Contributed by Denise McGill, Catalogs.com Top 10 Guru

Quilts have been a part of Americana for over two centuries. Consisting of two layers of fabric with fluffy batting in the middle, quilts provide warmth through chilly winters and are a colorful collage of patterned fabrics.

From comfy bedroom spreads to deluxe wall hangings, quilts are not only functional but are often used with country style decor.

However, quilting projects are more than just baby blankets and bed spreads. With the array of kits and patterns available, you can find the time to sew small quilting projects with just a few hours to spare. Here is my list of the top ten small quilting projects:

10. Luggage tags

Have some leftover scraps of fabric hanging around the house and love to travel? In just minutes you can put together luggage tags you can spot from across a crowded airport! Durable and tear resistant, paper tags handed out in the airport just don’t measure up to these homemade creations.

9. Pincushion

If you are an avid quilter, then chances are you have lots of pins and needles lying around the sewing room, kitchen, dining room, etc, etc… A pincushion made from even the smallest scraps of fabric is a great way to store pins. Put an elastic band on the cushion and you have a convenient wrist pincushion – giving you no excuse for leaving a trail of sharp objects behind you.

8. Patchwork pillow

Snuggle up with a patchwork pillow on the bed, couch or favorite Lazy Boy. A patchwork pillow lends a touch of country and is an easy, inexpensive way to accessorize. A quick and easy makeover project for a living room with very little time or expense involved.

7. Hot pads

Have a friend or family member that is an avid cook? Hot pads are a simple project and they are useful too – they keep fingers protected from painful mishaps when pulling the evening casserole out of the oven.

6. Small books & journals

People who love to journal take it very seriously. What better way to protect the most intimate of secrets than to wrap them in soft quilting. A quilted book cover makes curling up with a good book sound almost romantic.

5. Pillowcases

You can get as creative as you want with quilted pillowcases. Ruffles and buttons let you add your own touch of personality. The cute bunny is a bonus.

4. Knotted quilt

Here’s an idea for a kid’s project that will keep them preoccupied for a rainy afternoon and out of your hair. With a knotted quilt project, kids simply knot together fringed squares of fleece to create their own throw. No sewing is involved so there is no worry about lost needles in the carpet or pricked fingers.

3. Gift bags

Got an awkward sized gift that just doesn’t cover well with paper? Quilted gift bags are perfect for gifts such as bottles of wine, homemade soaps or lotions. Plop them in the gift bag and pull the drawstring tight for instant, appealing packaging that will be reused over and over.

2. Lunch sack

The ultimate in going green! Economical, reusable and much more than your ordinary paper bag! Sew on your own decorative clasp for an extra touch of class that says “bagging it” is the new cool.

1. Soft blocks

When you don’t have time to make a quilt for the neighbor’s new baby, quilted fabric blocks are the way to go. Soft blocks are cuddly toys that baby can grow with, slobber on, toss and generally have a good time. Pop in the wash and the blocks are ready for another go around.