Creating an Action Quilt – Part 7

Thinking outside the box …

I won’t be using the following doo-dads on this Action Quilt I’m making with you. I do, however, want to share how / what some “unconventional” things or ways I’ve used items on other Action Quilts. It’s “thinking outside the box” when it comes to doo-dads!

A large yellow acrylic bead threaded with grosgrain ribbon. I also took a piece of felt and cut slits large enough for the bead to go through. I stitched both the ends of the ribbon and the felt strip securely within the seam allowance of pieces.

Rubberized shelf liner… now that’s a cool texture for Loved Ones to have on an Action Quilt! It goes through the home laundry cycle (cold water/low heat) beautifully!

String ball shaped buttons on a metallic cording! Of course, I secured the ends of the cording within the seam allowance.

Take a piece of gingham and do a cross-stitch design!

Here I embellished a purchased dolly by crocheting a fun yarn around the edge, then doubled each button set and knotted a narrow satin ribbon through their holes. Knots and more knots on the back side secures the buttons – only scissors will get them off!

I bought a package of stretchy headbands… I made the ceramic pendant years ago (I rarely throw anything away) and put them together! I stitched the ends of the headband securely in place. Now the Loved One using this Action Quilt has something to put in the pocket! (In addition, with the pendant tucked inside the pocket and the caregiver using a safety pin to keep it in place, it will protect the washing machine & the dryer when going through the laundry process!)

A nicely covered pony tail band used as a slider…

I like using strap sliders on ribbon…

Sometimes, something catches my eye… like this scrapbook page design “Layering Papers”. I have it pinned on my Pinterest Action Quilts Board.

So I created something similar out of fabric…

 Tomorrow I’ll start putting the pieces together. I’m thinking I’m going to need one more fabric piece cut. It will be a perfect place to put a clear pocket for a photo!

Creating an Action Quilt - Part 5

I find adding doo-dads to an Action Quilt is the best part of the entire process! While going through my stash of ribbons, trims, and textured fabrics, I’m constantly asking myself, Would a Loved One like to touch, feel, squeeze, or work with this or that doo-dad?

In my world, doo-dad is a “catch all” term representing anything added to an Action Quilt! I’ve already shared about a pocket and zipper… there are so many other things and ways to add a doo-dads!

About 99% of the time, each individual piece of fabric I’m using – either a square or rectangle – I first stitch down the doo-dads within the seam allowance.

Note: I use a 1/4” seam allowance when joining the pieces together,

so “within” seam allowance is about 1/8” – stitched several times!

Purpose: to keep the doo-dads in place rather than getting pulled out/off.

An example:

One of my pieces cut was 6.5” square. I had a scrap of white corduroy I thought would be interesting on its corner…

Then squared it again…

I then added a bit of red balled trim, first stitched straight, then added a basket stitch for a tad of embellishment…

Easy Peasy!

Remember the other day when I wrote about not ripping out? I suggested either modify or start over! I didn’t like where the doo-dads lined up on two pieces… so, I simply took off about 1/4” on one and replaced the fishy ribbon! No. Big. Deal.

Button holes…

I’ve learned Loved Ones love to work buttons through holes. Others have recommended, large buttons work best and when the buttons are not tight against the fabric.

A few things I do when stitching buttons to an Action Quilt…

1. Use dental floss rather than thread as it’s much stronger.
2. Put a small piece of batting (or a good thick substitute) on the wrong side of the fabric where the stitches are going to come through for the button. This will make the button much more difficult to pull through the fabric itself.
3. Use a spacer, such as a toothpick, between the button and fabric when stitching it down.

On Monday,  I’ll show you how I work with fabrics like chiffon! The same process applies to organza or other soft type fabrics. I find it so exciting to add these textures to Action Quilts!

Wordless Wednesday

Photo by Queen Puff Puff