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quilterfly 12-10-2010 07:32 PM

I agree with what others have said in regards to your questions, but I have a suggestion for your last question. If you're talking about binding the rag quilts, you really don't have to. You can sew around the outside on the quilt just like you did on the blocks, making sure all layers are trimmed to the same width, then snip them so they will 'rag' like the rest of the quilt. Although having made a couple of them myself, I think I'd rather bind than cut all those short little snips around the edge.

Cheshirecatquilter 12-10-2010 09:09 PM

I'm so sorry for your loss. I, too, lost both parents fairly close in time, though not so close as you. I think of them often when I sew or garden, their favorite activities. Please honor your parents by taking good care of their greatest treasure -- yourself -- and when you sew, take the time to put some of your love for them into each quilt rather than rushing to get them all done for a rigid schedule.

OneMoreQuilt 12-10-2010 09:19 PM

I am very sorry for your loss.

I often use a wrap-a-round binding. I use a straight stitch and they lay nicely and last as long as a separate, attached binding.

Don't forget to take some time for yourself.

amalia64 12-10-2010 09:26 PM

Qbee I'm sorry to hear about your losses. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. I agree with cwessels47 take care of YOU first, the rest can be done later. Who knows maybe they are not expecting nothing.Lord Bless You!!

justflyingin 12-10-2010 10:06 PM

I'm sorry for the loss of two parents in such a short time! Wow.

I'd leave off the buttons. Tying will be quicker without them, but more than that, the quilts would be much more comfortable without them. No one wants to sit on buttons, or wrap little hard pieces of plastic around themselves to warm themselves up. If the quilts are to be strictly decorative, then it'd be okay.

We use polyester batting all the time in charity quilts (cuz that's all I have here that I know of!) and I tend to tie in about 6" distances. Sometimes it is 4" and sometimes even farther apart. So far now problems that I know of.

FranW 12-10-2010 10:31 PM

Everyone has given great answers to your quilt questions. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

Gerbie 12-10-2010 11:04 PM


Originally Posted by Qbee
OK....first let me say a huge THANK YOU to everyone on this board! I found this board a month or so after I lost my father back in July...ya'll have not only given me GREAT quilting help but have also given me friendships to help me through difficult times. As many of you know, my mother became ill last week and passed away on Sunday. I must say that losing both parents in 4 months has been the most difficult challenge I have faced thus far. Without this board and my "Midnight Owl Club" friends on chat, I don't know what I would do. So again, my sincere thanks!

Now....my latest call for HELP! :D Because of everything that has occurred, I am VERY behind in getting quilts made for my family for Christmas. We were already having a difficult time financially so I was doing quilts...now with Mom's funeral cost, I really need to do quilts! So...I am changing the patterns to make some very FAST and EASY quilts. I just have a couple of questions that I need clarified mainly because I think my brain is on "pause" LOL!

1. When doing a Rag Quilt, can I use cotton on the top and then flannel on the bottom?
2. Also with rag quilts, I remember some said that they left a little over an inch for cutting. How much did you cut? Like 1 and 1/4????
3. If I am tying a quilt, what type of batting would allow the most room between ties in order to save time? I was thinking of using decorative buttons for the "ties" in order to make it cute but want to make sure there are enough ties.
4. I'm afraid that there is no way I will have time to hand bind the quilts before Christmas given that I still have to go back to Texas for my Mom's "Celebration of Life" service on the 18th. I know some of you have done binding by machine. What do you think of me making the backing big and then folding it to the front and using a decorative stitch??

Thanks ahead of time for your help!!!

So very sorry for your great loss, I too have lost both parents, but thank goodness many years apart. It is terrifically hard either way. Prayers are with you.
Go to this site for some infor on Rag Quilts, found this earlier in the week while looking for something else. http//quilting.about.com/od/ragquiltpatterns/ss/rag_quilt_basic.htm this should get you to the site, if not just go to about.quilts.com and search for rag quilts. Good luck. You might also go online and check out the 10minute block pattern. looks like fun and seems like it will be a quick one too. I plan to try it after Christmas myself. Where in Texas did your mom live?

JudithAnn 12-11-2010 12:12 AM

So sorry for your losses. Those words are so inadequate and I wish I could express myself in a more profound way. Please know that they come from my heart.

TN Donna 12-11-2010 01:12 AM

Gail I am so sorry to hear about you losing both parents so close like that. May God bless you and you get all the quilts done.

sewTinker 12-11-2010 06:52 PM

qBee... so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. My mom is 80 and her health isn't the best, and I know that sad day awaits us one day. Please be easy on yourself at this time. I love the others' ideas of fleece blankets. Easy to do without the stress that a proper quilt can bring. Your loved ones will still be able to wrap themselves in a warm and snuggly gift from you. Take your vitamins, walk every day, get a manicure. Many blessings to you. xoxo

mimiof3 12-12-2010 06:09 AM

So sorry for your losses. My thoughts and prayers are w/you and your family. I would wait on the quilts - people will/should understand - now is the time to take care of yourself. God bless you.

Miss Patsy Jane 12-12-2010 10:24 AM

So sorry for your loss. I am on the outside of knowing how your feel...my husband lost 2 siblings in 2 months. We were able to go to the first funeral in MI but the second was just after Thanksgiving and we weren't able to go. My husband is a very quiet man and his sorrow has touched us all deeply.


Originally Posted by Qbee
OK....first let me say a huge THANK YOU to everyone on this board! I found this board a month or so after I lost my father back in July...ya'll have not only given me GREAT quilting help but have also given me friendships to help me through difficult times. As many of you know, my mother became ill last week and passed away on Sunday. I must say that losing both parents in 4 months has been the most difficult challenge I have faced thus far. Without this board and my "Midnight Owl Club" friends on chat, I don't know what I would do. So again, my sincere thanks!

Now....my latest call for HELP! :D Because of everything that has occurred, I am VERY behind in getting quilts made for my family for Christmas. We were already having a difficult time financially so I was doing quilts...now with Mom's funeral cost, I really need to do quilts! So...I am changing the patterns to make some very FAST and EASY quilts. I just have a couple of questions that I need clarified mainly because I think my brain is on "pause" LOL!

1. When doing a Rag Quilt, can I use cotton on the top and then flannel on the bottom?
2. Also with rag quilts, I remember some said that they left a little over an inch for cutting. How much did you cut? Like 1 and 1/4????
3. If I am tying a quilt, what type of batting would allow the most room between ties in order to save time? I was thinking of using decorative buttons for the "ties" in order to make it cute but want to make sure there are enough ties.
4. I'm afraid that there is no way I will have time to hand bind the quilts before Christmas given that I still have to go back to Texas for my Mom's "Celebration of Life" service on the 18th. I know some of you have done binding by machine. What do you think of me making the backing big and then folding it to the front and using a decorative stitch??

Thanks ahead of time for your help!!!


retired2pa 12-12-2010 10:50 AM

I can empathize with you. My mother passed away Dec. 14th 2006 and my MIL passed away Dec. 28th 2006. It was not the greatest of Holidays that year. My heart goes out to you and your family.

I just finished a flannel rag quilt and left 1" for fraying. I also purchased a pair of rag quilt scissors from Joann's when they had a 50% off coupon. They were wonderful!! No sore thumb...YEA! They cut through like butter. I'm posting a pic of my quilt on the Pictures section.

skeet 12-12-2010 11:17 AM

I'am sorry for you lose. Now don't let yourself get worn down,you have to keep up the good sprite for the rest of your family. Have good luck with your guilts,wish I could help.

Qbee 12-12-2010 02:38 PM

Thanks everyone for your wonderful words. I have decided that evidently my brain is not functioning at full capacity! LOL :) I am having to think hard on the easiest little task so I'm going to try not to be hard on myself and just do the best I can this Christmas. What gets done gets done. Last night I started on a tree skirt that should be really easy and I'm still staring at it confused?!! I thought I would make a dresden plate skirt....sounds good right? I made a HUGE template and got all the blades cut out but now I'm like..."Wait...how do I back it?? They are usually appliqued on??? So...I'm just staring at it...LOL"
Thanks again!! Oh...and if you have any ideas of how to back this silly dresden skirt, let me know! ;)

bjdemir 12-12-2010 09:37 PM

So sorry for your losses. Please don't stress yourself out trying to get all the quilts done. I am sure that you presented some or all with a gift card good for one quilt, they will be delighted and will be looking forward to receiving the quilt when finished.

quiltyjax 12-13-2010 04:09 AM

Qbee, For now, you have to allow yourself to grieve and if that means no handmade gifts then so be it. If you must, as others have said send out quilt promises but your family will understand if you don't. Please don't bottle up your feelings and try and go on as normal because right now that isn't normal - you've lost your parents - normal is to mourn that loss. Please for your own sanity's sake let that happen. With love and prayers that God may bless you,comfort you and give you peace.

Miss Patsy Jane 12-13-2010 05:36 AM

I'll ditto that! And have yourself some alone time to have a good cry!!!!



Originally Posted by quiltyjax
Qbee, For now, you have to allow yourself to grieve and if that means no handmade gifts then so be it. If you must, as others have said send out quilt promises but your family will understand if you don't. Please don't bottle up your feelings and try and go on as normal because right now that isn't normal - you've lost your parents - normal is to mourn that loss. Please for your own sanity's sake let that happen. With love and prayers that God may bless you,comfort you and give you peace.



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