Esqmommy

Hello everyone: My daughter now wants to make a doll quilt, after watching how much fun I'm having. So, she and I were talking tonight and she wants to do a doll quilt swap too. I thought, hey, why not? So, I'm putting my feelers out...anyone out there with a child/grandchild/godchild/neice/neighbor etc., who wants to make one? I think it needs to be a child's level, not an experienced sewer...or...Perhaps we can do a "rank" of experience level and match up those kids...or perhaps there will only be one other child interested and this will be a two-child exchange. Anyway, I'd love to hear feedback and interest level...My daughter was already thinking about what kinds of "goodies" she would throw in with the quilt...

Has anyone done this sort of thing before? I know I'm not as comfortable with the idea that she would post and look online..I limit her exposure to the internet. However, I still think it could be contained, safe and a fun experience!

Gwyn

I don't have anyone who might like to do this, but I have a suggestion:

I have used quilting in my classroom (1st grade). One way to keep things organized and of a level the children can do, I suggest the children be assigned a particular idea the then they can decide on fabrics, colors , buttons etc. I have been amazed at how well my students could quilt. The first square might be 2 pieces of fabric and some batting. It could be tied with yarn. No binding, just sew the sides closed, and mail.

The second exchange could be 4 squares, cut and pinned by the child. Stitched with Mother's help. Then add batting and backing. I would tie this one and not bind it, just stitch closed.

The focus should be teaching the skills necessary to begin sewing. Cutting, measuring, matching colors, planning, pinning, ironing. By the third quilt, you could use interesting buttons to quilt the blanket.

If the child is very young, it might be a good idea to use a piece of flannel for a batting because it is easier to get a needle through. A slender knitting needle works well for 'pre-punching' stitching holes for yarn. An embroidery hoop can be used to hold the center tight so a child can stitch letters or designs into later quilts.

My first graders made a quilt block each month. At the end of the year, we stitched them into 9-patch rag quilts. It was awesome.

Gwyn

PM me if you want my help :wink:

k3n

I think this is a wonderful idea Esq - I don't know if Joey might be up for it or maybe he's too little. Though he HAS been working on a flower of EPP - just 7 hexs joined together. This has taken him several weeks though! :shock: If he's happy to send it away, I guess he could sew it onto a plain background then I could help him sandwich it and sew it closed like Gwyn suggests. Between you and me, it certainly won't be up to your daughter's standard but then he IS only 7! :shock: :lol:

I agree that there may be issues with looking and posting on here - I think only over 18s are technically allowed. Maybe check with Admin? :D

Chele

What a great idea! I don't have any willing participants here, but I'm sure there will be interest. In the past we've sent fabric to young new sewers introduced by our board members, so I don't think Admin would have an issue.

Up North

Wow it sounds like so much fun. I wish my granddaughter Maddy was closer because I know she would love to do it but she is 400 miles away and no one to help her sew at that end. Darn!!

kwhite

I have no little ones here but this sounds like a great idea.

tlrnhi

I'll swap with her! I'm a kid at heart!! Can I have See's candy as the extra goodies? lol

Ninnie

I don't have any small ones, but this sounds like a great idea!

thismomquilts

This is a fantastic idea - I wish I had all my great nieces (nephews) living closer to me - they'd be in... My kids are too old to fit the criteria... bummer. I think passing on the art of quilting is such a wonderful thing! I would love to find the way to do it too!

Esqmommy

Well, lots of posts that it's a good idea. perhaps Joey and Sophia can do an exchange? I'll give it a few more days...I know Sophia really wants a quilt to arrive in the mail for her, and she would love to pull one together. If it's for a boy, I think we can come up with good ideas for it!!

Terri - nice try - some people will do anything to get a quilt, eh??? :lol: :lol: