Got Corduroy?

Corduroy Appreciation Day, 11-11-11, is just one month away!  Are you preparing to celebrate with a corduroy quilt?

Some of you have written that you're feeling a bit intimidated about working with corduroy.  I'll admit, I was too.  But I grabbed my pile of corduroy and a pair of scissors, and dove in.  I found I really love working with corduroy, especially on a rainy day.  I can't wait to make another one!

Here's the process I used, which is one I learned from China Pettway, of Gee's Bend, Alabama.

First, PUT AWAY YOUR ROTARY CUTTER AND RULER.  You'll only need your scissors.  Next, cut or tear--yes, TEAR--your corduroy into strips of various widths. 

Sew two pieces together, using a bit more than 1/4" seam allowance; iron the seam open from the WRONG side of the fabric.  The corduroy really takes the press nicely and stays open and flat.  Notice there's excess.  Take your scissors and cut it off.  Don't measure; just eyeball it.

Then sew on another piece; iron open, and cut off the excess.

You may be tempted to get out your ruler and square it up.  DON'T!  Just eyeball it.

 This will give you nice subtle angles.

Keep adding to your block in whatever way you like, until you feel like moving on to another block.

Then make more!  Use your scissors and eyeball measurements to make them fit together.  Sometimes you'll need to add a strip here or there. 

This is about one-third of the quilt top I made.  I'm thinking we should reveal our corduroy quilts on our blogs on the big day.  Let me know if you plan to participate, and I'll post a list of Corduroy Quilt Makers with a link to your blog.

Save the wales!