{Story Time Blanket} Simple Blanket with 2 Helpful Tips !!!

So recently I made a blanket and quilted it.....so I don't know if that counts as a blanket or a quilt.

Either way, I wanted to share a couple tips that I've learned that are helpful and that make the process easier.

Here's my finished product:

Now, I used the Warm Natural batting, flannel on both sides and cotton binding.

HELPFUL HINT #1:

Batting can be pricey and I hate wasting it when I have random/too small pieces from previous projects. So I looked it up and found out you can sew them together!!!

Cut them all with straight edges and place the pieces out to make the size you need. 

DO NOT OVERLAP edges. (Otherwise you'll have bumpy batting, and that's no good)

Just place them against each other as close as you can without overlapping and run it through your sewing machine on the biggest zig-zag stitch you have, catching each piece as it crosses. 

 This held up perfect and was completely surprised at it's stability and how smooth it was in the end!

This saved me time (not having to run back to the store for more batting) and money.

 So I picked out my fabrics. The teal is a little unconventional and quite dark compared the the front. 

I'm still actually on the fence about my decision but I love it anyway.

HELPFUL HINT #2

(Don't miss this one!!)

Batting Spray.

Batting Spray can be your best friend when quilting.

I use it for blankets that I quilt like this one and for when I piece.

Essentially you'll glue all the layers of your quilt together. This should prevent the need for needles and pins (thank goodness!!!!).

Lay out some kind of protection for the carpet or table or whatever you lay it out on. The spray is in an aerosol can and you don't want to get it on anything but your blanket.

I use recycled sketch paper because I have it and it's cheap. Newspaper is a really good option too.

So place one of your (previously ironed) blanket/quilt out as smooth and flat as you can WITH THE BACK SIDE FACING UP (the print or outside of the fabric should face down).

Place your batting over and smooth out to make sure it all fits right. 

I fold back the top half carefully and spray the adhesive on the fabric.

Carefully roll the batting over it and gently smooth. 

Repeat the the bottom half.

Lay the fabric for the other side of the quilt out, roll one half back, spray

and gently replace the fabric over the batting, smoothing as you go.

 This should be your end result: 

All three layers glued together perfectly and ready to quilt over! 

I don't have pics for the quilting and binding on this quilt. But I hope those two tips were helpful!