Quilting is an art I learned around 25 years ago. Now use the term ‘learned’ very loosely. It was more like I got a basic understanding with a class, a “Quilting for Dummies” one could say. We made a baby blanket. Although I didn’t have a baby at the time, and didn’t for five more years. I had hoped it would be easy, so I gave it a shot.
Fast forward many years. Okay, really a couple decades. I have sewn several quilt tops. I would throw a guess at just over 30. I know that number is not impressive to many people, but did you read a key point a couple sentences ago. Quilt Tops.
The reason they do not become a completed blanket accompanies a couple reasons. #1 being, I do not have a quilting machine. #2, I realize at some point that we have so many blankets already, I just don’t know what we will do with all of these. So, my thought was to re-purpose some of the less liked blankets. You know, the single layer, perfect batting type.
I used an old wool blanket once. The quilt top itself was just a scrappy quilt. Knowing what wool will do, or try to do when put in the dryer, I was prepared it may be a bad deal. I used the simple tie method. I washed and dried praying for the best. When I heard the beep, I went to the dryer and said a quick prayer, pulled out the blanket, and ahhhhh……It Was Just Fine!!!! Yes there was a slight shrinkage, yet not noticeable to those who did not know what it looked like before. It was more like a thicker inner batting. Approximately seven years later, we use the blanket still. Very warm, but it has wool.
Now on again with my topic. I enjoy making quick easy quilts, not always thinking ahead to how I am going to finish them. I have joined block of the month at our local quilt store. This is a great way to get a small lap quilt for dirt cheap. On Facebook, there are quilting groups that also do mystery quilts, or block activities. For example, you make six of the same block, then send five of them to a group leader. Then they will send back five different ones from the other 5 people in your group. If you prefer a larger blanket, get into more than one group.
This is one I did around three years ago. Yes, I admit I procrastinate, a lot. I sadly have 7 quilt tops that need completed. Two of them are arranged to be machine quilted, the others, well it’s just timing to get them finished by tying. Any who. I finally bought the material for the back & sashing to make it a complete top. I then laid out an old blanket and the top. Trying to line it up close at the top and one side, and pin away. 
I didn’t want another tie blanket, so I sewed the lining and top together just down the two long rows between blocks. Then I cut off all the extra lining, and once again, laid the top now on the backing material. Lining up best as possible to two of the edges, PIN AGAIN. When I went to sew again down the two long rows, well I didn’t like the way it looked. It is not easy to follow a line while holding extra material. So on to Plan B! I did end up tying in the center of each block. It is alright, I prefer a finished blanket over one still laying in a pile of To-Do mess. If I would be brave enough to share my mess, you would understand.
Once I had all the blocks tied, I cut several strips of material three inches wide for the binding. Sew strips together, fold in half and iron, pin around the entire blanket. Sew on the binding. Now here is where I have began to slack on the last few quilts I have put together.
All of the directions I have ever read on quilting, when applying the binding, one will sew on just like I explained, or like I have shown in the above photo. THEN you fold over the binding to the backside, pin and hand sew with a hidden stitch. This has not been the path to getting a quilt done quickly. I have now been taking that folded over binding, and sewing again. Trying to match up the front to back so it looks descent on both sides.
The finished project. Is it going to win any awards? Only that it’s done and keeps us warm on chilling days. Actually it will be used all summer long. Strange? I know, my husband likes to keep the house plenty cold during our hot months. He feels he sweats his honey buns off all day long at work, he will be comfortable in the house.
If you have had an inkling to try and sew up an easy quilt, there are several online sources for patterns and wonderful instructions. Craftsy is a favorite for many DIY projects. Also there are free patterns for many projects other than quilting.
