So after my last quilt I wanted to find out exactly how long it takes me to make one of these quilts.
I hunted down some retired service members and asked them to donate a few uniforms to help me with my task and in return they would receive a quilt.
This quilt turned out to be fun as it contained three different uniforms combined into one quilt.
I experimented with different techniques to make construction more efficient and came up with a few good ideas. #1 Use adhesive spray to attach name, rank and unit badges before stitching them onto the quilt. I got a more precise placement as well as saved a few of my expensive quilting pins from being bend beyond repair.
#2 Recycle children's chop sticks to hold the badges so your fingers don't wind up sticky!!!
This was great for applying the adhesive as well as applying the badge to the quilt!
I used all three uniforms and put them in a stair step pattern, using pockets, patches, buttons and seams to add character to the quilt.
Blizzard fleece was added to the back for warm and batting all in one!!!
#3 Because I do not have an agitating washer and military uniforms are designed to resists fraying I tried another new technique, a wire brush. I brushed each seam to break it down into a delightful fuzzy softness. Only one problem.... my fingers were not delightful and soft after using the wire brush and needing to remove the fuzz from the brush. So that prompted #4 (not pictured) leather gloves.
(I am not sure every quilter has leather gloves and a wire brush in their quilting supplies but leave it to me to add them.) Also I want you to know I did apologize to the wire brush when I purchased it and explained that I was buying it solely for the purpose of quilting, but that I would not ask for it's man card as there are plenty of male quilters in this world. (Sorry, yes I know I have a weird sense of humor!!!)
So this is the final result.....Both the retired military member and the spouse were very pleased with the quilt. I learned that I put about 30 to 40 hours into the deconstruction, cutting, designing, assembling, brushing and finishing of the quilt. I can't wait to get started on my next one!!!
CCG
2 comments:
Found this quilt and loved your use of uniforms. I have two different prints from my son in law. would love to do one for my granddaughter. What size are your squares?
The size of the squares depends on the size of the pants from the uniforms. I use the width of the pants as the guide to know what size to make the squares so I am using all of the fabric to minimize the waste.
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