I wanted to share with you a little about Linda Semmen and how she made her wonderful chenille Dream Big Panels. She had a lot of information to share. I think I'm going to try to make one. It seems so much fan but I'm a big fan of rag quilts and raw edge applique. Besides I have one of those Chenille cutters I have never used... I have to have those new tools.
I started quilting about 10 years ago, taking classes and making several sampler quilts. I have been sewing since grade school and had no idea how much I would love quilting. I am retired and moved to the country 8 years ago. I designed our house to be quilter friendly! Quilting is my favorite past time and continually wake up at 4 am with a new idea or a solution to a quilting problem or design that I experienced the previous day. Besides quilting, I love teaching Bagel classes or having friends out for special treats or projects.
Last winter I was searching to purchase cotton chenille for the back of a lap blanket, but then I saw a video on making my own chenille... I found a great panel to use to make my first one. It was this snowman panel. I followed the YouTube video "How to turn 4 quilt panels into a chenille quilt". Here is the result:
When I first saw the Dream Big Panel I knew it would be perfect for this technique. My granddaughter had an upcoming birthday so I told her I would make it for her she chose the Dream Big Opal Panel. I loved it.
After looking at the panel and it being a square I knew I wanted the lines to radiate out. So I chose this design to make it do that.
I added an erasable line vertically and horizontally so I could follow an accurate pivot point when sewing the additional channels.
All lines must be on the diagonal.
I LOVE the chenille effect that Linda used!! I think I may have to try it! How many panels did she layer on top of her batting ?
Linda, Thank you for your instructions. I had originally thought to do the Dream Big as a 3-Dimensional wallhanging & you have achieved one version that gives more than just quilted texture. I couldn’t figure out how to make it so the back would have the print (like looking at the underside of a leaf), so I put it on the ‘back burner’ to ruminate…. The chenille effect also softens/ diffuses the print.
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Linda Semmen
November 16, 2018
Karen and Louise
I often use an additional panel for the backer after it is quilted and chenilled.
As for number of layers, the minimum number is 4 panels, one for the base and 3 to chenille.
I have used as many as 6 panels.
The standard channel width is 1/2" but I started going to 3/8" and feel like the design is more distinct but not as soft.
Try experimenting on 5" or 6" squares to use as coasters, or 10"-12" ones for hot pads; you will get the feel of it before investing in large panels. Nothing but nothing beats the Dream Big Panels.