Molly's Sketchbook: Lap Duvet

Even in the mild Spring weather I still find myself reaching for a blanket if I am reading or watching a movie on the couch at night. This is a problem because, until now,  I didn't have any throw sized blankets, only gigantic bed sized quilts which aren't very convenient when you have to fold them back up at the end of the night.

At a recent Purl Bee meeting Page mentioned that she was having the same issue and the idea for this project was born! We decided to make a very quick, very simply quilted lap blanket using a technique that Joelle used in the "Super Quick + Easy Baby Quilt" project from her book, Last Minute Patchwork and Quilted Gifts.

We also decided to use some of our favorite new fabric from designer Naomi Ito's Nani Iro line. These prints are beyond gorgeous. They have a unique painterly quality and come in the most beautiful colors. The fabric itself is a soft double gauze perfect for a Spring project. The wool batting I used made this piece feel so lofty that it in the end it seemed more like a fluffy duvet than a regular blanket.

This is my absolute favorite kind of sewing project: useful, beautiful, and quick. I actually timed it and it turns out that the entire project takes less than 2 and a half hours from start to finish. It would make a great housewarming gift and best of all you could whip it up on the afternoon of the housewarming party! If you'd like to make one of your own please visit my Lap Duvet Project Journal right here. -- Enjoy! Molly

Comments

[ina and gumby]

purlbees ... one question got answered already ... the wool batting is washable ... would this still work with the nani iro linen as one of the layers ... thinking i like the idea of the two different textures ... what do you think? cheers ...

[Lynn Lekander]

Theses lap duvets are beautiful - if it weren't 100 in Texas today, I would think I needed one immediately. Since it is so hot now, it's a very good project to work on. Love the fabric, it makes me want to curl up with a book and read.

[Suki]

These are absolutely gorgeous. I see a "lap duvet" in my future but first I have to figure out which fabric combo I like the best...they are all so pretty.

[madumali]

Oh!!! What lovely fabrics!!! Heavenly !!:)

[Ruth]

This is an awesome idea! And I love the fabric you've used!

[Carolyn]

Love the fabric! Makes me want to curl up and sleep. They are all so pretty.

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[purl bee]

Hello Ina-

Yes, you could do this with the linen as well, but if you're mixing fabrics make sure to wash them before you sew with them since they will shrink at different rates.

Thanks so much for your question!

[krystina]

Hi there! Really beautiful fabrics, can you please tell me where I can find the orange floral print? I looked on the Purl Soho website but I couldnt seem to find it.

[Josie]

Beautiful fabrics, beautiful project.

[purl bee]

Hi Krystina-

The orange floral can be found here:

http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/item/8139-Kokka-Fabrics-Nani-Iro-Spring-2011

Thanks so much for your question!

[Yogihan]

What beautiful creations, I find the Naomi Ito fabric so nostalgic, but fresh. These duvets remind of one that my grandmother use to have in her immaculate guest room, only like an updated version.

[pam]

I am assuming the batting needed is the craft size? all set to make this lovely lap throw but I'm not sure about that please answer soonest

[short term rental london]

I really love those new fabrics, especially the purple one which is reminding me of bunch of lilac. So great feeling :)

[purl bee]

Hi Pam-

You will need a throw sized batting. All the materials are listed here:

http://purlbee.squarespace.com/lap-duvet/

Thank you for your question!

[lb]

Hi,

What a beautiful project! I would love to make one for home, and a smaller version to keep me warm at my desk at work.

Will you have the Nani Iro colorways back in stock soon?

[purl bee]

Hi L B-

The colorways we used should be back in stock in 6-8 weeks on the website. If you live in New York City our Soho store does have some in stock. You can call them at 212-420-8796 if you'd like to order over the phone.

Thank you so much for your question.

[Kathy]

I just made a lap duvet for a birthday gift. It was as easy as Molly describes, and came out beautiful. A great project; thanks!