I had a really fun fat quarter bundle of "You are my Sunshine" and planned my first Rag quilt around the panel. I made this for my daughter. "You are my Sunshine" was a fun little bedtime song I used to sing to her. I also incorporated some woolie flannel printed squares that I hand stitched around and a few of "Bertie's Year" woolie flannels. My daughter also has 2 kitty cats, a gray and a brown, so I included a few kitty squares.
I decided to use just 2 layers. The cotton / flannel top and all flannel on the back. I did not include a middle layer and since I did not have enough of the same print flannel for the backing, I mixed it up a little with some Christmas flannel. I also did not sew the traditional "X" thru the middle of the squares since there is not any batting.
There are several Rag Quilt facebook groups. They suggested scraping a butter knife on the seams to help them fray before washing. You can also use a vegetable brush. The picture below is before fraying. I clipped the seams approx every 1/2" .
I used a one inch seam allowance since the squares are rather large (7 3/4") plus with the center panel I thought a larger frayed seam allowance would look better.
I decided to add a machine stitched binding instead of a frayed edge.
I loved the entire process! I did take it to a commercial laundry mat and asked permission before washing. I washed it, shook it outside and then dried it. I repeated this process 3 times.
I loved how it turned out. It is super soft and snuggly without being too heavy for my daughters Middle Georgia temperatures. It measures 64x74.
I can't wait to make my next one. I saw a Rag Quilt on pinterest that was set on point!There are also Cathedral Window Rag Quilts and Log Cabin, Rail Fence and the lists goes on and on. You can see some really pretty ones on my Pinterest board here: Rag Quilts!
I have 2 Kansas Troubles layer cakes that I would love to make into a bed sized rag quilt. I just have to find the right flannel.
I did want to share this handy chart although it is for straight set squares.
I'd love to hear about your first rag quilt or if you have plans to make one! I think Rag quilts are also a great way to use up scraps!
Also we have had a really fun January with my 1930's and Feedsack Patchwork of the Crosses Block of the month program. Marcia de Aguiar finished her 30 block quilt from 2017! Isn't it beautiful?? I loved designing the kits and Marcia did a fantastic job with layout and stitching! She included a few blocks from her own stash too!
I do have a few ongoing openings in the 2018 1930's & Feedsack Patchwork of the Crosses Blocks of the month program as the 2017 members are finishing up their quilts. If you are interested in joining the 2018 program , please leave me a comment below and please make sure that I have a way to contact you. I have had several Anonymous comments that I cannot contact. You can read about the program here: Click here
This block from our January 2018 BOMs kit was pieced by Colleen Harris. This was her very first Patchwork of the Crosses block ever! Isn't it just too cute! This is a great example of why kits are a great way to learn. In the program, you receive 3 block kits plus a 100 piece package of Honeycomb templates. And we offer alot of fun and support in our exclusive facebook group for members only!
You can also email me at featherweightquiltcompany at gmail dot com if you are interested in joining. Please read the description and guidelines before requesting to join.
Happy Stitching everyone!
Thank you for stopping by and a huge WELCOME to all of our new friends and followers!
xoxoxox Jan