergents which are very gentle on fabrics are easily available in supermarkets as well. Make sure to set the washing machine accurately as per the requirement. The bed cover gets very heavy when it is wet because it is made up of three layers so it will also need lot of physical effort.
If online tutorials aren't your best learning environment and you want a little more direct instruction you can check at your local craft store. They often have crochet classes. Learning to crochet with a teacher is nice because you get immediate feedback and can quickly correct any mistakes you make. They may offer crochet classes, where you can meet up with other women who enjoy crocheting as well. You will end up with a wonderful gift, and maybe even some new friends.
We have a wonderful family tradition of everyone making at least one homemade gift for Christmas to give another family member. My children have all made at least one blanket to give a family member. The fabrics are fun to choose and put together as we think of the personality of the family members. We have a daughter very much into music so there are always musical motif fabrics in her quilts, a son who loves insects so a quilt with ants or other insects are often made for him. There is the wonderful John Deere fabrics to make beautiful quilts. If you have a hobby or TinoHouse interest there is sure to be a fabric just right to personalize your blanket.