I got my Charming Chevrons quilt shipped off to QuiltCon today. Making the quilt was fun. The bag to store it in however, was another story!
We were required to enclose our quilts in some sort of drawstring bag.
The only bags we have around here are small ditty bags (for holding misc. board gaming pieces) or larger nylon bags that hold our backpacking gear – hubby wouldn’t be too happy if I took those over.
So, I improvised. I took out a piece of string from a pair of my comfy-cozy pants (they stay up anyway) and grabbed a hunk of fabric that I thought would be big enough. It totally doesn’t match my quilt but I’m going for utility here. 🙂
With a bit of folding, ironing, pinning and sewing, I was able to sew up the sides and make a casing for the drawstring which I inserted with a safety pin and “fished” around to the other end to close. I had to remember not to sew the openings closed. This is why I don’t make totes or “crafty” items- it’s hard for me to make it all line up when I’m working in 3D, LOL!!
In the future, I’ll stick to straight flat quilts instead and buy or trade for the rest. 🙂 At least the hanging sleeve was a breeze to make following Jacquie Gering’s wonderful tutorial.
My final touch was to add a label. I don’t like adding labels (call the quilt police now!) mostly because I haven’t found a “pretty” way to make one. I first tried free-motion embroidering my name in colored thread, but that didn’t turn out so well.
Next, I tried printing text onto some fusible backed white fabric. I was afraid the glue from the fusible would either melt or harm my laser printer, but it actually turned out ok. I used a sheet of Light Steam a Seam 2 which has paper on both sides. I took off one side of paper, ironed it to the back of some solid white fabric, trimmed it down to 8.5 x 11 inches and ran it through the printer. So far so good!
I was able to print off two labels on one sheet of paper, a larger one for the bag and a smaller one for the quilt. I machined sewed the bag label and hand sewed on the quilt label.
I’ve never shipped a quilt to a show before, but I’m hoping the combination of wool and cotton batting I used will help relax the fold lines once it’s hung and give it a nice drape.
At least I can check that off my list for the week. Now for the next thing on my “to do” list…
Christa Quilts 
I live the quilted circles!!!! Very cool finish. I have to admit, while I do all my own selection of fabrics, cutting, pricing, etc, I send my quilts of to the long arm…
Thanks Krista! That’s ok – we all do what we love so we can get onto the next quilt, LOL!!
“Love” rather. And congratulations as well!
Another fan who shares your name (if not the spelling) aka Krista.
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Who knew you had to make a sleeping bag for your quilt entry? hee hee I guess only if you have ever entered one would you know. Good luck on your quilt. I am halfway thru making mine and loving it!!
txjennywren.blogspot.com
A sleeping bag – never thought about it that way! 🙂 Now I just need a pillow and I can have a camp-out with my quilt, LOL!!
Your quilt is lovely. Good Luck!
Such a beautiful quilt–great that it will be on display at QuiltCon!
Sending a quilt off to a quilt show had to have felt wonderful. Good luck.
I’m so excited for you! Sending every bit of my award-winning-karma-good-luck-wishes your way!!!
I am excited with you thanks for sharing this with us!
On Craftsy there is a free class on how to make drawstring bags. When I watched it, it just made so much sense… It’s worth a watch. Good luck on your quilt. I just love the quilting on it!
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Thanks for the tip – I’ll check it out!
Good luck on your entry, Christa! Way to go!
Krista
Best of luck on your Charming Chevrons entry, Christa!! I’ll squeeze my eyes shut tight and by sheer will, your quilt will win and award. Yea! Go Christa.
Congratulations (again) and good luck! You do yourself proud.
That’s awesome! Good luck, christa!
It must be awesome for you to have your Quilt in QuiltCon :-). I am happy for you.