Go West!

Last May the unmistakable sound of a sewing machine drew me into a third grade classroom. The teacher was assisting students sew a patchwork quilt. Every year, the third grade studies the Westward Expansion. The teacher, a fellow sewer, designed a great math lesson around quilting. Each student cut their own square using a standard measurement. Next, the class designed their quilt. Rules such as no two same patterns could touch were decided upon. Additionally, all of the fabrics used were recycled from old clothing, sheets, and curtains, mimicking the materials used by pioneer quilters.

My curiousness led to being asked to finish the quilt for the class. I backed the quilt in blue sheeting, added a thin layer of batting, made a simple binding using fabric I had on hand, and tied it together. I left the child-made uneveness of the quilt when I could. The class now uses the quilt during reading times. I am now inspired to make a simple quilt in my own classroom. It's such a great group project. It's kinda embarrassing that I haven't made one already...