Knot & Braid, Pin & Stitch

My mom could sew. She sewed my sister and I our prom dresses as well as the bridesmaid dress for our cousin’s wedding. She was very talented. Unfortunately, I never learned this skill from her. Watching my mom sew was a window into the process of cutting patterns and fabric, meticulously pinning, and sewing it all together to make something beautifully unique. I also have memories of the yellow, brown, and orange afghan blanket my grandmother made. 

Several years ago while living in Texas, I wanted to make fleece blankets for the people I love and care about. I did not like the traditional tie-knot fleece blankets that many, I am sure, are familiar with. So, I did what many of us do, I googled. With the help of some YouTubers, I made several fleece blankets using the braid-method. I even experimented with making pillows.

Later, I moved back to Georgia to be with my family. We had lost my brother-in-law to Leukemia and my mom was being treated for Leukemia. She still had her sewing machine, but she did not use it much. I decided that with a sewing machine I could save my hands from cramping due to the scissor cutting that was required with the braid-method. My mom was gracious. She would set up the bobbin for me and thread the machine. My task was to trim the two pieces of fleece fabric, match them up edge to edge, pin them together, and sew. 

I can sew in squares and rectangles like I fold my laundry.

Now I could experiment with making scarves from the scraps of trimmed fabric.

Warning: plush fleece is a bit of a challenge as it slips and slides all over the place.

I remember one day shopping in a well known mega-store in the United States and seeing a plush fleece blanket for $5 and asking myself, “how is it possible?” given my experience with making and sewing blankets.

On average the material of a plush fleece blanket at the fabric store would cost me between $50 - $85 depending on the length and seasonal pattern. I know there is a mark-up on the fabric. I also come from a family of tall people so we appreciate longer blankets. Generally, anit-pill fleece was less expensive by the yard and sure, when products are made in bulk the fabric may be cheaper. But, I am not convinced this addresses the labor question. 

While I recognize that the blanket industry is largely automated, people still sew the blankets. And from my own experience, I realize what that entails.

My mom passed in November 2023. She always did the slip-stitch for which, I am ashamed to say, I just did not have the patience to do. I often think about how she finished each one of the sewn blankets for me. 

Closing thoughts - consider purchasing a fairly produced blanket, buying second-hand, or maybe make your own blanket – it can be fun and perhaps more meaningful and cherished when it makes you or someone you love warm!