Wondering how to make a tradtional Manx Quilt Block? Top US quilting blog, Diary of a Quilter, features their step by step guide. Click here now!!
Hello hello! I've been lucky enough to have had the chance to play with Tilda's new fabric range Harvest over the past few weeks. It's such a pretty collection of colours and prints and today's the day I get to share what I've been making as part of the Blog Hop 2 Green
Are you new to machine quilting? You may have made tied quilts for a while and now want to explore machine quilting. I’ve seen a lot of advice given for how to machine quilt but I think mos…
If you're a quilter, you're probably familiar with the term "Stitch in the Ditch". This is a method of quilting where your quilt directly in the seam lines of your quilt. Quilters turn to it for two reasons - because it emphasizes the piecing, and because it often seems easier than other types of quilting. It can be done in straight or mostly straight lines with a walking foot and feed dogs. Another option similar to stitching in the ditch is to stitch OVER the ditch. Instead of stitching a straight line, try a zig zag or serpentine stitch. Stitching over the ditch gives you a different look to your quilting, and it has another advantage - if you veer slightly from the center, it doesn't show as much. The same holds true for if your piecing is slightly less than perfect - this quilting technique can help mask those imperfections. The setup for stitching over the ditch is very similar to setting up for in the ditch. Attach a foot with a center guide or a walking foot with a center guide. Thread the machine with Mettler Transfil transparent thread (use clear for light colors or smoke for dark colors). An excellent choice for stitching over the ditch is a running stitch. A running stitch looks similar to a zig zag but runs back and forth from side to side. Lengthen the running stitch to get a smooth serpentine stitch. Once your machine is set up, threaded, and your stitch selected, stitch over the seam lines, keeping the center guide of your foot aligned with your seam. Another option for stitching over the ditch is a simple zig zag. You can zig zag over your seams in nearly any width. A narrow zig zag will give you the most emphasis on your piecing. Experiment with different stitches to find results you love. If you are using this technique to help hide imperfections in your piecing, avoid stitch types with a center line (like a feather stitch).
Reducing bulk in Pinwheel Block seams is important for making a flat pinwheel quilt! Read this tutorial with pictures on how to get a flat pinwheel block!
Valentines-themed mini nine-patch quilt tutorial using one charm pack. Great for beginning quilter.
Seaglass Quilting. Камешки и стеклышки.#квилт#морские_камешки#стеклышки#печворк#стежка
Discover 26 brilliant, creative and thoughtful DIY items to handcraft to donate to your local nursing home.
I'm teaching a Free Motion Quilting class starting in April at my LQS, Heartstrings and Heirlooms. I finished up the class sample over the weekend. In the class the students will do larger samples, but I needed a small book of designs to advertise the class. As you can see in the above end view, I used three different types of batting for my sample book - Quilter's Dream 100% Cotton, Hobbs 80/20 (80% cotton and 20% polyester), and a 100% wool. I used a tutorial from a recent Quilting Arts Magazine issue (the February/March 2014 issue) to make my little book. The instructions involved drawing some lines on a piece of fabric, then sewing on the lines with a walking foot to make a larger sheet and baste the layers together. Then you quilt your designs and cut the "pages" apart. The tutorial in the magazine was very good. If you are interested in making a book like mine, I suggest you get a copy of the magazine. Below is a collage of designs I plan to cover in the class. Along the top of each page I wrote the name of the design, the batting type and page number from the book I will be using for the class. In case you are interested, I'm using the book Free Motion Quilting with Angela Waters. It has become my go-to book for quilting ideas as of late.
Explore hardhat_cat's 3610 photos on Flickr!
As I delved into the world of modern quilting, one project kept popping up at me: Modern Hexies. As soon as I saw them, I knew I had to make them but didn't know where to get started. After a quick search, I discovered Nicole, the Queen of Modern Hexies, and got started on my own Modern Hexies quest!
Modern quilting explorations and modern quilt patterns.
The days sure fly by don’t they? I’m trying to soak up my little 13 month old…this is one of my favorite ages. We even match. I’m just finishing up a new table runner. I haven’t made pinwheels in so long…I forgot how much I love them. It took all my willpower not...Read More
Double Pinwheel Block Easy Scrappy Style – Tutorial For some time I’ve been thinking about a Double Pinwheel and how to make this in an easier fashion. I think I’ve come up with something here. I’m excited! Hope you will be too! Do you remember when Jenny Doan showed us how to make pinwheel blocks … Continue reading Double Pinwheel Block Easy Scrappy Style – Tutorial →
How to quickly stitch up a randomised panel of patchwork squares.
There are many different methods of applique and they're all good for different reasons. Today, I'm happy to share with you a quick tutorial on my favorite method of applique ~ The Freezer Paper Method! This is the method I use 95% of the time and I like it for several different reasons. Two of the main reasons I prefer this method over other methods is because: 1. The template is removed once the applique shape is prepared. This is nice because there is no paper or other material left inside that needs to somehow be removed or is just left there to cause stiffness and bulk. 2. The shape is perfectly prepared before glue basting it in place. This is nice because (A) you don't have to fiddle with and hope that you're needle turning skills will do the job and keep your shape looking as it should and (B) you can then position the shapes exactly where you want them and don't have to worry about your pieces shifting. One downside to The Freezer Paper Method, is that it does require some prep work (but I don't really mind - my OCD tendencies like that part!) Once you get your shapes prepared you are then able to take them with you in the car or or to a soccer game (or wherever!) and you're free to stitch away along the perfectly crisp edges you've already prepared. So are you ready to try it out? To get started you will need: - Freezer Paper (which you can get at most grocery stores. It is located by the wax paper and foil.) - Spray Starch (I prefer the Faultless brand that you can get at most grocery stores. I prefer the Regular Starch with the red lid but my store was out of it last time I checked.) - a paint brush - a small bowl or the starch lid - a pencil - scissors for paper and fabric - basting glue (I prefer Appli-Glue by Jillily Studios) - a pattern - fabric for the applique shape and the background - thread that matches the applique piece (I usually use 100% cotton, the Guitermann brand. Some people prefer silk thread (it's nice too because it practically melts into your fabric but I've heard it's not as durable.) - an applique needle (I use Milliners Size 11 Large Eye Needles by Richard Hemming & Son). Step 1: Trace your pattern onto the paper side of freezer paper. Step 2: Iron the freezer paper on top of two more pieces of freezer paper (paper sides up) to create one sturdy piece of template material. 3. Carefully cut out the shape. 4. Press the shape onto the wrong side of your fabric with paper side up. 5. Cut around the shape leaving a 1/4" - 3/8" seam allowance. 6. Spray a little bit of starch into a small bowl or the starch lid. 7. Use a small paint brush to paint some liquid starch onto the seam allowance. Just paint a couple inches at a time. 8. Carefully press the seam allowance onto the paper side of the template - wrapping the fabric around the edge of the template (without bumping the template too much where it would bend or distort the shape). If your shape has a strong curve to it you may want to make some small clips in the seam allowance about 1/2" apart (being careful NOT to clip right up to the template). My orange leaf (here) has a gentle curve so it was not necessary to clip the seam allowance. Also, if your shape has a crevice (such as at the top of a heart) you will need to clip in there too. 9. Continue to press the seam allowance around the entire template. 10. If you end up with these little dog ears, simply fold the part that is showing back underneath the template and press in place. Use starch for extra hold. 11. Carefully remove the template and press the applique piece one last time. 12. Apply small dots of basting glue about 1/4" apart on the seam allowances. 13. Adhere the applique shape onto your background fabric and press with a warm iron to set in place. 14. Thread a thin, sharp needle with coordinating thread. Make a quilter's knot at the long end. 15. Starting at the backside of your fabric, bring the needle and thread through the background fabric (under your applique shape) and out through the fold of your applique shape. 16. Then take one stitch through the background fabric (starting directly under the point where your needle came out before). Bring the needle and thread back through the fold of your applique shape about 1/8" away from the first stitch. Continue taking these stitches around your shape until you get back to your starting point. Tie a knot on the backside of your fabric and you're done! That's it! I hope that if you have never tried applique (or don't think you're very good at it) you will try this method. Practice makes perfect! And coordinating thread sure helps too! Happy quilting! ~ Amber
Learn how to use baking paper as an aid for your free-motion quilting. Tutorial includes instructions on how to quilt a stylised flower motif suitable for square blocks. Free downloadable template provided.
Quilting for Beginners teaches newbies how to quilt from the basics, start to finish. This 5 part series walks you through each step of quilt making.
To make LAYER 6, use jelly roll strips, which is particularly useful when using this block for an entire quilt top. The posies block is very precut friendly and you can substitute almost any other…
Block #9 from the Patchwork Quilt Along hosted by the Fat Quarter Shop. A new, free quilt block pattern released every month.
I was undecided about writing up a tutorial for these, but I received a ton of emails asking me if I would after posting my original leaf potholders two weeks ago. I had made three for myself, but really wasn't up to making any more. However, when someone asked me to make them a pair? I finally had a reason to make some and take some pictures for you! **********UPDATE********* I have finally been able to create a .pdf on Craftsy for this tutorial. PATTERN HERE Supplies Fabric scraps (preferably strips with lengths approx. 14"long) 2 Batting pieces (10"x12") 2 Insul-Bright pieces (10"x12") 1 Fat Quarter (backing fabric) 1/2 yd fabric (binding fabric) Ruler/Rotary cutter Thread Sewing Machine Leaf Potholder.pdf pattern I had some quilter friends that said "Thanksgiving Host gift idea!". And I totally agree! Too bad I am the hostess this year? I also think they would be great as a housewarming party gift if the family was moving in at this time of the year, and there is always the newly married couple! Please, please, PLEASE do the right thing and tag or link back to me, my blog, or Craftsy site if you post pictures/blog/sell the potholders. I'm @buttonsandbutterflies on Instagram CLICK HERE! or use #buttonsandbutterflies #leafpotholders #quiltedleafpotholders hashtags Enjoy!
風車。 暖かい色合いで。。。♪
Circling Swallows quilt block is a pretty 8-pointed star like LeMoyne Star. Print with a free Inklingo shape collection. Hand or machine.
Patchwork patterns.
Tips for making traditional Flying Geese Quilt blocks - including 4 at a time no-waste method and foundation piecing with Triangles on a Roll.
Join Julie Plotniko for step 4 of a wholecloth walking foot quilt as she uses SCHMETZ needles and Gütermann thread and a UNIQUE marker to create complex looking border designs that can be stitched with ease. Free pattern and tutorial.
Learn more about quilting with your walking foot during my "31 Days of Walking Foot Quilting" series.
Today I'm extremely pleased to welcome Pat Hilderbrand as our featured artist. When she sent me the picture of her work for inclusion on the blog gallery page I was instantly captivated by the graphic design, gracious and organic-feeling curves, and judicious use of sparkly or reflective elements to capture a bit of light. I was anxious to see and share more of her work and am so pleased she agreed to participate here! 1. Who are you and where do you live? After 32 years of teaching interior design at the University of Missouri I took advantage of an early retirement option offered to all faculty in 2000. My husband and I live in Columbia, MO. 2. Tell us a little bit about your artistic journey and how you got started? The amazing generosity of Georgia quilters for the 1996 Atlanta Olympic games and the warmth and love evident in Amish baby quilts along with my background in sewing and design planted the seeds for my quilt journey. Did you know the major motif used for those Olympics came from a quilt? Quilters in Georgia, honoring a native American custom of presenting blankets to honored friends, also made enough quilts to send the flag bearer and the National Olympic Committee from each country participating home with a quilt! On the way home from attending the Olympics my husband and I discovered the National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky. I was particularly captivated by the atmosphere of joy and caring in a gallery of Amish baby quilts. I am continually drawn by the human qualities of quilts and the idea that giving a quilt to someone is like giving them a hug whenever needed. Pat Hilderbrand, Making Waves (14 1/4" x 23 1/4") Inspiration: Ocean waves viewed from my son's home in Massachusetts and waves in Asian artwork. 3. How do you describe your work? Most of my art quilts are relatively simple designs involving smooth flowing curves, lots of quilting, and often a bit of shine from metallic fabrics or beads. Pat Hilderbrand, Who's Watching (20" x 20") Inspiration: The play Wicked for a Cherrywood Fabrics competition. 4. Do you have any favorite techniques or approaches? I love that using traditional and curved piecing requires simplifying content to basic elements. My favorite technique is using freezer paper to facilitate smooth curved piecing with the edges turned under. 5. What do you want to communicate with your work? Calm, joy, appreciation of nature and beauty of simple things around us. Pat Hilderbrand, Japanese Maple (17 1/2" x 31 3/4") Inspiration: Bright red leaves on a Japanese Maple in our yard in fall. Pat Hilderbrand, Waterlilies (25" x 39") Inspiration: A waterlily pond we once had in our backyard. 6. What methods, or lifestyle tips, or time management tips do you find helpful to producing work? Take time to enjoy it all! The process of making a quilt is much more enjoyable if there is no specific deadline or at least plenty of time allowed. It’s wonderful to be able to get lost in the studio and completely forget what time it is or what’s going on in the world. Sometimes, however, time away from a project is needed to be able to come back with fresh ideas and solutions to problems that may occur. I love that a quilt shop in Beijing, China is called “Slow Life Patchwork”. Pat Hilderbrand, Eternity (52 1/2" x 75") Inspiration: Night sky. 7. What kind of studio/workspace do you have and what features of your surroundings are most helpful for your productivity/work? My studio was originally a large bedroom with lots of windows. It has never had overall planning for making quilts but seems to adapt to my needs as I go along. It gets terribly messy when working on a project leaving tools and fabric that need to be put away every few months. Pat Hilderbrand, New Beginnings (17" x 23") Inspiration: Casual sketch that started to look like a seedpod. 8. Which artists, other individuals or subjects currently inspire you? I have admired works by Carol Bryert Fallert, Ruth McDowell, Jane Sassaman, and Diane Gaudynski. I am continually surprised that there is no one thing that inspires. Ideas for a quilt could come from appreciating details on a building, nature along a biking trail, something in the backyard, or just a message that begs to be conveyed. Occasionally ideas seem to come out of nowhere – sometimes when I’m asleep. I try to keep pencil and paper by the bed, or may steel away to my studio in the middle of the night to jot down thoughts and sketches so they aren’t forgotten. Pat Hilderbrand, Susan (12" x 12") Inspiration: A very special dog we had whose entire back end became paralyzed when running and falling on our icy patio. Her continual positive attitude was amazing. Thanks so much to Pat for sharing!
Good morning everybody! Have you enjoyed all the test blocks of the Time for Tea blocks? The testers did such a wonderful job, don’t you think?! The time if finally here to officially release…
Disclaimer: I am not a Real Quilter. I have never taken a quilting class before, nor do I have any other kind of training in the quilting department besides that...
Make hexies in minutes with this easy no-sew method using Smooth™ Fusible Fleece. Hexies are an easy way spice up all sorts of sewing projects.
The Free Motion Quilting Project: Quilting Basics 4: How to Mark Your Quilt Three Ways
Handy video from quilt designer Patrick Lose gives you an easy way to make perfect corners when you bind a quilt. #quiltbinding, #quiltingforbeginners
I can't resist red gingham - it is a passion. Some people see a little red check but I see homemade, country goodness. Here it is in a 3" patchwork block. Find out more about the Patchsmith's Block-a-Day.
Making mitered corners doesnt' hjave to be hard.Start with a small application to gain confidence in making excellent mitered corners every time!
I was thinking about what I can do to help all the beginners who are just taking up free-motion quilting right now. I decided to share a design that I often get new quilters trying in their first clas
Tips for making traditional Flying Geese Quilt blocks - including 4 at a time no-waste method and foundation piecing with Triangles on a Roll.
Are you new to machine quilting? You may have made tied quilts for a while and now want to explore machine quilting. I’ve seen a lot of advice given for how to machine quilt but I think mos…
風車がつながりました。 お正月休みはなんだか落ち着かなくて、手仕事がなかなか進みません。。。 寝坊ばかりしていた長い休みだったので、明日から社会復帰出来るかかなり心配です。(´Д⊂
I've had the chance to review the book Free Motion Quilting for Beginners (and those who think they can't), by Molly Hanson. I love that title! I'm a big proponent of quilting your own quilts, as you know, and I've read a lot of books about free motion quilting. I like how everyone presents the information in their own personal way....there is always more to learn! This book presents all the practical information you need to get started. More importantly, it gives you the confidence to jump in and give free motion quilting a try. There are 15 projects in the book that encourage you to start small and increase your comfort level with free motion quilting before you tackle something larger, like a quilt. What I love most about this book is Molly's tone of encouragement throughout the text and the projects. She is great at guiding you though the entire process! I've done a lot of free motion quilting and I love how relaxing it can be. I also know how easy it can be to get in a rut. I challenged myself to get out of my box, so to speak and try some new-to-me, designs. I gave this squared off stippling pattern a try and it went pretty well! I had to slow down and think about where I was going from time to time, but it was fun! I could see doing this all over a whole quilt. I also quilted a few swatches of different designs and I turned them into a set of coasters. Binding them was a little fiddly, but totally worth it! (I can say that now that they are done. Ha!) These are great because I not only used scraps of fabric, but scraps of batting as well. Hurray! I'm happy to count these as scrap project #94/101. If you would like the chance to win an e-book copy of Free Motion Quilting for Beginners, please leave me a comment in this post. In your comment, I'd love to hear what your favorite go-to FMQ pattern is. Or, if you are new to FMQ, I'd like to hear what pattern you would like to master. I will pick winner in a few days!
