towel patchwork
This project was fun, fun, fun! It went so fast. About one hour to cut all the pieces, another hour and a half or so to design the rows and stitch them up and lastly about an hour to stitch the rows together. All done over the course of 2 nights and one morning. I think I enjoyed this project so much because I just dove right in--no rules, no precise measuring, no one else to please except myself and I'm easy :)
Of course I was eager to put it to use right away, along with my little shadow there digging in the sand. The size is not very big, perfect for 2 people to lay down on or about 3 for sitting. All seams were zig-zagged along with the outside edge. I added the lace hem tape because I have ton and I thought it was time to start tapping into the bounty (it all came from thrift stores).
I started collecting the towels several months ago during my thrift shop outings. Vintage towels are small, not like the giant things you can get today, so this blanket took 4 towels plus one large-ish hand towel that had the pretty pink flowers and butterflies. I cut out as many 10 x 10 squares as I could get from each towel and fitted the left overs in to fill out the rows and to use as much of the towels as possible. I really like the look of the mis-matched seams and different sized shapes. Something about the randomness of it makes it very appealing to me. Once all the rows were sewn together all that was needed was to square up one edge and add the hem tape.
Reasons to love a project like this:
*fast and easy---just jump in and don't think too much :)
*if you get your towels second hand, you are recycling and re-purposing! that is always good. cheap too.
*this doubles as a blanket for sitting and as a towel for drying off with! dual function is always good. It's also a lot cuter then the plain ol' towel I usually bring to the beach.
*towels hold up to lots of use and are easy to clean.
I hope this has inspired you!
That's great! Such a good idea. Tell me, what does the reverse side look like? Did you back it with something?
Posted by: Allison | July 23, 2007 at 12:28 AM
This is so cute! Now I need to add towels to my list when I visit my local thrift stores!
Posted by: Amy | July 23, 2007 at 06:55 AM
What a great idea! I'm interested in the back side too... more pictures!!
Posted by: Anne | July 23, 2007 at 07:02 AM
Hi Allison~
The underside does not have a backing, just the raw seams. This really is as simple as can be :)
Posted by: Toni | July 23, 2007 at 07:05 AM
Its easy to tell we are moms, I was reading your reasons and wholeheartedly agreeing, yes! yes! It looks great! I love it.
Posted by: Blair | July 23, 2007 at 08:05 AM
Love it!!
Posted by: Tara | July 23, 2007 at 11:34 AM
What could be better.. being at the ocean and having the cutest towel there!!
Posted by: deb | July 23, 2007 at 11:42 AM
Big, all capital letters- INSPIRATION! Did you zigzag raw edges before joining or simply join with a zigzag? Inspired minds WANT to know!!! Jessica
Posted by: Jessica Hadden | July 23, 2007 at 01:15 PM
That does inspire me! I have made things from towels before, but never a blanket.
Posted by: Beth | July 23, 2007 at 01:25 PM
this is a fabulous idea! I've been lurking about your blog for a bit now, but must comment here, such a nice idea!
Thank you for all of your inspiration!
Posted by: emily | July 23, 2007 at 01:43 PM
Jessica~
I just joined all edges with a zigzag. You could of course zigzag first to stop all raveling, but I don't mind a little.
Posted by: Toni | July 23, 2007 at 01:44 PM
Toni...
This is lovely, this is a great idea! Thank you...
Beverly
Posted by: tea time and roses | July 23, 2007 at 01:50 PM
I *love* this idea! Yours turned out cute as anything!
Posted by: Jess | July 23, 2007 at 02:44 PM
Super cute and inspirational. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: amy | July 23, 2007 at 04:08 PM
I adore that patchwork beach blanket!
Posted by: Felicia | July 23, 2007 at 04:17 PM
Love it! This is just the sort of sewing I can handle... not overly complicated or scary at all. What's the other side look like?
Posted by: Veronique | July 23, 2007 at 05:03 PM
oh - i am totally trying this!
it looks great!
Posted by: meg | July 23, 2007 at 05:14 PM
Something about YOUR randomness that appeals to me! Your posts come in spurts and sputters, you cover lots of topics, have a light way about your writing as well as a soft kindness and humor. Your family is very lucky. And speaking of family, I have missed you posting about yours. It was good to get a peek at Noah but I am just not satisfied! :~)
Posted by: Kathe Kramer | July 23, 2007 at 05:20 PM
That's super cute. What a great idea!
Posted by: Tracy | July 23, 2007 at 05:34 PM
Really cute - the towel and the shadow.
Posted by: Mama Urchin | July 23, 2007 at 06:47 PM
Toni - you NEVER fail to inspire me!! I've been brainstorming about making a picnic blanket for someone - this will be PERFECT!! Thank you! If you really wanted a backing, thrifted bed sheets or pillow cases would be perfect!
Posted by: Laura | July 24, 2007 at 04:14 AM
The patchwork towel is great, I can see why you love the project!..thanks for the inspiration :)
Posted by: Amy Green | July 24, 2007 at 05:46 AM
As always, you are a great inspiration! What a great idea for using towels! I love how your patchwork throw turned out--love the soft colors & patterns. :o)
Posted by: Tracy | July 24, 2007 at 07:38 AM
i love that blanket! and i love all your previous comments for it! it's unanimous! great job- and inspiring too! love em
Posted by: emily | July 24, 2007 at 05:55 PM
Love it!
Posted by: mamarox | July 24, 2007 at 06:04 PM