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I was recently gifted two large bags of fabric by a very nice lady in my neighborhood. When I got the fabrics home and was sorting through them, I discovered that 50 percent of them were polyester blends, the rest are cotton sheets, curtains, etc. I was able to pull out some cotton solids and prints. My first inclination was to get rid of the fabrics, but it is so hard to do! Has anyone used cotton sheets or blends to make quilts? I am thinking I might use some to make charity quilts. Opinion?
Sure we have! Many people use sheets for backings and sometimes for backgrounds in tops, cotton/ poly blends are used and liked by many. The one thing about the poly blends, they do not fade, or shrink like cottons. And don't make good raggy quilts. They are great for kids quilts since they take a lot of abuse and frequent laundering. A great choice for ( drag everywhere, play quilts!)
hiding away in my stash where i'm warm, safe and happy
Quilters are known for ( making do) using all kinds of different fabrics, fibers and creating something wonderful with what they find. It all has a use. Appliques, totes/ purses, picnic quilts, table runners, placemats, clothing projects. You can find a use for every fabric as long as you do not close your mind and convince yourself only one thing is OK. Open your mind and enjoy the journey of finding uses for what you've been gifted.
hiding away in my stash where i'm warm, safe and happy
There's been a lot of quilts made over the years with poly blends and sheets. I'm not sure about the curtains. If it's heavy material, tote bags maybe?
Rodney
"Neglect to oil the machine will shorten its life and cause you
trouble and annoyance" Quote from Singer Model 99 Manual
If the curtains have any fading at all, do not use them in quilts. I made that mistake years ago, and all of the sun faded cloth dissolved with the first ten washings! Very upsetting! Sun damage equals weakness! Use the faded stuff to stuff dog beds or something similar...Originally Posted by Rodney
If you always do, what you have always done, The results never change. Change is the wings you give yourself.
I have used some poly blends in a few quilts and have used cotton sheets as backings lots of times, all with great results. Go for it! The charity quilt recipients won't care, and will be so glad to get a quilt to stay warm!!
I use sheets for blocks and backs all the time, never had a problem with using them.
I use sheets and poly blend fabrics all the time. Our grandparents used whatever was available and some of those quilts are still going strong. I know because I have one that is going on 60 years old. it is a little ragged at the edges but otherwise very good.
Heavy fabrics make wonderful tote bags for carrying groceries. Make pillow covers for the house or porch, pillow cases, doll clothes, doll quilts. I was gifted a lot of that kind of fabric too. It is useful.
I am sorry, but Harriet Hargrave taught me to use the best fabrics and batting you can afford. Charity quilts should be made out of the same fabric that you would make for yourself. Just my opinion.
A Good Friend, like an old quilt, is both a Treasure and a Comfort
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