The Halloween quilts and pillows are on their way to the grandkids. Finding a box large enough was impossible. So I had to split it up into two boxes. The four quilts and three pillows were stuffed into large vacuum bags and I used the vacuum cleaner to suck out the air. Of course granny added a few fall themed treats and goodies.
Now it's time to start on Mr. Podunk's camping quilt using old blue jeans and men's shirts. I deboned and cut up the jeans and shirts back in August so this should go together pretty quick. Just lay out the squares and start stacking.
I'm pretty sure I can make more than one quilt. This quilt will need 315 squares.
I didn't count all the squares when cutting but it looks like there's more than enough. Here's the picture I posted back in August when I gave up on counting.
After stacking the squares it was time to lay them out. I did not plan for it to look uniform. I don't like the way it looks. So I asked for Mr. Podunk's opinion, after all he's the one that will be using it. He said he didn't care if I changed it or left it as is, it's just a utility quilt. Great! This is staying as is!
Denim fabric is notorious for breaking needles. Let's hope all goes well because I only have two heavy duty needles on hand. One in the machine and one extra.
I'll be using Coats and Clark Quilting thread for the piecing and the quilting. I haven't used this stuff in years but it is what I used in my first jean quilt 20 yrs ago. It worked out fine way back then so why not use it again.
Then while sewing together the first two pieces, this happened. Of course I immediately blamed the cheap Coats and Clark thread.
But as I dug out the tangled thread I noticed the filthy bobbin area. This might be the issue and not the thread. I can't remember the last time I cleaned the bobbin area. I used to be really good about cleaning it out after every project.
Well, looks like I owe Coats and Clark an apology. The first to rows went together without a hitch after cleaning.
Until next time...
I hope you find time to stitch up something sweet!
I love this quilt. Blue eyes show feel very proud when camping.
ReplyDeleteWow, Lea Anne -- I think your utility quilt looks fabulous, and I'm impressed with your bravery, making a quilt out of denim! You know, you can go up to a size 110 Jeans needle in your domestic machine if you need to, and sometimes the stitch plate and presser foot make a difference in your machine's ability to stitch across those thick denim seam allowances. With my Bernina it's a straight stitch plate, Jeans foot heavy duty straight stitching foot, and sliding the little hump-jumper accessory under the back of the presser foot to keep it level as we climb/stitch up the seam allowance mountain -- and then pausing stitching to bring the hump jumper up under the front of the presser foot as we're climb/stitching back down the other side of the seam allowance mountain. May the force be with you, and no broken needles or further thread nesting!
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