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In a quandary

6 years ago

My sister teaches talented and gifted our public schools. The 5th graders have to make 2 quilts as a project (one is a joint class project, the other is their own). My sister does not sew past hemming and repairs. So, last year, I helped her with that class. We made a class quilt and each made a pillow cover or a wall hanging for their project. So, anyway, to cut to the chase: My sister has the bright idea to have the kids make lap quilts for a nursing home this year. (It's the first of the school year, the teachers are rested and have just spent several days of "in service", which is a rah! rah! exercise.) I'm remembering the unmatched seams, the tangled bobbins, and the crooked seams, the things that didn't get finished and most of all, Mr. Seam Ripper.

I can't quite see how to get there - where we have a product that we can present that can actually be used and washed. Then, my brain goes off into "well, if it didn't have too many pieces" and "if we birthed it" and "if we found a big picture print for the front center".

I can't decide whether to try to talk her out of it or try to figure a way to do it.

These are low income students and are 1st generation Americans. Most have never seen a needle and thread, much less a sewing machine. They are really bright, though. Most have good parental involvement. There will only be 5 or 6 of them, so that means just two or three lap quilts.

I wonder if it can actually be done. Like I said I'm in a quandary. Can I make it simple enough they can make most of it and it's still call it a quilt?

bkay

Featured Answer

polardream

6 years ago

When I was teaching, we tried making a quilt for a fundraising project. It was a real challenge. My best sewing student was a young man, he helped everyone.It took so much time, then I ended up being the one to quilt the whole thing.

We also made (and the kids still do) tied fleece blankets instead of quilted blankets for Project Linus. For a lap size, you would use 1-1/2 yards each of two coordinating fleece fabrics. Layer them and trim off the selvages and make sure they are the same size. Cut 5" squares out of each corner, then cut 1" wide by 5" strips along all four sides. The kids then have to tie the two layers together using square knots to make sure they are secure. It usually only takes about 45 minutes to an hour to complete. I cut cardboard templates that were 1"x 5" for the kids to use as a guide and made sure the scissors were sharp. They need to cut the two layers at the same time. Don't know if this would be easier, but our students really liked doing them.

Sue

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Comments (6)

nannykins
6 years ago
If I can help with fabric, I would be glad to do so.

let me know.

Theresa
bev2009
6 years ago
I have friends who want me to teach them to quilt and I have shied away from it, and they are adults. I remember sewing class at school, and they started us off with straight lines on paper with no thread. I already knew how to sew, so thought it was funny. How about something like 7" blocks where it would go together quickly? And maybe some masking tape on the machine that they could follow to get a straight line? If there is room to lay them all out at one time, gluing the layers together would probably come out neater than having them pin and try to quilt around the pins. Just some thoughts. I'm sure others here have taught kids.
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lindaoh_gw
6 years ago
Have you considered the 6 hour quilt? The pattern is by Kaye Woods and is a quick, quilt-as-you-go project. My quilt group back home made them for the local nursing home using double knit fabric. We did not use batting because the fabric was heavy.
User
6 years ago
I think it would be wise to first figure out which talents each student has the most of and make use of it. Let's say one student is really good at sewing, another at cutting, another at ironing, perhaps one is best at picking colors or planning a design, etc. Then let each do what they are best at. They could trade off occasionally if they get bored or want to try something else for a change. The leader of each area could be tapped to help teach the others. Then at the end they could all tie it together.
bkay2000
Original Author
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Thanks for the suggestions. I watched the 6 hour quilt again. I may try that one, just to see how it works with a sewing machine. I don't have a serger. I provide some old touch and sews to the kids, so they will have zig-zags.

I love the glue idea. I've never used it, but of course, I've read about using it. It's still on sale for back to school, so I'll pick up some at Wally World today.

Thanks so much for the help. Any other ideas would be much appreciated.

I have plenty of fabric and some batting scraps left over from previous quilts, so I'll try Kaye Woods 6 hr quilt this weekend.

bkay

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