To start out the year we are looking back…wait…didn’t I say I was looking ahead in the previous post?
We are looking back because it’s Second on the 2nd hosted my my dear friend Elizabeth. Each month on the second she asks that we dig into our blog and reshare a post that deserves a second look.
Sewing is a passion of mine as well as recycling. In this post from August 2008 I share my favorite quilt and a little about it’s creation.
We still use the quilt today. It’s now 15 years old and is very well loved.
Take a look…
This denim quilt was my very first large scale recycling project.
I carry it in my van for picnics, beach days, a stop at the park or one of those dreaded winter emergencies. After the latest trip to the beach I hung it on the deck rail to dry. I was taken aback by how many memories this quilt holds for me. I love how it has frayed over time. Maybe others would think of this as a flaw but to me, it shows it has been throughly loved.
I made it when my first born was an infant. Oh, to have that much time on my hands again! I wanted to make something that he could lay and play on, that would be durable, washable, textural and colorful.
I had a ton of jeans that were never going to fit again plus my hubby’s worn out ones to cut into circles. I used a plate to trace each and every circle by hand then carefully trim with scissors.
The colorful squares (trust me there are squares under there) were from a stash of fabric I had gotten as a teen when my “grandma” across the street moved from her home to her daughters in CA. She knew I loved sewing and crafting more than her own granddaughter.
My mom had somehow collected tons of small spools of thread in various colors, not sure why since she didn’t sew but did own a machine. Maybe just wishful thinking on her part. Anyway, I figured that I could make the quilt even more colorful by using different spools of thread throughout the quilt. Generally the bobbin thread and the spool didn’t match as I sewed.
If you’re curious how I made it check out this tutorial. I think I got my instructions from a magazine but the tutorial has excellent instructions.
I loved seeing this quilt and also enjoyed reading the tutorial! I am sure each bit of fabric holds a special memory which to me is the very essence of why one quilts!
Oh girl, this is a fantastic quilt, loaded with loving memories. I had not seen it before, thanks for re-sharing it.
I am a quilt lover and have done away with blankets (except for the trailer). I see some of mine (made by other family members….now passed) need some attention…..:(((
I remember you showing this before and I didn’t get it. I looked at it again today and didn’t get it. I looked at the instructions and reread them about five times, and thought I still didn’t get it. Came back here and looked at your pictures, knowing I am NOT a seamstress and couldn’t make a quilt if my life depended on it, and all of a sudden the light bulb came on. Yes, I finally got how you made it.
Of course, the memories are the most important part, and after that, the frayed edges, which I always love. I’m SO glad you shared this again for your Second on the 2nd. And now that I get it, I have no idea why it was so hard for me to see before!
Thanks for sharing how you came to make this quilt- your neighbor, your mom, and all the memories that went into it. It’s lovely. Fraying means it’s been used, just like a full life. Happy New Year.
OH WOW! This is an amazing TREASURE!!! I love the fact that you use it regularly too :) You make me want to tackle a quilt project like this ♥
This is an amazing Quilt and I am so pleased you showed it here or I would never have seen it! I love how it holds those memories for you! Hugs, Chrisx
I love your quilt too. I love how it was recycled and how you are still using it!
Oh yes, and Happy New Year!