Daily Blog

  0

fShare

Tweet

If not done carefully, piecing odd pieces of leftover batting into more usable sizes can produce unwanted bumps or gaps along the joins. TQS member SusieQMcF sent us this clever trick for eliminating those bothersome "joining issues," and we loved it so much that we want to share it with you.

SusieQMcF says, "I use Ricky Tims' Stable Stuff Poly that I have cut into 1"-wide strips. Using the darning stitch on your machine, place a strip of the poly stuff on the bed of the machine. Butt the two batting pieces together over the poly strip. Stitch the batting pieces together as one, catching the poly strip in the stitching. Once the quilt is washed, the poly softens and is no longer noticeable, and the seam is not visible."

  0

fShare

Tweet

Winner of Best in Show at IQA Cincinnati, Deborah is creating applique that is amazing.  Alex & Deborah brave the internet struggles between the USA and Chile and have fun catching up. To visit Deborah's website, click here.  Her book, Beautiful Botanicals, is available from C&T Publishing.

  0

fShare

Tweet

This month, another border will be added: a four-patch border. Making a scrappy border out of an assortment of fabrics is a great way to make your eyes dance across the surface of a quilt. After you finish the four-patch border, you will also make four pieced swag border units. These will be used in Month 12, but starting them now will make the work of Month 12 much easier. 

Come and join the year-long learning--and fun--with us.  For the Introduction and other aired patterns, click on the button below.

  0

fShare

Tweet

Spring of Desire label.  This could also be used as a pouch for scraps.

The next time you "gift" a quilt, you might want to spend a few minutes making and attaching a pouch with a repair kit to the quilt. We received this great tip from TQS member Marlette0613. "When I give a quilt as a gift, I make a small muslin envelope (4"x 4") and mark on the outside that it contains fabrics from the quilt for any needed repairs. Inside the envelope, I enclose 3" x 3" squares of all of the fabrics used in the quilt.  I then stitch the muslin envelope closed and slip stitch it onto the quilt backing in the corner opposite the label.

The envelope can easily be removed if desired, but I encourage the recipient to keep it attached as the swatches will be laundered the same as the quilt and will be a closer match if they are needed at any time in the future."  
Great idea, Marlette0613! If you have a great tip to share, please send it to us here.

  0

fShare

Tweet

Bob Purcell at Superior Threads often gets asked the question "how much thread does it take to quilt a quilt?"  Estimates vary widely depending on the size of the quilt and how tightly your quilting will be. But Bob spent many hours tangled up while figuring out the amount of thread it will take for the average quilt.

Everyone's technique is different so the following are only averages.  Of course it is possible to use much more or much less thread.  The numbers are for the top thread only.  Double them if you plan to use the same thread for the bobbin.  The three sets of numbers following the size represent Light Quilting/ Medium Quilting/ Heavy Quilting.

Laptop/Crib quilt- 200 yds./400 yds./600 yds.

Twin quilt- 400 yds./800 yds./1,200 yds.

Queen quilt-600 yds./1,000 yds./1,600 yds.

King quilt-700 yds./1,500 yds./2,000 yds.

This great tip was found int the School of Threadology manual.  The book and accompanying DVD lay to rest many of the myths we have heard for years, as well as great 'hands-on' tips to make your sewing smooth sailing.  For more great thread tips check out the complete set available through Superior Threads.

  0

fShare

Tweet

To learn about the amazing back story of the Red and White exhibit in NY City- go here. Mrs. Rose certainly knows how to celebrate her birthday in style - Thanks for the incredibly unique birthday party - we are having a ball!

Join us as we circle around in one of the tornado like exhibit areas.

  0

fShare

Tweet

Don't miss a single moment of the learning and laughter available to you in Series 7 of The Quilt Show. With over 10 hours of video, this boxed DVD set makes a great addition to any quilter's library. Have fun and improve your quilting skills with guidance and inspiration from today's most-respected quilt artists, teachers, and authors, including:

• Nancy S. Brown
• Lura Schwarz Smith/Kerby Smith
• Rachel Clark/Renae Haddadin
• Dale Fleming
• Frieda Anderson
• Camille Roskelley/Susanne Woods
• Judy Mathieson
• Terry Hancock Mangat/Gayle Hillert
• Marcia Stein
• Laura Nownes
• Rosalie Dace/Jennifer Chiaverini/Michael Cummings
• Ami Simms
• Yvonne Porcella

  0

fShare

Tweet

Join Bob Purcell in the first of an eight-part series as he untangles the web of confusion regarding thread that so often causes us frustration.  Each week we will share a gem of  a tip from the School of Threadology manual.  This super manual and accompanying DVD lay to rest many of the myths we have heard for years, as well as great 'hands-on' tips to make your sewing smooth sailing.

Question:  Does the bobbin thread need to match the top thread in type and size?

Bob:  No. 

• The bobbin thread can be a lighter weight than the top thread and still provide sufficient strength without adding bulk.  Using a cotton top thread with a poly bobbin thread is fine. 

• Using a 50wt. cotton bobbin thread with a 30wt. cotton top thread will also work.

• If you want a reversible look to show off decorative thread on both sides, of course it is fine to use the same thread on top and in the bobbin.

For more great thread tips check out the complete set available through Superior Threads.

  0

fShare

Tweet

Sometimes when we're washing dishes, getting those oddly shaped containers to dry properly can pose a problem.  Even when they come straight from the "dry cycle" of the dishwasher, they manage to collect little pools of water that drip at the most inopportune times.

Eliminate this annoyance by creating a bright and functional dish-drying mat.  We found this clever idea by Darcy Stickler here.  Our version is made using the colorful fabrics from the new P&B Textile collection, Gems of the Sea.

  0

fShare

Tweet

Card by Sue Spargo

Join the Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show by making and donating a fabric postcard (or two) to their annual fundraiser, which offers financial support to victims of cancer. Selected postcards will be custom framed, compliments of High Desert Gallery & Custom Framing, and offered at silent auction. The remaining cards will be sold, with all proceeds from both auction and sale going to the Wendy's Wish Foundation, an organization that provides funding for expenses and other support services to those in the Central Oregon who are undergoing treatment for cancer.  

• Cards received by April 15, 2011 will be included in the jurying for the silent auction.  Cards selected for silent auction are custom-framed.
• Any cards received by July1, 2011 will be included in the sale.
• Please send 4"x 6" finished cards to Sisters Outdoor Quilt Show, 220 S. Ash Street, Suite #4, Sisters, OR 97759.
• For more information, click here.