Wednesday, April 20, 2016

Original Project Using "Soft & Cozy Keepsakes: Faux Rag Quilting" Technique



My original project made using Margo Yang's 
faux rag quilting technique from her new book--





Margo Yang, blogger at MY Quilts and Crafts, is happily announcing the release of her first quilting book today. She's worked very hard over the past year and a half to bring you a brand new technique that will simplify your project, and produce quick results. When she approached me many moons ago about doing a review for her, I was hesitant. I'd never made a rag quilt, and as a matter of fact, never used flannel in a quilt period! 



After some gentle persuasion, I agreed. I was game to learn something new, and truthfully pretty excited that one of my contemporaries had published already. Shucks, there was even a sale of flannel coming up, and I had coupons! I read the book cover to cover, and I went shopping.


My heart was set on making the project on the cover of the book as it reminded me of a chenille bedspread I remembered from childhood. That is, until I saw the animal face print in the store, and knew it was meant for me! I had no idea what I was designing yet, but the the yardage was fairly easy to estimate because of the detailed technique in the book. 



My design wall helped with circle placement, as well as several texts back and forth with my daughter. "Move the upper circle over. Still looks funky, etc." (Do you have a sewing buddy you bounce ideas off of? If not, join Instagram.)


I went from a stack of fabric to this point in about 3.5 hours, and most of that was spent in tweaking the design. I just had to snip the flannel trims to create the fringe yet, but I didn't have 'faux rag snips.' I had good success and little hand fatigue with a pair of Cutter Bee Precision-Cut Scissors. They are not spring loaded, but very sharp with a short blade, and took about an hour to snip all the trim. (Please note, mine are the heavy-duty, older yellow and black or pink and black style, and I couldn't live without them. I'm reading some poor reviews of their new style. Read before you buy.)


The biggest issue I had with making the quilt was getting it to spin out correctly in my front loading washer. After several tries, I wrung it out well by hand, and rolled it through a few towels to wick out extra water. Then I popped it into the dryer to wait. As it dried, I checked my lint catcher often, and removed the build up. Flannel has a lot of lint, and can contribute to blocking your vent. Build up in your vent can then lead to a fire. I know this from a past experience, and never run my dryer unless I'm in the house.


How cute is this?
Margo, if you're reading this, 
I love your technique! 



And a secret surprise for the backing...


Even after washing and drying, it still
GLOWS in the DARK!

It's been fun sharing my experience for MY Quilts and Crafts. She has several giveaways going on through her launch including Aurifil, Fat Quarter Shop, and Maywood Studios. Leave a comment for her, and cross your fingers. 

Come on, Doxie girls.
We need to find our sewing table top today.

Linking up with~

17 comments:

Sew Surprising said...

Ohhhhh this is super cute and I enjoy a rag quilt, actually made one for a gift a few weeks ago, but this looks as if it takes it up a notch :)

Stitchin At Home said...

I have never made a rag quilt. This looks like fun, and I like fun.

Julie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Laura said...

I've made one rag quilt so far, but it was just simple squares. It is the warmest quilt we own! I love that glow in the dark fabric!

Val's Quilting Studio said...

It is so super cute! Great technique...thanks for the peek into it. This looks like it will make a great baby quilt??

Mari said...

"We need to find our sewing table top today." How funny! Your quilt turned out just lovely, flannel lint and all.

Sharon - IN said...

What a nice result with the multi colored chenille. Cute focus fabric! And a nice book review too. Thanks for sharing!

Amy B. said...

I love the rag quilt!

Susan said...

Terrific idea and a great quilt!

Turid said...

How fun!

Angie in SoCal said...

Oh I like the looks of this new technique. Yours is so creative, Julie.

Christine Slaughter said...

What a cute quilt; that animal print is great! I have never used flannel in a quilt before, and this technique looks pretty easy... I may have a flannel quilt in my future! I love my Cutter Bee scissors too! I've had them for at least 8 years, probably longer, and use them all the time!

Mara said...

Really cute, great animal face print.

Kate said...

Very cute!

helenjean@midgetgemquilts said...

this really appeals to me, rag rugs are such fun

Dody said...

Love the glow in the dark fabric! I've Mage several rag quilts,love it!
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Connie Kresin Campbell said...

That is really cute!