Monday, April 28, 2014

"X" is for Xilinous


Wow! We're almost done! Today is "X" in the A to Z Challenge. Only two more days after today.

We're going to round out the end of the alphabet with another BSU post. Because I love my Broncos...and so does the family.

Today's "X" word is "Xilinous". Xilinous is an obscure word meaning "of, like, or pertaining to cotton" (source). I just happen to have a lot of cotton in my fabric stash...in the form of t-shirt material left over from my dad's BSU T-Shirt Quilt. See...we're totally coming full circle here.



I made this rag quilt for my mother-in-law (also a huge BSU fan). For those of you who haven't made one before, rag quilts are very simple in technique. They make up for it at the end when you have to snip all of your seams.


If you're curious how to make one, I made a tutorial a few years back with the photo rag quilts I've made in the past.

This one was a little different than any of the rag quilts I've made before. I've never put any kind of design or writing into the pattern other than the squares. So getting the "B" on the front took a little planning. I drew out a mock up on a piece of paper before I got started and then used that as my blue print as I went square by square.


In case you're wondering, yes...it's a tiny bit off...but it's based on the actual Boise State "B" from the newest logo.

Source

See? There's a resemblance. It's not perfect, but it's pretty darned good for my first try, I think.

The back side was a much simpler pattern. Although I did get confused between front and back a couple of times. My original pattern called for the BSU fabric on the front to be orange. I didn't have enough orange t-shirt remnants in the stack, so I changed it. That really messed me up a few times. Lesson learned. If plans change, change the pattern. Duh.


And I keep saying this every time I make a rag quilt, but one of these days I will make myself one.

Thanks to all of you stopping by from A-to-Z Challenge! I love new readers. Make sure to leave me a comment below (including your blog address) so that I can return the favor by visiting you.

9 comments:

  1. First of all, well done you for figuring out how to use 'X'! Secondly, that quilt is INCREDIBLE! I'm currently knitting all these squares for a Moroccan-themed blanket I'm doing and it's soooo timeconsuming, I can't believe how amazing your quilt looks! Definitely some inspiration to get my butt into gear, Elle :-)

    Caitie xx

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    1. Thanks Caitie! You'll have to put your blanket on your blog when you're done. I'm curious to see it.

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  2. I love how you put the pictures on that one quilt. Now I'm going to have to make one for each of my kids. :) And thank you for your review!

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    1. You should totally make one! They aren't too difficult, just a little time consuming. As for the review...you bet! Thanks for the good book. I look forward to reading your others. :)

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  3. So happy to meet you! I, too, have a buffet of projects. Mine are usually writing or hometending-related.

    I love quilts, and will be checking out your tutorial when the weather cools again!

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    1. Thanks Shan! Glad you visited. I'll have to go check your projects for some ideas to add to my pile. :)

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  4. Very cool quilts and very clever X! :)

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  5. Awesome! This is a great project. You are really gifted.

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