Prayers for Mike Contes

 Over the last few months I have had the great honor of praying for a friend from middle and high school, Mike Contes.    As I worked on this quilt I was called to pray for Mike, Cheri, and their children. 

 I decided to pray bold prayers.  

I am praying that Mike will be fully healed and restored.  

As I prayed for Mike I was convicted by the weak, wimpiness of my prayers.  So many times I pray safe prayers, "Lord, do Your will, Lord bring peace and comfort. . ."   

I believe that God is sovereign -- that means I should enter into prayer understanding that the will of God will be accomplished.  I also believe that as a Christian the Holy Spirit will bring peace and comfort--that's why these are safe prayers.  I can pray these prayers and feel safe and comfortable that they will be answered. 

We are all guilty of this.  

But what would happen if we stepped out of this comfort zone?  What would happen in the church, in the world, in the life of Mike and Cheri Contes if we were willing to run into the Holy of Holies, grab onto the horns of the altar and intercede on behalf of Mike?  What would happen if we would "grab ahold" of Christ, and like Jacob say, "I will NOT let You go until You bless me."  

In Genesis 32, Moses tells the story of his great-great grandfather, Jacob.  

While it was still dark, Jacob laid his fears before God in prayer.  The Bible tells us that One with the likeness of a man wrestled with him.  Matthew Henry says, "When the spirit helpeth our infirmities, and our earnest and vast desires can scarcely find words to utter them, and we still mean more than we can express, then prayer is indeed wrestling with God."  

Wrestling is a difficult exercise.  It requires constant exertion.  

When was the last time that your prayer life resembled a wrestling match?  When was the last time that you held onto God with a white-knuckled grip and determined that even if the struggle is long and difficult your prayer will not be silenced.  Jacob would have a blessing, and had determined that "he would rather have all his bones put out of joint than to go away without one."  

A faithful prayer lays hold on God.  It is not a statement of spiritual ignorance it is a statement of faith.  To ask God for great blessings means that we understand the character of the One we wrestle with.  God is not offended when we wrestle with Him.  He is not worried that we will defeat Him or embarrass Him.  He will not come out of it weakened or sore.  "Nothing gives God greater pleasure than to see the hearts of His people firmly adhering to Him." (Jameison-Fausset-Brown)

Recently I was reminded of a story involving my son, Kesley.  When Kelsey was four years old, we were preparing a family dinner and Kelsey got hungry.  He came to me and asked for a piece of bologna. I told him he could not have a piece of bologna and he started crying.  He cried because he was hungry and knew that bologna would fill his tummy.  He couldn't understand why a loving mother would not give him what he thought he needed.  What Kelsey didn't understand was that I had already met his need.  Right outside, on the grill I was grilling steak.  And not just any steak,  Fillet Mignon.  He was upset because when he asked for bologna I said no.  It never occurred to him to ask for Fillet Mignon.  If he had asked for steak I would have said, "Yes."  How many times do we ask God for bologna then walk away crying and hungry when He doesn't give it to us?  

I'm going to go out on a limb here and guess that Mike and Cheri don't' need any bologna prayers.  They need us to pray, daring to believe there is Fillet Mignon on the grill.  They need for all of us to enter into the "prayer closet," grab the hem of Christ's garment and say, "I will NOT let go.  If I have to miss a meal, I'm willing to do that.  If I have to miss a TV show, I'm willing to do that.    Until YOU move in Mike's life, I will NOT let go."  

Andrew Murray says, "Beware in your prayers, above everything else, of limiting God, not only by unbelief, but by fancying that you know what He can do.  'Expect things above all that we ask or think.'"

Today I am putting the final touches on Mike's prayer quilt and was given permission to share his story with you.  I ask that you join with me in prayer for Mike, Cheri, and the Contes family. 

Mike's Story

On February 13, 2013 Mike was diagnosed with liver cancer.   Mike's cancer showed signs of being aggressive so it was, in turn, treated aggressively.

I don't know that I could accurately relate all the details of Mike's story so I will let him tell it himself through his Facebook posts:  

"REVIEW: 
As already mentioned, my cancer is showing signs of being aggressive, hence the significant growth of the two spots in merely 8-10 weeks and now surgery. Aggressive cancers in the liver tend to reoccur is transplanted livers. Thus doctors don't want to waste my time, overall health, etc if the the new liver will probably develop cancer. Plus, they wouldn't want to "waste" a liver. Technically, I am still on the list but in a hold status until they can review these two spots. They must prove (to the transplant board) that they have reduced in size or become completely irradiated. Then upon the boards approval can I be put back on the list back in the same spot I was in (I won't lose my place). 

As my CT scan showed this morning the doctors successfully chemoembolized them (they didn't miss). So now the tumors need to simply respond by significantly shrinking or going away completely. Thanks for caring everyone!

Wheeew!!! I don't know how I typed this having been on a morphine pump, oxycodone and only ~2 hours sleep. " 

June 18, 2013

Tuesday is a big day for me with an important procedure that in 4-6 weeks afterwards will tell us a lot about my outcome. THANK YOU everybody from the bottom of my heart. I truly appreciate your consideration, kind words and most importantly your prayers. Cancer is a scary thing but such kindness makes it easier. Much love…Mike

June 19, 2013

Well everyone major hurdle tackled yesterday with avert thing going about 95% the way I needed it to go. Now it's a waiting game (4-6 weeks) to have the transplant board review my case and hopefully put me back on the transplant list. Thank you for all the prayers and thoughts!! Love to all you friends.

July 16, 2013

"Back from long day at the hospital. As per my liver specialist there are no signs of the two treated cancer tumors! The radiologist still has to dictate and make his report but all should be AOK. Thanks!"

August 11, 2013

"Well after a trip to Emory University in ATL, it looks like Ill be approved on their transplant list too. This will improve my opportunity for a quicker transplant as I will be double listed on both CMC Charlotte and Emory in ATL. After visiting Emory's facility and learning about their program my preference is strongly with them however I've been urged to accept first available, even by the doctors at Emory. God is awesome for opening up this opportunity."

 August 22, 2013

"Lord thank you for this opportunity. If not for your grace would I be in this place. I am on the way to CMC for my transplant. I pray for the loss of the family and most portably the person who chose to share life and donate their organs. Thanks to everyone who has shared this journey with me and given me words of encouragement. Love to everyone!"

August 23, 1013

(Post from Cheri Contes) 

Thank you all for all the prayers and words of encouragement. Very, very grateful. So far all prayers have been answered. He got a perfect liver, surgery couldn't have gone better and he's doing very well. Already see signs of improvement from transplant. Hope to be dismissed from STICU (trauma icu) to normal post op floor tomorrow! 

October 23, 2013  

"Back at CMC with crazy back pain. I
C'mon dalotid...kick in!!!"

October 25, 2013

(Cheri Contes)

"Update on Mike Contes: He had a stent put in today. Bile duct was narrowing and backed up. Hopeful that helps with some of his issues. He is much more comfortable now. Itching and pain are better controlled. He is under care of pain mgmt for his back now. He is getting MRI right now but wont get results till tomorrow. We are assuming its herniated disk. Will have labs in morning and hope to go home tomorrow. Thank you all so much for the many prayers!"

October 26, 2013

(Cheri Contes)

"Update on Mike Contes: friends and family we got some really shocking news today. He does not have herniated disk. He has 2 tumors on his spine. They say its incurable. They just did full scan of body tonight and we do not have results yet. He needs the kind of healing only our heavenly father can give. Please pray hard!"

October 28, 2013

(Cheri Contes)

"Update on Mike Contes: They are first going to biopsy since this is first metastatic cancer. Best to be sure if its same cancer that spread or something different. Surgery isnt really an option for one tumor so they are going to do radiation on both. Could take at least a week before he has pain relief. He's on lots of pain meds now. I will say more than 1 Dr has said its ultimately up to God. So refreshing!"

October 30, 2013

(Cheri Contes)

"Update on Mike Contes.  Biopsy results are back. He does have liver cancer on his spine which means its metastasizing (stage 4 cancer). He already had his first radiation treatment today. They are hoping it will shrink enough to get him out of pain after 5 treatments. We are hopeful and leaning in the Lord."

November 3, 2013

"Update on Mike Contes Last night was better with pain. They have been slowly increasing long lasting oral meds so he doesn't need as much break through. Seems like we're on right track. But cautious as we have said that before. He's already had 4 radiation treatments. None today. He'll be going everyday Mon/Fri for many weeks. Still hoping to go home tomorrow!"

November 4, 2013

"Update on Mike Contes:  We are still at hospital. Pain returned today with a vengeance. Apparently it can be inconsistent and they can only give so much pain meds without ODing him. (Again) So we are taking it day to day waiting for tumor to shrink from radiation. Prayers for pain welcome!"

November 5, 2013

Update on Mike Contes. No changes today. Still waiting for pain to decrease or pain meds to control. They started something new today but it takes 72 to kick in so now we just have to be patient. About 3 more days here. I see a light!!

November 8, 2013

"Update on Mike Contes: After 16 nights in hospital, we are finally going home today!"

November 18, 2013

(Cheri Contes)

"Another day at hospital. This time liver biopsy. Please pray for good results and more importantly pray for him to feel better. Tomorrow is last radiation."

November 25, 2013

Update on Mike Contes:   Some of you wanted an update. Sorry. it was really busy here for a while with all the dr appts. Radiation is done. After coming home from hospital he got nauseous and sleepy. Those symptoms have seemed to increase with each day. He's barely awake. And we take meals cautiously. No pain though. We are now trying to taper down the meds in hopes of alleviating these symptoms and hope pain doesnt return. Thats all we have planned for now. Thank you all for the continued prayers!

November 27, 2013

Update on Mike Contes:   He was admitted back into hospital last night. He's been nauseous and extremely fatigued too long. He Lost a lot of weight and dehydration set in. They have him on fluids and iv meds for nausea but they havent helped him feel any better yet. Not sure what Drs will decide to do today.

Update on Mike Contes: they did a scan of his brain to be sure no tumors there causing this. It was clear! Thats a praise!! He still feels the same. They r decreasing pain pills again tonight and hoping its going to help him turn corner. 

November 28, 2013

Update on Mike Contes:  He's still quite miserable. He had minor improvements yesterday but then today back to drawing board. Drs aren't certain the cause or how to help but they still think its meds and trying to safely taper them down. They are going to do ultrasound and ct scan today to rule out other unlikely issues. Please pray for some relief and wisdom for Drs. Then hug your families and be thankful for your health and time together.

November 29, 2013

Update on Mike Contes:   he's finally feeling much better today! Thank God. He hasn't needed nausea med since last night. Still little sleepy, little confusion but really much better. They want to see him get through 24 hrs without iv meds before we can leave. He has to have a new stent put in tomorrow morning. This is for liver. He most likely needs another liver biopsy Monday too but we'll take it if he can do it with some quality of life. Seeing a light... Thanks for all the prayers!!

November 30, 2013

Update on Mike Contes: Going home!! He's feeling pretty good. They put new stents in this morning and another liver biopsy likely on Monday. But...he feels better and that's what matters most right now!

December 2, 2013

Update on Mike Contes: friends, he's still struggling. Seems like we putting out different fires. He just needs a break. He says , just 1 week, just 1 week without Drs and sickness. Please don't quit praying for him. There's still some unknown variables. Too many details right now. When i know more I will try to post. Pray also pray for him to be able spend Evan's birthday with him. Would mean SO MUCH to Evan.

   

Prayers for Baby Cyrus

Prayer Quilt made especially for Cyrus Hopper 

 This afternoon I had the great pleasure of sending a Prayer Quilt to a sweet baby named Cyrus.  I was glad to get it shipped in hopes that the quilt will make it to Cyrus' parents, Trent & Alex, before Cyrus makes his grand entrance into our world.  Now it is up to the United Parcel Service to make the delivery before the DELIVERY.  I can't wait to see sweet baby Cyrus wrapped up in his prayer quilt.  Please join with me in praying for Trent, Alex, and Cyrus Hopper.

Cyrus' Story

Even though Cyrus has not been born he has already been covered in prayer.  Cyrus' urethra is not fully developed.  As a result his bladder cannot fully drain. We can all imagine the issues that would result from this outside the womb, but inside the womb this is a very serious situation.

If you've ever had a baby, known someone who has had a baby, or watched a movie where a woman suddenly went into labor in a crowded restaurant, or mall, then you know about amniotic fluid.  Amniotic fluid is the "water" inside the amniotic sac (where the baby lives for 40 weeks before birth.)  When a woman's "water breaks" it is actually amniotic fluid.
The amniotic fluid is important for several reasons--it helps keep the baby warm, and because his body parts are growing so fast it provides lubrication that keeps them from growing together.  Amniotic fluid is critical in lung development.

Until the baby's kidneys develop, amniotic fluid is made by the mother, but after month 4, the baby contributes to his own amniotic fluid by urinating into it.  This doesn't sound appealing to us because our kidneys serve to eliminate waste from our bodies but there is nothing wasteful inside the fetal body.   Before his birth a baby will drink and eliminate up to 15 ounces of amniotic fluid a day.  This is a vital cycle that nourishes the infant and contributes to his development.

Because Cyrus' urethra is not fully developed this cycle is broken and there is no recycling of the amniotic fluid.  There is fluid in his bladder but not in the sac surrounding him.  Now that you know purpose of the amniotic fluid you can deduce the problems that could arise from not having enough.

Prayer Needs:

Quilt Pattern:  Baby Love by Camille Roskelley
Fabric:  Barcelona by Moda Fabrics
Pieced and Quilted by:  Hope Phelps

Pray for Cyrus' lung development.  

Pray that the chemical reaction that needs to take place for his lungs to develop will happen before he is born.  

Pray that every cell in his body will perfectly develop and that he will defy all the odds.  

Pray for Trent and Alex.  Pray for peace and comfort.  Pray for Alex's health as she undergoes countless medical procedures in preparation for delivery.  

For all current information and specific prayer needs please join the Facebook Group "Baby Hopper Updates!"

Clambake

Clambake

This was a fun and ambitious project for a self-taught quilter.  I saw the pattern for the Clambake Quilt in the Winter 2012 addition of Simple Quilts & Sewing (#126).  The quilt is designed by Emily Herrick and uses It's a Shore Thing fabric by Michael Miller Fabric. 

   

As soon as I laid eyes on the quilt I knew that it was perfect for my brother. 

My brother has been in school for the last twenty-four years.  In May he graduated from seminary with his PhD in Philosophy.  (I have no idea what he is talking about most of the time.)  After all that time in school I figured it was about time for a vacation.  

This line of fabrics really makes you feel like you are at the beach.  It features the iconic pink flamingo, red and blue lobsters, sailboats, lifesavers, plenty of waves and my favorite, a seaside madras patch print.  The fun prints and the clam shell pattern begs for saltwater and sand.  This is the conch shell of quilts.  I think if you wrapped up in it on a cold, quiet night. . .you might just be able to hear the ocean.  

The Fabric was the fun part.  

The pattern was the ambitious part.  

When I decided on this pattern I only had a few months of "quilting" under my belt and the extent of my intstruction was an afternoon with my mother-in-law.  But the magazine promised "Follow our instructions for easy machine appliqué."   That along with the little picture of Emily at the end of the article with a quote that reads, "I don't like to do anything hard so believe me when I tell you:  "You can do this!'  convinced me that I could make this quilt for my brother.  

I won't give away all the details of the pattern because the designer spent a lot of time putting it into words and she deserves all the credit and royalties from it.  As of this writing, the magazine is still available at www.fatquartershop.com

Simple Quilts & Sewing
Winter 2012 Issue

For me this was an education in all things sewing.  I'm sure to someone with a lot of experience it would have been a weekend project. For me, it took months.  I wasn't able to finish it by graduation in May but it was finished in time for me to give it to my brother for his birthday in June and just in time for that well-deserved vacation.  

Quilt Size:  54 x 67 1/2

Block Count:  6 3/4" x 9" Clamshell

Quilt Designer:  Emily Herrick

Quiltmaker: Hope Phelps

Machine Quilter:  The Quilt Patch (Stallings, NC)

Fabric:  Its a Shore Thing by Emily Herrick for Michael Miller Fabric, 

michaelmillerfabric.com

Sock Monkey Rag Quilt

Sock Monkey Rag Quilt
Finished Quilt Size 42" x 54"

My son is a huge fan of the vintage Sock Monkey.  For his 8th birthday I decided to make him a rag quilt using the "5 Funky Monkey" flannel line by Erin Michaels for Moda Fabric.   The first "quilt" I made was a rag quilt.  They are so quick and easy.  They are perfect for a novice.  And it's made of flannel which gets softer and softer every time you wash it.  Plus, there are so many great flannels on the market today.  These make perfect gifts for anyone.  I used six different prints in this quilt.  I also used Warm and Natural Batting.

The prints I selected were:

5 Funky Monkeys Flannel
By Erin Michaels
For Moda Fabric

• Flannel 5 Funky Monkeys Cream Sock Monkey 
• Flannel 5 Funky Monkeys Blue Sock Monkey 
• Flannel 5 Funky Monkeys Brown Bananas
• Flannel 5 Funky Monkeys Yellow Dots 
• Flannel 5 Funky Monkeys Red Sock Texture
• Flannel 5 Funky Monkeys Brown Sock Texture

The first step in creating this rag quilt is to cut the pieces.  I chose to make my finished squares 6" so the cut square was 7".   I wanted nine rows of seven squares.  This made a throw size blanket.  If you want a larger (or smaller) quilt you simply add (or subtract) rows until you have the quilt size you want. 

Fabric Requirements 

As for how much fabric you will need to complete this project, it will vary depending on the size of quilt you want and how many patterns of fabric you are using.  How much fabric you need will depend on how many squares you can cut per row.  For this quilt you will need 126 squares of fabric.  Using flannel that comes on a 44" bolt, I was able to cut 7 squares per row.  

Figure how many seven inch squares would fit in a row, and how many rows you need to equal the total number of squares.   

So, using this math and a 44"  bolt of fabric, I needed 22 7-inch square of each of my six fabrics.  I was able to cut 7 squares per row.  I had to cut four 7" rows from each fabric.  4 x 7 = 28.  I needed 28" of each fabric.  DO NOT purchase 28" of fabric--one wash or one wrong cut and you are not going to have enough.  If you need 28" round up to 7/8 of a yard.  This will give you 31.5" which will allow for fabric shrinking and crooked cutting.  

This number will vary depending on the number of fabric patterns you are using.  It may be helpful to draw out your quilt and decide how many squares you need of each pattern before you begin.  If you need more help the ladies at the fabric store are very knowledgable.  

Pre-Wash your Fabric

The debate goes on "Pre-wash or not."  I say pre-wash.  This quilt has to be washed in its final step.  Even if you are not worried about your fabric shrinking remember your fabrics may bleed.  There is nothing worse than spending days on a project only to pull it out of dryer with hot pink fading onto your pale yellows. (ask me how I know this)  It will only take a few more hours to wash your fabrics.  I always put them on the quick wash cycle and pour a cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle.  This helps set the color.  Dry your fabric as normal.  If your flannel comes out very wrinkled, iron before cutting.

Step 1:  Cutting the Fabric

The first step is to cut the fabric and the batting.

Items that I used:

• Rotary Cutting Mat
• Rotary Cutter
• Ruler

You can cut your fabric with regular scissors but a rotary cutter makes it a lot easier.  

You will need 63 finished 7-inch squares.  So you will need to cut 126 7-inch squares from your chosen fabric.  I had six patterns so I wanted to have 11 finished squares from each pattern.  

Fold your fabric selvage to selvage (finished side), wrong sides together.  Make sure the fabric is wrinkle free and smooth.  Lay the selvage along the side of the mat and line the fold up so that it is straight.  Using the grid on the mat, and your ruler cut the selvage off so the fabric is square.  (There are great tutorials online for cutting with a rotary mat if you need more help)  IF your fabric starts at zero line your ruler up with the 7-inch mark on your mat and cut a straight line.  This will give you a 7-inch strip of fabric.  Line the remaining fabric up at the zero, making sure it is straight and cut another 7-inch row.  Continue this until you have the amount of rows needed.  

Cut 63 7-inch squares.  Take one of your newly cut rows of fabric and line it up horizontally with the straight edge of your mat.  You may need to cut the open ends (opposite from the folded side) to square them up with the straight edge of the mat.  Cut 7-inch squares.  You should be able to double cut three giving you six squares.  Then open the folded side and cut one additional square from the remainder of the fabric.  

My fabrics were 44/45" so I cut three strips seven inches wide.  Then I cut seven 7" squares from each strip (six while the fabric was doubled then one from what was left over).  I needed twenty two 7" squares from each fabric to make 11 quilt sandwich squares.  So I had to cut one additional 7" square from my leftover fabric.  

This will give you 126 squares. 

You will also need 63 squares of batting. One square of batting will go between two squares of fabric.   

The batting needs to be 1 1/2" smaller than the original square to allow for 1/2" seam allowance.  Cut 63  5 1/2" squares of batting.  Cut the same way.  Batting comes on march larger bolts so you will be able to cut more squares from each 5 1/2" row.  

Step 2:  Making the Quilt Sandwich

Lay one square of fabric right side down then center batting on top of it.  Lay another square of fabric on top,  right side up.  You will end up with two squares of fabric, right sides facing out with a piece of batting in between, thus the name:  Quilt Sandwich.  Sew an "X" across the quilt sandwich corner to corner.  

I like to save time by sewing all the squares in one direction, cutting them then sewing all the squares in the other direction.   This saves you a little time but it is not at all necessary.  

Step 3:  Laying Out the Quilt

You probably have a general idea of what you want your finished quilt to look like.  Now that you have all your quilt sandwiches assembled it is time to lay out your quilt.  If it is a larger quilt you will want to do this on an open area on your floor.  A smaller one might fit on your kitchen table, like mine did.  

I chose to line mine up in diagonal rows, but you choose any pattern you like, or no pattern at all.  After you lay the pieces out you can move them around to get it just like you like it.  Then I highly recommend taking a picture of the layout.  You can also pin the rows together.  I don't pin the rows together because I take the pieces straight off of this table and sew them together.  Then I bring them back and lay them out again to make sure that they are right.  This makes the process a little longer but I make less mistakes this way.  The project gets really long if you have to rip out seams over and over.  

I use a 1/2' seam allowance.  If you use less you won't have enough seam to snip--and your rag quilt won't have any rag to it.  I use a piece of ruler tape to mark the 1/2" on my sewing machine because I'm so used to 1/4" seam allowance that I can easily mess up.  

Unlike traditional quilting the seam is going to show on this quilt.  Sew the raw seam toward the top of the quilt.  Put two squares together (back to back) and sew a 1/2" seam.  According to your pattern continue to add until you have a row consisting of 7 blocks.  Assemble each row until you have nine rows of seven blocks each. At this point your quilt should look like this:  

All the seams should be on the same side of the quilt and facing the same direction.  

Assembling the Quilt

Once you have your rows of seven sewn together it is time to assemble the rows to one another.  This will require pinning.  Take two strips of your seven blocks and pin them back to back.  This means flat sides with no raw seams should be facing each other.

You will be sewing a long 1/2" seam so pin a little lower down than 1/2" making sure that the edges line up.  Line each square up making sure the seams match.  I pin the seam at the seam allowance to make sure one seam is facing right and the other is facing the left.  This will make it easier to sew and not bunch up at the seams.   After you clip and fray the edges it won't matter.  After pinning the row open it up and make sure you have pinned it correctly.  DO THIS EVERY TIME!  It is very easy to get disoriented making this quilt.  

When you are sure it is pinned correctly fold the rows back on themselves and sew them together at the pinned edge leaving 1/2" seam.  

Continue to sew a new strip along the long side until you have put together all nine rows.  I recommend laying the quilt flat between each row to make sure that everything is facing the right direction.  It is easier to rip one seam than two or more.  

When you are finished sew along the outside of the entire quilt with 1/2" seam allowance.  

The assembled quilt.  Each square should have four raw seam edges showing.

Fraying your Rag Quilt

Fiskars spring loaded
Rag Quilt Snips

Once your rag quilt has been assembled you will "snip" the raw seam edge at regular intervals.  I put the quilt on my kitchen island so I don't have to bend over it, but you could also lay it out on the floor.  I have also just put it on my lap and turned on a movie.  Whatever works for you.  This is a tedious process and takes a while.  Take breaks as needed.  Your  hands will thank you for it.  

There actually are "scissors" designed specifically for this.  They are rag quilt snips.  The first quilt I made using scissors.  They did the job but these snips make it a lot easier.  

Now start snipping.  Snip all the raw seams at about 1/4" intervals.  The cut is perpendicular to the stitching.  Do not snip into the seams.  Don't forget the seam around the edge of your quilt.  It will need to be snipped as well.  

This is a maddening process, once you are finished your hand will ache and you will be covered with flannel "dust." But it yields a great reward.  

The front of your quilt will be frayed, but the backside should be smooth. 

Washing Your Rag Quilt

You may choose to take your quilt to a laundromat for this because it produces a lot of lint.  I have always washed and dried my rag quilts in my front load washer and dryer right here at home with no problems.  

Machine wash your quilt on cold.  Make sure you wipe the lint out of the washing machine afterwards.  Dry your quilt.  Start with a clean lint trap and make sure you clean it out afterwards. After drying take your quilt out and shake it.  

The more you wash and dry this quilt the softer and more fluffy it becomes.  

All done.  

Enjoy your quilt.