Lessons from an Old UGLY QUILT || Ugly but LOVED!

[@quiltgram3056]

Hi Kris. I Love, love this quilt! I’m a born and raised New Englander lining in Maine. New Englander are often associated with individualism, hardiness, and independence. If this quilt were mine, I would lovingly add, “it’s a bit quirky”. When I tell my hubby that about a quilt, he immediately knows it’s a favorite of mine. This quilt vibrates, strength, purpose, and warmth all rolled up into one! It was ‘born’ to be in a Maine cabin. Lol! I can almost smell pine needles, dying coal embers and fresh cold air emanating from the quilt. God bless and working my up this series of videos.

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you so much! ❤️❤️❤️

[@pattysherwood7091]

A utility quilt. Serving a function. You don’t have to worry about it. My great aunt made awful quilts but those were the ones we always used.

[@SewtheDistance]

Yes! Totally agree. Thanks for watching!

[@suzanne529]

Growing up we had an old quilt we called "Lumpy". Everyone wanted to cuddle up with Lumpy. The batting had come loose and made the lumps all over. I think my brother took Lumpy with him when he moved from home.

[@SewtheDistance]

Isn't it funny how these odd quilts become family favorites? It says a lot about our world as makers, doesn't it? Quilting provides some much more than just a hobby. It really does touch lives. When we decided to move, both of our sons asked if they could have this quilt. LOL! I told them they would have to work it out between them.

[@beverlybenson4839]

❤🤗

[@barbarasinopoli7690]

Love this!!

[@barbarasinopoli7690]

@@SewtheDistance our family favorites were the ones our Gramma made out of whatever was in her scrap closet. Weird flannels, bits of shirts, repurposed sheets and pillowcases. But due to years of prior use, they were SO SOFT! And so comforting. You felt surrounded by family when you wrapped up in one of those

[@sewbeitquilts]

A true scrap quilt! Repurposed a blanket even! How fun.

[@SewtheDistance]

Yes! My aunt contacted me after I posted this video to tell me they are called Haps and that her mother would make them. I am learning so much! I am going to do a follow-up on these after a get a few more videos made.

[@alisonmary1443]

Looks like a good use of otherwise useless fabric, there is something endearing about it, it shouts homely comfort when you don't have visitors 😁 PS Thank you I am enjoying the videos, getting inspired and learning a lot.

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you so much! I agree. It really is an endearing quilt.

[@barbarasinopoli7690]

Not so very ugly, this quilt has its own charm. And the back is super fun! About 90 zillion ties though, they don’t add to the beauty. But clearly, comfort is in the eye of the beholder!!

[@SewtheDistance]

I mean ugly in the most endearing way possible. Such a family favorite. We use this one all the time. ❤

[@barbarasinopoli7690]

My grandmother often used old blankets as the batting for a new quilt. And yes, they were heavy! But soooo comforting

[@SewtheDistance]

Love it! I have reviewed a lot of old quilts where they did just that. Thank you for sharing!

[@sherimcneil3079]

It was made by someone that wanted to keep her family warm! I have lots of quilts from my granny and great grannies that are "string quilts". Not fancy, usually used a blanket or older quilt for the batting, made with scraps, some of the scraps were pieced to make a big enough piece for the quilt. I wouldn't trade them form the most perfect new quilt ever made. I knew and loved these hard working, loving, farm women and they LOVED their families! Thank you for sharing your quilt and it's story.

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you! That is awesome! Growing up in farm country (and returning to farm country soon!), I love those hard-working farm women and am happy to be able to learn from them as well. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@charlavaught2681]

I really enjoy your series, "Lessons from an Old Quilt." I think some of the quilts you have shown that have differences in construction may have different makers on the same quilt. Maybe a mother or grandmother sewing with a child, maybe a quilting bee, or someone finishing a quilt someone else started. Just a thought.....

[@SewtheDistance]

I think you may be right! That or even started and finished at different times as skills change and develop. Thank you for your kind words!

[@cindybaker7543]

My Grandmother had a quilt something like yours. When we would go stay with her especially in the winter. She would cover us over with it. I do think hers may have had a wool blanket inside as the batting. And when you got nested in you couldn't move, but you stayed so toasty and warm. I wish I had it now. great memories

[@SewtheDistance]

I love this! Quilt create such wonderful memories, don't they? Thank you for sharing this memory.

[@quiltgram3056]

Hi Kris, I Love, love this quilt! It has warmth, character and what I call a bit if quirkiness. (I only use this term for special quilts). I’m a born and raised New Englander….. well known for their thriftiness, hardiness and of course, individualism

[@SewtheDistance]

Completely agree! We lived in Massachusetts for 27 years and just recently moved back to where my husband and I grew up (rural Pennsylvania). These quilts--called Haps here in Pa--are everywhere. I love them! Glad you are enjoying this series! I have many more quilts to review and discuss! More to come in 2023!

[@crochetedlace2838]

I have a 100% wool blanket in terrible pink, orange, brown plaid. The wool is wonderful quality, the colors nauseating. So I'm making patchwork to cover it. I also have a large wool blend blanket That's very warm but picks up every scrap of dust or pet hair. I think it will become a cozy quilt middle.

[@SewtheDistance]

Love this! They are going to make warm quilts!

[@berthaemerson9060]

Wow!!! What a crazy cool quilt.22lbs.I like it.😊😊😊

[@SewtheDistance]

It really is! ❤️

[@lindalosier5989]

I love this quilt!! It reminds me of the quilts my grandmother had. I slept under them many times growing up!!

[@SewtheDistance]

It is such a favorite here. It is heavy and warm and the one we all grab when we aren't feeling well. I just love this ugly quilt. Thank you so much for sharing. I love when these old quilts spark memories. ❤️❤️❤️

[@jacquiwilmot7802]

Hi there, just found your channel after typing in vintage quilts! I hail from England and we don't have such a long tradition of patchwork and quilting, but I sometimes pick up small unfinished pieces in charity shops. I love the unusual fabrics especially when they're old.. When I started making quilts, I read loads of books and got stressed out, so I went my own way. Couldn't afford batting so just recycled blankets or heavy sheets. Anyway, thanks, really enjoyed your vid and have liked and subscribed

[@SewtheDistance]

Hello from the United States! I love that you went your own way. I do feel like quilting has too many "rules" which can be intimidating for new quilters. Good for you for breaking away from the so-called rules! Thank you so much for commenting and watching!

[@gjones9409]

Hi Jaquie, I live in Wales and also use old blankets in my quilts. There is a strong history of quilting in Wales. Siôn Cwilt was a pirate from mid Wales who was famous for the quilt he had. Also when a son emigrated a mother would give him a quilt to take with him as she knew she would never see him again (I tear up whenever I think of this). There is also evidence that the Amish quilts were influenced by Welsh quilts. Gwenllian 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@KnitzyKitzy]

Actually we can trace quilting back to the medieval times in England and the rest of the UK. It just fell out of fashion and was revived in the US many say down to Eleanor Roosevelt’s interest. It was taken to the Isle of Man by people from the UK and if you look at their quilts it is amazing what you can make with the barest of materials, often without even scissors! It is great to see quilting making a come back in the UK too. My favourite quilts are the quirkier scrappy or utility ones.

[@SnapDragon764]

Actually I love it lots of character...I’ve made a few just waste not want nots And Thank you I enjoy your show muchly

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you! It is a cool quilt. So happy you enjoyed watching it.

[@marywise2014]

I enjoyed this video. Just shows many ways of displaying old fabrics whether from clothing, just old fabrics lying around, or other blankets. Thank you for another very informative video!

[@SewtheDistance]

Glad it was helpful! This is a family favorite, for sure! My son was home visiting a few months ago and asked for this quilt. It is a great one!

[@lyndacottam397]

Oh Kris. How can you say it’s ugly. I think it’s lovely. But maybe because I can’t see the whole. Thanks for taking the time to talk about it. Think I may try “hand tying” xx

[@SewtheDistance]

I meant ugly in the best way possible. 😊 We absolutely LOVE this quilt in our house. It is a great one. Please forgive my word choice. It is what we call it. 🥰

[@lyndacottam397]

@@SewtheDistance ahh. I understand. I think what you mean is the palette isn’t to your taste? Love the content. It’s quite varied, never boring, and leaves me always wanting more please Kris xx

[@ameliajones948]

You are doing an awesome job. Thank you for sharing! I miss YOU!

[@SewtheDistance]

Me too!! I need to get to Ohio! And thank you so much!

[@BlueEyedDemonWoman]

A friend of mine had a quilt their mom made...very simple using squares of polyester knit for the front...was HEAVY and ugly but well loved.

[@SewtheDistance]

Sometimes those ugly quilts are the best and most memorable quilts. Love this!

[@grandymommy4531]

My first quilt was made of old blankets and I don't know what else. It was filled with an old blanket. The only quilts i'd seen made were solid fabric on both sides with ties for quick baby quilts, so I used ties. I needed something easy to roll up and put on a pack that would keep my little son and myself warm. The first time I washed it it did well so I must have used cold water. The second time I washed it it was ruined so I must have used some wool in it and washed in warm or hot water. It was a learn as you go experience.

[@SewtheDistance]

Oh no! I, too, have ruined quilts like this. I am so sorry. Sometimes those lessons are hard to learn. I wish you still had that quilt. My son wanted to wash this one--I told him no! We will vacuum it, spot clean it, and hang it outside, but we won't be washing it. He kind of rolled his eyes, so I am sure after I am gone, he will learn this lesson the hard way, too. Thank you so much for watching and commenting! Happy Sewing!

[@susyk6839]

It is a great one to not fear washing! Thank you for sharing! I need to make this type too! Maybe get a friend to join me in an ugly quilt competition!

[@SewtheDistance]

My pleasure! Love that idea!

[@marionbarber984]

Jan. 23, 2024. I love the fabric choices. Really a warm family quilt. Can you wash it so it doesn't fall apart? The first quilt I made was a baby quilt and I tied it. The other nurse I worked with, who got me started quilting in 2000, tied her quilts. So pretty. Thank you, Kris. Marion

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you so much for watching and sharing! ❤️ This quilt has never been washed, but I have aired it out on the clothes line many times. I don't even know if I could wash it because of the weight of it. I wish I could help! I do wash most of my old quilts but not this one. I would probably stay together but the weight would be the issue.

[@phyllisdippert2216]

I thought of you the other day when i pulled out my first quilt. I didnt know anything about quilting. I used cheap polyester fabric which i did not prewash. It was red, white and blue. It was a folded star pattern that i didnt sew right and tried ti tie. There was easily a foot distance between the ties. Needless to say, the back came away from the front.ugh! I tossed it! But i did learn alot from it! Really enjoy your videos!

[@SewtheDistance]

I love this! Those beginning quilts certainly do teach us so much.

[@abigaildolinger2754]

Oftentimes utility quilts are the most favored, used most and therefore remembered most. (If you run out of old quilts to talk about, I can lend you several. LOL)

[@SewtheDistance]

Aren't they the greatest quilts? I love them too. Thanks for the offer! I currently have 36 in my collection, but just when I think I won't by find another, one appears. They seem to find me. :)

[@deloresrast8543]

My husbands grand mother would cover a worn out quilt with new top, back and binding.

[@SewtheDistance]

I have a few of those in my collection, too! Aren't they amazing?!

[@deloresrast8543]

@@SewtheDistance yes and very heavy!!!

[@lillieromero6982]

The 'top' is very beautiful. It's all in the eye of the beholder! I don't like the fabrics on the back. Lol

[@SewtheDistance]

LOL! Right? it is an interesting quilt, but it is a bit ugly, in the most endearing way possible. :) Thanks for watching!

[@janemack2667]

I liked the back of the quilt. Thought it pretty! Opinions vary!

[@terrymoore783]

There are NO ugly Quilts, it really bothers me when people say that. If someone took the time and love to make something, then it is beautiful.

[@SewtheDistance]

This is what we call it in our house. It is affectionately known as the ugly quilt. I love the name, but I can understand that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and for watching this video. ❤️❤️❤️

[@melaniehenson8628]

Hello. Love your videos ..so interesting and informative. Thank you so much for taking the time to make these videos..I'll definitely be subscribing and looking forward to more. Just a small comment...maybe consider ditching the background music..its a little distracting.

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you! For some reason, KZbin is promoting this older video--not exactly sure why! LOL! I stopped using music. I also found it annoyed but followed some terrible advice and would add it. Unfortunately, unless you use KZbin for editing (I do not), I can't removed the music once it is published. The only think I can do it delete it and republish it in realtime. Soooooo, the annoying ones are staying. LOL! BUT the music does stop. I know I haven't added music for probably a year now, or it feels that way. Either way, thank you so much for watching and commenting!

[@melaniehenson8628]

@@SewtheDistance bless you..thanks for replying. Will continue to watch your lovely videos as I continue my quilting journey.

[@suekelly840]

What makes that quilt so heavy?

[@SewtheDistance]

Great question! I believe it is from the blanket that is inside of it. It is a very heavy blanket.

[@charlottekluever180]

The video is interesting and informative, but the background music is very annoying and distracting.

[@SewtheDistance]

Glad you enjoyed most of the content. 😊 I don’t add background music to my latest videos. I was still figuring out KZbin when I made this one. I hope you check out my latest ones, too. I think you find a big improvement. I’m continually learning and trying my best to improve.

[@charlottekluever180]

@@SewtheDistance I will indeed! I’m a retired music teacher and I’m probably more annoyed by some kinds of background music than most people. Thank you so much for the content you are posting.

[@SewtheDistance]

@@charlottekluever180 I received a lot of feedback about the music. It wasn't just you. Even when I watch my old videos, I cringe. :) I appreciate your honesty!

[@crochetedlace2838]

Your words are great, dumb music interferes with useful content.

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you very much for your feedback. When I started this journey, I really didn't know how to do this; however, I have since removed the music from my latest videos. I agree. It can be distracting. I try to improve with each video and feedback like this helps me improve. So happy you love the content!