Multifunctional Outdoor-Indoor Blanket Plans

To summarize my previous post about inspirations and project ideas, the aesthetic of my final project draws from how I view my personal aesthetic in both the indoors and outdoors. What I mean by this is that my aesthetic is rooted in a love of the outdoors, warm weather, colorful things, and light. When I segment my style into outdoors and indoors aesthetics, I see my outdoor style as indie, folk, adventure core, and my indoors style as warm, earthy, and eclectic. I am looking to combine the two themes into a multifunctional indoor-outdoor blanket. I am hoping to create something that will be cozy on the couch and capable of withstanding the elements when taken outside. The blanket will function as a decorative and comfortable quilt in bed or on the couch, as well as a durable picnic blanket when taken outside. To create dynamic components in the design, I’m planning to implement detachable components that help the quilt transition from inside to outside uses. My ideas so far include:

1. A detachable handle for carrying the blanket when it is rolled up
2. Snaps in each of the corners of the blanket to attach a piece of waterproof protective material to the bottom, for use outdoors
3. Since hard plastic snaps/buckles are uncomfortable against the skin when lounging, a pocket/tucking system to conceal the hardware could be helpful.

          

          

Image credit (in order): Shannon Fraser, Abby Rindfuss, Oddli, 1st Dibs, Elizabeth Daniels, Erica Marshall

Research into Quilt Making

I’m aiming to make a quilt-style blanket, and since I’ve never sewn a quilt or even a simple blanket before, I’m doing a lot of prep work to determine the methodology that will be best for me. I know that quilting typically involves many intricacies, materials, and practice, so I’m looking to implement a strategy that is beginner-friendly while still achieving my desired aesthetic. Here’s what I’ve gathered from my research: 

• Batting is the fluffy layer that goes in between the fabric patches and the solid backing of a quilt. High-loft batting will make your quilt thicker and feel more like a comforter or duvet, whereas low-loft batting is used in quilts to be hung as tapestries, quilted clothing, or any low-profile blankets. I’m going to be implementing a high-loft batting in my quilt because I want a lot of weight and thickness to it.

 Image credit: Amy Smart

• Needle sizes: you may use different needle sizes depending on what quilt-making task you are doing. Size 80/12 needles are thinner and typically used for sewing the fabric shapes together to create the colorful pattern. Size 90/14 needles are thicker and recommended for use in the quilting portion (quilting is when the additional stitches and patterns get sewn on top of the preexisting fabric patches)

    Image credit: Seamwork

• Basting: this step is used to keep 3 layers of fabric together, and it is done right before the quilting step. The 3 layers of fabric involved are the backing, the batting, and the front (patchwork) of the quilt. There are multiple techniques used in basting, three common ones being safety pins, spray basting, and needle-thread basting. I plan on purchasing a spray baste due to its efficiency and ease of use. Spray baste is essentially a glue that temporarily holds the fabric together then washes out later. The reason quilters do the basting step is to prevent wrinkles and bubbles in the fabric. 

 Image credit: Suzy Quilts

• Quilting: this step occurs right after basting. There are a million ways to quilt designs into the blanket – that’s what makes quilts so unique! Many designs are more tedious and skillful than others. Additionally, some designs require a long arm sewing machine or other special equipment. From my research, I learned that one way to still achieve a fully quilted effect with a standard sewing machine and novice level experience is through straight line quilting. With this method, you may draw straight lines with a ruler and fabric marker, then follow them with the sewing machine, no freehanding required. Another technique is quilting “in the ditch” which means following the seams of the patchwork you created and using them as a guide. Each line of quilting should be its own separate row of stitching, with a backstitch at the start and end to lock it in place. A walking foot for the sewing machine is crucial for quilting. It is able to handle the thick layer of fabric much easier than a normal foot. If the idea forge sewing machines don’t have a walking foot, I can easily purchase one and transfer it to the machine.

 Image credit: Susan Beck

My Chosen Patchwork Pattern

I found a free pattern available online from Brigitte Heitland. A photo is shown below. I will be making the same shapes, but changing out all the colors.

Image credit: Brigitte Heitland

Materials Required

Below is a list of materials I plan on purchasing for this project. 

• Polyester hi-fill batting (twin size, 81×96”)
• Piece of fabric for backing – must be big! At least 72” wide
• Fabric for quilt squares and rectangles – the number of different types I want to get is TBD, I plan on getting inspired by the options available at the store and determining my colorway in person.
• Piece of ripstop nylon for waterproof tarp layer – must be big! At least 72” wide
• 8 plastic or metal sew-on snaps
• 2 large plastic buckles for the handle 
• 1” wide nylon webbing (for use with the buckles in the handle) 
• 40w thread for quilting
• Variety pack of needles
• Depending on the materials the Idea Forge has available for me to use, washable fabric marker, sewing machine foot, basting spray

Example materials are shown below.

         

Image credit (in order): Amazon, WBC Industries, Joann, Anuprerna on Etsy

Alternatives

Other possible aesthetics to implement could be bauhaus or gorp core. Taking my blanket in a bauhaus direction would involve bolder shapes and primary colors in my quilt design, likely red, white, black, blue, and yellow. Taking the project in a gorp core direction would really lean into the outdoors gear aesthetic and I would hypothetically implement more waterproof materials and durable nylon, likely in colors such as olive green, orange, black, and possibly yellow, with minimal additional patterns.

Next Steps

Next, I will be taking a trip to Joann Fabrics store to determine the colors and patterns I want to use in my patchwork design. I will also be purchasing the snaps, buckles, and nylon at Joann. I will be taking an intro to sewing course at the Idea Forge on March 6th. I already know the basics of sewing, but I want to familiarize myself with the machines a little more and ask the instructor some questions about my project.

Sources

1. Shannon Fraser Designs https://shannonfraserdesigns.com/products/shattered-star-quilt-pattern-pdf?epik=dj0yJnU9ZWZtaGREaGRHcWlmS3RneUZ6ZDNUT1AtNEEycDlZVDcmcD0wJm49OVVKWkJZTEVvZWlJeHQyZ2pZcTlMUSZ0PUFBQUFBR2ZEalZv
2. Oddli https://oddli.com/products/the-oddli-blanket-1?srsltid=AfmBOopER1u65opShxXAHV7g5J4UkRb13rZB2c22nnWVT1cTyL0s1Qg_
3. 1st Dibs https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/more-furniture-collectibles/textiles/quilts-blankets/large-hand-quilted-patchwork-bed-quilt-made-from-organic-cotton/id-f_41230392/#zoomModalOpen
4. Elizabeth Daniels https://la.curbed.com/2012/11/21/10312656/touring-architect-ray-kappes-incredible-house-in-rustic-canyon-1
5. Erica Marshall https://www.pinterest.com/pin/1407443629219270/
6. Amy Smart https://www.diaryofaquilter.com/choosing-batting-for-a-quilt/
7. Seamwork https://www.seamwork.com/fabric-guides/how-to-choose-a-sewing-machine-needle-for-your-project
8. Suzy Quilts https://suzyquilts.com/how-to-baste-a-quilt/
9. Susan Beck https://weallsew.com/curvy-line-quilting-with-my-new-favorite-stitches/
10. Brigitte Heitland https://www.rockingchairquilts.com/spotted-by-brigitte-heitland-for-zen-chic-moda-fabrics/chpicnic-quilt-pattern-free-digital-download
11. Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Discount-Fabric-Ripstop-Resistant-Coyote/dp/B011PDOU60
12. WBC Industries https://wbcindustries.com/heavyweight-nylon-webbing
13. Joann https://www.joann.com/p/size-4-nickel-sew-on-snaps-4pk-by-fabany/19855709.html
14. Anuprerna on Etsy https://www.etsy.com/listing/1294305820/pure-cotton-yarn-dyed-fabric-design?ref=landingpage_similar_listing_bot-3&logging_key=717147c327807abf034044513d59482d616277a3%3A1294305820&listing_id=1294305820&listing_slug=pure-cotton-yarn-dyed-fabric-design