momwanda asked:


I have took up quilting and would like to know of any good sites that
have really good deals on fabric and supplies.

JERALD

Jennifer Geary asked:


It becomes human nature to create. As a society, we have created items which add to our needs, convenience, and comfort factors. When looking at items which are crafted with great precision and time, often they are looked upon with awe-inspiring eyes and the longing to be able to create the intricate items seen in our society today. Believe it or not, you CAN craft. It may take some trial and error to find that special item that you feel comfortable with and do well, but in the end, you can create just as well as anyone else.

First things first. Make a list of things you think you would like to try. So many things are just waiting for your attention!! Once you make your list, put it in the order of interest. Take that one thing and find some online groups or you may have a local group that meets weekly or monthly in your area. Contact your local Chamber of Commerce or go to your local hobby and craft stores to search for announcements of up-coming classes and join them. You will be less likely to quit or give up if you have personal support.

Do not be tempted to go on a spending spree simply to indulge your most recent challenge. Completing your craft doesn’t require having the latest and greatest tools. Most of the time, if you join a group, someone will be willing to lend you supplies to try it out. Go to garage sales and thrift shops to find used items for pennies to get you started. You can also search online or at your local craft supply store for the supplies or to get a kit that will walk you through step-by-step and give you all of the tools you need to create your new craft.

Remember not to be frustrated as in our world of convenience; we often expect things to happen immediately. Crafting takes time. Set aside an hour or two each evening for some relaxation time and work a little bit more. Depending on the size of the project, in a few days or a week, you will have your creation and ready to show it off.

Once completed, you can give your creation as a gift, sell it, or display it in your home. Crafting can be so much fun for the entire family as well as relieving stress while possibly making a little bit of money in the mean time. Hand made gifts are much more appreciated than something you "think" they might like which could be thrown out or handed down later (unless it is clothes, of course). Crafts also create a feeling of accomplishment, giving you self-worth. Children love them and proudly display them on the front of the refrigerator or on the front of their door. If it is larger, it can be displayed in the yard or around the house. Don’t be afraid to try something new. You never know, you may find yourself a new passion!

Happy Crafting!!

Sell your crafts on consignment offering the lowest prices ANYWHERE! Visit us at http://www.consignmentcraftsonline.com/



JODY

niteskies1977 asked:


I am interested in starting quilting. However, I am not quite sure what I should have to start the process.

NICK

keith758 asked:


Im looking for a new 18″ quilting hand hoop for my mom.I would like to find something good and thick,i have taken her to joann fabrics,hobby lobby and other craft stores and she says they are cheaply made and not thick enough.Can you help me find the best hand hoops and where to buy them?

TRENT

Pooja Beri asked:


Creativity is a tricky endeavor. To get the right look, you need the right materials. As any artist knows, anything can serve as a canvas, but for the truly exquisite look, you need something special. In this short guide, we’ll explain some of the art and craft products available and some possible applications for these products.

Curious iridescent paper is certainly one of the oddest products on the market today. Normally, embossed iridescent paper is not so much a paper, but more like plastic or a thin, flexible and colorful metal, and as such, is well suited for sculpting and other crafts. Iridescent paper is often made by foil stamping and lasers on light-sensitive chemicals, and can only be used as a writing media with dry-erase or permanent marker. For more details visit to www.positive-idea.com, Curious iridescent paper, however, will absorb ink and can be used for any variety of projects from drawing, painting and writing to crafts such as collages, paper Mache sculptures and scrapbooks with a little extra flair and texture.

Vellum makes a unique, translucent, and slightly iridescent paper for accenting crafts. Originally made from animal skin for scrolls, vellum has remained in common use to this day, especially in England, where British Acts of Parliament are still printed on nothing but vellum paper. Most modern vellum imitation is made from acid free cotton and is perfect for calligraphy and other projects requiring an antique or rustic look. Thin vellum paper and glue make a beautiful laminate for crafts such as scrapbooks and leaf catalogues.

One of the medium vellum cardstocks of note is Bristol paper, a smooth, heavy pasteboard of fine quality. Originally made from pasted rag paper in Bristol, England, this hard stock is often the choice paper for technical drawings, but offers intriguing creative possibilities. Bristol is unique in that it is thick enough to have two working surfaces “front and back” that will not interfere with each other and each side can serve as its own writing or drawing surface. Artists working with friction-based media, such as crayon, chalk, or charcoal will want to use a rougher texture board, while smooth finishes are generally more suited to other types of media, such as inks and watercolor.

For a breathtaking and unique look, silk paper provides a strong yet soft alternative to more mainstream options. Silk crafters have been making paper since the 2nd century, B.C.E., and it has stood the test of time. Originally a product of China, it is the oldest of all luxury papers and is still in major use today throughout the world. For more information logon to www.change-ur-mind.com . It is truly amazing to witness the limitless creative uses artists and craft persons have found for silk paper. Machine embroidery, three-dimensional sculpture, jewelry, quilting, book coverings, collage, and mixed media are just a few of the possibilities, and the list is limited only by the artist’s imagination.

Globalization and increased efficiency in paper production opens up a whole new world of possibilities to today’s artist. While at times the sheer bewildering array of new papers may seem overwhelming, for the professional artist or graphic designer who is willing to take the time to explore such oddities as McCoy silk papers, Curious iridescent, or Springhill vellum Bristol, the results can be quite gratifying.



ERIN

Abhishek Agarwal asked:


If you are interested in quilting, you might be confused about the supplies that you will need regarding your new craft. The best part of a hobby is purchasing all the materials that it is involved with. Tools and supplies can give anyone a real high. Of course, the quilting craft doesn’t require too much. Just a sewing machine, some needles, scissors and thread and there are enough supplies available in the market to make your quilting experience really enjoyable.

Lets take the sewing machine that is a basic part of your supplies. Though one can always sew a quilt without the help of a machine, and there are quite a few who do that, it is always convenient for the busy crafter to use one. You will definitely need it for piecing together the different blocks used on the quilt top. After that you might decide to quilt either by machine or hand. But for most, the sewing machine is one of the most essential supplies of all. The different brands you could select from are Pfaff, Bernina, Husqvarna Viking and Janome to name a few. Remember that most quilters use the machine to sew straight lines only so there is no necessity to buy a very fancy machine with a variety of stitches.

The cutting tool should be the next on the supply list. The good old-fashioned scissors are sufficient and you will require a pair for the fabric and one fore the paper only. This is because the paper scissors dull quickly. But for most quilters, the mat and rotary are their best friends. A rotary cutter when compared to the scissor is a far more efficient tool, and you can cut volumes of quilt blocks with it. The rotary mat is used to protect the working surface. The rotary cutter and the rotary mat are very important supplies that you must give high priority to, as they make your hobby easier and more enjoyable.

It goes without saying that you require fabric and most quilters prefer to always use 100% cotton fabric. It is staggering, the patterns and colours in which cotton fabrics are available. Thread is another item you should add to your list. Cotton thread is the best as it has long lasting strength and has a high luster. Usually quilters are very picky about the pins they sue and you might want to go for the good old straight pins that are made of steel, the T-pins or pins that have brightly colored heads. You could experiment with all these and then decide which one you would like to use. Seam ripper and needles are other items you must not forget.

Often, quilters make use of idea boards or bulletin boards. You can place this close to your sewing machine and can use it to place pin swatches or arrange different coloured fabric combinations and also to post ideas from magazines.

Now that you have your list, all you got to do is go purchase your supplies. Once done, you can go ahead and quilt all you want.



SANTIAGO

Erin Dickerson asked:


In today’s economic climate, starting a new hobby may seem like an expense that your budget just can’t support. Between gas and groceries, becoming a quilter just doesn’t seem like a wise financial choice. I’m here to tell you that being a quilter doesn’t have to be expensive. Over the years I have become an expert at stretching my dollar to support my quilter’s habit. The following are my favorite ways to get the most for my limited allowance:

1. Borrow A Machine. If you are looking to make your first quilt, and don’t already own a machine, borrow one from someone that you know who has one that they don’t use. Borrowing a sewing machine has the added advantage of giving you a chance to figure out which features you would like your own machine when you go to buy one. Specialized quilter’s machines can be expensive, and you may decide that you don’t need one.

2. Be Coupon Friendly. Joanne Fabric and Michael’s regularly send 40% off coupons to people on their mailing list. These coupons can be used to purchase the more expensive tools that you might want but would rather buy at a reduced price. With coupons, you don’t have to wait for your wanted item to go on sale.

3. Shop The Sales. Big box stores and quilt shops constantly run sales on their wares. Fabric might be on clearance by 30 to 50% off. The rotary cutter you covet might be free if you buy a particular ruler. Shop around and be aware of what’s out there, and what might be offered in the near future. Fellow quilter’s always seem to have their ear to the ground on this front and can help give you a heads up.

4. Go To Garage Sales and Estate Sales. I have found some of the most wonderful fabric and quilter’s notions at simple estate sales. Estate sales are like a garage sale on steroids, and the prices are generally similar. I’ve seen some amazing vintage quilts that people are just looking to get rid of. The holy grail of garage sales, of course, is one that your quilting buddy is having…

5. Keep A List. Make sure you have a list of the items on your wish list when you’re out and about. You never know when you’re going to run into a deal at Walmart on batting—but if you forget that you’re going to need it for your current quilt project, it does you absolutely no good.

In a short time you’ll have every tool that you really need to begin quilting. After your necessities are purchased, you’ll have a blast finding the perfect materials for your individual projects. Quilting doesn’t need to be expensive if you’re a savvy shopper.

You’ll discover quilting can be an adventure. Anyone with the proper directions can create an heirloom quilt that will stand the test of time.

Fortunately, with proper instruction, quilting is as simple as following a proven set of steps. Take the first step and learn how fun and easy creating heirloom keepsakes can really be. Go now to http://www.DiscoverHowToQuilt.com.

 



BLAIR