Eco-Friendly Quilting

Quilts are a symbol of caring hearts and hands.  That being so, being eco-friendly/eco-conscious in quilting would seem to go hand in hand.  How can we quilters become more eco-friendly?

One way is to use reclaimed sheet fabric in our quilts.  There is an abundance of fabric for use in quilts just sitting waiting in linen closets, thrift stores, garage sales etc.  Why not use some of this abundance instead of always buying new fabric?

As one starts to explore this rich source of fabric one thing becomes clear.  The variety is endless.  The possibilities for using these fabrics is limited only by one's creativity.

Sometimes I see a sheet with beautiful colors, but I may not be fancy on the pattern design.  If cut into smaller pieces , say 5" square, or a  2 1/2" strip, the pattern almost disappears and only those gorgeous colors pop out. 

Solid color fabrics are all the rage now in quilting.  Here then is a use for those solid color sheets.  Even white sheets in good condition  have their place.  So many quilts now have white backgrounds or sashing.  Why not use reclaimed sheet fabric for this?  You'll be doing your bit by using eco-friendly practices, and at the same time creating a caring quilt.

What other eco-friendly quilting practices do you use?  I 'd love to hear your ideas.

Did you know that using reclaimed sheet fabric contributes to your creativity?  Catch my next post to learn how.

Giveaway Draw!!

 GIVEAWAY NOW ENDED 

  AND THE WINNER IS...******MICHELLE TUCKER****** CONGRATULATIONS

THANKS TO ALL WHO ENTERED


To mark starting my first blog, a giveaway draw will take place!

The item up for draw is a handcrafted large cotton tote bag.

It is 15" x 11" x 4". Lots of room to carry all that stuff you need to take with you!
The main body is in a gorgeous turquoise and brown quilting cotton fabric. The chocolate brown floral and scroll design is beautiful.
The top band, sides and handles are in a complimentary brown quilting cotton fabric that really sets off the main body fabric.
Interlined with a sturdy cotton muslin.
Lining in the same stunning turquoise print.
Button and loop closure.
Carry your supplies in style with this tote!

SeasideStudioQuilts Handcrafted Quilts and Unique Craft Supplies

Quilts that inspire feelings of joy, cheerfulness and contentment are priceless treasures. So whether you are looking for a completed quilt , ecofriendly vintage and reclaimed fabrics to create your own, or a vintage pattern, you have come to the right place. Custom quilt orders also accepted.

Want to win? Now through Sunday,Jan 18 , 2015 11:59pm PST you can enter to win a free TOTE BAG! To enter this contest simply visit SeasideStudioQuilts at www.etsy.com/shop/SeasideStudioQuilts and pick out your favorite item. Then leave a comment with your favorite item to enter. This contest is open to residents of US and Canada ages 18 and up. Limit one entry per household/person/email. Please remember to leave a way for me to contact you if you win. Your contact information will only be used for acquiring your address information should you win this contest.

You may complete each of the following tasks for one additional entry for each task completed. Please comment in a separate post for each task.

1. Become a fan of Seasidestudioquilts on Facebook. Like the page and leave a comment.
  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Seasidestudioquilts
2. Follow this blog.
 

Using reclaimed sheets in quilt making

Many quilters have never thought of using reclaimed sheet fabric in their quilts.  I'd like to mention some very good reasons to do so.

Before I do, however, let me reassure everyone that using good quality reclaimed sheet fabric does not result in a shabby, second rate quilt!!  Quite to the contrary, in fact.  Many times it's this fabric itself that makes the quilt shine.

Reclaimed sheet fabric refers to reusing a sheet for quilting instead of on the bed.  They can be ones you already own, thrift store finds and may include vintage sheets in good condition.  Many Etsy.com shops sell fabric from reclaimed sheets, or the entire sheet.  Good sources to keep in mind should you wish to start using them in your quilts.

The number one reason for using reclaimed sheet  fabric is PRICE. 

To back a quilt, for example, with a reclaimed sheet is way cheaper than buying new fabric for the back.  The cost of a reclaimed sheet is usually a small fraction of the cost of new backing material.  As an added bonus, usually one can find a sheet big enough to be a one piece back!!! Coordinating colors are not hard to find either.  I usually keep an eye out for appropriate reclaimed sheets and build up a selection of them.

Using pieces of reclaimed sheet fabric in the quilt top is great too.  Once again the cost is lower and there is a great variety of such fabrics out there to choose from.  I like to mix some reclaimed sheet fabric with new fabric in my quilt tops.  This keeps them from becoming shabby or tired looking.  Take a look at the picture below to see my latest quilt top using 2 reclaimed sheet fabrics plus 3 new fabrics.  Looks great don't you think?

 

In my next post, another good reason to use reclaimed sheet fabric in quilt making will be discussed.  Being eco-friendly,/eco-conscious, in our quilting.