Getting started on my boy's quilt.

After taking a week off homeschooling, I feel better. Not only did it give me a bit of a breather, which I really needed, but I trained the boys to put away their own laundry and clean their own room, and Kira to do the laundry. This is a big help, and I feel content.

Another thing I feel happy about: I have finally gotten started on the quilt I wanted to make Jasper for Christmas. I know, I know, I'm starting late...it's just going to be a simple patchwork of squares, but I did want to make it full size (to fit on a twin bed) and I also am not exactly experienced. The only other quilt I made was a doll quilt.   And I guess I made a quilted purse too, although it wasn't very impressive--the seams were all crooked.

Plus, I am planning on embroidering his name over a few squares...and hand quilting the entire thing. Hmmm. Well, it's good to be ambitious, right?

The past few days I have left my cutting mat out on top of the freezer in the back room, and I have been cutting a few squares every time I go in there to do laundry or get something out of storage. At least I am getting started. I will just have to see how far I can get by Christmas.

I was lucky to receive some really cute fabric from a kind reader to help with this project. I really appreciated that because cost is an issue for me--the entire reason I decided to make a quilt to begin with was that we needed more blankets and I wasn't able to spend the money on all-cotton bedding. I did however, decide to buy just one yard of fabric to add in. It was only $5. Jasper really has a thing for horses, and I found this fabric on Etsy that I think he will love. I hope it gets here soon!

I still haven't decided if I will stuff the quilt with sewn-together old cloth diapers, or if I will use two flannel sheets sewn together. I am leaning towards the sheets though, because I don't want to make this project overwhelming for myself.

Is anyone else working on gifts for Christmas right now?

Comments

[sara]

Hi i am so glad you feel better..that quilt will be lovely i am sure of it...remember do little but often and it will soon get there.
Well i have been making scarves 9 in all for children,felt heart danglies and lavender hearts for gifts too..
you take care
sara

[Carrie]

very cute material...if it makes you feel better I am knitting mittens for donation "Mitten Tree" in our local mall...well I am trying. So far I have knit 4 mittens and none match. I think I'm going to run out of yarn before I actually get a matching pair!
Glad to hear that the week away from schooling has refreshed your mind and body.

[Leah]

Glad to hear the time 'off' homeschooling gave you a breather, though it sounds like your kids learned some valuable things anyways! I'm hoping to get some quilts done for Christmas too- one for each of my boys, so we'll see how that goes. (At least if the baby's is late, he won't mind this year.) Hope you'll share photos when it's done!

[Account Deleted]

Sometimes you need a breather from homeschooling. We're taking a semi-break this week as we get ready for a long trip. (some school will come with us; other stuff will remain behind). The quilt looks great so far and so nice to be able to do something other than 'school'.

[Andréann]

This will look pretty neat when assembled.
I'm knitting a sweater for everyone, one is almost done, one started and one not started. I've also started a set of dollhouse doll, I'm pretty happy with that so far!

I'm happy the time off did you good. I don't "school" yet, just try to have a fun activity to do everyday...And sometimes it feels good to just let go of that...And get everyone in the bed for a nap... (I'm getting off topic!)

[Lara]

Such fun fabrics! Children's quilts are always the best for those. I'm currently in the assembling materials/instructions/etc. phase of my Christmas crafting, but I better move from that to the actual crafting pretty quickly if I expect to get everything done... For the lining for your quilt, it depends how warm you want it to be. I expect the double layer of flannel would make a nice lightweight quilt, but it probably won't be as quite as warm as one with a heavier middle layer. If you have or can find (car boot sale?) an old blanket, you could use that. Or the nappies, of course, if you do have the time to sew them together.

[Mary]

That looks like such a fun project! You're making me jealous. ;) My 8yr old brother needs a new quilt this year but we decided he's going to be getting one in addition to his Christmas presents because his sisters want him to have toys under the tree. He's not going to be young for long! I am wishing I could get started on that though--you're reminding me that its such a fun craft! :)

Glad to hear you got your family's gears running more smoothly. God bless and good luck on your quilt!
Mary :)

[Stephanie]

Looks like you're off to a good start. The fabrics looks great :)

[Leslie]

A quilt is gift that has so much love worked into it.
One word of caution, if hand quilting, try a sample with what ever batting you are considering. Either the flannel or the nappies maybe a challenge when hand quilting because of the thickness of the three layers, top, batting, backing. Using those for batting, I think I'd consider tying the quilt with yarn. It will hold together well and be much faster than trying to hand quilt it.
Happy Quilting.

[Shannon]

Use the sheets, you never know, maybe you'll need those diapers again! ;)