For someone who has never sewn before, the mere thought of making a quilt of any kind is intimidating. But if you have access to a sewing machine, and if you can sew a straight line, then making a rag quilt is EASY. Literally, sewing a straight line is the only talent you need. It's not that making a rag quilt is too difficult, it's that it takes time and that is a luxury that most people don't have. That's when a shop like mine, or others, is convenient. But here is how to do it yourself and make your own... if you have the time.
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A rag quilt is called such because of the way the seams are sewn. Seams are usually sewn with the right sides of the fabrics facing each other. That makes the rough edges hidden. But with a rag quilt, the seams are sewn with the wrong sides of the fabric facing each other. Once the seams are sewn and cut and the quilt is washed, those rough edges fray (or rag) and create a fluffy border around each square. The great thing about this style quilt is that it can be any size you want, and your seams don't have to be perfect. My throw size rag quilts are 53" x 65" and that includes a border (which most rag quilts do not have) and my baby rag quilts are 36" x 36".
Briefly, here is how it is done. The quilts are layered into 3 layers: the top, the back, and a layer of something in between. Uniform sized squares are cut, sewn together in rows, then sewn together to form the quilt. Long strips are sewn on each side to make the border, then the quilt is cut, washed, and trimmed. That's it.
Now lets get started!
First, you need to select your fabrics. Try to use 100% cotton or flannel fabric as these tend to fray (rag) more as they are washed. Not all fabrics do that. You will also need scissors (or a rotary cutter and mat), thread, and batting to go in between the front and back layers (you can also use an extra layer of flannel). And, obviously, a sewing machine. That's it... that's all you need to get sewing.
Once you have your fabrics, cut 7" squares out of the front and back fabrics. The number of squares depends on how big you want your quilt. My throw size quilt takes 80 squares (8 x 10) and my baby quilt takes 25 squares (5 x 5). Remember to allow for the seam space, so a 7" square will end up being only about 6" when done.
If you are using batting as the layer in between the top and back: Cut the batting slightly smaller than the 7" squares. I suggest about 5.5". The reason is that you do not want that extending into the seams. Take a piece of the bottom fabric (right side down) and place a piece of batting in the center. Next, place a piece of the top fabric (right side up) and place it over the other two pieces. Starting in one corner, sew a straight line to the opposite corner. Repeat this with the other corner. When done, you will have a sewn "X" through the pieces. Doing this ensures that the batting won't move or wad up during washing.
If you are using another layer of flannel in between the top and back: Cut the squares to also be 7" as these are fine to extend into the seam area. They will rag even more using flannel. It is not necessary to sew the "X" in these squares since all pieces will be held in place by the side seams, but doing so adds a more quilted look to the squares. The choice is yours.
Once all the squares are assembled, lay them out in the pattern you chose. Then, working one row at a time, take the first two squares and place them with the back sides together. Sew a straight seam (allowing about 1/2" seam allowance) down one side. This seam allowance will be cut later for ragging. Continue sewing the squares together in order making sure you place the back sides of the quilt together each time. Once the first row is done, I usually cut all of those seams at this time. CAREFULLY make small cuts from the raw edge close to the seam. Cut them about 1/4" apart. DO NOT CUT THE SEAM ITSELF or this will come undone during use. Once all the cuts are made, continue to sew and cut the remaining rows. Once all the rows are finished, again lay the quilt out in the pattern you chose. Next, sew the first row to the second row, carefully cutting the raw edge when you are done. When all rows are sewn, you should have a large quilt of sewn squares. There are two options at this point. Most people tend to sew a seam around the entire perimeter of the quilt, cut the rough edge, and call it done. To do this, simply sew a straight seam, leaving 1/2" seam allowance at the edge of the quilt, and then carefully cut the rough edge as you did before. Once this is done, your quilt is ready to be washed. However, I like to give my quilts a rag border. I think that doing this gives the quilt a complete and finished look.
To sew a border, cut two pieces of front 除甲醛消委會 fabric and two pieces of back fabric to the size of the width of the quilt. Also, cut a piece of matching flannel the same size and it will be used as the layer in between (I do not recommend using batting in the border). Layer your fabrics with the top fabric right side up, the back fabric right side down and put the extra flannel in between. Starting at one corner of the quilt, sew the border pieces to the quilt's edge with the back fabrics facing each other leaving the 1/2" seam allowance. There is no need to sew the border pieces together, as we did with the "X" in the squares. Once one side is done, do the same thing to the opposite side of the quilt. Trim the edges so that the end of the borders line up with the edge of non-bordered quilt side. Next, cut two more border fabrics (all three pieces) and sew them to the last two sides of the quilt. Trim the edges evenly so they are square. Sew one final seam around the entire edge of the quilt leaving the 1/2" seam allowance. Carefully cut all the rough edges outside the seam you have just sewn, making sure you do not cut the seams. Once these final cuts are made, your quilt is done! Double check to make sure all seams are cut so they will all rag. Wash the quilt in cold water with no detergent or softener and then dry on low heat. CLEAN THE LINT SCREEN DURING DRYING as it will become clogged quickly. Rewash the quilt using detergent or softener if you choose. Again, dry it on low heat while cleaning the lint screen often. Trim any strings (there will be a few!) and your quilt is ready to use. It's that simple!
If you're heading for a first date, chances are you're a bit nervous. Take a deep breath. Being informed and planning ahead are the masculine man's best defenses against first date jitters.
Have a Game Plan
It's important to decide where to go and what to eat. As a masculine man (and the one who asked her out) you'll want to do the planning. You don't necessarily want to call all the shots on the date, but you do want to know her preferences. It's a good idea to ask her if she had something in mind. Be flexible, have a few options available and go over them with her in advance, so she feels like she had a say. Most women will admit that they want to be swept off their feet on a first date and that means that they want to enjoy the man's company without having to make the major decisions.
Consider any common interests and plan an activity that you would both enjoy. You can start by reading over the arts/culture section of your local news sites or local papers for fun date ideas. Remember that if a location or activity is boring, the burden falls on you to entertain her and keep the conversation going. If neither of you are into art, chances are that ceramic exhibit at the gallery downtown will have you both bored to tears.
Women love dates that are just a little unexpected - but not weird or out of her (or your) comfort zone. If monkeys make you nervous, don't go to the zoo, even if you know she's an animal lover. Don't go sailing if you can't swim. And avoid high risk activities like zip-lining across the Grand Canyon unless you're both into rock climbing. You want to come off as fun and exciting, but don't fake compatibility by trying to be someone you're not.
Since conversation is such a huge part of the date, stay away from a movie or concert, unless that's only 50% of the date. You want the chance to talk to her and you won't be able to talk through the movie or scream over heart pounding music!
Choosing the Perfect Restaurant: It's Not the Money, It's the Experience
Choosing the right setting for your game is like walking a tightrope. It's a balancing act, tipping too far in one direction can be disastrous. You might think that you should go with something super fancy - wrong! Super fancy will freak her out. It will seem like you are trying too hard to impress her, have an ulterior motive, or compensating for some obvious flaw in your personality. Skip those places with over-attentive waiters and $$$$ plates - unless you have a very, very good reason for it. When picking the right restaurant - it's not about the money, it's about the experience. She's dating you, not the restaurant.
On the flip side, too casual isn't the way to go, either. You'll come across as a cheapskate. Or even worse, that you just didn't care enough about the date to make an effort. You'll also want to skip the chain restaurants by going for something with more personality. Every town has a hip and trendy place that comes alive at night without your breaking the bank. It's also a good idea to pick a restaurant that you know, so you'll feel more comfortable and in control. If you decide to try a new place, be sure to check out their reviews before you make the reservation, but don't get too adventurous by using your first visit as the chance to try a completely unknown cuisine. You don't want to discover on a first date that your stomach didn't agree with you.
Pay attention to the ambiance - stay away from noisy restaurants or bars. If you aren't sure about the noise level of a place, read reviews online. One of the most common things that people mention in reviews is that the noisy level got in the way of an intimate evening. You don't want to have to scream over a crowd to have a conversation with your date.
You can also look for a restaurant/bar combo, where you can have a drink and break the ice while you are waiting for your table. Or go for a quiet dinner and then hit another trendy nightspot for drinks. Whatever option you choose, be sure to let her know in advance so she can dress accordingly. You want her to look good don't you? She'll be mortified if she's dressed to the nines and you take her to a place where corndogs are considered a delicacy. Nothing embarrasses fashionable ladies more than dressing for the wrong occasion.
Well, actually, there is - and that brings us to how you prep yourself for the date.
First Impressions Count: Dress to Impress
It's beyond embarrassing for your date, if she looks terrific and you look like you just rolled out of bed. Yes, we can tell when a man has put thought into his appearance. A good outfit for a first date should be clean, without damage, wrinkle-free, comfortable and properly fitted, with matching dark color socks. Invest in a full-length mirror and check yourself out head to toe. If you wearing something newly purchased, be sure to check for tags. You don't want to go on a date with your pants size stuck to your leg.
And Gentlemen - but don't forget about body odor. "Stench No.5" will have us running for the door. Take a shower and wash your hair, and if you don't have time, at least change out that sweaty shirt and underwear. If you're coming straight from work, use handy wipes in packets (even restaurant packets will do), or baby wipes to give your armpits a quick going over. Don't douse yourself in cologne - you're not a mobile perfumery. Remember to check your shoes and nails - both should be clean. The finishing touches tell the most about a person, because so many people overlook their importance.
Finally, pay attention to your face - well in advance of your first date. You should already be on a men's face care schedule, but this is especially true on the day of your date.
Your goal is for your face to look clean, fresh, and inviting. You want to tempt her to wonder what your skin feels like if she presses her cheek to yours. And if you are hoping for a goodnight kiss, a stubbly tired-looking face is bound to be a road block.
If you're a guy who never washes his face, or thinks he can get away with splashing water on his mug, think again. Plain old water or bar soap (don't even think about it) robs your skin of moisture. It clogs your pores and doesn't clean away the dead skin cells and environmental debris that the masculine man accumulates on his face every day.
The best way for your skin to retain collagen and elasticity (key factors in retaining a youthful appearance) is to put your face on the proper maintenance schedule. The first step is to wash your mug with a high quality anti-aging cleaner that's powerful enough to get rid of the junk on his face, but mild enough so that his skin isn't stripped of moisture. Drug store cleansers and body-washes are packed with additives, lack anti-aging ingredients, and don't do much for your face, even if they're cheap.
Step two is a treatment for your mug to help combat fine lines and wrinkles. The daily shave and exposure to the elements can lead to skin damage and premature aging. You can reverse the damage with a treatment that harnesses the power of science and nature to save your masculine hide. If cleaning your face is the "workout", the treatment step like a post-workout protein shake for your face. It will help your skin bounce back and feel better than ever.
Finally, make sure that you apply a masculine face protectant to complete the regimen. The protectant seals in moisture so your skin looks clean and fresh all day long. Much like the treatment, a high quality anti-aging protectant it's essentially a force field that helps keep the bad stuff out - like skin-damaging free radicals and grime, but keep the good stuff (like moisture) in, and helps boost the collagen and elasticity of your skin. High quality protectants made with essential oils and nutrients will prevent your skin from looking dry and flaky - a definite turn off for the big first date!
Once your face is looking good, it's back to preparing for the first date.
Date Night
The first date is like a job interview, so be well rested. Take a nap if you're coming after work, or have some coffee to perk you up. Being tired can actually make you more susceptible to nervous energy. Besides, your emotional state is contagious and will set the tone for the rest of the evening.
Be a gentleman and offer to pick her up. If she refuses and would rather meet you instead, respect her privacy. Don't take it personally! Be courteous by being on time. Bring her a small gift - seasonal flowers are nice, or some fancy candy. If you pick her up, don't smoke before you get to her place. She'll think she stepped foot into a freight train instead of a romantic chariot to whisk her away.
A heartfelt compliment is a nice way to break the ice. Tell her that she looks beautiful, but keep the comments appropriate. You barely know each other! Don't talk about her legs or, ahem, specific parts of her body. She knows you're going to check her out, but do it discreetly. Don't leer or look creepy. You'd think men would know by now, but a guy I know nearly got slapped on a first date. And after he told me what he said, he deserved it!
When you get to the restaurant, either use valet parking, or remember where you parked - write it down, or ask her to help you remember. Don't think about "winging it" later, because if you are going in circles in the lot, you'll look clueless. Finally, open the door and pull out the chair for her - you're being sweet, not anti-feminist!
At the Restaurant/Conversation Starters
It's OK to suggest items on the menu, especially if you know the restaurant but she doesn't, but don't order for her. Coming off as somebody who is in control of himself is a mighty aphrodisiac, but being controlling is not.
No roaming eyes. Don't check-out the waitress or the ladies at the bar. Pay attention to your date at all times and don't answer your cell phone - keep it on silent instead. You can always check your emails and messages when your date uses the ladies room. If you pull out your mobile device at the table, not only do you risk sending the message that she's boring you, it's also inconsiderate.
One of the biggest challenges on a first date is to find common ground to talk about - fortunately, current events are a great way to get the conversation going. Brush up a bit on current affairs, movies, and the arts before your date, but this will only get you so far. Hopefully, you will venture into deeper territories.
What if she asks about your last relationship? Don't panic! It's OK to talk about your ex-girlfriend, even if it ended badly - but your date doesn't need to know. Don't be spiteful, don't linger, and don't get emotional. Acknowledge the relationship, respect the lessons learned and move on to another topic.
On that note, check your emotional baggage before you leave the house. The first date is not the night to talk about your cheating or alcoholic ex, manic depressive parents and troubled childhood. You shouldn't be bogus, but you can save these topics for later dates when it looks like you're growing closer together. First impressions count and you don't want her to identify you with negativity on your first outing.
Don't be alarmed if at some point the conversation moves a little slowly. Date conversations can be a little awkward, because you are trying to impress each other. When you talk about your work and your personal interests, come off as passionate to keep her interested. This is also a great opportunity to impress upon her that you're a good provider, but you'll want to be subtle. Let's say you love your work in the medical field. Even though she might not have any medical knowledge, she will still appreciate that you are passionate about it. Don't be cocky - confidence in a man is mighty sexy, arrogance is not.
During the course of dinner, remember to give her a chance to talk about herself and ask you questions. When it's your turn, ask questions that require answers that aren't a simple yes or no. For example, her career goals, or why she enjoys a certain genre in music. Think of the conversation in percentages. If you can manage to split the conversation 50/50, that would be ideal. If not, strive for at least 60/40, 60% about yourself - because you asked her out, so it's OK to take the lead here, and 40% about her.
Oh, and watch the alcohol. Sip the wine, don't guzzle. You should spend more time looking at it than drinking it, especially if you're driving her home.
Pay Attention to Her Body Language
Does she interact with you? Lean closer? Look into your eyes often? Laugh? Maybe she comes up with excuses to touch you - those are all great signs! She's letting you know that she's having a great time and that she's interested. If you find her staring off into the distance or fiddling