Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Shaggy Doormat!

I have had a bit of fun at the sewing machine this morning! I am in need of a new doormat

and have been inspired by one I saw at Dear Friend Pat's, last week.
I know most of you have done some 'shaggies' over the years - however, I think it's nice to resurrect old styles and techniques from time to time. It is well over 4 years since I made our littlest twins their baby blankies using this style, so thought I would do a re-try and maybe make it a little quicker and easier this time.
I used the same backing for all squares ($3/metre at Spotlight), cotton wadding and the top some lovely old Reproductions once again.
I cut the wadding finished square sizes, i.e. 7 inches for the large squares and 3 1/2 inches for the small squares.
The backing and top squares I cut 8 1/2 inches and 5 inches respectively, this leaving me 3/4 inch seam allowance all around. This meant I didn't have to stress my hand cutting through the wadding layer as well as the top and backing when I snipped to create the fringing effect.
I used smallish dabs of the water-soluble gluestick to fix the 3 layers together.

Then I quilted with just a normal machine stitch from corner to corner on each square.

Next I joined the squares in 3 rows, right side up, with a 3/4 inch seam allowance. I found it easier to work with if I pressed all seams open.
Check the layout above. I used a triple strength stitch to go around the perimeter, 3/4 inch in from the edge, to form the outer fringe. Then I snipped all seam allowances at roughly 1/2 inch intervals. Of course, then it was into the washing machine and dryer!
Voila! Now I have a nice, bright, new doormat! It measure 35 inches by 21 1/2 inches and this is the perfect size for me. I will probably cut a piece of non-slip to size to lay under the mat.
Off to shop for dinner, now - 'bye!
PS - is anyone else having problems with line-spacing or is it only me!

11 Lovely People said ...:

Unknown said...

Love your New Mat Lurline...too cute.
cheers
maree

Kristie said...

I love the fabrics that you used in this beautiful mat! As many quilts as I have made over the years I have never made a shaggy one! I have a new nephew do this week so I may have to try one for him.
Kristie

Julia said...

Love the mat Lurline...the repro's look great in it.
Hugs Julia

em's scrapbag said...

Lovely mat. I wouldn't dare use it at my house to many dirty teenage boy feet running through.

Shari said...

Hi Lurline!! Happy Halloween! You've been boo-ed. Come back to my place to receive your treat!

PS Love the doormat!!

Myra said...

Too pretty to use as a mat...I'd be scared to throw it on the floor at the door... 8-)

Peg - Happy In Quilting said...

Lurline your door mat looks fantastic...I love making shaggy quilts..

Kris said...

What a great idea for a mat! Yours looks fantastic. I always thought shaggy quilts were not real quilts. Till I made one! I love them! So quick and it's real quilty goodness!!!

Pearl said...

Hi Lurline,
Just wanted to say I love the mat, it's given me a good idea.
I could do something similar to use up some of my leftover fabric. :)

SueR said...

Hi Lurline, you always have such interesting projects on your blog. I love your shaggy mat, have never made one, but it's on my list! Thanks for your instructions. Was there batting inside or no? Your coasters and tablerunner were really fun too. When you did your bigstitch, did the perle cotton cause any bearding? Something else I always wanted to try and never made time for. As for the purists, I consider that there aren't any rules anymore, do what you want, it's all good!

Wendy said...

What a neat idea and it's washable too. Thanks for sharing how you made this.