Quilting|
May
18
Filed Under (Needlework) by Kert
Abhishek Agarwal asked:
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
____________________________________________________________________
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
Comments Off
May
15
Filed Under (Needlework) by Kert
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
____________________________________________________________________
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
Comments Off
May
12
Filed Under (Needlework) by Kert
Sue Quillen asked:
Quilters absolutely love having a variety of fabrics on hand for those special quilting projects. However, it can be expensive if you have to buy yards of fabric just to get that one special piece. Did you know that you can find a great variety of discount quilting fabric squares on ebay? Buying pre-shrunk, precision cut cotton fabric squares online can not only save you money, but is a great way to accumulate a nice selection of fabrics without having to buy in bulk.
Here are 5 useful tips for buying discount quilting fabric on eBay:
You Get What You Pay For
You should always look for brand name fabrics. If you are going to spend countless hours, creating a quilt, you only want to use quality fabric. Alot of eBay sellers will feature cheap, chain store fabric that is poor quality. Look for names like Timeless Treasures, Alexander Henry, Kona Bay, and Michael Miller, just to name a few.
Read The Item Description
Be sure to read the quilting fabric description carefully. Oftentimes, a seller will not feature a picture of the fabric they are selling. Some sellers don’t own high-quality cameras or scanners. If you don’t take this into consideration, you may be disappointed when the fabric will turn out to be a completely different shade or color than the picture that was featured in the auction. An honest, experienced seller will disclose this in the description but some do not.
Beware Of Stinky Fabric
The smell of the fabric is just as important as the appearance. If you have allergies or are sensitive to odors, you should ask if the quilting fabric came from a smoke-free home. Most sellers will disclose this information but as is the case with fabric descriptions, some do not. There is nothing worse than opening up a package of quilting fabric and smelling stale cigarette smoke, mold, or other weird scents!
Check Quantity As Well As Quality
Be sure to check the quantity of the quilting fabric being offered for sale in the description. If you’re searching for fat quarters and aren’t careful, you may end up bidding for yardage of fabric you don’t need! Fat quarters, btw, are the smaller ’sampler size pieces’ of fabric. They are generally around 18″ by 22″ in size. Fat quarters are a nice size for smaller projects or for larger quilts that feature smaller pieces of fabric.
Shipping Costs Can Add Up
Always remember to figure shipping costs when calculating the price of the fabric. Don’t forget that fabric shipped via Priority mail, international, as well as special shipping requests will all add to the shipping cost. Not every seller charges ‘actual’ shipping costs, either. Special ‘handling’ costs can include such items as tape, packing envelopes, time spent packing the quilting fabric, etc.
If you follow these five tips, buying discount quilting fabric on eBay will be a pleasant and rewarding experience!
AARON
Quilters absolutely love having a variety of fabrics on hand for those special quilting projects. However, it can be expensive if you have to buy yards of fabric just to get that one special piece. Did you know that you can find a great variety of discount quilting fabric squares on ebay? Buying pre-shrunk, precision cut cotton fabric squares online can not only save you money, but is a great way to accumulate a nice selection of fabrics without having to buy in bulk.
Here are 5 useful tips for buying discount quilting fabric on eBay:
You Get What You Pay For
You should always look for brand name fabrics. If you are going to spend countless hours, creating a quilt, you only want to use quality fabric. Alot of eBay sellers will feature cheap, chain store fabric that is poor quality. Look for names like Timeless Treasures, Alexander Henry, Kona Bay, and Michael Miller, just to name a few.
____________________________________________________________________
Read The Item Description
Be sure to read the quilting fabric description carefully. Oftentimes, a seller will not feature a picture of the fabric they are selling. Some sellers don’t own high-quality cameras or scanners. If you don’t take this into consideration, you may be disappointed when the fabric will turn out to be a completely different shade or color than the picture that was featured in the auction. An honest, experienced seller will disclose this in the description but some do not.
Beware Of Stinky Fabric
The smell of the fabric is just as important as the appearance. If you have allergies or are sensitive to odors, you should ask if the quilting fabric came from a smoke-free home. Most sellers will disclose this information but as is the case with fabric descriptions, some do not. There is nothing worse than opening up a package of quilting fabric and smelling stale cigarette smoke, mold, or other weird scents!
Check Quantity As Well As Quality
Be sure to check the quantity of the quilting fabric being offered for sale in the description. If you’re searching for fat quarters and aren’t careful, you may end up bidding for yardage of fabric you don’t need! Fat quarters, btw, are the smaller ’sampler size pieces’ of fabric. They are generally around 18″ by 22″ in size. Fat quarters are a nice size for smaller projects or for larger quilts that feature smaller pieces of fabric.
Shipping Costs Can Add Up
Always remember to figure shipping costs when calculating the price of the fabric. Don’t forget that fabric shipped via Priority mail, international, as well as special shipping requests will all add to the shipping cost. Not every seller charges ‘actual’ shipping costs, either. Special ‘handling’ costs can include such items as tape, packing envelopes, time spent packing the quilting fabric, etc.
If you follow these five tips, buying discount quilting fabric on eBay will be a pleasant and rewarding experience!
AARON
Comments Off
Apr
02
Filed Under (Needlework) by Kert
Erin Dickerson asked:
When I first started quilting I was just learning how to sew as well. It took a while to figure out which were the tools, also called notions, that I used the most. To help you on your journey to becoming a quilter I have created a list of the tools you will use the most:
1. Rotary Cutting Supplies. This includes a rotary cutter, acrylic rulers, and a cutting mat. These tools are made for precise cutting. Quilter’s worldwide wouldn’t think of starting a quilting project without them. You’ll find that the more accurately you cut your quilt pieces, the more accurately your quilt top is sewn together. Olfa is an excellent brand, and is the leader in the quilting community.
2. A Decent Steam Iron. You can’t start a quilting project without one. Now, you can buy the really expensive Rowenta professional iron, or, you can go to Walmart or Target and buy their $20 steam iron. Both will get the job done. I’ve learned from experience that they both last about the same amount of time, will both do a decent job, but one is a lot less expensive to replace. I highly recommend using spring water in your irons—tap water can lead to hard water stains on your quilt top, and most manufactures say that you shouldn’t use distilled water.
3. A Good Seam Ripper. Most quilters have two or three of them on hand at any given time. Dritz makes a variety of excellent seam rippers. You’ll find they have everything from seam rippers with magnifying glasses to ergonomic seam rippers for those of us quilters who rip out stitches on a regular basis.
4. Spring Loaded Scissors and Shears. These scissors and shears are spring loaded to prevent hand fatigue while cutting repetitively. Quilting, and sewing for that matter, involves a lot of cutting. I have a pair of blunt tipped, which work really well for cutting threads, and a pair of sharp tip, which I like to use for cutting appliqué pieces. I don’t know many quilters who don’t own a pair of these. Fiskers, in this instance, is my brand of choice.
5. ¼ Inch Foot. A quarter inch foot for your sewing machine will get you going toward an accurate ¼ inch seam allowance. Almost all quilt patterns instruct you to use an accurate quarter inch. Many sewing machines come with these feet. However, if you bought a simple hobby machine, you’ll most likely need to purchase one. I would like to recommend a brand, but in this case, there are so many brands for different types of machines that you’ll want to check with your local machine dealership to buy the right one. Don’t worry, they aren’t expensive, but they’re definitely necessary. You may even find them at your local quilt shop.
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.
VICTOR
When I first started quilting I was just learning how to sew as well. It took a while to figure out which were the tools, also called notions, that I used the most. To help you on your journey to becoming a quilter I have created a list of the tools you will use the most:
1. Rotary Cutting Supplies. This includes a rotary cutter, acrylic rulers, and a cutting mat. These tools are made for precise cutting. Quilter’s worldwide wouldn’t think of starting a quilting project without them. You’ll find that the more accurately you cut your quilt pieces, the more accurately your quilt top is sewn together. Olfa is an excellent brand, and is the leader in the quilting community.
2. A Decent Steam Iron. You can’t start a quilting project without one. Now, you can buy the really expensive Rowenta professional iron, or, you can go to Walmart or Target and buy their $20 steam iron. Both will get the job done. I’ve learned from experience that they both last about the same amount of time, will both do a decent job, but one is a lot less expensive to replace. I highly recommend using spring water in your irons—tap water can lead to hard water stains on your quilt top, and most manufactures say that you shouldn’t use distilled water.
3. A Good Seam Ripper. Most quilters have two or three of them on hand at any given time. Dritz makes a variety of excellent seam rippers. You’ll find they have everything from seam rippers with magnifying glasses to ergonomic seam rippers for those of us quilters who rip out stitches on a regular basis.
4. Spring Loaded Scissors and Shears. These scissors and shears are spring loaded to prevent hand fatigue while cutting repetitively. Quilting, and sewing for that matter, involves a lot of cutting. I have a pair of blunt tipped, which work really well for cutting threads, and a pair of sharp tip, which I like to use for cutting appliqué pieces. I don’t know many quilters who don’t own a pair of these. Fiskers, in this instance, is my brand of choice.
5. ¼ Inch Foot. A quarter inch foot for your sewing machine will get you going toward an accurate ¼ inch seam allowance. Almost all quilt patterns instruct you to use an accurate quarter inch. Many sewing machines come with these feet. However, if you bought a simple hobby machine, you’ll most likely need to purchase one. I would like to recommend a brand, but in this case, there are so many brands for different types of machines that you’ll want to check with your local machine dealership to buy the right one. Don’t worry, they aren’t expensive, but they’re definitely necessary. You may even find them at your local quilt shop.
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.
VICTOR
Comments Off
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
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