
Our first step was to pick our QR code. Every web page has a corresponding code, so we had a lot of silly ideas about what site to choose. For loyalty’s sake we chose Spoonflower and with a simple free online code generator, Jake was able to print out an image of the QR code for the Spoonflower site. We used this as a guide for our quilt.
We wanted our quilt to be more than just a black and white grid--no cheater quilt for us! So we decided to make individual designs that would be cut up and incorporated into the larger QR code pattern. We each made two designs: one predominantly black, and one mostly white. Looking back, we realize we could have used any two colors with a high contrast, but the QR codes we are familiar with are black and white, so that’s what we did. Keeping with the code theme, each one of our designs features a different code of communication, and each one spells--can you guess?--Spoonflower!

We chose Kona cotton for our quilt, because it’s so soft and easy to work with. The Spoonflower QR code is made of 625 squares (25 rows of 25) so for a roughly queen-size quilt, we printed 3 yards of each design and used 4-inch squares with a half-inch seam allowance. Jake and I argued about whether or not the quilt should be totally gigantic, but I think he’s glad we kept it somewhat small.


The next step was to cut the fabric into squares and plot the chart of how to sew them together. It seemed right that no adjacent squares should be the same design, so in order to plot the layout of all the squares, I drew a map on graph paper of how to sew the squares together. It’s like a code all on its own! It took a long time to make this chart with my left hand, but it was so useful during the sewing process.

Jake and I sewed the squares together into strips and then sewed the strips together. Jake sewed! This was the first time he had ever sewed, but it was perfect because what can be easier than sewing squares together? Turns out that sewing machines aren’t as complicated as they look. After a few squares he was a natural. He even learned how to load a bobbin.

Jake’s dog, Grace, a rescued Boxer, looked on with curiosity.

My mom joked that the only time she sees me is when I need help with something, but I actually need her help a lot! My mom is a very talented crafter, and she inspires me in so many ways. I’m blessed to have her live so near! In fact, she would not let us give up when it was late and we’d been sewing all day. “I’m not leaving until I see the finished quilt top!” she said. “We have to scan it and see if it works!” So Jake and I sewed like the wind and finished the top of the quilt. Then we held it up and he scanned it with his phone and... it took us to the Spoonflower website! Despite our sewing imperfections (I think some of the Morse code squares might be upside down) and tons of loose threads, it actually worked!

The next day we spread the quilt top over a backing made of plain Kona, with a layer of batting in between, and my mom helped us pin it all over with safety pins. Pin basting helped us keep it all together so we could sew it without a quilt frame. The next step was to sew down each seam, through all the layers of the quilt, both vertically and horizontally.

For all you real quilters, please do not be horrified. This was a quick quilt, renegade style. A close inspection of our handiwork is not recommended! However, this quilt does two things: it takes you to the Spoonflower website and it keeps you warm. What more could a person want?
The very last step was to fold up the edges of the Kona backing around the sides of the quilt top and sew through all the layers. Gart saw me doing this part, and it was his first glimpse of the quilt. “I’m geeking out!” he said, incredulous that it actually was a scannable QR code in quilt form. Yes, it’s a melding of very old and very new technologies. We hope you like it! Meanwhile, Jake will be taking a nap in it.
Now that you know the story, please click here and vote for me!
1 comment:
Voted!! I love your quilt and the imperfections make it all that more personal. The quilt police can back off, this is wonderful! :)
Post a Comment