Rag Quilts

Several years ago my next door neighbor and good friend taught me how to make rag quilts.  Back then, I wasn’t much of a sew-er, but with her explanation and examples I was able to figure it out.  The good thing about rag quilts is that you don’t have to know how to sew.  You don’t have to be perfect in your measuring.  If your seams are uneven it’s just fine.  Maybe better even!

The first rag quilt I did, I used cotton fabric but not flannel.  It worked fine, and is very cute but it didn’t get really shaggy.  I made it for my son (and I think I made a matching one for my nephew).

After that I made a denim backed one out of old jeans and flannel for my brother-in-law and his new bride.  It was hard to give away because it was so cute. 

Then I bought different plaids in red and blue and made another denim backed blanket with the intention of giving it to my sister.  It turned out so cute that I couldn’t give it away.  Yep, I kept it: 

Luckily, I had enough left over fabric that I was able to make her one too, although it was a teensy bit smaller than mine.  :)

My sister is getting married this week.  I made the invitations for the wedding and that was my wedding gift, but I want to eventually give everyone in my family a quilt (I made a non-rag-Holly-Hobby-quilt for another sister) so last week I headed to the fabric store and got the fabric to make this (I hope she isn’t reading!) :

Back view:

I love making these quilts.  They come together quickly.  It’s relaxing to sit with it on my lap and clip the edges.  They are perfect for picnics.  I love to make them with old pairs of jeans.  I like to include squares with pockets for some variety.  I think they look best when I use different washes of jeans – some light, some dark.

And, Elder Uchtdorf had it right when he said women should create.  It’s so good for the self-esteem.