Quilting Likewise Old Jeans

Never hide your lovely handmade quilt in a closet. A handmade quilt is like a masterpiece of artwork that should be used and displayed. Properly cared for, your quilt can be displayed and still maintain its beauty.

Then the second layer, usually a thin blanket or a worn sheet, was placed on the quilt frame in the same manner - always checking to make sure that the corners were at right angles.

Another way to preserve memories is to make a memory quilt. A memory quilt can be a blanket or a wall hanging. You collect items of clothing as your child outgrows them. You cut the clothes into squares of the same size and save your collection until you have enough to make a blanket or wall-hanging. You can also use pieces of blankets or sheets. Be sure you cut a sample that is not worn thin. On blankets and sheets the outside edges are usually in the best shape. For clothing you would avoid the area covering the knees or the seat of the pants.

Blanket Quilt Dress up an old jacket or cardigan by heat bonding a block onto the center backside. Use fabric paint to trim out the edges of it or add an anti-fray product to the edges. If you are accustomed to sewing, add a zig zag or satin stitch to secure the edges and add a nice finish.

While photos and messages give a more current look to a blanket, embroidery allows it to look charming in a classic way. Names, dates, messages, or meaningful graphics can be embroidered on the blanket.

Now use a steam iron to turn and press the rectangle over the seam allowance, pressing away from the center piece. Trim the seam allowance close to the stitching line to remove the bulk in your design.

For a crazy quilt, large or small, you should work on a square or rectangle of muslin or plain fabric. Working 12" or smaller is recommended so that the piecing is easier to handle.