I’m not big on making quilts that are too precious to touch, fold, or wad up. Maybe I’ll get into that later in life. I have great respect for art quilts. I’m stunned by the intricacy, care, color placement and craftsmanship in them. But for now, that’s not what I like to make.
The best quilts I think I’ve made are machine washable and dryable. I’m happiest when I hear that a quilt I’ve made is so loved that it’s taken everywhere. If that involves dragging around, so be it. My quilts should be able to withstand a bit of dragging and wadding. Not dragged over hot coals mind you, but my quilts are meant to be used.
With these things in mind, I like to machine quilt. On quilts that I know will have a rougher go, I machine stitch bindings too. These are quilts to be judged by kids not certified judges that care about handstitched bindings. Quilts that are made for adults get handstitching. But I think I like making quilts for kids or kids at heart best.
These quilts should be wrapped around things – sometimes people, sometimes dogs and cats (Maybe not together). I like quilts spread on beds, made into tents, used for picnics. Used and loved.