Another Chenille Blanket

Good morning friends!  I hope you all had a good weekend.  

I went to the new owner classes for my new Bernina this weekend.  

It was all a little overwhelming to be honest. 

 I learned so much and realize I have so much more to work on, LOL.  

I asked my husband to attend the embroidery class too so he would know how to use it.  

He seems really interested in that part of the machine.  

He did come and I think he has a new appreciation for my sewing and for these machines too.  

My knee lifter is not lowering the foot like it should so I left her there for Jay to look at for me.  

I hope it is nothing too serious 

(being brand new I think it should all work, am I right??)

So moving on, I did sew a chenille blanket for a friend that is having a baby. 

Let me tell you what, sewing this on the new machine was AMAZING!!  

I already told you all that though, didn't I?

Supplies:

one yard of a cute printed cotton woven fabric

2 yards each of 2 different colored flannels 

(you will cut into 4 one yard cuts, 2 of one color and 2 of the other color)

Here are some of the steps:

It all begins with sewing the lines.  

I use masking tape to make a diagonal line corner to corner, then stitch down one side as a guide. 

 I then use my walking foot with the guide to continue to sew lines 5/8" apart 

until the whole blanket is covered in lines.  

This next step is quite tedious, 

but you cut down the channel of each line until all the channels are cut apart.  

As you can see, I only cut the top 3 layers of flannel.  

I do NOT cut through the layer of flannel that is next to the back side (the colorful print).  

Leaving this layer intact, makes the blanket more stable.  

Also, I have started using spray baste to baste the layers together.  

I spray all the layers EXCEPT one.  

I do NOT spray between the first and second layer of the flannel as this is where you have to cut.  

I did spray all the layers one time. 

 Yeah, and it made it MUCH more difficult to cut.  

Just learn from my mistake and don't do that!  

So like this:

Print-->baste-->1st flannel-->NO BASTE-->2nd flannel-->baste-->3rd flannel-->baste-->4th flannel.

I hope this makes it clear how to baste and layer. 

 Ask me if you have any questions.  Also, there is a tutorial link in my header.  

The next step is to square up your blanket.  

I fold once width wise and trim, then refold length wise and trim.  

Once it is squared up you need to put the binding on.  

I put it on by machine.  

I don't usually do this for my quilts, but these will see a lot of washing (potentially).  

Additionally, it makes this step go more quickly. 

 I have found using Elmer's washable school glue to put the binding in place

makes the machine stitching so fast!

Now you are ready for the magic!

Toss the blanket into the washer then the dryer and voila!

You now have an amazing fuzzy chenille blanket.

Isn't this so cute??  

It is also so easy!  

These are great shower gifts or easy baby gifts.  

I use the cheap flannel from Joann Fabrics and they work great.  

I have been trying to use up some of the novelty prints I have in my stash and 

make these with what I have.  

I usually end up purchasing some flannel though so watch for that to go on sale.  

I bring the print fabric with me so I can match the flannel colors.  

I like to get 2 yards of 2 colors and alternate.  

I have done lots of different color ways and found I like this one the best.  

I like the way the "chenille" looks, and when I go to cut the 3 layers I can tell 

(because the bottom layer is a different color) 

where to cut and where NOT to cut.  

This little Nemo blanket is ready for me to gift.  

I need to go and buy a gift bag tonight so I can gift it tomorrow.  

I would love to hear from you if you have tried one of these blankets or

 if you are interested in trying the technique.

Have a great Monday!

~XOP~