How do you use a Collage Quilt?
I recently saw this question in one of our Facebook groups, and it is such a great question, that it deserves a blog post!
I began my journey as a collage quilter believing that collage quilts are only to be used as wall-hangings. I suppose I had this idea because collage quilts fall into the category of "art quilts", but also because I had never heard of anyone using a collage quilt for anything besides a wall-hanging.
Furthermore, collage quilts are designed using all raw-edged pieces, and so I originally figured that they are probably too delicate to handle the rigors of use and washing.
HOWEVER, I have developed the belief that collage quilts can be used as you might use a traditional quilt--to wrap up in, to drape over a cozy reading chair, as a table-topper, a runner, a pillow OR a wall-hanging!
I came to this conclusion following the death of my sweet mother-in-law, Eleanor. Let me explain: a few years ago, Eleanor fell and broke her back. She was living in Idaho at the time (we live in Utah). My immediate reaction when I heard the news about her accident was that I wanted to send her a quilt because nothing sends a message of compassion and love quite like a quilt! Honestly, this is why I love quilts so much! There are few handmade items that carry that connote our love and concern for someone. A quilt is a literal representation of comfort.
I had just completed my Wee Green Beasties collage quilt, which is a whimsical and visually interesting quilt. It has a rich green and purple palette (purple was Eleanor's favorite color). I decided to gift her this quilt, as a token of my concern for her. She LOVED it!
The quilt stayed on her bed for the length of her hospital stay, and continued to grace her bed at home when she was on hospice care. The quilt became an interesting talking point for visitors to discuss with Eleanor and it provided a dose of cheer during an otherwise sobering situation.
Eleanor kept the Wee Green Beasties quilt on her bed until she died. After she passed, her husband asked to keep the quilt because it was a reminder of Eleanor. My father-in-law, Noel, kept the quilt on his bed for the next 6 months until he also passed away.
I've since received the quilt back, and now this quilt has a legacy! It served a higher purpose than just an art quilt-- it became a token of love, comfort and beauty for my mother-in-law in her time of need.
The quilt has been washed several times, and it has softened as any quilt does over time. The raw edges have not frayed, but do provide a small measure of texture. I think that since we are dealing with textile, its perfectly right to embrace a little texture!
There are a few tips I recommend for ensuring that your collage quilt can be used as a traditional quilt:
1) Use Lite Steam a Seam 2 as the adhesive for your collage quilt. This ensures that the adhesive is uniform on the back of each piece you incorporate into the project. Lite Steam a Seam 2 is permanent and it will withstand washing.
2) Quilt a collage quilt densely-- this means no more than 1/2" between stitch lines. I actually prefer more like 1/4" between stitch lines because I like the look of dense quilting. Dense quilting ensures that each piece in the collage is tacked down with stitching.
So how will you use your collage quilt?
I hope my experience will give you confidence to use a collage quilt any way you choose!