Weight Loss Quilt

(My work in progress. I need to cut out more squares, but wanted to show you what it looks like so far.)

At my Weight Watchers meeting, members were sharing ideas for unique ways to see their progress and stay motivated as they lose weight. One lady puts a dollar in a glass jar for each pound lost. Another lady connected paperclips together in a chain, etc.

I wanted a unique way to see my progress, so I came up with the idea of making a quilt. The following  Bible verse came to mind:

He has made everything beautiful in its time. (Ecclesiastes 3:11)

The process of making a quilt is often long and time consuming, but the end result is a beautiful tapestry. Weight loss is the same. The journey is long and requires a lot of effort, but having a new and healthy body is worth it. Just as a quilt comes to life as each piece is added, I feel better and have more energy as each pound is lost. There is beauty in the journey. As I watch my quilt come together, I have a visual reminder that I'm progressing towards healthy living and a healthier body. I hate the excess weight on my body. It makes me feel ugly and ashamed, but now I'm seeing each pound lost as part of a lovely process. I'm slowly creating a new me!

Here’s how to get started on your own weight loss quilt.

   

1. Decide if you want a large quilt, small quilt, or miniature wall hanging quilt. 

2. Take your starting weight and subtract your goal weight to see how many squares you need to cut. 

3. Select and wash your fabric. I’m using a different fabric for each square since I sew and have a large stash of fabric scraps. If you have to purchase your fabric, you might want to select a few fabrics you like and cut multiple squares from each design. 

4. Cut your fabric squares. A rotary cutter and mat makes this part easier. Place your fabric squares in a basket or small container, or you can cut them as you lose. I’m still in the process of cutting mine.

5. Create a design board to see your progress. You won’t be sewing your quilt together until you reach your goal weight. I covered a painter’s canvas with felt (fabric sticks to felt) and will place the squares on it as I lose. 

6. Once you reach goal weight, you can sew your pieces together. You will have a lovely quilt and a visual reminder of your hard work and effort to lose weight. Enjoy!