Need help making several lap quilts..scrappy if possible

Since I moved, I haven't been to the prayer meetings at my church but went this morning and remembered how COLD it is in that room... but they can't afford to run the heater for the hour we are there so all the ladies (mostly older ones ) huddle around a little room heater that doesn't do that much. So it hit me that i need to make lap quilts for the meeting. I'd like to say one for each lady, and maybe I can do that, but for now, I will just do as many as I can. Granted, I'll probably not get them done before summer hits and they'll have to wait to actually be used that much till next winter, but then they'll be set!

So I was thinking the fastest way to make many quilts is scrappy quilts. I'm not a fan of them, as i prefer more specific, organized, structured with a memory quilts...but in this case... none of that matters. Warmth is all that matters.

So I was wonder/hoping I could get some input on the easiest way and the fastest way and with some inexpensive ways to get these scrappy quilts done. Maybe I could get a bunch of them done for them to use before the cold leaves for the summer!

Anyone that has some good "patterns" or structure patterns, please let me know...send a picture, link to a tut..anything you can tell me to help me do this. I watch many YouTubes, but still...I have no idea where/how to start them, beginning with the scraps...I have some, not many of 100% cotton, but if using small squares I think I can make the 50/50 cotton/poly work at least on some areas of it. I do have a couple paks of charms that I have not thought of a use for and now have a use for so I know I can just whip up probably 2-3 of those pretty quick since color designation isn't an issue. (I really have to lower my organized standards some!) NOt to say scrappy quilts aren't organized..it's just a "me" thing. I need to get out of the box!

I say Scrappy quilts as that is just what pops into mind, but if you have any other idea for making a quick quilt..other than jelly rolls...I don't have the money to buy new stuff... I have to use what I have. I have a couple charm packs that I bought but without anything in mind so I know that I can, if all else fails..just make up couple of charm packers...that'd be quick, easy and still nice.

So if you have any suggestions, tips, thoughts, ideas or comments to help me get about 4-5 of these laps quilts done, quickly but nicely...please...send them my way! Thanks.

BTW..what is the "normal" size for a lap quilt? I tend to start my quilts from the inside and work outward and have trouble actually following a pattern as I usually create/design my own because I have a reason and theme I want to do and sometimes the size isn't "normal" size.

Here's a site that has some nice quilt blocks, says a nice lap size is 57 x 57.

Old and New Testament Bible Quilt Block Patterns

Here's a couple that would be good for using scraps:
Children of Israel Quilt
Garden of Eden

Hope this helps.

Try a string quilt. I have enough scraps now I am going to tackle one of these. Here is a link to a quick and easy one. You can use newspaper or any old paper around for the backing. http://www.filminthefridge.com/2009/...pieced-method/

Another way I have seen it done is to simply sew your strips together and then use a square to cut them out, no paper required.

I like using 8-1/2" squares sewed into half-square triangles. You can make any kind of design you want, if you use light and darks together you can make diamonds, zigzags, hearts, anything. If you look on my gallery, I have made 6 different quilts using half square triangles. You can make a top in an evening. Some are make from charm squares and borders.
Here are a few of them:

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Originally Posted by Jean Sewing Machine

I like using 8-1/2" squares sewed into half-square triangles. You can make any kind of design you want, if you use light and darks together you can make diamonds, zigzags, hearts, anything. If you look on my gallery, I have made 6 different quilts using half square triangles. You can make a top in an evening. Some are make from charm squares and borders.
Here are a few of them:

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Those are amazing! My GD would Love to have the halloween one! But I see the squares...and will keep them in mind. I don't have cotton scraps that big, but might at a later date...there is always a sale at the fabric store with my name on it! Thanks!

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Originally Posted by BellasQuilts

Try a string quilt. I have enough scraps now I am going to tackle one of these. Here is a link to a quick and easy one. You can use newspaper or any old paper around for the backing. http://www.filminthefridge.com/2009/...pieced-method/

Another way I have seen it done is to simply sew your strips together and then use a square to cut them out, no paper required.

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Thanks! That is kind of exactly what I am looking for. I think I can do those with the fabric I have. I am limited on money,but the fabric sales at Joanne's often have affordable cotton. THanks for the directions. I

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Originally Posted by ShirleyPickett

Here's a site that has some nice quilt blocks, says a nice lap size is 57 x 57.

Old and New Testament Bible Quilt Block Patterns

Here's a couple that would be good for using scraps:
Children of Israel Quilt


Garden of Eden

Hope this helps.

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How totally appropriate! I will book mark that page. I think most of them are out of my ability at the moment..but I am going to choose one and start practicing! Thanks so much!

Cherie, why couldn't one use the self binding baby quilt pattern and possibly adjust the size? That would be a quick one. Just a thought.
shirleyj

I made X & O from scraps, came together in a weekend, I used what I had and the white I bought at goodwill, those are used but still very good hospitalsheet a dollor each and lots of beautiful cotton fabric.
Maybe a thought, I think the idea what you are planning is great, wish I lived closer so I could help you out!

Do any of the other ladies in your group sew? They may have scraps too. This would be a great activity for your group and add to your fellowship.

I love the idea of the sheets. I bought tons of vintage pillowcases at Goodwill and use them for lap quilts. Each is roughly a fat quarter, are soft and cozy when sewn into a quilt and have a wonderful vintage feel and look for "older" folks!

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Originally Posted by shirleyj

Cherie, why couldn't one use the self binding baby quilt pattern and possibly adjust the size? That would be a quick one. Just a thought.
shirleyj

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Thanks for the suggestion. I had just heard about those here, but..that is how I used to do it "back in the day" when I first started quilting. I didn't think I could handle or learn how to quilt the right way with all the squares and binding and stuff, so I just did it this way...now called the "self binding" way. I want to use up my scraps tho and to me...binding is not a problem. Of all the parts of quilting...binding to me is the easiest part. Even the corners..although a bit of talent needed there....I still rather enjoy the binding part of a quilt.

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Originally Posted by Klasien

I made X & O from scraps, came together in a weekend, I used what I had and the white I bought at goodwill, those are used but still very good hospitalsheet a dollor each and lots of beautiful cotton fabric.
Maybe a thought, I think the idea what you are planning is great, wish I lived closer so I could help you out!

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Wow,,,that in a weekend? Good for you! I dont' think I am at that level of talent yet! But I am also viewing this venture as a learning experience to. I want to learn to work with the smaller pieces and not go crazy while doing it! Maybe some day soon I can get on elike this done in a weekend!

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Originally Posted by Denis

Do any of the other ladies in your group sew? They may have scraps too. This would be a great activity for your group and add to your fellowship.

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No, I am the only one. Most of the ladies are in their 60's-70's. I am the only younger one! But it is a nice thought!

Jean, I love these. They seems like a good pattern for someone like me that needs simple patterns until I get better at quilting. You did a whole top in one evening, Wow! I must be very slow then :( How many half triangles do you need to make a full size quilt? Do you buy them precut or cut them yourself? Thanks!

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Originally Posted by EnumclawGramma

I love the idea of the sheets. I bought tons of vintage pillowcases at Goodwill and use them for lap quilts. Each is roughly a fat quarter, are soft and cozy when sewn into a quilt and have a wonderful vintage feel and look for "older" folks!

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I have been going to my local HUGE thrift shop and don't find much in the way of sewing there. The sheets are to used to be good enough to hold shape and all for quilting(tried them!) and seldom is there any fabric. I wish they'd have more! Seems like they would, as the Joannes that was in this tri-city area was always packed and the fabric side the most packed! They just relocated that store down here to my city of the three and I have been 3 times in the past 2 weeks since it opened and packed isn't sufficient. The cutting table is always had "standing room only" and they have "take a number" system. The register line is literally and I do mean literally from the front of the store to the very back wall!!! So there are sewers there, I guess they are just using their scraps and have nothing to donate!!! But I keep watching the thrift stores, never know what you will find!

My favorite pattern for a scrappy quilt is the bow tie.

The half triangle quilts are wonderful! I agree that they are fast and so versatile...you don't need to make them huge...I am doing a rainbow using 4 inch squares and you would be surprised how fast they go!

Can't wait to see them...what a sweet thing for you to do!

alwaysinmyroom - I'd love to see a picture of your rainbow. That sounds like a good one for scraps and quick to.

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Originally Posted by Jean Sewing Machine

I like using 8-1/2" squares sewed into half-square triangles. You can make any kind of design you want, if you use light and darks together you can make diamonds, zigzags, hearts, anything. If you look on my gallery, I have made 6 different quilts using half square triangles. You can make a top in an evening. Some are make from charm squares and borders.
Here are a few of them:

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Jean..do you have the instructions/requirements for the heart quilt you show here? It is to big for my lap quilts but I have a grand daughter that would love that one only in purples.. I really like the 1/2 square/triangle theme and versitility...I really want to learn new patterns like this.

Cheri,

I have tons of scraps; e-mail me and I'll send you an envelope full. Not much, but a little more than you have now? donndan@centurylink.net.

Good strengths with your generous, caring and kind project!

Danielle

If you will PM me your addy I can send you a bunch of homemade charms....I literally have hundreds of them! So would be happy to share in your project!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jean Sewing Machine

I like using 8-1/2" squares sewed into half-square triangles. You can make any kind of design you want, if you use light and darks together you can make diamonds, zigzags, hearts, anything. If you look on my gallery, I have made 6 different quilts using half square triangles. You can make a top in an evening. Some are make from charm squares and borders.
Here are a few of them:

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how did you do that heart one?!? I love it!!! is there a tutorial somewhere?

Klasien, I absolutely love your X & O quilt! You did a very nice job and it really inspires me to use up my scraps! Jean, your quilts are very beautiful too! You really are a "sewing machine". :icon_happy:

Shirley, thanks for the link. I, too, want to try some of those blocks, but I need to finish some other things first before I start on another project. Finally, Cheri, I don't have any advice for you, but wanted to tell you that I think that's such a lovely thought to make quilts for your prayer group.

Have you thought about using mens shirts from the thrift store. You could cut them into charms and make h/s. Mens dress shirts are usually 100% cotton.


If you will pm me I will send you a envelope of scraps when I make a border run on Saturday.

Cheryl

scrappy log cabins are one of my favs and they go together really quick!
also, as mentioned above, L or XL men's dress shirts work great for cheap scrap fabric! Plus you get buttons for other crafties!