Quilt Month
Wednesday, September 3, 2008 at 6:00AM 
It's Quilt Month at Mr. Monkeysuit. Coincidentally, I just started my very first quilt this month (although I've been planning to make one forever). I decided to start with a doll quilt so I can make all my mistakes on something small that I haven't committed too much emotional energy to. I actually plan to make three doll quilts, one for each of my daughters. Hopefully that will give me enough practice to start a real quilt (or, quilts - one for each of my daughter's beds!)
These first quilts will be made entirely from my "stash", and it's sort of a stretch calling my pile of fabric a "stash". I basically have fabric picked up from thrift stores and rummage sales - you know the bags of scraps for $1. Also, some vintage sheets and thrifted men's dress shirts. The quilt pictured below is made exclusively from men's shirts (the stripes) and vintage sheets (the florals). I have it pieced and basted into a "quilt sandwich" and I can't wait to finish it!
The book I'm using as my guide and teacher is: The Quilters Ultimate Visual Guide. I bought this book years ago when I first decided I wanted to start quilting. I noticed that it is listed in the Sew, Mama, Sew! Blog in their post Readers' Top 10 Favorite Quilting Books.
So far, I've loved every part of the process, even though I've made many mistakes. I'm glad I'm starting small with something that will be loved. It's so much more fun than making something "just for practice".
Reader Comments (3)
Great way to start quilting by making doll quilts! And before you can say "oh, quilting is so much fun!", you'll be done and on to a big quilt!!
Great start! I love doll quilts, big quilts scare me. Have fun!
Good for you! Can't wait to see it finished!