Thursday, May 12, 2011

Help Expert Quilting Mamas!

Spring has finally come to New Jersey which makes me and my babies ecstatic. Long runs, picnic lunches, and daily basketball games are just what we need to make us happy. :) But it also brings along one small problem: warmer nights. And since our 1920s house has no air conditioner, it can get quite hot. I finally decided we should swap out our down duvet for a cool lightweight quilt but am debating if I should buy one or make one. Any tips? Keep in mind the following:
1. Our bed is a queen
2. I am not even close to an expert sewer (is that even what it's called?)
3. I only have a basic Singer sewing machine
4. I don't want to spend one year's salary on the fabric, etc...
5. I have no idea what "stitch in the ditch", "make a quilt sandwich", or "bind" means nor do I know how to perform these tasks.
6. In New Jersey peeps are more concerned with fancy cars and working than crafts so I've been hard pressed to even find a fabric store, let alone a quilting store anywhere within a 45 minute drive of here.

So if you were me, would you recommend buying one from Ikea or Home Goods or somewhere or do you think it's at all feasible to make one myself?

P.S. If you vote for me to make one, please include any and all tips! :)


6 comments:

  1. For me personally, I like to make the quilts. I enjoy putting the fabrics together, spending the time sewing it together. If that's stressful to you, I would totally buy one.(did I just say that on a quilting blog?)

    By the time to buy fabric and batting, and then spend the time making it, it's cheaper to buy one you like. Plus you don't have to worry about the stress or lack of experience you have already mentioned.

    Just my opinion.

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  2. Stalk Ikea, HomeGoods, Ross, places like that until you find something you like. It will most likely be cheaper. And start with something smaller for your first quilt.

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  3. I posted a comment yesterday, but I'm not sure where it went. Here's my honest thoughts.

    I love the quilting process. picking fabric, cutting, piecing, sewing, machine quilting, etc. It makes me excited and happy.

    However, If it stresses you out, do to your mentioned lack of experienced (or the fact that you have little ones hanging on you), I would totally buy one you love...did I just say that on a quilting blog? And it's probably cheaper and will save you tons of time and frustration.

    just my thoughts for you.

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  4. I agree with Amy. I just made a king-size quilt for our bed and the materials were pricey as well as the cost of having it quilted as it wouldn't fit under my machine. I've been sewing for 30 years and I love quilting, but it's more enjoyable to me to make small lap quilts. Check out target.com for some lovely quilts and coverlets. Good luck!

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  5. I also agree. Unless you are doing something you absolutely love and won't resent or regret the time and money spent, I would go for finding something in a store. I found a kind size coverlet that I love at TJMAXX!

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  6. I wrote a comment and then blogger went haywire and deleted the post and now it's not here! oh well.
    short story: I agree-start with a smaller quilt!

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