help with denim/chambray rag quilt

[HeyJudee]

Wow...those are a lot of squares. I've never made a rag quilt so can't advise. But I think it's gonna be great when finished!

[bridesmom]

Wow Kathy, that looks enormous! Also looks great! Do you do any stitching within each square or just sew them together?

[kjh9835]

I made sandwiches with top of denim/chambray, a layer of flannel and a flannel back as I did not want to add any more weight than the flannel. Each one is sewn along all four sides then sewn together. Once all the strips are sewn together with 1/2" seam allowance then you cut to the stitching line each square and all edges. Wash and dry, wash and dry, wash and dry to get it to fray.

I did not do any additional stitching but if I could embroider, I would have. I'm going to do two shams also and maybe similiar valances for the bedroom windows but will probably just back all of that with the thin blue sheeting material I got for porch curtains since I have gobs of it and no porch

I've been thru 7 needles (size 16 and 18) and had to buy more today at WalMart before I could finish it. Its still pretty heavy. I made sections of 5 strips each and now can sew them all together.

Kathy

[kjh9835]

I've stitched all the sections together once dd17 got home to hold it up so I could sew. It weighs 11 1/2 pounds! I am cold-natured but have hot flashes and night sweats so I think I will be plenty warm come Winter.

Didn't make it to the store for spring loaded snips, the interview was 2 hours long compared to 15 minutes for one last week. She even took me around on a tour and introduced me to everyone so I think it looks promising otherwise why would she spend that amount of time/effort? Won't know til mid-end of next week.

Kathy

[bridesmom]

Oh that does sound promising Kathy!
And the quilt, well, that is definitely going to keep you warm!! Holy smokes! When I've made my rag quilts I sew an X from corner to corner on each square, then sew them all together. I was just curious as to how other people have done their squares. I think the reasoning for the X is because the original pattern I had called for the inside flannel piece to be 1" smaller, so it actually didn't go into the ragging and you had to stabilize it so it wouldn't move when washed. Course I didn't read all the instructions ( ) and cut the squares all the same size, sewed the X and then sewed the squares together, it was harder to cut the fringe I guess, but I like the extra fringe.

[LeapFrog Libby]

I just made mine with 8 inch squares and denim on the rag side and flannel on the back side. I love mine and it is warm enough for this climate. I have only worn my winter coat once in the last 12 years, but I do have lots of warm jackets for when the weather gets cold. We have some days of less than 32, but almost never lower than 23 or so..

[kjh9835]

Is it the washing, the drying or combination of both that helps it to fray? I am asking b/c this one is going to have to go to the laundrymat since it is so large and heavy. I figure once I start using it, I can wash it monthly for about $6 instead of overloading/putting wear on my small size washer/dryer and running up the elec. bill.

I'm still clipping all those seams, I can only do two rows at a time before my neck starts to hurt or if I hold it up on the table, my shoulder starts to hurt. I did get some spring loaded snips that help with the cutting but it's still taking me awhile to get it all done.

Will prob. go to laundrymat tonight or tomorrow and wonder if I should wash, wash, wash and dry or wash/dry, wash/dry, wash/dry to get it to fray quicker?

Kathy

[Mom of Six]

I washed mine then dried, then I rinsed & dried a few times. If you are keeping it i would wash & dry then each time you wash it it will fray a little more, if you don't mind it the way it turns out the first time wet & dry. I really think the dryer does the most fraying but I think it will work better wet. I always find a few spots after the time that I missed in clipping.
I love the fact that I have a front loader now that will wash all the big items

[kjh9835]

Yes, I am keeping it so I'll just run it thru one time each when I get there instead of multiple times same day. I did show it to Joe and he liked it but it is way too heavy for him to use so I am keeping this one and he can have the quilt/curtains I left out there. I am thinking I'll do some valances same way but not in layers for the two windows since I already have navy blue curtains hung.

Kathy

[Mom of Six]

I saw a tote/diaper bag made with rag squares yesterday. it was really cute. I wish I didn't have so many projects I think they would sell.