It sounds like they are doing good work. I've used blankets and sheets as batting--mine had been well-washed (read old! :) ), so I knew they wouldn't go wonky, plus that way I put them to good use, even if they weren't "pretty" anymore. I knew a lady who used nothing but double knit in quilts--hand pieced and handquilted. She saw it as a wonder fabric--lasts forever, washes well, very warm, etc. Growing up and during most of her adulthood, all she had was worn clothing and muslin to use--double knit, to her, was magic! We need to recognize sometimes that our comfort zones-our "right" way to do things, can be limiting. I don't plan to make a double knit quilt, but I can now admire hers. :)

Bearisgray, any time we can have our horizons broadened is a good time. I agree with Toverly, there is a lot of commercialism in quilting today. Thank you for the reminder to think outside the box a little.

I would love to be able to be narrow minded in my fabric selection, but the moths keep flying out of my wallet. So I just have to go with what I can afford.

that's one reason scrappy quilts turn out so much better than we think they ever would. They just go for it and it works.

My son goes to a different church than we do and brought home a request for fabrics to make pillowcase dresses for children of Africa - or actual pillowcases. I went through my stash and sent some girly colored fabrics that I considered not suitable for quilts thinking that they could make the pillowcase dresses for the girls. When my son gave the bags of fabrics to the "ladies of the church" that were collecting the fabrics, they told him that they would be making quilts from my fabric instead of dresses. So, you never know who will be using what and what for???

Whether a quilt is tied or quilted, to me, is still a quilt. It's made of 3 layers, regardless. I've made lots of donation quilts and they've always been loved, the people don't give a hoot, whether it's tied or quilted, they're just thrilled to death that someone gave them something that they made with their own 2 hands. I've also made lots of tied quilts out of double knit and poly knit fabrics to a men's homeless shelter. They're heavy, warm and will wear like iron. I've used blankets, mattress pads that the elastic has worn out on, a friend of mine, used and cut apart sweat shirts, for the middle. I also have used sheets for batting and have even cut some up for blocks.

I have always been a 'Textile addict' ! :) I love textiles- I seldom limit myself to only one *type* of fabrics- I make sure the fabrics I am going to use will 'play well together' but beyond that I use what pleases me at the moment- for the current project- have sold some fabulous quilts that contained wools, silks, velvets, cottons, flannel, corduroy, denim * yup- in the same quilt* it is kind of a shame - you miss out on so much when you have it in your head you can only use 100% cotton for a quilt- there are fabulous, beautiful fabrics from all over the world to play with, experiment with and enjoy. :)

It is not narrow minded to do what you like. It is also okay to try something and decide it is not your cup of tea. Remember " nothing ventured, nothing gained". You never know if you like, or dis- like something until you try. It sounds to me like you are wanting to jump into something new. Have fun.
peace

To me, your comments demonstrate you do have an open mind to other fabrics, especially after seeing what they have been able to do with non-traditional choices. I think it is great and we all could learn from people who are so imaginative and beautifully creative at the same time. It's a wonderful discover, don't you think? I like the term "love quilts" too. Good for them and how much they have accomplished! Maybe you could show us some pics of the quilts.

What about the people who made quilts 100 years ago they did not have a quilt store to go to and I have seen alot of these quilts still together Do ya think maybe we are just being a little spoiled.The innovations in this craft is a huge contrast to what these ladies had to make due with except for the wealthy few who could buy quality fabric from abroad. Im just saying to love quilting for me is to recognize and remember where and how it originated and make due with what you can the best you can.