What to do when you are given a zillion jean squares
 

My hand hurts. Like really bad. I think it's formed into a claw...this is a serious condition that can only be caused by one thing. A rag quilt has been created.

See a while back my mom gave me a stack of jean squares that was about as tall as the Empire State building. Okay maybe not that high, just as tall as the Sears Tower. She wanted to get them made into something, but couldn't fathom how/what/when of the actual application. Seeing as how I'm crafty (or at least pretend to be) she thought I could make something out of them.

So after a while I decided to start putting this jean quilt together. I drew out a few patterns, but each one I drew out made the quilt the size of Texas. I don't know about you, but Texas just won't fit into my apartment. So I had to scale it back. I ended up using half the squares that were pre-cut...and have a few pairs of jeans left to do something with. I used flannel for the backing and decided not to do a batting because it was already going to be heavy enough, I didn't want to add the extra weight.

I started to assemble said quilt. And then lost steam. I started a job that made me so stressed I was physically ill all the time. I couldn't get enough sleep let alone do dishes or feed the husband. So yeah I didn't really have time for quilty type projects...so this kind of just sat there at the sewing machine. And then I quit the stressful as all get out job, and found time on my hands again.

And then this past week, I rearranged the sewing space. And it was organized and calling out to me to create something. So I decided to finish this up. It's a monster...it weighs a ton, and my hand hurts from clipping all the seams for two days straight. (That's right, two days!) But I think it's beautiful. And it matches my sofa...and it's soft and cuddly...(and after I cleaned out four lint traps worth of threads it's finally stopped shedding...) And I honestly didn't plan the layout...it just kinda came out like this. Although I think that's half it's charm. It measures 72''X78''...and is big enough to cover up the husband, but honestly I like it as a chair cover, so he may not get to actually use it.

What do you think?

I love your story! LOL your too funny! The quilt you created is beautiful I just adore jean rag quilts, but have never gotten the nerve up to make one myself.

Oh my heavens, is that cool. And it will wear well. What a great idea

And congratulations ... you've just made your first rag quilt! It turned out great and will wear ... and wear ... and wear.
Enjoy your accomplishment!

Wonderful! My mom made a jean "quilt", backing was a sheet and tied it with red yarn. You are right they are a beast and HEAVY but love them! I thin I will make my boys one out of all their ripped jeans. Lord knows they are never hand me downs with boys!

Not my first rag quilt, but my first jean rag quilt. And thanks, I hope it keeps wearing...I accidentally clipped some seams, so had to go back and fix them...so hope I found all the "flubs". :-)

I think it is gorgeous! You really did a good job. It would fit on a bed or your chair or anything. What a lot of work! But aren't you glad you did it? Now you will be inspired to do something else.

A quilter and a humorist - you're talented!

I just noticed you're in Pleasant Grove - a wonderful place of memories from my childhood visits to Grandparents in the 1960's!

I just love it. You did an awesome job. This is definitely on my to do list before arthritis takes away the opportunity to try. Thanks for the inspiration.

Just have to say thank you for such a witty writeup. Brought a smile to my face!

I love your story and I love your quilt! :D I love the chair cover idea, too; if you get chilly, you can just pull the cover up around you. :thumbup:

Fantastic! Nothing like the rich color of blue jeans! I give you credit, though I've done some other things with denim, made a doggy bed, a bag, etc. The weight of making a quilt out of it scares me. I have enough problems pushing and pulling a queen size flannel, I can't imagine denim. Ugh! More power to you, your my hero!

I always wanted to be someone's hero! *chuckle*

Pretty!

Whatever you do, DO NOT, wash that thing in your home washer!!! I learned the hard way!!

Very pretty, there not so bad to crosshatch when there done as quilt as you go.But I can understand all that
clipping. :thumbup:

Your quilt is beautiful!

I absolutely love rag quilts. I made one about that size with flannel (cowboy boots/blue) that my sister-in-law wanted at one time. I made it to take to the hospital with me when I had major surgery - I didn't want to get cold and I wanted something from home. I absolutely love that quilt - two layers of flannel and one layer of Warm & Natural so it is a heavy one, but very warm.

I have made many using denim, some with flannel on them too. I love using scraps to make them and I have used just about every decorative stitch on my machine to secure the two layers - also leftover bobbins - who cares! My husband keeps one in his truck and it has been used for just about everything!

Try making one with just one layer of flannel - they make wonderful summer blankets - you know the time when you have the windows open at night and a breeze is coming in and you want just a little something to cover yourself with - this is perfect!

The dogs love them too.

Wow... that's a great quilt AND you lived to tell... LOL! I'll bet that puppy will wear like iron & be warm as all get out. Kudos!

Congratulations on getting it done. It looks great. Keep saying I am going to do one out of denim. You inspire me. BrendaK

Great job. I love it.

I've made a small throw with two different pieces of denim (medium blue and a tiny light blue and white stripe) that I had stored wondering how to use them. I wore denim skirts a lot when I worked (first grade teacher) and I didn't need that anymore. So I tried the idea of a rag quilt. Didn't use any batting and didn't cross hatch the blocks which were cut 6" square. By the time I sewed the half inch seams (8 blocks wide and 10 blocks long) that quilt was so heavy. And yes, it did take a couple of days and several blistered fingers to get it all clipped. (Actually, years later, I noticed two of the seams of one block was still not clipped. :D) WE have really used it. I've spread it on the grass (fringes down) and used it for sitting at an outdoor concert, covered my legs at football games (and a bleacher cushion as well ;D)

I was at JoAnn's Monday and saw that the shears and scissors were on sale --50%!!. I wanted to pick up those shears designed to clip rag quilts but wasn't sure just how helpful they are. Anyone know?

The quilt looks really great! It does look very cozy too. I'm glad to hear you quit that awful job.

Love your story! I, too, left a STRESSFUL job and found I really could do amazing things. You get the prize for "claw hand". Great work!

Wonderful story great quilt!!!

Love the quilt! Looks good on the chair! I'm so happy you were able to quit that miserable job. My daughter had the same experience and now has a job she loves as a para in a high school. She has also been inspired to continue her education to complete her teaching degree. I think she found her calling.

I love it.I have bins full of old denim-hmm maybe put that on my list of things to do.

I never would have made it through clipping all the seams without my spring loaded friskas! Thanks!

I absolutely L O V E this!!!!! You have given me incentive. I have to ask my daughter to save all the old jeans from her twins.

I love it!

That is just beautiful. Really matches your other furniture well.

Great job with those jeans squares! Do wait a while before you start your next one~ ;)

Great story, wonderful work!!!!

Wow! What a story of true perseverance ... and torment and pathos ... and a real hoot!! At least you got a fabulous quilt out of the deal. Oh, and I'm in love with your couch ...

I like it! Never thought of using it as a slipcover!

I am still cutting a ton of denims and have made so many raggedies, the kids love them too!!!

I can relate to quitting a very stressful job - and mine was a volunteer job that they tried to guilt me into staying - life is too short!!!!!!!!

And this, is why I love my Accuquilt Go and the rag die; I'd NEVER do all those by hand. I'd be out of commission for a month if I tried.

a alot of work its really big and nice good job!!!

Very nice! And yes, I also like your story!

Great story with lots of charm and laughs! You have created a beautiful quilt/chair cover that will last for a very long time! Better sew a permanent label so your quilt doesn't find a new home, LOL!!

gorgeous, I love the look and softness of used jeans!