The Edge of Reason: Chinese [Christmas] Coin Quilt

Become a Fan

I keep forgetting to share these pictures since we are now in the heart of the holiday season which means I am a busy being an elf and making Christmas gifts. I haven't put up a single decoration yet, but my Santa's Workshop is overflowing with projects in progress. And so before I start posting pictures of my workshop creations, I thought it would be fun to share this project.

Before the holidays arrived, I was surfing the internet and I came across some quilting patterns on a blog titled Mary Quilts. I've seen this pattern before, but I didn't know it was called the Chinese Coin. Now, after completing the rows of "coins," I think it is the perfect name for the quilt. Anyway... I downloaded the pattern and studied it carefully, and then I decided the coins would be a great project to use with a jelly roll of Christmas fabric I had stashed away, and so off I went to dig through my stash and figure out exactly what else I needed by way of borders and backing. In the end, I had to make a trip to JoAnn's to buy the backing fabric and the sashing print. I used a 40% off coupon and I was able to save quite a lot on the purchase of the fabric. I think this quilt ended up costing me about $65 in fabric and thread (including the initial cost of my jelly roll). I can't factor in the cost of the batting since I buy that on 15 yard rolls and keep a big tube of it tucked away in my closet (the tube has enough batting on it to make 12 quilts). So if you are budgeting, you will need to add that into the total cost. The quilt also required five spools of thread - you will want to buy that when it is on sale.

After making this quilt, here is what I learned about Chinese Coins: the pattern is the most easy quilt I have ever made. And I was able to complete this quilt in a single week - including sewing the free motion top stitching and adding the binding. I also learned that Alyssa loves this quilt, so I gave it to her to have when she graduates from college and sets up her own home. In the meantime, we are using the Chinese [Christmas] Coin quilt in our family room during this holiday season. My theory is that the more a quilt is used, the softer it becomes. Therefore, by the time Alyssa moves out and takes it with her, it will be well broken in and much loved.

These pictures show the backing and a bit of the detail work. I still can't believe how easy this project was and how quickly it came together.