| Nothing warms up a room, or gives it more character | | | | The hardest part for beginners in making a quilt will be |
| than a quilt. Most of us cannot afford high quality quilts, | | | | putting on the binding. There are several different |
| but there is no lack of beautiful, hand stitched imported | | | | ways to do it. Some of them are easier than others. |
| ones at economical prices. | | | | As long as the edge is finished off, it will be fine. There |
| What can you do with a quilt besides put in on a bed? | | | | are lots of books at the library, and articles on the |
| - You can drape it over your sofa, or an armchair. | | | | Internet, that will explain your options. |
| - You can hang it on the wall. | | | | This is a great hobby, because it uses leftover fabric, |
| - You can use it as a tablecloth. | | | | and can be quite economical. Don't get overwhelmed |
| - You can use it to keep you warm | | | | when you see the elaborate designs of professional |
| - It will beautify your home no matter where you | | | | quilt makers in books and on television shows. There is |
| display it | | | | beauty in simplicity. Why life has to get so technical |
| If you are a seamstress, a quilt you've made from | | | | sometimes, I don't know. It seems to take all the fun |
| scraps of clothing your family has worn becomes very | | | | and relaxation out of it. |
| sentimental to you. I buy scraps of fabric bundled | | | | If you think creatively you may come up with some |
| together when I go thrift shopping. I take them home | | | | interesting ideas for designs. I had a roommate in |
| and wash them. Some of them are very interesting. I | | | | college that did a quilt out of material out of fabric that |
| like to make dolls, and I find the older cotton prints | | | | she tie-dyed Some people make them out of old |
| especially suitable for Raggedy Ann type dolls. | | | | denim. You can appliqué on some of the squares, |
| Almost anyone can make a simple quilt of plain | | | | put on trims, paint or stencil them with fabric paint, and |
| squares. Most quilts look good, no matter how simple. | | | | so on. Some people even put family pictures on the |
| You don't have to have special equipment to put it | | | | fabric and make their quilt like a photo album. |
| together. You can buy some fabric for the back on | | | | If you're thinking of making a project this year, think |
| sale or use a sheet. Batting can also be purchased on | | | | about making a quilt. If you move you can take it with |
| sale or you can use an old blanket between the layers. | | | | you. Depending on how much you like it, you can either |
| A blanket will make it warmer and thicker. Pin it to your | | | | pass it down to your children some day, or you can |
| floor, and take some yarn and tie the layers together. | | | | keep it in the car for emergencies. Quilts can be |
| Fabric, blankets, yarn and sheets can all be purchased | | | | donated to charities and distributed to people in need |
| used if you don't have them, although fabric stores | | | | worldwide. When the weather turns cold in Seattle, |
| often sell fabric at huge discounts. If you buy used | | | | they are in great demand for homeless shelters and |
| fabric, wash it and add a little bleach, and it should be | | | | for the people who won't come in from the street. |
| fine. The only thing I'm careful about is smell. If anything | | | | There always a need and a place for a quilt. |
| has an odor, musty or smoky, I won't buy it. | | | | |