Quilting

I had several items that were sentimental but not in condition to use so I thought I would to a memory quilt.. well this turned into a HUGE project with a quilt for each of my step kids and one for my husband and I... I just finished the first one. After this project is done I will never make a quilt with 5 inch squares again (before seam allowance)

I used a rag style quilt as the pattern, I then made manageable blocks and sewed them together before I put the whole thing together (sorry no picture of a block) I used 2 sheets for the backing but cut them into squares also. I made a pattern so that each block was the same but could be turned anyway to fit and the pattern would not change.

Each square is 3 layers the top, filling and backing. I used old fleece blankets for the filling as I had them and they were in need of up-cycling (stains, holes)

I used my machine to make a large x in each piece then I used the serger to put them together, I did it assembly like style I took each row and lined them up then did all the x's then went to the serger to make them rows.

I learned that after the rows are done a trim and iron are needed before putting the block together, then a final trim and iron.

This is not a perfect quilt, I would have liked it to be a little more square but working with all different kinds of fabric made that hard. I trimmed each block to  "square" before the final assembly but it was not quite right... LOL the edge is done with the serger and trimmed to about 1/4 inch just as the other seams are.

One more will be done like this, the other 2 will be a yarn tied as they have larger squares that were logos and sayings from items. the next one I am going to work on is one of those. Final dimensions are about 85x85 large enough for a queen and almost for a king. I learned a lot from this and I am better prepared to do another quilt now.. but I have a new respect for people who quilt... it is HARD work. I have made clothes (mostly rennie garb) and little items for years but this was a whole new ball game! I will need a different foot for my machine if I plan on doing other kinds of quilts (a walking foot that moves the top layers of fabric not just the bottom)
This one is for the eldest and I hope to give it to her next Wed. The fabric content is from all of us and that is special.