making a denim picnic quilt -- wanna join us?

Here in the Pacific Northwest, it seems like the grass is always wet. Even in the middle of summer with no rain in weeks, I never feel safe sitting on the grass for more than a few minutes for fear my behind will be wet when I stand up. Ever since I moved here I've been wanting to make a denim picnic quilt--one that would be sturdy and comfortable for picnics, fireworks, etc.--that could also keep me dry. I found a great idea for a snap-on bottom to use when the grass is wet, but that can be removed when you wash your quilt.

I found this great vinyl tablecloth in just the right size (60" x 84") for $5 at WalMart. I've been collecting denim since last summer, and I think I'm about ready to start my quilt.


Anyone want to join me? I thought I'd give you a heads up in case you're interested in completing this project before picnic weather. So if you want to make it along with me, start collecting old denim jeans and find a vinyl tablecloth! I can't say exactly how many pairs of jeans you'll need, because it will depend on the size of quilt you'd like to make. Just get as many as you can. Go through your family's closets for jeans that are too small or too big, have holes, or are hopelessly out of style, ask friends and family for cast offs, and check your local thrift store. I'll give you a couple of weeks, then I'll start posting how to make this cool quilt. Who's with me?

Here are the supplies you'll need:
*8-12 pair denim jeans--enough to cover whatever size tablecloth you're using
*Vinyl tablecloth in whatever size you want your final quilt to be
*Rotary cutter and mat, long quilting ruler (mine's 24" x 6")
*Gold jeans thread and sewing machine (make sure you have a "denim" needle)
*Fabric for binding--I'm using about 3/4 yard flannel, but your amount will depend on the size of your quilt and the width of binding you use
*14 heavy duty snap fasteners (mine are 5/8", but any size would work) and the setting tool
*Enough 1.5" wide twill tape to go around the edge of your vinyl tablecloth