For my first blog post, I'm going to reveal that longarm machine quilters are numerous and opinionated. For instance, there is a machine quilters' debate going on about using a bedsheet as backing on a quilt.
The YES side says it is the green thing to do and most don't have any trouble quilting through the sheets as long as they have been washed numerous times to loosen up the weave. Others point out that using sheets as backing usually means no seams.
The NO side says 300-thread count and higher sheets require excessive prep work (larger needles and tricky tension adjustments), and are too much trouble when they are quilted.
So here's my response for Tillie's customers: If you find a used sheet (cotton feels best) that's loosely woven, in good shape (no holes or tears, etc.), and you trim off the hems and press it before sending it, I'll quilt it. After all, quilting is the most practical and prettiest way that I know of to recycle.
Guess that means I'm a YES.
Update: I recently quilted a top AND bottom using polyester sheets using a thin poly batting (pictured). No problems at all. The top was a plain yellow sheet that had been used for years as the tablecloth at birthday parties beginning when the child was two. The party guests outlined their handprints with permanent marker on the cloth and signed their names and the date. The back of the quilt was a juvenile print twin sheet (PacMan, for goodness sake). I quilted it with a cute panto pattern and the result was a snuggly memory quilt.
This turned out so sweet! And what a cool way to remember and reuse childhood bedding. Remember my Sesame Street sheets? I sure do.
Posted by: amy k. | 03/02/2011 at 08:29 PM
Your quilt is beautiful! And I've got to say, for this being your 1st blog post, I'm quite impressed. You're already blogging like an experienced blogger. Welcome to our world & thank you for welcoming us to yours. <3
Posted by: dianemarie | 03/05/2011 at 01:28 PM
Hi "Grammy" and welcome to blogland. I don't blog myself, but enjoy others, for instance, your daughter's. Over the last several months I have read hers from the beginning one to present and enjoyed it very much. I'm making the "princess and the pea bed" right now for a great niece from her inspiration. I look forward to reading your blog as well, as we are in the same age bracket, and have similar interests. I have not commented on Amy's blog as yet, but love to read each new post, as I am sure I will yours ,too. Welcome!! Margaret
Posted by: Margaret Goodman | 03/05/2011 at 01:37 PM
I am glad you are in the 'YES" camp. I think it is not only a wonderfully green way to recycle but one of the best way to keep treasured memories.
Posted by: ingrid | 03/05/2011 at 02:19 PM
My mother used my childhood Holly Hobby sheets to back a quilt she made for me. I love it - the quilt is actually quite elegant topside, but on the flip side, when I snuggle beneath it, I'm taken back to her tucking me into bed as a child. It's a happy thing! Consider me a YES too!
Posted by: Yolanda | 03/05/2011 at 11:00 PM
This is awesome. THe pacman sheet quilt is perfect. I've never made a quilt before but would love to recreate one of these. Super cool!
Posted by: urban craft | 03/06/2011 at 07:29 PM
I love the Pac-Man quilt! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on using sheets. I'm a YES too :)
Posted by: susan | 03/20/2011 at 04:56 PM
Very nice looking bed sheet I need something cool and stylish bed sheet. Please recommend me some sites. Thanks
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Posted by: Pauline Payne | 09/11/2011 at 10:36 AM