I am finally out of my slump. And starting out with a true quilters addiction, I went from nothing planned to 4 projects currently in the works. First is Jeremy's teacher's Crayola quilt. I bought the fabric months ago, but couldn't bring myself to starting anything. So, when I decided I really needed to get it started, I couldn't find the fabric. After buying some more, I have it ready to deliver to the kids to color. I was dreading that first cut, but when I did it, I realized I wouldn't be able to get enough. I was in the mood. I cut up and ironed on all of the freezer paper and ended up with extra blocks. So, I decided to make two Crayola quilts. One for each of the two oldest boys' quilts. For Joshua's kindergarden teacher, I am just going to get the kids to sign the blocks. Some of them don't have the fine motor skills to draw a picture. Jeremy's class is going to each draw a picture of themself and sign a block.

I was really wanting to sew this weekend, so I drug out the fabric I bought for my MIL's quilt. I cut it up and got it ready to put together and then realized my sewing machine is broken. Apparently the kids knocked it off the table and broke off a piece. Nothing was open today, so tomorrow we are going to try and find the part. I would love a new sewing machine, but can't swing it right now. It is going to be another attic window quilt.

Since I couldn't sew anything, I settle on a design for Jarrett's quilt finally and drew it up. It will be a variation of the snowball patern that I have done before with a bunch of different colors. I got all of the fabric washed tonight. What do you guys think of a finished size of 81 by 63 inches?

So, there you have it. Jumping in with both feet and no working sewing machine. But, happy as a clam. I need to try some new patterns so I was thinking about trying a log cabin next. I have a lot of purple based fabric that I don't know what I will do with.

Oh, I had one question. I bought 100% cotton muslin for the Crayola quilts. But, I have been double checking the how to's and many of them say not to use 100% cotton. Is there a reason? Do I need to be worried?

Michelle-happy to be back in the swing again

Hi, Michelle! It sounds like the bug has really bitten you this time around. I haven't heard to not use cotton for crayon blocks. I'd be curious to know if anyone else has a good reason for it, otherwise I wouldn't worry about it.

Your log cabin quilt sounds interesting, but then that's my very favorite pattern. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Hi Michelle! Wondered where you've been. I know when I did the crayon quilts last year, they asked for either high count Muslin or Kona Cotton, specifically...which I think both are 100% cotton. It would be interesting to know why they said not to use 100% cotton.

Make sure you show pictures of all your finished quilts, once you get the part for your sewing machine. Sometimes I catch my son over by my sewing machine...but so far he is just getting into the thread and pulling it all off the spool or bobbin...<sigh>!

I forgot to ask one other question. I went looking for denim needles (don't they make special ones) and couldn't find any. But, I bought a variety pack or two. Which should I use? I am also working on a flannel/denim rag quilt.

Michelle

Michelle, I think they do have denim needles. It seems like Tammy suggested that I buy that needle. I didn't and it turned out ok. I just used a Universal needle.

It looks like I am going to have to resew that BDU rag quilt that I made for DH again. It was so hard on my sewing machine. I am hoping that using the right sized needle will make it easier. The poor thing knocks really bad. And, the bobbin messes up really bad. We really like the quilt or I would have given up on it by now. I also want to finally start sewing the other one that is half denim and half flannel from the clothes I bought at the thrift sort when I was really into rag quilts. I think I have it all cut so the worst part is done.

Michelle

ugh!! Good luck on re-sewing! Did you ever post a picture of the BDU quilt?

I never took a picture of it. If I ever get the junk cleared out of my bed room (the "baby is almost 2 and I still have the newborn stuff set up) then I will snap a shot or two. It really isn't much to look at.

Michelle

That's just your opinion...I still like to see my friend's finished work. I mean, gosh, most of my quilts are nothing fancy, but I figure, I worked hard on them, I can still show them off!

I'd love to see a photo too! They do make denim needles...and JoAnn's usually carries the Schmetz and Singer brands. You might ask someone...I think needles are a pain to find because if someone puts a package back on the wrong hook it looks like the whole rack is the wrong size. Good luck sewing your BDU quilt!!

Tammy