Calling all quilters - help needed pretty please!

[practicallyperfect77]

So I'm headed down to my favorite place in 5 weeks...going with my sister, bro in law, 2 nephews and my niece. Kiddos have never been and I'm sure we will be visiting lots of characters (especially since we are doing lots of character meals). The kiddos are going to make autograph pillow cases, but I'm really wanting to make a quilt. I mean who doesn't love and need more blankets? =) The problem is I know nothing, zero, zilch, nada about quilting or even sewing. My mom, however can sew like crazy (made all my prom and homecoming dresses many moons ago) and said she'd help. She has made t-shirt quilts before too. Obviously I know I need to have fabric cut and bring some fabric markers, but I have lots of questions and am looking for some advice...here goes:

1. Is flannel fabric ok? I want something soft. If not, what fabric should I use that is super soft and cuddly.

2. Is there a brand of fabric that is better than others? I want it to hold up for a long time. I do have access to Joann's & Hobby Lobby but assumed there are places online as well...just not sure what kind is good.

3. How big of squares should I cut? I know I need to allow some room for a seam, but no clue how much space the characters will need to sign.

4. I read somewhere to iron on freezer paper so they can write a little easier I'm assuming this then stays on the square? I'm thinking I'll have some type of clipboard too.

5. Is there anything else that goes between top square and back assuming the freezer paper stays on. I would like to be as prepared as I can be going in. I *think* most quilts have some sort of stabilizer, but I don't know if that is needed if freezer paper is used.

6. What kind of markers are best? I have read that some people embroider over the names and I love this idea, but considering my lack of knowledge in this area, it won't happen. =(

7. I love rag quilts....not sure what you call them, but the ones with messy seams on the front. Will these hold up forever and always? (I want the quilt to last)

This is all I can think of for now. Please feel free to tell me any other tidbits of knowledge you think might help. I know I am way over my head in this, but figure it will be a great bonding experience for me and my mom too. We're not trying to win any awards either - just want some more Disney in my house. =)

 

[fairy oma]

The first thing I would do would be call or go into a local quilt shop and see what kind of marker they would recommend. I do know that the CMs have problems holding a regular pen and we usually utilize the clickster Sharpie markers (they come in different colors).

I would be afraid that the flannel would really bleed the marker into the fabric and distort the signature. There are some very soft neutral cotton quilting fabrics that just get softer as they are washed.

You can use any size block of fabric you wish but I think I would cut it 1 1/2 inches bigger than your finished block size just in case of any raveling.

The butcher paper is ironed on the backside of the fabric and when you return home I would set the autograph in with an iron set to not steam. You will remove the butcher paper once you have set the autograph.

To make the quilt "sandwich": Choose your backing, then the batting (middle) and then the top, baste it and then you can do an old fashioned tie method, have it quilted, or maybe you could talk your mom into putting her walking foot on her machine and quilt in the ditch. (she will know what that means).

When your quilt is finished, I would wash it with the Retayne (sets all colors so the quilt fabric does not bleed onto the light colored fabric. Someone says they use the Shout version that is in your laundry section at Wal-mart or grocery store.

Check out pinterest or the internet for simple quilt pattern ideas, tutorials and pictures.

Good Luck!

 

[practicallyperfect77]

Thank you so very much Fairy Oma!

 

[practicallyperfect77]

Also, I read somewhere about putting sandpaper underneath squares when characters go to sign. That the sandpaper would help marker "grip". It would be tons easier to do that vs ironing on freezer paper. But I don't want to take the lazy route if freezer paper is better. Anyone have experience with sandpaper?

 

[disneyeveryyear]

There is an awesome quilting store in Morton (in the strip mall right off of 155.

The workers there are awesome and could probably help you more than the rest of us.

 

[bringmethathorizon]

will get her to post pics in the morning.
turned out great.

 

[bringmethathorizon]

how to do pictures.
i got pictures of dw quilt if you want them i can e mail them.