Experiments & Projects With Flannel

[@romonaelrod7870]

A quilt top made from the light blue sheet with snowflakes made from the white flannel done in chenille strips would be really cool.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh Romona, that WOULD be really really cool!! 🤩🤓❤️

[@barbarachattin-mcnichols2370]

So many ideas, so little time, but I can see a spiderweb pillow or banner in my future. I’ve used flannel for years; my first large quilt was our elder son’s dorm quilt made from all his old flannel shirts, all plaids. It included some of the pockets and button plackets and has a flannel sheet as a backing. That was 25 years ago and he still sleeps under it every night. Thanks for another video gift to us❣️

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Barbara! ❤️ What a testament to the power and beauty and comfort of quilts (and the love of those who make them) that he still uses that quilt 25 years later!🥰

[@quil10it]

It’s cooler in New England these nights so I put a flannel quilt on our bed (a log cabin quilt all made from shirts from the thrift I made 27 years ago!!) it has now been washed dozens of times and is the coziest quilt of yumminess….I usually only have it on our bed during a couple months of the year and boy is it nice to have.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

That sounds so wonderful!! ❤️

[@quiltinggurlquiltgal]

You should go take a look at Olfa’s “Decorative Edge Wave Blade”. It fits your regular rotary cutter. Learned about this blade in a class I took at Quilt Fest in Tennessee years ago. It was for a rag quilt made out of flannel. It was quilt as you go and the squares were like 4 layers. Once washed those edges made the fluffiest most textural quilt I’ve ever seen. My daughter in law slept with it until she wore it out. I’m still looking for the pattern and instructions to make another one…because of course she wants another one! It did make a ton of lint in the dryer, but worth it

[@carollynn8415]

I have this blade...and have NEVER used it!!! I WILL NOW...for a project with at least one of these faux chenille ideas!!!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh what a wonderful suggestion! I will have to check it out...and maybe find a YT video that demonstrates it! 😉

[@quiltinggurlquiltgal]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts great idea

[@pamday5532]

Rag quilts are my specialty! I use denim on the backs (cut from jeans) and shirts on the fronts. People love them. I’m making one now from purple shirts. Boy have I had a time finding men’s cotton shirts. I’ll have to send you a picture when it’s completed. Love your videos!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Pam, your rag quilts sound amazing...and yes definitely send me photos! And thank you! ❤️

[@bella-bee]

Flannel Rag quilts are fun, I’ve made one twin sized, with flannel instead of batting. It was heavy but the recipient pounced on it, so that’s ok! He was happy. I treated myself to some spring loaded snippers which I soon regarded as essential to wrist and hand health! I had to wash and dry it at the local laundrymat and they are now few and far between. Perhaps a cot quilt next time.

[@debbieware7709]

Did you know that Denim & Flowers makes flannel shirts? I left them at the thrift store as they were too pricey. Thank you for your inspirational, funny, clever, informative videos. I discovered you a few weeks ago and have watched every video. I'm a thrifter and now I have a new appreciation for shirts!

[@sableeldon5242]

Good morning all from Northern Canada. 🍁 I love working with flannel. Living in the North where it is winter from Oct - March, I wanted to make a warm quilt for my first grandchild. I added chenille strips to give it that soft fuzzy feel. After so many washes, it still is a cozy quilt that my granddaughter still uses as her travel quilt now. Recommend flannel if you have not tried it.

[@catherinehenderson4670]

With your advent calendar quilt, what about making it in the shape of a candle, which would give a long rectangle that could hang on a door? The last day of the calendar could be to attach a flame at the top. The flame could even be shaped like a star. Could further embellish with some holly leaves and berries applique.

[@LakesideQuiltmakingArts]

THIS!! So creative! Love it!

[@carollynn8415]

WHAT A GREAT IDEA!!!!!!! So many creative people!!! I just LOVE QUILTERS!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

@carollynn8415... I love quilters too! So creative and clever!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

@catherinehenderson4670 Genius! What a clever idea...I'm redoing the design now, if my next step doesn't work, I'm totally taking this idea and running with it! Thank you! ❤️

[@janetmackay1997]

The chenille cutters allows you to make chenille strips, cutting between the sewn channels

[@carollynn8415]

I just watched a KZbin video about this tool... A TRUE GAME CHANGER!!!! I WILL be doing some chanilling!!!!!

[@PPoythress-g3g]

You have such creative ideas! And I love how your brain works. I'd follow you even if I DIDN'T quilt! When you were talking about the Advent Calendar, I kept wondering how it would look if you had a green background, and you used green flannel for the felting too. If you used the white around the outside of the green "tree shape" it would look like a Christmas Tree. I'm old and grew up using and loving the quilts my ancestors made. I love the traditional designs most but I'm learning about, and I know you prefer the more modern designs. This may be way off from your vision so I will stand by to have my socks knocked off by your final design!! Thank you and your beloved spouse for all the work that goes into your videos. They provide all of us with such joy!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you Polythress!❤️ I do think that having the Advent pockets on green flannel could be cool! I'm in the process of reworking it, so we'll see what happens! 🤞🏻

[@lauramonson5182]

I am about to make another baby quilt and love the idea of adding homemade chenille...I already put minky on the back, but what baby wouldn't love pulling on the fluffy edges

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I think every baby would love to pull those fluffy edges!! I hope you add chenille, Laura, and I hope it turns out beautifully! ❤️

[@elizabethgregory9549]

Faux chenille is amazing fun and pretty easy! An older lady in my quilt guild did a class on it, with cotton on denim...so now I have a stack of thrift store jeans for a future project ❤

[@quiltinggurlquiltgal]

Were the bias strips cut from the denim?

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thrift store jeans for the win!! 🤩

[@damarisrempel9147]

The way my brain works... Sorry in advance..... I love your glasses!!!!😂 I just love your videos... I love your sense of humor... I love the way your brain works 🙃...haha. I enjoy your humor and your super informative and well thought out videos. I have been quilting for many many years... And I have learned a lot of things by trial and error!You have come to the same conclusion as I have on many issues. Thank you thank you thank you for being you! 😁😁😁❤️

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Damaris!

[@kylierigby1953]

Hi Cathy. I happened to be in Jen Kingwell's store in Torquay, near Geelong, when I was over that way in February. I saw Jen leave the store. I felt so privileged.😊 I did pick up some fabrics and some templates. I was in the store over an hour, just in awe of all the goodies and quilts hanging! It was an experience I will never forget.❤

[@giselleyoung3248]

Your creativity is showing on this video Cathy ❤ Spiderweb pillow and advent calendar ideas are so fun. I love how you play with fabrics and showcase them. Thanks for another inspiring video!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Giselle! ❤️ So. Much. 🥰

[@dianeroome972]

TY for this video. Plaid and flannel. Such a great combination! ❤ When flannel is cut up for rag quilts, some quilters add an extra strip to increase the fluffy edges. It looks very full and adds more dimension. I recommend the very first washing and drying be done at a laundromat however, because the volume of lint created can overwhelm your drainage system.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Diane! ❤️ And thank you for the recommendation...I can't imagine what I would say to Paul if I stopped up our whole drainage system with a QUILT! 😂

[@lizwarnke4689]

These are awesome ideas. Love to see your thought process and how some ideas just don't look good and it's okay to change direction. I'm going to have to try that flannel chenille process!

[@LanaGB05]

How fascinating that you turn to this technique! I've seen people stitch several layers first and then cut them all except for the last one. Multiple layers give more fluffiness, I guess.😊❤

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Lana, I imagine so!🤓❤️ I wonder at wonder point, if when adding layers for fluffiness the fabric becomes too bulky to work with?

[@LanaGB05]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts You know, out of curiosity, I went and saw that video again. They used chiffon! 😱😊🤔

[@nevafitzgerald2402]

Morning y'all ,Cathy love that quilt behind you! Your are a amazing quilter ❤

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, sweet Neva! ❤️

[@MsAmberSunshine]

I just love your plaid squares on white. I think this would be an interesting quilt on its own. One of my granddaughters attends high school and college. On one of the days driving her to college classes. She said oh grandma we should stop by there. There’s a St. Vincent’s to Paul thrift store. Did you see it? Did you see it? No sweetheart, I’m keeping my eyes on the road watching traffic. We’re traveling at 65 miles an hour. I say once I dropped her off at school. I went to check out the thrift store and back three or four times now. Yesterday I was in there twice once after I dropped my granddaughter off for her college classes. I found a few things and I also found out that they were having $.99 sale on purple tagged items. Suffice it to say I wound up walking out with probably 20 or so men’s cotton shirts. Just so very hard to pass up. I also have a question for you, Cathy or anyone who watches you. I also have a nasty habit of rescuing Kashmir men’s overcoats or suit jackets. I guess somehow I just can’t resist the feel of Kashmir or camel hair or angora or Marino if anyone has any ideas what I can do with these items other than wear them I’d greatly appreciate that. Thank you, thank you thank you so love your videos Cathy. Oh, and I do realize that Kashmir is spelled incorrectly, well incorrectly for the fabric correctly for the place. But I’m just gonna leave it that way. ❤❤❤

[@quiltinggurlquiltgal]

Those jackets might make great pillow cases.

[@paulaakers7733]

Cathy made a lovely camera bag for her husband out of wool I think. A bag of some type and size might be beautiful out of your fabric.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

MsAmberSunshine, lucky you finding such great deals at the thrift store your granddaughter discovered for you! ❤️🤩 I did make a bag out of men's wool pants, and it worked beautifully. I think bags are a great place to use that amazing cashmere suiting and overcoat fabric! Also, perhaps the backing for a picnic or car quilt. They tend to resist water and dirt really well!

[@suematcham6336]

Oh my gosh! Last weekend a small group of us drove 9 hours each way to Jen Kingwell’s beautiful shop Amitie Textiles in Torquay Victoria Australia. We attended a wool appliqué workshop by her friend Sue Spargo. While Jen did not teach she did do the majority of the catering😁. I am still chasing her recipe for chicken harissa soup. 😋I have bought commercial chenille before and was very disappointed in how it turned out, yours looked just the same.

[@LakesideQuiltmakingArts]

Oh my heavens!! You’ve given me so much to think about!!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh yay! I love having lots to think about, don't you?! 🤩❤️

[@marywoolley-nb7ct]

Soooo excited as I am hand piecing Jen’s Wensleydale quilt at the moment. It has been a delightful process if you enjoy hand sewing. I used 24 quarter metres of fabric from my stash. I am going to use linen on the back and bamboo batting so it will have gorgeous drape. Best wishes from the UK 😊

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Ooh that is going to be beautiful and have an amazing drape! ❤️

[@connierivera1758]

Planning on using flannel as backside of grandson's quilt. Great info!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Connie!❤️

[@mariecartwright]

I made a huge flannel and denim rag quilt - never again. It weighs a tin and clogged the washer filter twice while washing. Amusing now but not at the time hahah

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

😂😂 I can only imagine with flannel AND denim! 🤪

[@robertaa.8600]

Kathy, I love your sense of humor! I hope you continue to find a way to finish your advent calendar as I think it is so inventive. I keep thinking a child would love that quilt to play with (maybe have to reinforce the pockets). I have used flannel as batting instead of traditional batting. I look forward to your future projects 😊‼️

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you so much, Roberta! ❤️

[@connieg3162]

Love Jens book. Was lucky enough to attend an outdoor trunk show of hers in Nebraska with my boss last summer. She did the trunk show from the bed of a pickup. 😂

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oh that's so cool! Lucky you! ❤️

[@newtnoot2794]

Omg the SPIDERWEB!! Cathy, you've inspired me (but when do your videos not inspire creativity?). New seasonal pillowcovers coming home soon!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Aww!! Thank you, NewtNoot!❤️ Not sure if you're on IG, but if you are, send me photos of your seasonal pillowcovers!!

[@paulaakers7733]

Since I quilt, almost exclusively with flannel for baby quilts, this video is such an unexpected surprise and nothing like I expected. 😂😂😂 You are so creative and I am so curious about so many things....wish I lived next door.😊😊😊 Great work Cathy ❤ oh by the way, Halloween is my birthday. 🎉

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

@@paulaakers7733 Paula, there will likely be another video on flannel as I use it more traditionally in a quilt…but this is where I am right now! 😂 And how about that? Halloween baby! 🎃

[@paulaakers7733]

It's all about the journey! I'm onboard! ❤😊

[@diannplatt-roberts8692]

Happy, happy early birthday!!!

[@paulaakers7733]

Thank you so much!!! 😊

[@quiltinggurlquiltgal]

Happy birthday 🎂

[@colleen-elizabeth]

I get so excited when I see a new video by you! Thank you for making my day :) I am a flannel lover - I can't wait to dive in.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you so much, Colleen Elizabeth!❤️

[@Cheryl6of8]

What abput using a green flannel to do a tree outline around the pockets -- maybe even a trunk and vague branches? I think it would be a great donation for a holiday charity auction or raffle as a wall hanging. And you can use what you have learned to make one that is better suited for your home.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

That's a great idea, Cheryl! ❤️

[@sarahburke8955]

I love the idea of making the quilt, then adding the little faux chenille strips!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Me too! I really can't take on another whole quilt right now...but I want to try it out!

[@debbietrapp7757]

Good morning Cathy, I love the spider web pillow! Happy Friday! 🥰🥰🥰

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Debbie!

[@jordancprice]

Thanks so much for this video! I love working with flannel. I started with hand-me-down sheets from a family member. I dye all of my quilt fabric with procion dyes, and the flannel takes the dye really well. I just received another set, woo hoo! I’ve noticed in the thrift stores, the sheet quality really varies. They can be thick and nice, or ratty and full of pills. Also, regular cotton sheets can sometimes be too tight of a weave and hard to sew with a stiff drape, but flannel doesn’t have this problem. Stretchiness is the only thing to watch out for, when piecing, or when using it as a backing.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you for the tips, Jordan! ❤️🤓 I have found exactly what you describe in thrift store sheets---thick and nice or ratty and full of pills (and everything in between!) I'll keep in mind the stretchiness and also that it takes dye well!👍🏻

[@jane3683]

Hope you are not close to this storm be safe

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

We're not really close at all...but thank you for thinking of me!

[@lauriemarks6634]

Love me some flannel!

[@LeslieFitzpatrick-j6j]

Your red square with white strips experiment looks like the beginning of a Christmas pillow.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I thought the exact same thing! ❤️

[@zormier2002]

So creative!

[@sallycrawford7205]

Ps, I love the spider web pillow and plan to make that for my granddaughter.

[@HeikeWoolard]

Good morning and happy Fri-yay!

[@juliejeavons6949]

That Christmas tree idea. I think you should have done the faux chenille strips and then put pockets on top.

[@carollynn8415]

Agreed....I want to try THAT!!!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Julie, that's a great idea! I'm in the process of reqorking the design....maybe I'll try that!

[@juliejeavons6949]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts this video came up in my feed. Different approach to you making the strips, but it might give you some more ideas. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2WmlpmjZbCJn9ksi=wbw-xJ0GLKqjdRRc

[@sallycrawford7205]

First let me say I laughed and laughed at your explanation of not needing a flannel sheet anymore 😂. So many of us can relate. I refuse to to your advent pockets, I love the idea. Maybe rearrange your 25 19:39 pockets more tree like, maybe more rows with less pockets and outline with the accent red to define the tree in your wall hanging. You may need to move your pockets a tiny bit closer. Sooo cute!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Sally! ❤️ I'm in the process of reworking the design...we'll see what I can come up with!

[@teresacesario6247]

Thank you, Cathy !

[@lisaulrich8549]

Love that quilt on the wall behind you!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Lisa!❤

[@janetmackay1997]

Hi Cathy Have you seen the chenille cutters by olfa

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I JUST saw someone using them (in an Instagram reel)...but I didn't really know what I was watching. LOL! But it does look like a fun tool to shorten the process!

[@UsernameUnkwn21]

There is actually a tool to chennille flannel.. there is a video on it over on the quilting compound channel

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Someone else commented that too, Joan! I'll have to check it out!❤️

[@kathleendavis5727]

Such fun ideas for solid and plaid flannels. The spider web pillow top is really cute! I also like how those red strips that were too much in one project became just right in another project. I think I need a trip to the thrift store for some flannel shirts. 🙂

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Kathleen!❤️ I think you need a trip to the thrift store for flannel shirts, too!😘

[@suehorn4182]

Homespun makes good faux chenille strips.

[@shannoneaster9311]

We do love an experiment!! ❤️

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

We do!!❤️

[@jacquelinespivey2413]

What about a horizontal green squiggly line of faux chenille between the pockets to resemble the garland on a tree? Can’t wait to see what you come up with! It will be fabulous!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

What a great idea! Thank you for the suggestion, Jacqueline! 🤓❤️

[@karonwostenholme6533]

❤❤❤

[@laurenebluder7037]

Still watching your video while i crochet and had a thought about your Christmas tree advent calendar throw…..why not use Velcro to attach the pockets? Maybe make a square of the same color as the pocket so that you can still have a tree when not in use as an advent calendar? (And you wouldn’t have Velcro sticking out. that you can Then you can have the best of both worlds. Hope that made sense

[@carollynn8415]

Velcro DOTS...then they can represents Christmas Bulb ornaments once the pockets are off. ( put velcro on the edge of the back to store your pockets once removed

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

It does make sense! Thank you for the suggestion!

[@JoyDalton-i7x]

Interesting and thought provoking ideas. Then i say too much work for me right now. I’m trying for seams all coming together 😂

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Totally get that! It is definitely labor- (and time-) intensive! PS I still am working on seams together as well! 😂❤️

[@stefflcus]

You don't need wall space for your advent calendar at that size! Just hang it on a door. ...okay, maybe not a 43" door (I don't have those, either), but it wouldn't be a huge stretch to reengineer it to be 36", especially since the length wouldn't matter so long as you keep it under 7' or so. :D Because you're right. Most calendar pockets are way too puny. We women put up with pointless nanopockets too much as it is. Demand useful pocketses!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

We women DO put up with pointless nanopockets (and a thousand other things) and we need to demonstrate a better way. Even if it is just an Advent calendar! 😘

[@valeriegerard5392]

Your videos make Friday mornings my favorite mornings of the week. I actually find myself looking for you on Thursday due to my confusion. 😂 Have you ever used corduroy?

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thank you, Valerie! I have a project coming that uses corduroy...but I still need lots of practice and more corduroy shirts! ❤️🤓🤩

[@shellyculver4239]

Fun video! Thanks for sharing!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Thanks, Shelly!❤️

[@connierivera1758]

How about hand quilting the pillow top???

[@bbymks5]

Green (or grey) flannel strips on the red polkadots to look like a vintage aluminum tree?

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Oooh! That would be cool!🤩

[@diannenaworensky6698]

Veins. That is what leaves have.

[@PPoythress-g3g]

Ha! That's what I thought too!

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Yes! My goodness, I couldn't seem to get that word to come to mind!

[@diannenaworensky6698]

@@TheCatBirdQuilts It's OK. You have lots of us to help you out. ❤️❤️❤️

[@beverlyschlomann6766]

Cathy, what if you made it double sided-12 blocks on each side? It would likely be more wall hanging size…

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

MamaBev, that would definitely solve the "too wide" problem!!🤓❤️

[@marthahale3603]

Would the Melody pattern work with linen? I just bought a pile( Im from Ala. too) of linen yardage and want to try making a linen quilt. Cullman Ala. quilter.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Hi Martha...I love the Melody quilt pattern but it does have lots of HST's which aren't great for linen (unless you starch the heck of it!!) I think the only way to know is to make a practice block!

[@christi4169]

I made my design wall out of a twin size package of batting. I have tried all sorts of things and quilt pieces stick to the batting and don't fall off. I did put a backing on it and then quilted it but I don't think that would be absolutely neccessary.

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

So smart!!🤓👍🏻

[@jodiehebb9984]

So creative. I personally think the idea of the advent Christmas tree is a great idea, but wonder if your design is too flat and squat. I'd do it higher and thinner. i.e. rows of: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

I did have rows of 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 (only 5, 7 and 9) showing in the video, but I think the size of the pockets too wide. And even though I put pretty wide strips in between the rows, it still just isn't as high and thin as it needs to be!🤦🏻‍♀️

[@AftonGroveKnitter]

What is the name of the quilt pattern behind you?

[@jennjennedington279]

That is Tangled by cluck cluck sew. And there’s a Catbird video about it! The National Sew a Jelly Roll Day video. Doesn’t it look great?!?

[@jane3683]

Christmas placemats?

[@suesheehan5958]

I'm wondering if quilting the polka dot fabric before adding the strips might distort the lines that you'd want to place the strips on? Another experiment?

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Perhaps! And yes...my goodness, the experiments never end, do they?🤓

[@szelop]

I love good flannel! Cheap flannel is awful. It will pill. Rag quilts are so fluffy & warm but not for everyone!

[@caitlinmatthews1401]

OOOHHHHHH!!!!!

[@tracymaddox8546]

Could you not cut at one inch and sew down the middle and have a bit more fuzzy?

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

Not sure! It would be an excellent experiment to try!🤓🤩

[@kathleenmcginley4827]

Here early, so I'll open another window and play solitaire till the countdown is done, LOL

[@carmenbailey1560]

👍❤️🙂

[@tracyrigo9124]

Instead of a diamond pattern, why not drape the strips horizontally like garland?

[@TheCatBirdQuilts]

That's a good idea!

[@PPoythress-g3g]

All, I attended the Pensacola Quilt Show last year and saw pre-made chenille to sew on a quilt. Apparently once it's washed it fluffs up! I didn't buy any because I was already "spent-out" for the day but having all that work done for you would save so much time! Can't even tell you what it was called but I'm sure you could find it on Google.