Updates on the U.S. Map felted sweater quilt project
The progress of this project, because its process will take several weeks and possibly months (depending on availability to work on it), will be updated in a number of entries.
The first step was to find a map that could be enlarged big enough to cover the diagonal points of the top of a queen-sized bed. I didn't want it to be just vertical or horizontal, I thought it would make it more interesting to go on a diagonal. I measured the top of our bed (since it is queen-sized) and dug around on the web (google large image search rocks!) and found one with the states marked, which I'm ultimately glad I did because when it got down to cutting the tiny ones I could google the particular state to double check the size and outlines. I took the map on a thumb drive to a local quick print to print it out in the size necessary.
Since I've been collecting sweaters for the better part of 6 months now I have a pretty decent collection, my goal was to bring in color and a variety of patterns/designs to each state. This process has been a bit different from the first felted sweater quilt I've completed because this time, I'm using a pattern and cutting each piece based on my memory of what color and design is under each solid piece of paper next to it.
I'm sure once I start sewing there may be a few color changes that will need to take place. The other things I knew for sure were first, I knew that the size I chose of the map wouldn't end being the completed size - with 1/4" sewing around each piece it would be substantially smaller, which I was prepared for when I measured out the map. I didn't want it to go OVER the edges of the bed, I wanted it to sit on top of the bed with a good amount of border around it before the border fell of the edges of the bed. Second, I knew I'd have to be forgiving with the edges of all the states more than the map provided. I.e., there is a part of Virginia, which is actually attached to the lowest point of Maryland that is far too small to incorporate into the finished map, or the inlet areas of the great lakes -- also too small to sew (in thick felt, anyway), and so on. And thirdly, while I did take great care to choose pieces with no seams across them, there is a chance once I get started on sewing these parts together that I may have to cut apart to follow a curve. This is something still yet to be seen.
So, now I've finished cutting and am about to start removing the patterns. More updates as they come.
Later in the day:
Removed the patterns and am super happy with the way it turned out.
The first step was to find a map that could be enlarged big enough to cover the diagonal points of the top of a queen-sized bed. I didn't want it to be just vertical or horizontal, I thought it would make it more interesting to go on a diagonal. I measured the top of our bed (since it is queen-sized) and dug around on the web (google large image search rocks!) and found one with the states marked, which I'm ultimately glad I did because when it got down to cutting the tiny ones I could google the particular state to double check the size and outlines. I took the map on a thumb drive to a local quick print to print it out in the size necessary.
Since I've been collecting sweaters for the better part of 6 months now I have a pretty decent collection, my goal was to bring in color and a variety of patterns/designs to each state. This process has been a bit different from the first felted sweater quilt I've completed because this time, I'm using a pattern and cutting each piece based on my memory of what color and design is under each solid piece of paper next to it.
I'm sure once I start sewing there may be a few color changes that will need to take place. The other things I knew for sure were first, I knew that the size I chose of the map wouldn't end being the completed size - with 1/4" sewing around each piece it would be substantially smaller, which I was prepared for when I measured out the map. I didn't want it to go OVER the edges of the bed, I wanted it to sit on top of the bed with a good amount of border around it before the border fell of the edges of the bed. Second, I knew I'd have to be forgiving with the edges of all the states more than the map provided. I.e., there is a part of Virginia, which is actually attached to the lowest point of Maryland that is far too small to incorporate into the finished map, or the inlet areas of the great lakes -- also too small to sew (in thick felt, anyway), and so on. And thirdly, while I did take great care to choose pieces with no seams across them, there is a chance once I get started on sewing these parts together that I may have to cut apart to follow a curve. This is something still yet to be seen.
So, now I've finished cutting and am about to start removing the patterns. More updates as they come.
Later in the day:
Removed the patterns and am super happy with the way it turned out.