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Member since 9/5/08
Posts: 709
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Posted on: 10/20/08 4:28 PM ET
I'm planning a baby quilt for my cousin who is expecting, and I was wondering about the following fabrics:

1. Flannel. Is there such a thing as a flannel that doesn't pill up? My experience is that they all pill up eventually (even the sheets from LLBEAN that promised to never pill).

2. Minky/Snuggle/Cozy fabrics. How do they hold up to repeated washings?

I'm considering the above fabrics for the baby quilt, but hopefully the quilt will get lots of use, which means repeated washings, probably on hot water. How will they hold up?
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Member since 9/29/02
Posts: 3237
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Posted on: 10/20/08 4:44 PM ET
Minkee/Minky holds up very well with repeated washings. I have used it for baby blankets and they have been washed and washed, etc. -- still look and feel new. I am not sure that I would recommend washing on hot though as it is polyester and I think it might do 'something' to the softness long term. Perhaps someone else can speak to that.

ETA I just made a baby blanket for my grand niece from nice quality flannels. We'll see how it holds up!
-- Edited on 10/20/08 4:45 PM --
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Patti

R-r-r-ripping my way to fitting success
  
Member since 8/13/03
Posts: 321
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Posted on: 10/20/08 4:46 PM ET
In reply to CathyWeeks
I made a blanket for my daugther (now 11 months) that's been used repeatedly. It was a flannel panel from the quilt store and backed with "real" minky brand fabric. Still looks like new. I also made receiving blankets out of the JoAnn's flannel, they are still usable, but have started to look worn.

I would suggest starting at the quilt stores and feel their better flannel and compare it to what you find at JoAnns/Hancocks. I've been suprised at times with the hidden treasures at both big box stores.
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Machine Stable: Bernina 165, Elna Lotus TSP, Babylock Imagine, Babylock Coverstitch and my newest baby Janome 350E
  
Member since 10/8/02
Posts: 679
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Posted on: 10/20/08 5:49 PM ET
In reply to Patti B
Patty, I'm finding the minky so hard to work with. Any tips?
  
Member since 10/8/02
Posts: 679
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Posted on: 10/20/08 5:50 PM ET
In reply to CathyWeeks
Cathy, I just recently purchased some really nice flannel from a quilt store to make receiving blankets for my daughter. I have to say one wash and they are already pilling. Not sure how to avoid that.
  
Member since 9/29/02
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Posted on: 10/20/08 8:41 PM ET
In reply to Peggy
Peggy, what seems to be the difficulty? Is it creeping away from you as you sew? The only problem I remember is to be sure to use taut sewing (you know, when you hold the fabric taut before and after the needle ) otherwise it does like to creep away. I think I did adjust the presser foot pressure on one or two items. I've made several baby blankets and a long cuddly robe for moi from the minkee and didn't find it to be a particular pain to sew. I love my robe; it is still cozy after 2 years of almost constant use (it's too hot for summer) and looks new. If this doesn't answer your question, ask again and I'll see if I can recall a solution.
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Patti

R-r-r-ripping my way to fitting success
  
Member since 4/22/07
Posts: 460
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Posted on: 10/21/08 5:00 AM ET
In reply to Peggy
if you have a walking foot (usually used for quilting) for your machine you could try that. I use my walking foot for pretty much any fabrics where one layer likes to slip off the other. I made a nursing pillow cover from minky and used my walking foot with good results.
  
Member since 10/8/02
Posts: 679
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Posted on: 10/21/08 8:25 PM ET
In reply to Patti B
Patti, Yes I am having trouble with it crawling everywhere. it seems hard to seam. Maybe I am just to impatient.
  
Member since 8/19/04
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Posted on: 1/1/09 7:26 PM ET
I am thinking of making 2 baby quilts (I am to be the stepgrandma of twins due in July). I saw some high-end beautiful applique minky quilts selling for $150-$160. Where would I get the Minky? Also, where would I get good quality satin for binding, etc. And any advice for doing huge appliques (ie giraffes, etc)? Thanks! Tailormaid
  
Member since 10/29/06
Posts: 6386
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Posted on: 1/1/09 11:24 PM ET
In reply to tailormaid
Hi Tailormaid, just left you a post on your other thread. Try Fabric.com, they have a great assortment of minky in many colors.
Also most quilt shops carry it, I know mine does. Fabric.com has free shipping if you order $35 of more. Hope this helps!
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