Another of my crafting loves is lap quilting. I actually took a class at my local community college in the early 70’s. I didn’t learn paper piecing and such unnecessary techniques. There were no sewing machines even in the classroom. Our tools were just fabric, batting, scissors, a needle and thread.
We did everything by hand including sewing the blocks together. It may have been a slow process but a great learning experience. Here is one I am working on now, a bandana quilt.
While I do piece the blocks together on my sewing machine, the back is hand stitched. If you are concerned it won’t hold you can go b blind stitch over your stitching on your sewing machine.
The hand quilting is random with no pattern but you can use a template and fabric marker if you want something fancier.
I like lap quilting because it is easy and portable. For long waits at the airport or doctor’s office, it’s a great tool to fight boredom.
Don’t have any scraps to get started, just visit your local thrift stores. What to look for? You want predominantly cotton material. Sheets can be used for the bottom while you select random colorful pieces like pillow cases, men’s shirts, cotton dresses, etc. Part of the we fun is selecting fabric. If you are doing your first quilt I recommend the traditional nine patch and if you are purchasing new material you can purchase by the yard or fat quarters (quarter yard strips).
If you want to try the bandana quilt, you can purchase bandanas in bulk from Amazon. I purchased the white for the borders from Michael’s, but you can purchase white cotton from sources online.
Trade in your phone time for some constructive quilting time.
Have a great day.
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