February 29, 2008
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Quilts, whether large or small, can brighten the spirit and bring a bit of joy to those who need it in almost any situation. Made with love and detailed with words of comfort, Susan Osborn shows us how a simple but heartfelt project can help make the days a little better for others. Surely a gift such as this is what quilting is all about.
Susan's Description
I call them “Lap Comforts” as they are especially for people who, for one reason or another, have to remain seated for much of their day. The lap comfort keeps one’s knees and lap warm while the verses are a comfort to read--which one is able to do no matter which end is up. Two rows of designs face each end of the cover.
Step By Step
I use the machine embroidery designs from "God’s Gifts for You", found here at AnnTheGran. There are 36 in the set, I chose 12. Other designs with meaningful messages or Asian characters with meanings would do fine. Fussy cuts of printed fabric might also be used.
Materials: 12 blocks embroidered with messages½ yard for sashings and border 1 yard backing
1 yard flannel or other batting
I cut my blocks at 6 ½ inches square; the sashings are cut 6 ½ x 2 inches for eight of them for the vertical, and 21 and a half by 2 inches for three of them for the horizontal. The borders are cut as wide as you like for the size of the finished piece. I cut mine 3 and a half inches wide, 28 and a half long for the sides, 26 and a half long for the top and bottom. Yours may vary. Join rows with the sashings making sure that two rows of designs are right side up from each end. Use quarter inch seams. Sew on borders, sides first and then the top and bottom. I used flannel for the batting and for the backing, right sides facing and sewed all but an opening to turn it right side out. Sew opening closed. I tacked each intersection and where the sashings meet the border with a machine stitched heart.
What Makes This Project Special 
This project is special to me as my younger sister is confined to a wheel chair and finds a lap comfort useful. I have made her several so one might be in the wash and others waiting for use.
Skill Level
Skill level would be basic quilting.
Products
Products were fabric, stabilizer for the blocks stitch by embroidery machine, thread for embroidery and sewing together.
Time Investment
I was able to make this lap comfort in an afternoon, the embroidery takes the most time.
Why I Love This Project
I love this project because it gives purpose to my hobby of machine quilting. I enjoy sharing finished projects with others.
Send Us Your Creations
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What Would You Do?
Do you know someone who makes special embroidered items to brighten the day of others? Click on the Comments link to share their story.