Though it’s not a great picture, I created this quilt over 20 years ago in the aftermath of 9/11. I distinctly remember yarn-tying each and every little intersection with hunter green yarn. The news was on all day, and doing something with my hands was the only way to stay calm.
The quilt was enormous. It is a giant square, so 40 % of it is hidden on the other side of the railing. The squares are homey, comfy flannel. It was designed to say “cozy” every step of the way. Of course, even my first quilt, knowing absolutely nothing, I didn’t use a pattern–just laid it out in a way that seemed pleasing to me.
I didn’t have any idea how to quilt, though…thus the yarn-ties. And I put it together, like a pillow case. Turning the whole quilt sandwich inside out, I sewed 3 sides, turned it right side out, and managed to secure a seam along the remaining side. Then I started tying.
And it does work. You really could make a quilt that way.
However, the yarn started to fall out. Every night on our bed, I would find another one or two strings. And the quilt was so massive, that it was impossible to find where the yarn came from. After a few weeks, I decided that it needed some more work.
So I put it away.
In a closet.
For 20 years.
My nephew recently married, and he and his wife have a cabin-themed home…they love all the pine trees, the deer and northwoods-type atmosphere.
I went back to the closet and pulled out this quilt. I sent a pic of the pattern to my sister: Will they like this? Oh yes, was the answer. That’s just their style.
I examined the quilt and that night I got out the seam ripper.
I took off the entire backing and pulled out the batting. I straightened and corrected and made sure the quilt top was completely solid again.
I found some neutral backing which had also been in my closet…hmmm…maybe 7-10 years now.
And I laid the whole quilt sandwich out and quilted it for the first time, on my home machine. This time done right.
It really was a huge quilt to attempt at home, and remember the top is flannel. Not lightweight.
But I got it all quilted with an overall pattern and an edging that gives it some distinction. I still have to make a label and bind it, but I think it will make a perfect Christmas gift for them.
An heirloom, in their style, with a breath of fresh life. Nothing thrown away–just recycled, re-used and re-incarnated.
I wish I were better at re-purposing. I think it’s a skill I want to improve and increase.
May your holiday season take you on a spiritual journey… to loved ones, to the Earth, and possibly to the back of your closet.
It’s ironic that I came across this post. I was looking or should I say dreaming of a super expensive new machine and somehow ended up reading where is this machine from then ended up here at the first quilt you made. I am sewing my first quilt with practically no sewing knowledge with exception to what I read online. I had no pattern and now I am attempting to quilt it. Mind you I have been making this quilt for over a year now. I decided on stitching in the ditch. Just going over the seams already on the quilt. Its a queen (generously) sized quilt. Any advice? Im using a regular machine a hand me down Decorator Baby Lock and a Singer Heavy Duty 6600. Thank you for your wonderful site. It is very informative and honest. Kimberly
Stitch in the ditch is a perfect way to quilt. If you have a walking foot, that will help a lot in keeping the quilting from pulling and assist in an even feed. One word of advice: if you are quilting long straight lines in one direction, turn the quilt around from time to time, so that you are sewing in the opposite direction. This prevents pulling and diagonal “stretch marks” on your quilt. Good luck! You will love it, and will be addicted to this new hobby. Welcome!