Quilting|
Jan
31
Filed Under (Paper Greeting Card) by Kert
Nicholas Tan asked:
Most craft ideas are geared to individuals, whether kids or adults. Sometimes you’d like to have a craft idea that works for a group of kids working together. Making a mural together is an idea that works for a group. By working together, you are creating something to decorate a shared area. Individual crafts can be displayed, but one unique item is often more effective than a group of items that are almost identical. In addition, sometimes kids’ crafts, like it or not, just become clutter when they are taken home, and it isn’t long before Mom throws it out. This craft idea of making a group mural can be displayed for several weeks and will not become clutter in anyone’s home.
The basic materials for a kids’ group mural is freezer paper. Freezer paper is about 18 inches wide, and it is very tough. One side is plastic coated. That is the side that is designed to be placed against the food. You will have better luck drawing on and gluing things onto the other side. Class or group murals can feature a number of different design elements. You can mix up some finger paint and let the children make hand prints (or even foot prints!) on the paper. You can let them scour old cast-off magazines and color catalogs for pictures they like and let them cut the pictures out and glue them on. They can add scribbles, designs, signatures, slogans, or pictures using markers, crayons, or gel pens. They can attach stickers to the mural as well. This craft idea is very flexible!
For making the mural, choose a topic that relates to the group in some way. If the group are girl scouts, for instance, and have been learning to camp, the mural can feature pictures of items related to camping. If you’ve been learning about dinosaurs, you can use them as a theme. If you want a really messy project that makes a cute mural for fall, mix up finger paint in fall colors. The children can each make a tree by first laying their forearm in brown paint. Then they lay their arm on the paper to make the trunk of the tree. They should spread out their fingers so their arm print has five short branches at the top. To make the leaves, the children make fingerprints all around the top of the tree using paints in other fall colors. If you add a few drops of dishwashing detergent to finger paint when mixing it up, it will be easier to clean off the children’s arms. Do make sure they have old clothes or smocks for this craft idea.
Little preschoolers will like making a mural with an animal theme. You should probably find and cut out animal magazine pictures to start with, and then let the children choose the ones they like for gluing down. Glue sticks are neat to use with small children. They will paste some of the pictures upside down. Expect it and do not scold them. It is the process that is important in this craft idea. The children can also use animal cookie cutters dipped in finger paint to stamp animals on the mural, too. You may need to tape the paper to the table so it doesn’t slide around while the children work.
An elaborate form of this craft idea that adults often make is a quilt around a theme. Each person in the group creates a quilt square to represent some aspect of what the group stands for. These quilt squares can be colored with fabric pens or crafted of patchwork or applique. Again, the craft idea is to build group solidarity and not to highlight one artist’s skills over another. When the quilt top is completed, it can be a group project to tie it or quilt it. It can be hung in a special central location or given to an appreciated leader or member.
CHARLEY
Most craft ideas are geared to individuals, whether kids or adults. Sometimes you’d like to have a craft idea that works for a group of kids working together. Making a mural together is an idea that works for a group. By working together, you are creating something to decorate a shared area. Individual crafts can be displayed, but one unique item is often more effective than a group of items that are almost identical. In addition, sometimes kids’ crafts, like it or not, just become clutter when they are taken home, and it isn’t long before Mom throws it out. This craft idea of making a group mural can be displayed for several weeks and will not become clutter in anyone’s home.
The basic materials for a kids’ group mural is freezer paper. Freezer paper is about 18 inches wide, and it is very tough. One side is plastic coated. That is the side that is designed to be placed against the food. You will have better luck drawing on and gluing things onto the other side. Class or group murals can feature a number of different design elements. You can mix up some finger paint and let the children make hand prints (or even foot prints!) on the paper. You can let them scour old cast-off magazines and color catalogs for pictures they like and let them cut the pictures out and glue them on. They can add scribbles, designs, signatures, slogans, or pictures using markers, crayons, or gel pens. They can attach stickers to the mural as well. This craft idea is very flexible!
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For making the mural, choose a topic that relates to the group in some way. If the group are girl scouts, for instance, and have been learning to camp, the mural can feature pictures of items related to camping. If you’ve been learning about dinosaurs, you can use them as a theme. If you want a really messy project that makes a cute mural for fall, mix up finger paint in fall colors. The children can each make a tree by first laying their forearm in brown paint. Then they lay their arm on the paper to make the trunk of the tree. They should spread out their fingers so their arm print has five short branches at the top. To make the leaves, the children make fingerprints all around the top of the tree using paints in other fall colors. If you add a few drops of dishwashing detergent to finger paint when mixing it up, it will be easier to clean off the children’s arms. Do make sure they have old clothes or smocks for this craft idea.
Little preschoolers will like making a mural with an animal theme. You should probably find and cut out animal magazine pictures to start with, and then let the children choose the ones they like for gluing down. Glue sticks are neat to use with small children. They will paste some of the pictures upside down. Expect it and do not scold them. It is the process that is important in this craft idea. The children can also use animal cookie cutters dipped in finger paint to stamp animals on the mural, too. You may need to tape the paper to the table so it doesn’t slide around while the children work.
An elaborate form of this craft idea that adults often make is a quilt around a theme. Each person in the group creates a quilt square to represent some aspect of what the group stands for. These quilt squares can be colored with fabric pens or crafted of patchwork or applique. Again, the craft idea is to build group solidarity and not to highlight one artist’s skills over another. When the quilt top is completed, it can be a group project to tie it or quilt it. It can be hung in a special central location or given to an appreciated leader or member.
CHARLEY
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Jan
30
Filed Under (Hobbies & Crafts) by Kert
ashleyg asked:
What’s the difference between regular sewing fabric and quilting fabric, if there is a difference? I don’t want to end up purchasing the wrong fabric to create my quilt.
DENVER
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What’s the difference between regular sewing fabric and quilting fabric, if there is a difference? I don’t want to end up purchasing the wrong fabric to create my quilt.
DENVER
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Jan
22
Filed Under (Hobbies & Crafts) by Kert
____________________________________________________________________
MyThought asked:
I’m a beginner, and I’ve read that a walking foot is appropriate for machine quilting. Is it necessary or just helpful? Can you give me a link to a photo so I know what it looks like? What does a walking foot cost?
I’m a beginner, and I’ve read that a walking foot is appropriate for machine quilting. Is it necessary or just helpful? Can you give me a link to a photo so I know what it looks like? What does a walking foot cost?
Thanks.
COLEMAN
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Jan
18
Filed Under (Art And Entertainment) by Kert
Penny Halgren asked:
Custom applique quilts are easy to design - with a little inspration from simple line drawings.
When the standard patterns just don’t excite you, create your own. It’s as easy as flipping through a child’s coloring book or searching through clip art.
Custom appliqu?uilts are perfect gifts (and prized heirloom treasures) for celebrating the birth of a new baby. When the mom-to-be picks a less popular nursery theme, it can be hard to find a coordinating gift. That will make your custom appliqu?uilt extra special!
One woman chose a “Cat in the Hat” theme for her newborn’s room. She wanted something different and knew she’d have to custom sew and accessorize just about everything in the room.
She turned to an old coloring book for inspiration. The lines in children’s coloring books are generally simple, especially in coloring books for younger aged children.
For the crib quilt, she enlarged a coloring book page of the cat’s hat. Using the enlargement for a pattern, she appliqu?red stripes onto the hat which she had cut from white fabric.
With the help of iron-on adhesive, she added the striped hat to the center of her crib quilt top and stitched around it with a satin stitch. She added coordinating prints around the sides for the border and without much effort at all, had a custom appliqu?uilt. She used the same techniques to add characters from the famous Dr. Seuss story to bumper pads and to create a wall hanging for the nursery, too.
It’s easy to use the same procedure for creating a custom appliqu?rom clip art. Pick your theme, then start looking for appropriate art. The important thing is to look for simple lines.
Don’t forget that you can manipulate some clip art. Once you open a clip art file, see if you can select the image then choose “ungroup” from the edit command. If it will allow you to ungroup, you can make simple changes.
For instance, if you’re looking for a Santa riding a reindeer, but the one you’ve found has ornaments hanging from the reindeer’s antlers, ungrouping will probably allow you to actually delete those ornaments from the art design. Don’t forget to save your art once you’ve completed your editing!
Many quilters prefer to assemble the custom applique separately, then finish by stitching it to their quilt top or quilt block. Others, however, like to assemble piece by piece onto the quilt top or block by basting, then finishing the stitches with either an appliqu?titch, zig-zag or satin stitch.
You may also use fonts in the same way. It’s really easy to create a custom appliqu?uilt with a name or favorite hobby (”Cheer!” and “Play Ball!” are two that come to mind). Just type the words, making the letters the size you want. You may have to print the letters individually rather than on one sheet if you want them to be substantially large.
You can even make custom appliqu?with Greek letters for your favorite fraternity or sorority member by using a font like Symbols for the pattern.
Once you’ve printed the letters, they are your pattern for your custom appliqu?esign. Experiment with the positioning once they’re cut out. Have fun and create interest by overlapping the letters in some places.
You must observe copyright laws when using other media to help you design custom appliqu?atterns. Most art is under law in which if used for personal use only, there is no copyright infringement. If you try to sell your custom appliqu?rojects using the already published art, you are likely in violation of copyright law.
The same goes for fonts. There are many websites that allow viewers to download and use free fonts, but most of those include stipulations that the use of the fonts must be for personal - not commercial - use only.
LARRY
Custom applique quilts are easy to design - with a little inspration from simple line drawings.
When the standard patterns just don’t excite you, create your own. It’s as easy as flipping through a child’s coloring book or searching through clip art.
Custom appliqu?uilts are perfect gifts (and prized heirloom treasures) for celebrating the birth of a new baby. When the mom-to-be picks a less popular nursery theme, it can be hard to find a coordinating gift. That will make your custom appliqu?uilt extra special!
One woman chose a “Cat in the Hat” theme for her newborn’s room. She wanted something different and knew she’d have to custom sew and accessorize just about everything in the room.
She turned to an old coloring book for inspiration. The lines in children’s coloring books are generally simple, especially in coloring books for younger aged children.
For the crib quilt, she enlarged a coloring book page of the cat’s hat. Using the enlargement for a pattern, she appliqu?red stripes onto the hat which she had cut from white fabric.
With the help of iron-on adhesive, she added the striped hat to the center of her crib quilt top and stitched around it with a satin stitch. She added coordinating prints around the sides for the border and without much effort at all, had a custom appliqu?uilt. She used the same techniques to add characters from the famous Dr. Seuss story to bumper pads and to create a wall hanging for the nursery, too.
It’s easy to use the same procedure for creating a custom appliqu?rom clip art. Pick your theme, then start looking for appropriate art. The important thing is to look for simple lines.
Don’t forget that you can manipulate some clip art. Once you open a clip art file, see if you can select the image then choose “ungroup” from the edit command. If it will allow you to ungroup, you can make simple changes.
For instance, if you’re looking for a Santa riding a reindeer, but the one you’ve found has ornaments hanging from the reindeer’s antlers, ungrouping will probably allow you to actually delete those ornaments from the art design. Don’t forget to save your art once you’ve completed your editing!
Many quilters prefer to assemble the custom applique separately, then finish by stitching it to their quilt top or quilt block. Others, however, like to assemble piece by piece onto the quilt top or block by basting, then finishing the stitches with either an appliqu?titch, zig-zag or satin stitch.
You may also use fonts in the same way. It’s really easy to create a custom appliqu?uilt with a name or favorite hobby (”Cheer!” and “Play Ball!” are two that come to mind). Just type the words, making the letters the size you want. You may have to print the letters individually rather than on one sheet if you want them to be substantially large.
You can even make custom appliqu?with Greek letters for your favorite fraternity or sorority member by using a font like Symbols for the pattern.
Once you’ve printed the letters, they are your pattern for your custom appliqu?esign. Experiment with the positioning once they’re cut out. Have fun and create interest by overlapping the letters in some places.
You must observe copyright laws when using other media to help you design custom appliqu?atterns. Most art is under law in which if used for personal use only, there is no copyright infringement. If you try to sell your custom appliqu?rojects using the already published art, you are likely in violation of copyright law.
The same goes for fonts. There are many websites that allow viewers to download and use free fonts, but most of those include stipulations that the use of the fonts must be for personal - not commercial - use only.
LARRY
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Jan
17
Filed Under (Art And Entertainment) by Kert
Jake Saab asked:
Wall hangers are easy to create. The minute size quilts once created will make a nice gift and/or decoration for your home.
Once you have your parts together, as well as have your tools you can get started making a wall hanger. If you are new to quilting, do not worry since the hanger we are making is one of the easier groups of craft to create.
Do not forget to get your rotary cutters on hand, since throughout your quilting project you will need to cut 1/4-inch allowances for your seams. Now, assuming you have your green, tan, blue, yellow, and peach print in order we can get started making your top section of the quilt.
Briefly, I will go over the sections to help you prepare. You should have two, 2 1/2 x 19 1/2 inches of upper and lower borders in the green prints. You should have another two borders in green at the size of 2 1/2 x 27 1/2 inches. You should have the value of 36 for your D Square and the size at 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 inches. Tan print has six parts, i.e. A-strip, B piece, C-Strip, D-E square, and F-strip. Blue only has one part, while yellow has three and peach has one. The yellow is C-strip, D-square, and the last value of four is the cornerstone. C values eighteen, and measures at 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 inches, while D values 12 and measures at 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches; F is the peach strip, Peach, which values four and its gauge is 1 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches. Peach has the G-strip, which values four and measures at 2 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches. The rust prints include the value of six, which makes up the sashing #1 vertical at measures to 1 1/2 x 13 1/2 inches. The second sashing creates three and measures to 1 1/2 x 21 1/2 inches, while the last H strip values four and measures at 1 1/2 x 7 1/2 inches.
You will need to cut these pieces of your quilt out. Use the guide above to achieve a precise cut. Now you can crown your quilt. Start by creating a row and a block. Use your block, row, and begin stitching your D-Blue Square to attach to the A-Tan narrow pieces. (Strips)
Continue to the next color arrangement to complete the second block. Use the D-Yellow Square in the second block and create a couple of narrow pieces per color arrangement.
Now stitch two pieces of the tan print together to create a starting row two and in the first block. Use Tan B, a couple of Blue Cs, a Yellow C and overturn so that the yellow/blue has a gateway through the color arrangement at the second block. You want to create double narrow pieces.
In the third row, create a couple more rows and arrange the colors according in the blocks. In the fourth row, create another two rows so that you have a nine pattern in your color arrangement, which should extend crosswise. Alternating, add stitches to the blocks (2) and make your center by creating #2 sashing narrow pieces equaling three. Now press your fabric. Use an iron without ironing, rather pressing as you move along.
You are ready for your borders. Starting with the #2 border, stitch the narrow pieces so that it moves left to right, and to the sides at the right of your quilt, stitching toward the middle. Add 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches, by stitching the yellow print square. Stitch along the shorter ends linking it to your dual borders. (Strip #1) Moving along, at the edges along the top and bottom, stitch the narrow pieces, stitching along the middle. You are now ready to complete your project.
ISIDRO
Wall hangers are easy to create. The minute size quilts once created will make a nice gift and/or decoration for your home.
Once you have your parts together, as well as have your tools you can get started making a wall hanger. If you are new to quilting, do not worry since the hanger we are making is one of the easier groups of craft to create.
Do not forget to get your rotary cutters on hand, since throughout your quilting project you will need to cut 1/4-inch allowances for your seams. Now, assuming you have your green, tan, blue, yellow, and peach print in order we can get started making your top section of the quilt.
Briefly, I will go over the sections to help you prepare. You should have two, 2 1/2 x 19 1/2 inches of upper and lower borders in the green prints. You should have another two borders in green at the size of 2 1/2 x 27 1/2 inches. You should have the value of 36 for your D Square and the size at 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 inches. Tan print has six parts, i.e. A-strip, B piece, C-Strip, D-E square, and F-strip. Blue only has one part, while yellow has three and peach has one. The yellow is C-strip, D-square, and the last value of four is the cornerstone. C values eighteen, and measures at 1 1/2 x 1 1/2 inches, while D values 12 and measures at 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches; F is the peach strip, Peach, which values four and its gauge is 1 1/2 x 3 1/2 inches. Peach has the G-strip, which values four and measures at 2 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches. The rust prints include the value of six, which makes up the sashing #1 vertical at measures to 1 1/2 x 13 1/2 inches. The second sashing creates three and measures to 1 1/2 x 21 1/2 inches, while the last H strip values four and measures at 1 1/2 x 7 1/2 inches.
You will need to cut these pieces of your quilt out. Use the guide above to achieve a precise cut. Now you can crown your quilt. Start by creating a row and a block. Use your block, row, and begin stitching your D-Blue Square to attach to the A-Tan narrow pieces. (Strips)
Continue to the next color arrangement to complete the second block. Use the D-Yellow Square in the second block and create a couple of narrow pieces per color arrangement.
Now stitch two pieces of the tan print together to create a starting row two and in the first block. Use Tan B, a couple of Blue Cs, a Yellow C and overturn so that the yellow/blue has a gateway through the color arrangement at the second block. You want to create double narrow pieces.
In the third row, create a couple more rows and arrange the colors according in the blocks. In the fourth row, create another two rows so that you have a nine pattern in your color arrangement, which should extend crosswise. Alternating, add stitches to the blocks (2) and make your center by creating #2 sashing narrow pieces equaling three. Now press your fabric. Use an iron without ironing, rather pressing as you move along.
You are ready for your borders. Starting with the #2 border, stitch the narrow pieces so that it moves left to right, and to the sides at the right of your quilt, stitching toward the middle. Add 2 1/2 x 2 1/2 inches, by stitching the yellow print square. Stitch along the shorter ends linking it to your dual borders. (Strip #1) Moving along, at the edges along the top and bottom, stitch the narrow pieces, stitching along the middle. You are now ready to complete your project.
ISIDRO
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Jan
14
Filed Under (Cute Dogs) by Kert
Diane Palmer asked:
How to Make a Denim Pouch Pocket for those Webkinz
Do you have a bunch of those webkinz that you would like to display?.. Rather than have them all piled up on a shelf or on the bed, or stuffed away in boxes, for the day they become more valuable, why not display them on your wall?
All you need, are an old pair of adult size denim jeans. (ones with fairly big back pockets), a good pair of scissors, and some imagination for decorating.
Make sure the jeans are clean and then cut out around the back pockets, cutting through all layers of the seat of the jeans.
You should have formed a pocket where you can place your webkinz or special stuffie. Now, go back to your jeans, and cut out the inner seam of the jeans, to whatever length you would like, as this is for your hanger. I cut 18 inches, but you can do shorter or longer, if you have enough jean seam.
Sew the edges of the seam to each side of your pocket and then decorate your pocket with a painting, beads, appliqués, quilting, a denim fringe, use your imagination. This is a great craft for teens or older children. Then hang them on the wall with a colorful pushpin or hook, and then place your webkinz in the pocket.
This can hold other things beside your webkinz or favorite stuffie, it can also hold supplies, hair clips, hair brush, odds and ends. Make a few of them and then hang them on your wall.
webkinz pouch pocket
ZACHERY
How to Make a Denim Pouch Pocket for those Webkinz
Do you have a bunch of those webkinz that you would like to display?.. Rather than have them all piled up on a shelf or on the bed, or stuffed away in boxes, for the day they become more valuable, why not display them on your wall?
All you need, are an old pair of adult size denim jeans. (ones with fairly big back pockets), a good pair of scissors, and some imagination for decorating.
Make sure the jeans are clean and then cut out around the back pockets, cutting through all layers of the seat of the jeans.
You should have formed a pocket where you can place your webkinz or special stuffie. Now, go back to your jeans, and cut out the inner seam of the jeans, to whatever length you would like, as this is for your hanger. I cut 18 inches, but you can do shorter or longer, if you have enough jean seam.
Sew the edges of the seam to each side of your pocket and then decorate your pocket with a painting, beads, appliqués, quilting, a denim fringe, use your imagination. This is a great craft for teens or older children. Then hang them on the wall with a colorful pushpin or hook, and then place your webkinz in the pocket.
This can hold other things beside your webkinz or favorite stuffie, it can also hold supplies, hair clips, hair brush, odds and ends. Make a few of them and then hang them on your wall.
webkinz pouch pocket
ZACHERY
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Jan
13
Filed Under (Home Improvement) by Kert
Tima.ashar asked:
From the time quilt making came into existence, a well-accomplished hand quilting stitches have been adored and envied. There is a feeling of veneration among quilters when they see a good hand made quilt.
Many of the quilters don’t use hand-quilting techniques because they are not sure and not confident about the results that they will produce. If you are not good quilting with your hands then you may leave visible knots or stitches or may be your art work wont look nice. Also, there is a possibility that you might leave some uneven stitches, which hold on to only few threads on the back of the cloth and very easily come out, this may lead to larger areas and your fabric might get torn.
People who have mastered this art of hand quilting, when they stitch a fabric, the length of the thread on both the sides of the quilt is the same and so is the gap between the stitches. Its true that the smaller stitches has good quality. The stitches are more even and consistent, which is more important that the size of the stitch.
Quilting Tips
It is learnt that if you cut a tiny piece of rubber from your jar opener rubber and keep it next to you when hand quilting. This will provide you better grip for holding a needle. It also helps in pulling desired amount of fabric thickness.
A very common problem that you come across when hand quilting is that the needle slips off the thimble, especially when you try to pull it through the fabric. To overcome this, wrap about 1/4″ masking tape around the thimble and you are free from slipping and sliding off the thimble.
For more information visit - quilting book
STERLING
From the time quilt making came into existence, a well-accomplished hand quilting stitches have been adored and envied. There is a feeling of veneration among quilters when they see a good hand made quilt.
Many of the quilters don’t use hand-quilting techniques because they are not sure and not confident about the results that they will produce. If you are not good quilting with your hands then you may leave visible knots or stitches or may be your art work wont look nice. Also, there is a possibility that you might leave some uneven stitches, which hold on to only few threads on the back of the cloth and very easily come out, this may lead to larger areas and your fabric might get torn.
People who have mastered this art of hand quilting, when they stitch a fabric, the length of the thread on both the sides of the quilt is the same and so is the gap between the stitches. Its true that the smaller stitches has good quality. The stitches are more even and consistent, which is more important that the size of the stitch.
Quilting Tips
It is learnt that if you cut a tiny piece of rubber from your jar opener rubber and keep it next to you when hand quilting. This will provide you better grip for holding a needle. It also helps in pulling desired amount of fabric thickness.
A very common problem that you come across when hand quilting is that the needle slips off the thimble, especially when you try to pull it through the fabric. To overcome this, wrap about 1/4″ masking tape around the thimble and you are free from slipping and sliding off the thimble.
For more information visit - quilting book
STERLING
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Jan
08
Filed Under (Home And Family) by Kert
Penny Halgren asked:
With the new year upon us, quilters everywhere are thinking of resolutions. Here are a few tips to help fellow quilters keep those resolutions.
Most quilters will resolve to be better organized or get a good grasp on time management. For those who want to get organized, get the right tools to help you be successful. If you have quilting fabric, threads, scissors, strewn from your sewing room to other rooms of the house, maybe you need a project box or bag. This would allow you to keep your work mobile, but would keep it all together, too.
If your threads and bobbins need organizing, select a rack or thread box to help contain them. While it may take some training of yourself to actually put your threads away once you’ve finished working with them, stay diligent at the task for a month. After that, it should become almost second nature!
If your fabric stash is getting out of hand, find a storage method that works for you. Maybe a shelf on which you can stack your fabric is all you need. A shelf allows you to see exactly what you have on hand. If you’d like, you can organize it by theme or color.
Other fabric storage ideas include bins, plastic totes with lids, wooden chests, wire baskets and shelves. There are many options. Consider the space you have and your needs to select the storage organization that’s right for you.
Time management is a personal resolution. Each quilter must decide how much time to relegate to quilting. That decision will likely depend on whether quilting is a hobby, a source of part time income, or is a full time job. Whatever your situation, make sure to set aside enough time to fulfill your personal quilting needs and remember to make time for family and taking care of yourself. Those are also important resolutions!
If you are a hobby quilter with dreams of turning your passion into dollars, why not resolve to start your business in the coming year? Pick a goal, such as having enough quilts to sell at a favorite craft fair. Start making those quilts and get a booth at that fair.
If your resolution is to learn a new technique, there are plenty from which to choose. If you typically create traditional pieced quilt blocks, resolve to learn appliqué next year. If you usually have someone else quilt the tops you piece, resolve to quilt one of your own this coming year. If you have never made a rag quilt, try one next year.
If your resolutions involve buying equipment, be sure to do your research ahead of time. Maybe you plan to add a new quilting machine or embroidery machine in the new year. If so, keep your warranty information in a safe place and hang onto the receipt. If you do not usually do those things, make that a resolution too.
The most important resolution quilters can make is to continue quilting in the new year. Quilters may face new challenges in stressed economic times. Some fabric stores are closing which means traveling a little farther to shop or buying fabric online. This would be a great time to form a fabric co-op with other quilters in your area. Arrange a monthly fabric swap with your fellow quilters or carpool once a month to those fabric stores.
No matter what your quilting resolution is for the coming year, remember to enjoy your craft. Share it with others when you can. Your quilts will bring as much joy to the recipient as it brought to you while making it!
ROOSEVELT
With the new year upon us, quilters everywhere are thinking of resolutions. Here are a few tips to help fellow quilters keep those resolutions.
Most quilters will resolve to be better organized or get a good grasp on time management. For those who want to get organized, get the right tools to help you be successful. If you have quilting fabric, threads, scissors, strewn from your sewing room to other rooms of the house, maybe you need a project box or bag. This would allow you to keep your work mobile, but would keep it all together, too.
If your threads and bobbins need organizing, select a rack or thread box to help contain them. While it may take some training of yourself to actually put your threads away once you’ve finished working with them, stay diligent at the task for a month. After that, it should become almost second nature!
If your fabric stash is getting out of hand, find a storage method that works for you. Maybe a shelf on which you can stack your fabric is all you need. A shelf allows you to see exactly what you have on hand. If you’d like, you can organize it by theme or color.
Other fabric storage ideas include bins, plastic totes with lids, wooden chests, wire baskets and shelves. There are many options. Consider the space you have and your needs to select the storage organization that’s right for you.
Time management is a personal resolution. Each quilter must decide how much time to relegate to quilting. That decision will likely depend on whether quilting is a hobby, a source of part time income, or is a full time job. Whatever your situation, make sure to set aside enough time to fulfill your personal quilting needs and remember to make time for family and taking care of yourself. Those are also important resolutions!
If you are a hobby quilter with dreams of turning your passion into dollars, why not resolve to start your business in the coming year? Pick a goal, such as having enough quilts to sell at a favorite craft fair. Start making those quilts and get a booth at that fair.
If your resolution is to learn a new technique, there are plenty from which to choose. If you typically create traditional pieced quilt blocks, resolve to learn appliqué next year. If you usually have someone else quilt the tops you piece, resolve to quilt one of your own this coming year. If you have never made a rag quilt, try one next year.
If your resolutions involve buying equipment, be sure to do your research ahead of time. Maybe you plan to add a new quilting machine or embroidery machine in the new year. If so, keep your warranty information in a safe place and hang onto the receipt. If you do not usually do those things, make that a resolution too.
The most important resolution quilters can make is to continue quilting in the new year. Quilters may face new challenges in stressed economic times. Some fabric stores are closing which means traveling a little farther to shop or buying fabric online. This would be a great time to form a fabric co-op with other quilters in your area. Arrange a monthly fabric swap with your fellow quilters or carpool once a month to those fabric stores.
No matter what your quilting resolution is for the coming year, remember to enjoy your craft. Share it with others when you can. Your quilts will bring as much joy to the recipient as it brought to you while making it!
ROOSEVELT
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Jan
07
Filed Under (Needlework) by Kert
Sue Quillen asked:
Quilters can find a huge selection of discount quilting books on eBay. In addition to the rock-bottom prices, there are many other advantages for buying quilting books on eBay.
New quilting book titles can often be purchased before they are released to the brick and mortar stores.
Quilters who enjoy collecting books written by a particular author can often find a seller listing their entire collection on eBay.
Rare, out-of-print, and otherwise hard-to-find quilting books can often be found for sale on eBay.
Before purchasing any quilting books on eBay there are several important things to be aware of. Here are five useful tips for buying discount quilting books on eBay:
Pay Attention to the Advertised Condition
Be sure to carefully read the description of the quilting book offered for sale. If a book is advertised as being ’second hand,’ or ‘used condition’ be aware that the book may contain flaws such as page discoloration, and scratches, bends, and folds on the cover.
Be Aware of The Book’s History
Many quilting books offered for sale on eBay are acquired from estate sales. That means that the buyer does not know the history of the book being offered for sale. The book may have been in storage for months and could have a musty odor or smell faintly of mothballs.
This is important to be aware of if you have allergies or are sensitive to odors. If the book actually belonged to the seller, they will often disclose if the book came from a smoke-free or pet-free home in the description. Some sellers, however, do not provide this information. When in doubt, always ask!
Watch Those Shipping Costs
Most sellers will ship quilting books via US Postal Service Media Mail or Parcel Post. The shipping cost, therefore, is generally not that great, unless the book being sold is oversized or a large lot is purchased. However it is important to note that not every seller will charge ‘actual’ shipping costs.
Those special ‘handling’ costs that are often tacked on can include such items as tape, packing envelopes, time spent packing the books, etc. Many sellers offer to consolidate orders, for multiple wins. This can save greatly on shipping costs. Some sellers even offer free pickup for local buyers.
Read The Return Policy
Always read the return policy. Be aware that a seller will not offer a refund just because a buyer changed their mind about purchasing the quilting book. Some will refund the purchase cost if the item is not as described. Normally, however, the buyer is responsible for the cost of the return shipping. If the item is damaged during transit, a seller will not offer a refund unless insurance was purchased.
If you follow these four buying tips, buying discount quilting books on eBay will be a rewarding, profitable, and pleasant experience.
BILL
Quilters can find a huge selection of discount quilting books on eBay. In addition to the rock-bottom prices, there are many other advantages for buying quilting books on eBay.
New quilting book titles can often be purchased before they are released to the brick and mortar stores.
Quilters who enjoy collecting books written by a particular author can often find a seller listing their entire collection on eBay.
Rare, out-of-print, and otherwise hard-to-find quilting books can often be found for sale on eBay.
Before purchasing any quilting books on eBay there are several important things to be aware of. Here are five useful tips for buying discount quilting books on eBay:
Pay Attention to the Advertised Condition
Be sure to carefully read the description of the quilting book offered for sale. If a book is advertised as being ’second hand,’ or ‘used condition’ be aware that the book may contain flaws such as page discoloration, and scratches, bends, and folds on the cover.
Be Aware of The Book’s History
Many quilting books offered for sale on eBay are acquired from estate sales. That means that the buyer does not know the history of the book being offered for sale. The book may have been in storage for months and could have a musty odor or smell faintly of mothballs.
This is important to be aware of if you have allergies or are sensitive to odors. If the book actually belonged to the seller, they will often disclose if the book came from a smoke-free or pet-free home in the description. Some sellers, however, do not provide this information. When in doubt, always ask!
Watch Those Shipping Costs
Most sellers will ship quilting books via US Postal Service Media Mail or Parcel Post. The shipping cost, therefore, is generally not that great, unless the book being sold is oversized or a large lot is purchased. However it is important to note that not every seller will charge ‘actual’ shipping costs.
Those special ‘handling’ costs that are often tacked on can include such items as tape, packing envelopes, time spent packing the books, etc. Many sellers offer to consolidate orders, for multiple wins. This can save greatly on shipping costs. Some sellers even offer free pickup for local buyers.
Read The Return Policy
Always read the return policy. Be aware that a seller will not offer a refund just because a buyer changed their mind about purchasing the quilting book. Some will refund the purchase cost if the item is not as described. Normally, however, the buyer is responsible for the cost of the return shipping. If the item is damaged during transit, a seller will not offer a refund unless insurance was purchased.
If you follow these four buying tips, buying discount quilting books on eBay will be a rewarding, profitable, and pleasant experience.
BILL
Comments Off
rbcooley asked:
I’m interested in quilting shows. How to make different quilts and techniques. In the St. Louis area we have none so have no idea what is available to ask for specific programs.
DEVON
I’m interested in quilting shows. How to make different quilts and techniques. In the St. Louis area we have none so have no idea what is available to ask for specific programs.
DEVON
Comments Off
