My First Quilt

My old spread was starting to get dingy and it had a tear in the fabric. Actually it was a duvet cover with a comforter insert and it stated to be a hassle because the insert would always get bunched up in the duvet cover and I was constantly having to re adjust it. I was going to just by a new bed spread but while I was looking nothing was jumping out at me. Everything looked so commercial. It seems that the better I get at sewing the less I like store bought items. Sewing is such a relaxing hobby and I really enjoy it. I love having a "Handmade Home" This was my first attempt at making a quilt. I didn't know what I was in for so I choose a very simple pattern. Now I am thanking myself for not getting to ambitions. I had a few bumps in the road but over all I am very pleased at how it came out. I also made some matching pillow cases. I have slept with it a couple of night now and it is so warm and cozy. There is something very comforting in curling up at night with something that was hand made!

How to make andOven Mitt and Hot Pad

So I sort of have a late start on my holiday projects....but better late than never, also I am pretty sure I will get done everything I have planned to make myself. I just started and finished this project today. This was fun because I have never done any quilting/batting before, it is always fun for me to learn new things. Actually this project was rather simple the hardest part is marking your quilt lines correctly. Once you have that done it is a breeze.

You will need:

about a 1/2 yard of fabric
batting, (since I enjoy using recycled materials I used layers of old towels for this project.)
bias tape (I made my own with some fabric scraps)
ruler
tailors chalk
thread
scissors
sewing machine
mitt pattern

Step one: For the mitt you will want to cut 4 , 10x13 in pieces from your fabric, and the same size for your batting/old towel cut 4 as well. On two of the pieces of fabric with your ruler and chalk mark 3 in diamonds. Take one of the pieces you marked and one of the un-marked pieces and place them wrong sides together. layer two of the pieces of batting together and pin and sew along your quilting lines. Repeat with the other pieces. For your pad cut 2 9x9 inch squares and 2 of the same size of the batting mark layer and quilt as well.

Step Two: Take your mitt pattern and pin to your quilted fabric and cut. Do this with both sides. Then with the right sides facing pin and sew the raw edges with 1/4 inch hem. Notch the curved edges and turn right side out.

Step Three: Finish the edges with your bias tape