Sunday, January 25, 2009

The Red, White and Blue

Reading those colors, one would think of the American flag. However, in this instance I am referring to the latest quilt coming out of my sewing room.

There is really another color added in this mix. The hearts are pink.

This is the first rag quilt I have ever made...so it was a learning experience. What started me on this road was an aquintance showed me a sample of one she was making.

I am sure you readers that are quilters are familiar with this style - but those of you that are not enjoying quilting as one of your hobbies take note. Instead of the seams being hidden they are on the outside - yes, so they will get fuzzy and raggedly looking - thus the name "Rag Quilt"! To achieve this look you snip each seam 1/4 to 1/2 inch from the edge to the seam line. Wash it, dry it and then take a hair brush to rough up each seam.

I knew this fabric would ravel very easily as I had used some of it on the T-shirt quilt I made for SIL a few months back. I sewed the hearts about one quarter of an inch from the edge so they would get ragged also.
Used the white as a border all the way around. Also to make the quilt larger - only had so much fabric of this style and did not want to introduce other colors or styles of fabric into the mix.

On the border I sewed a line of stitching about 3/4 to 1 onch from the edge and then snipped it almost to the line. This allowed the edge to fringe as well as between the blocks.


That dark spot is my shadow while taking the picture outside this afternoon.




This shows the full quilt - size is 64 X 71.
I used four thickness to make each block. Color wise - one each of the red and the white - with two blue ones. This made the quilt very very heavy.

Lessons learned:
1. Use three pieces in each block - unless the fabric is real thin.

2. Make the seams 1 inch - after snipping it will fray better.

3. Be prepared to have ravelings all over the sewing room and your clothes.

This is not a dainty type quilt - more of a rugged one - better suited for a boy or man. So guess which male in my house wants it...time is up - yes, Leon wants it.

If you wish to see more pictures - check out the ones on my Flickr account. Just scroll down on the right side bar to Flickr and click on one of the pictures showing.





15 comments:

Michelle said...

It looks great, Amelia! The rag quilt was one of the first quilts I made. I made several of them using flannel and batting in the middle. I have the fabric and batting put away to make another one, but so far, I have not done that.

Louie has one I made using all Ford, and car themed flannel. He uses it all the time when he sits downstairs watching tv.

Blessings,
Michelle

homegrownsongwritersalabama said...

Great looking quilt! One of my favorite quilt techniques, Amelia, because it's so easy. I've made a couple from flannel. I'm not a precision quilt piecer like the "hard core" quilters! Check in my archives and see the one I made from my son's old jeans...I had those in the fabric stash a long time before I got the T.V. laprobe made.

Halcyon said...

I LOVE this quilt. The hearts are a really cute idea. I have always had a soft spot for hearts. :-)

I have posted pictures of my depression-era quilt on my blog. I know you're a big appreciator of quilts, so I hope you'll come by and take a look.

www.halcyon37.blogspot.com

Kristie said...

I LOVE it! I have never made one! But I did make a blue jean quilt several years ago and it is sooooooo heavy! I used old jean from all of the family, used batting and backed it with flannel! It is the warmest quilt in the house! It is Richard's favorite!
Kristie

Amanda said...

What fun. I've never made a rag quilt, but you've inspired me to add one to my to=do list.

Three Birds Inspired said...

Cute quilt! I love the little pink hearts!!

Belvie said...

I've made 3 of these out of flannel for DH, DD, and DS. I'm the only one who doesn't have one. Guess it's time for me to treat myself.

Bo said...

Hi Amelia...another stunning quilt made by your sweet hands! ;-) Bo

Norma said...

I knew that Leon was a smart man! Looks like just the thing to keep you warm and snuggly. I am sure it is like having a hug from his wife.

Picket said...

Hey girl...that is a great quilt & I like that it has the hearts and yet not all frou frou...Love the raveled edges!

StitchinByTheLake said...

I love rag quilts but I hate snipping them - it seems to take forever. I made a similar one to yous with hearts on it but I like yours better. :) blessings, marlene

Christina said...

Though I'm not familiar with how to quilt at all, I certainly do appreciate the amount of work it takes.

Your quilt is beautiful and I really like how the seams are on the outside.

My grandmother was a quilter. Many of her quilt were just scraps of fabric and I think she quilted more for the warmth factor, than the pretty factor. But I do remember the wonderful feeling of crawling under one of her quilts.

How long did it take you to make it?

Chanda said...

I love it. I would love to try it for my first quilt. Beautiful colors. I hope you will keep it displayed for valentines day.

bj said...

Looks sooo good, amelia. I love all your quilts!!
xo bj

Lynn said...

I like the way the red looks in the middle of the blue seams. I like doing rag quilts - because it means I don't have to quilt it and they are so warm!