Wow, they are both great quilts,I am just doing an I Spy using the first pattern.Now when I receive my animal print swap I'll use them using your second pattern.I was going to say pretty quilts, till I re-read they're for boys.grin. TFS Trudy

I tried pressing after washing then found out just folding selvage to salvage and kinda pressing with my hands worked just as well. I have noticed that the flannel stretches alot more when washed am thinking thats because I washed the sizing out. Last time I was at my LQS they have some nice Rag quilts and they didn,t wash first they did tell me to use a small stitch around the edge it helps with the raveling. The fabric coming this week is in 5yd pieces I really don,t want to try washing that. I,m learning as I go found out when I start washing the finished quilt I just run it through the rinse cycle twice without drying then run them through a complete cycle a couple of times drying in between I use no soap in the washer. Gillian.

Great first quilt!!! Look on your batting wrapping and it will give suggestions as to how close (or far apart) the quilting should be. The one I am using now suggests 2". I am just learning to machine quilt (about 5 years now lol) and I love anything that doesn't have to be marked. With SITD it is sometimes not easy to stay in the 'ditch', but when the quilt is washed it doesn't show as much. The scrappy Irish Chain I am making for my sister is going to be mostly quilted on the diagonal. You can always mix it up and do different quilting designs. Have Fun! Rosa

Bev, it's not hard. I have several of mom's quilts that I am keeping, but I have given quite a few away. Some to family & friends and some to charities. I think that would make her happy. :) Donna