Challenges

There's only one good thing I can say about this deflated excuse for a loaf of bread.  It prompted me to take a break from gluten free baking.  Paid $7.29 a loaf for two loaves from a local bakery.  The homemade breads taste far better, but I got tired of wasting my time.  GF baking has been a challenge!  But, being liberated from kitchen detail, I began combing through bags of jeans waiting to be recycled into quilts, bags or what-have-you.  In doing so, I came across another challenge.

These two dragons are in my jeans collection.  Both were worn by DS2 until they completely disintegrated.  He wants me to "save" the dragons and work them into some sort of quilty project.  I can't make a full sized quilt out of just two dragons....so I either have to make a small quilt or find more dragons.  Will have to put that on the back burner as I'm fresh out of ideas! :)

Recycled One Patch with Applique

I learn or re-learn something with every quilt I make.  Started this project with high hopes...but halfway through I thought this doll quilt was headed for the Island of Misfit Toys.  I learned:

1.  Quilitng uneven thicknesses is bugger.  Probably best to tie recycled fabrics, and quilt 100% cotton.
2.  Use light thread on light squares, dark thread on dark squares.
3.  Do not sew safety pins into your quilt - its hard to get them out (the pin was covered by tracing paper).
4.  When hand stitching on your lap (and watching TV), try not to sew the quilt to your pants.
5.  If you DO sew the quilt to your pants, try not to do it more than once.
6.  Most important: experiment, have fun, keep quilting!  :)

First Ever Jeans Quilt

Here is my first-ever jeans quilt.  Like the puple nine patch, this is a college quilt.  I'd been thinking of making a jeans quilt for some time.  Found the flowered denim and blue checked denim and knew it had to happen.  I got this bright idea 2-3 weeks before graduation! 

One week prior to graduation I found the pink jeans and opted to make the pillow and border.  Only the quilt top was done in time for the graduation party. 

So I put color coordinated bandanas and assorted school supplies in each of the pockets, boxed the quilt top up, wrapped it up and presented it to the graduate, promising to have it complete by fall.  Here are the results. 

The back is a variegated pink fleece.  Low loft batting inside.  Pink yarn ties.  As with my other jeans quilts, user reports it's very warm!

I Love Leftovers

I love leftovers.  Its so nice not to have to start from scratch now and then.

Will add a border, quilt and bind this doll-sized quilt top when I find a lilac backing I like. 

But what good is a doll quilt without a doll?  When I saw this lilac Beanie Baby, I knew he needed a home and a quilt to call his own.

Blue Jeans Quilt

Here is a queen size jeans quilt, front and back.  Top includes light, medium and dark blues and some black jeans.  Backing is fleece.  Low loft 80% cotton batting inside.  User reports is very warm!

Purple Nine Patch Jeans Quilt

A young friend wanted a jeans quilt to take to college, but she wanted it to be ALL purple.  What a challenge!

Expanded my search to denim and corduroy.  Even so, it took a year to find enough recycled fabric.

It became a purple treasure hunt.  My favorite fabric is a striking purple & black paisley denim.   Other fabrics include flowers, kittens and  butterflies.  The fleece backing has purple horses.

Election Year Quilt

In honor of the 2008 presidential election, I made this quilt for a fundraising event. I learned some valuable lessons from making this quilt:

1. Triangles are not recommended in jeans quilts. Don't expect perfect points. Its just not gonna happen.

2. Take your own picture at home BEFORE (not DURING) an auction.

3. Live and learn - LOL

If you want to see another jeans quilt, scroll down. If you want to learn to make them see:

http://www.equilters.com/library/jeans/bluejeans.html

Amish Style Jeans Quilt

Patterned after an Amish quilt on display at the Smithsonian Institute - though I doubt this one will ever be as famous.

This quilt is made from recycled blue, black and turquoise jeans, some checkered pants, and red fabric I found at a second hand shop for about $1.00.

I've taken an interest in jeans quilts and quilts from other recycled fabrics. I'm tired of buying things at the store, finding they were made in China and that they fall apart the first time I wash them. My quilts are designed to please the eye, keep you warm and to last a long, long time.