AnnTheBlogger : quilt

Ruffled Crib Quilt from Down Under

AnnTheGran — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 19:12:00 GMT

Every grandmother counts it a blessing when another child comes into her life. Each set of tiny hands and feet hold a special place in her heart forever. When the newest addition made his appearance to the Jenkins family it was just what Leanne needed to inspire her to expand her embroidery talents. It’s such a sweet quilt and certain to be his favorite with all those teddy bears to love.

Leanne is from Australia, and she calls this a "cot quilt", but I remember from being in Australia that what is called a cot there is what we in the North America call a crib, so I've changed it in the post title but not in Leanne's text below. For a bigger picture, click here.

Leanne's Description

I recently decided to shout myself (with a lot of help from my partner) an Embroidery Machine for my birthday in October last year. This cot quilt was my first real attempt at something other than tea towels and oven-mitts. Our newest addition to the Grandchildren was born in February this year and I decided to make the quilt for him. All the teddy bear designs were downloaded from Ann The Gran free designs archive and I would like to say that they sew out beautifully as you can see even when they are converted to ‘jef' Format.

Step-by-step description

Quilt Materials List (finished size approximately 1m x 1m (cot size)

Quilt Front Sashes, Ruffle and Backing Fabric 1.7m x 90cm
Contrasting Fabric for Embroidery
Batting 1m x 90cm
Cut six strips for inside vertical sashing to join three embroidery panels per row
Cut two longer strips for inside horizontal sashing to join all nine embroidery panels together
Cut four strips for outside border
Cut nine 9 x 9inch squares for blocks
Embroider nine panels and trim to 8inch squares
Join embroidered blocks x 3 using two of the six inside vertical sashing strips per row, then join each row of 3 embroidered panels together using the two longer strips of horizontal sashing
Finally, using the four remaining strips as a border attach to the outside of completed front cot panel
Make Ruffle (width can be varied to personal choice) using 11/2 x the diameter of the quilt, join strips together and over-lock and turn under one long edge, then gather the other long edge to make ruffle, I used my over-locker to gather the edge as well
Spray wrong side of the front panel with quilters spray adhesive and gently spread the front panel over the batting.
Using a walking foot attachment I then stitched around each embroidered panel using "stitch in ditch" technique
Attach ruffle to the front panel right sides together with the outer edge of ruffle towards the centre of the panel (I find it easier to attach ruffle first then attach the backing fabric last
Attach the backing fabric to the quilt right sides together leaving enough of an opening to turn the quilt right side out then slip stitch to close the opening to complete.

What makes this project special

I always try to make something for any new additions to the Grandchildren when they arrive, as I enjoy doing it and no matter what it is, it is always appreciated and commented on as it is used. I would rather make something myself than buy it because I think it makes the gift special and I love and enjoy my sewing and the time I spend doing so.

Skill level

In my opinion anyone could make this project with any skill level

Products

Cutting Board

Rotary Cutter

Quilters adhesive spray

Sewing Machine / Overlocker

Walking foot attachment

Embroidery Machine / Embroidery Designs

Time Investment

As I still work full-time I find it hard to give an estimate, but the teddy designs I have used in this project take between 30 minutes to 60 minutes so I guess about 10 hours max.

Why I love this project

One reason would be the fact that I have made this for my newest grandson and another would be that this is my first project that I have tackled that is a little more involved than the simpler projects I have done since I got my embroidery machine.

Send Us Your Creations

Do you have any creations that go with a great story? If so, we'd love to hear about them, and see them! If we choose to post your project, you'll get a free $25 gift certificate to use in the AnnTheGran.com online store. Click here for details on how to submit your creation.

What Would You Do?

What is your favorite theme to sew as a set or grouping of designs in the same project? Click on the Comments link to share your story.

Western Wedding Quilt

atgadmin — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 16:47:00 GMT

Keeping up with traditions can be a challenge when you are as far away from your family as Debbie Martin is. But she obviously spends a lot of time and energy to share her love with family as shown in the wedding quilt as well as others who will appreciate the warmth of a handmade gift - such as the rag quilts for the men in her son’s unit.

Debbie's Description
My family has a tradition of giving quilts for weddings, births and graduations. My daughter-in law chose a western theme for her wedding quilt. I chose to use flannel fabrics with a western printed cotton backing. I think embroidery makes the quilt squares more personal and if you don’t like to piece you don’t have to.

Step-by-Step Description

1. Cut 24 12”X12” squares from navy flannel. I was able to embroider them even if I had to use the extra large hoop because I used higher quality flannel. To make sure there was enough body I sprayed it with 505 adhesive and stuck a piece of typing paper (I use those pieces that come in my junk mail) on the back It had enough tension even with only the two sides being help by the extra large hoop.

2. I chose 24 embroidery designs, the majority of which I downloaded from your web page of free designs. Others I purchased online and downloaded. I embroidered these in the 24 navy squares.

3. Cut 216 4 ½” squares to make your nine patch blocks. I used plaid and solid color flannels. While the embroidery machine was going, I cut and pieced the nine patch squares. Because I needed these pieces squares to end up as 12” X12” blocks and because flannel tends to ravel, I serged all my seams.

4. Cut 40 12” X 3 ½” strips from brown flannel. Make 8 rows with a brown strip in between each 12” block.

5. Cut 7 strips that are the length of the rows X 1 /12” from red flannel. Sew a row to the top and bottom of each strip to create the quilt top.

6. Cut two strips that are the length of the quilt X 2 ½” from red flannel and sew down both sides for the side border.

7. Cut two strips that are the width of the quilt (including the side borders) X 3 ½” from red flannel and sew to the top and bottom of the quilt top to complete the border.

8. The quilt back is 100% cotton that coordinates with the navy flannel and theme of the quilt.

9. Quilt and bind to complete the full size quilt.

What Makes This Project Special

My daughter in-law was with me while my son (her husband) was in Iraq. She was helping me with some of my projects. We had decided to make rag quilts for the guys in my son’s unit for Christmas. While we were searching online she saw the western designs and fell in love! That made the decision of me. We would make their wedding quilt and embroidered one with western designs.

Skill Level
Easy enough for a beginner

Products
My embroidery machine, serger, sewing machine, downloaded designs, fabrics, and embroidery threads.

Time Investment
It really did take me only 2 weeks at a leisurely pace to complete the quilt top.

Why I Love This Project
It is for my son and daughter in-law. When she fell in love with the western designs I had to use that for the theme. I am mailing off the finished top and backing to my family today and they will quilt it for me. It is a family tradition and since most of these women are now in the 70’s there are fewer of us to do the work. I am the only one from my generation who has participated in this tradition over the years and I now live in the Philippines .

Send Us Your Creations
Do you have any creations that go with a great story? If so, we'd love to hear about them, and see them! If we choose to post your project, you'll get a free $25 gift certificate to use in the AnnTheGran.com online store. Click here for details on how to submit your creation.

What Would You Do?
Tell us about a family tradition that you have that has presented a challenge such as Debbie’s distance from family, by clicking on the Comments link to share your story.

Simple Baby Quilt for Cold Northern Winters

atgadmin — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 08:33:00 GMT

Creating keepsakes for loved ones is such a joy for those who love to sew. With her simple blankets, Sue Kerlin shows us how she continues her love of giving to family even when life is too full for intricate details.

Sue's Description:
I picked this pattern of baby quilt because I am not a detail quilter. I was sent a picture of a quilt with "outside seams" and thought it looked easy enough. The effect it gives the quilt is inviting, warm, cozy and so soft, just perfect for a "northern winter" baby. I have sewn for years, but working full time and sewing, I have lost interest in real "detailed" items. In my book, this is a "simple" quilt.

Step-by-step:
I used blue and white checkered flannel for the squares that I embroidered, and a blue cloud flannel for the strips between. The small squares are a solid light blue. The larger squares are 10 inches and the stripes between are 5 inch by 10 inch pieces. The small squares are 5X5. You can determine the size of blocks by what size you want your blanket. I embroidered the larger blocks, using mostly patterns I got from AnnTheGran web site. To assemble, I used a 5/8th inch seam toward the front of each piece. After it was completely put together, I attached it to a fleece back that I also embroidered with name, date of birth, weight, and length. I also sent my love and signed the blanket with embroidery. Each of the little blocks are also tied to the fleece with doubled yarn knots with one inch pieces left. This holds it really solid for washing. On the front reversed seams, I clipped them about every inch. Each time it is washed, it becomes fuzzier and softer.

What makes this project special:
This was first made for my 3rd granddaughter, then for my first grandson. The granddaughter's theme was ducks, so I used them in the pieces between the embroidered blocks and ducks for some of the designs on the blocks. My grandson's theme was wild animals, so I changed the block size and did his a bit different and it was a little easier to do. It is so nice to have ultrasounds and know ahead of time what designs can be used. Notice the little boy with the side-ways hat is on both. That design fits the way their daddy looked when he was growing up, I am so glad we found it. I made different blankets for the first 2 granddaughters, but I liked the look of this so much that I made a full sized one out of denim and patterns that my 15 year old granddaughter could relate to for Christmas last year. The blocks of it were denim with flannel cat fabric between since she was called "kitten" by her uncle when she was little.

Skill level:
This is VERY simple. Centering the design in the middle is so easy, I folded it in quarters and chalked a dot for the middle. I then lined my embroidery hoop so the dot was in the center of it. Assembly is also easy. If you can sew a straight line, you can make the quilt, and I find it very relaxing to do.

Products:
I have a Brother PE-150, a small embroidery machine. I never thought I would use it as much as I have, but find it fun and a nice way to personalize things. I work full time, but hide out and play often in my special room.

Time Invested:
I have no idea. Each block took at least an hour, but while they are stitching, I also did other things with my regular machine, so time flew by. It was fun watching the different designs progress.

Why I love this project:
It was fun, not stressful at all and is a great keepsake for my grandbabies. They will always know I stitched it with love. The free patterns available at AnnTheGran.com are wonderful. If I would have had to pay for all of the designs I used, I simply could not have afforded to do it.

Send Us Your Creations
Do you have any creations that go with a great story? If so, we'd love to hear about them, and see them! If we choose to post your project, you'll get a free $25 gift certificate to use in the AnnTheGran.com online store. Click here for details on how to submit your creation.

What Would You Do?
Sue has found fun ways to keep on sewing even when life consists of a full time job and growing family. Click on the Comments link to tell us about your favorite stress free project or past-time.

Race Car Themed Quilt for "Big Boy Bed"

atgadmin — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 08:58:00 GMT

Every child's first birthday is exciting and every mother wants to create great memories of the event. This race car themed quilt was created by Gina Martinez to complete her son's graduation to a "Big Boy Bed" and give him a special birthday memory to cherish for years to come.

General Description
Hi, my name is Gena Martinez and I'm a Work at Home mom who makes diapers and slings and has just discovered the joy of quilting! For my son's first birthday, his daddy and I got him a race car bed. I made him a fun, personalized quilt to cover it! I love the way the quilt makes the car bed look complete - almost like the hood of his new race car!

Step-by-step Description
I quilted together squares of Disney's "Cars" printed fabric and some yellow race car fabric. I chose a nice piece of faux Suede for the back/top. I cut a circle out of checkered flag material. I printed a #1 out to trace and I cut the #1 out of the yellow race car material.

I appliqued the #1 (It was his first birthday) onto the checkered flag circle and then the circle on to the Faux Suede. In the bottom left corner I embroidered his name and the year.

I added batting and attached the 2 pieces and tacked around the circle to complete my quilt and the perfect compliment to his new toddler bed!

What Makes This Project Special?
This project was very special to me because it was a neat way to commemorate my baby boy's first year. Hopefully he will always have this #1 quilt as a reminder of his first big day and his first big boy bed!

Skill Level
This is only my second quilt, so I'd say a beginner would be able to tackle this project.

Products
Fabric, thread, sewing machine, embroidery machine, batting

Time Investment
8-ish hours

Why I Love This Project
I love the way it looks and he loves the way the material feels! All of our party guests wanted to know where I had his blanket made!

Send Us Your Creations
Do you have any creations that go with a great story? If so, we'd love to hear about them, and see them! If we choose to post your project, you'll get a free $25 gift certificate to use in the AnnTheGran.com online store. Click here for details on how to submit your creation.

What Would You Do?
Gina personalized her quilt with a name and date. We would love to hear your favorite way to record the when, where and who of quilts and other heirloom gifts that you create. Click on the Comments link to share your stories.