Simple Machine quilting Tips

Looking for some simple machine quilting thread tips? You're excited, you have just finished your first ever quilt and you are very pleased with yourself. And rightly so.

But then you are struck with the realization that the quilting process for you. You start to panic. You have no idea where to start? You could not the thought of making a mess of things in this stage bald. Not when you've invested so much of your time and effort in this project, not to mention money.That would never do.

Sure you could take the easy option and a professional quilter get in but really want to have a go yourself. You want this quilt your masterpiece from start to finish. And fair enough I also totally understand how you feel. So where should you start?

Here are my tips for easy machine quilting.

1 Ideal a wide enough for the top support substance that choose quilt, consider the color and pattern of the fabric. Choose the match the color of your thread Quilting and quilting machine if you are new to decide on a pattern substance that will be forgiven.

2 press your supporting tissue and quilt top. If you save a cotton or wool may also the pressing to get out all folding rules. Trim, wires may be implemented by means of any losses this yarn about a lighter substance shadow and Quilt. Depending on the size of your duvet, tape the fabric of the support to the floor or table right side down. Place your store over the top and then your quilt on top of it. Your support and store must be greater than your quilt top.

3 take time preparing your quilt, I mean that you need to decide or take care of your duvet, all layers together pin. As a general rule of sustaining their duvets way a grid Quilters hand using a needle and thread and machine Quilters prefer pin. Use safety pins and pin every 10-15 cm (4-6 "), from the middle and working out. (Yes you need a lot of pins for a full size quilt and Yes your fingers will probably get painful.)

4 In most cases, simple machine quilting no marker from a pattern on top of your duvet, it can be done in sections using your duvet design as a guide. If you want to, you will have to shape a quilt pattern on your link you convey your duvet before all layers together. Do this with a water soluble marker or tailors chalk, graphite pencil can be difficult to remove.

Most simple machine quilting involves stitching in the ditch (this means that following the seam line). Or you can straight or curved lines by sewing your first line of stitching quilt, and then follow it with a special bar to the area of the following rules. (Look in your sewing machine accessories compartment and you can discover one of these).

5 once you have decided on a total plan, consider the choice of your quilting thread thread. Use machine quilting thread that is slightly thicker than ordinary wire and choose a contrasting color (for the more experienced quilter) or free color (for the beginner quilter). Use the same color thread in your spindle top and bottom.

I hope these tips have easily machine quilting Quilting and shed some light on the process that you now more confident to give it a go. However, there are three important factors to consider. These are the quilt with stitch length, how you processed your sewing machine and what to do with the feed dogs. Discover these tips and more by following the link in the signature below. Happy quilting.

Lenna Green is a textile designer who patchwork, quilting, fabrics and hand embroidery lesson for the last ten years. The stitching cow website is a visual feast for sewing enthusiasts who are looking for a new quilt or craft patterns to sew. The website also offers free useful information and helpful resources. Find out more go to http://www.stitchingcow.com/about/useful-resources-and-articles/quilting-tips/tips-for-easy-machine-quiltingtips for easy machine quilting.

Use your Machine Embroidery Quilt? You bet!

Quilters who are not already a machine embroidery enthusiast can just find in the craft once they realize that they are engrossed in their quilting machine embroidery could include.

Embroidery is a traditional way to add special decorative touches to duvets. Or by hand or machine, can be a quilter accent his or her creation with embroidered flowers or other accents. But today the machine embroidery-for those who are willing to try the-quilting can quite different.

For example, a quilter, the use of a simple embroidery design to let the machine "Duvet" the project. Simple one color designs work best, especially for the beginner.

If you want to give this a try, are looking for a embroidery design that is simple – one that you can visualize stitched in a quilt. Some inspired designs work well redwork. Other simple designs such as flowers, circles, Sun/Moon, houses, heart-there are all kinds of designs to choose from-can work well as quilting thread stitches.

Make sure your quilt top of theme in mind. We all know and love of the traditional beauty of the double wedding ring quilt. While the top quilt beautiful with its variety of color, is the quilt back just as free with its simple stitching that the design on top.

What if you can a machine embroidery quilt hearts in the quilt design? That would make an unexpected Touch your duvet truly unique.

Have you ever needed to throw together a quick quilt? Many quilting Pros laugh at the idea, but sometimes we have to give a quick gift and want to make it personal. Round quilts and baby quilts are very easy to make on a machine embroidery.

Just hoop your upper fabric, batting and backing vocalist tissue in an embroidery hoop. Choose a design and get started! Even if you can you the solid color fabrics are beautiful quilt quilting, a fast, complete with the embroidery machine in no time!

Some ideas for a baby blanket for a boy should use contours of soccer balls, airplanes, trucks, trains, etc., for your quilting pattern. The hardest part of your work will be re-hooping tissue and push the "start" button!

Ideas for a baby blanket for a girl include outlines of flowers, baskets, dolls, kittens, etc.

The above method used machine embroidery on relatively small duvets. Larger duvets can happen the same way or with machine embroidery can be padded by individual quilt blocks. Experiment to decide which method is easiest for you and don't forget that the machine embroidery quilting method with any unique project may change.

If you already have a pattern on embroidery file can't find it, ask a digitizer to create one to help. A digitizer takes art images such as drawings, illustrations and fonts and change them via the computer to a random pattern. So if you would for your family tree to be with a tree pattern quilted wall hanging, you can create a digitizer for you.

Tell your digitizer that you want to use the image for quilting. The digitizer will have to enter plans accordingly.

Quilting is rich in tradition and that is why many true-blue Quilters don't like the idea of using the machine embroidery quilt to their projects. Isn't it great to try new ideas and techniques? Remember, not too long ago refused to consider machine Quilters quilting thread all! Embroidery machines will never replace Quilters can, but it a fun and rewarding sewing technique to try from time to time.

Penny Halgren
http://www.TheQuiltingCoach.com
Penny is already more than 26 years a quilter. She loves all aspects of her knowledge to share with all Quilters quilting thread explore.

Make A Quilt For The Winter

It's easy to make a quilt if you know how to do it, and have the right tools. Not that many specialized tools are needed for a quilt; in fact all you need are a pair of scissors and a needle and thread and a great idea. Instead of the great idea, you could use a pattern, one of many that are on offer free on the internet.

If You Can Sew You Can Make Quilts

You can use practically any fabric, though it should be dense enough to be hard wearing and not fray at the stitching. If you can sew, then you can make quilts, and once you have mastered the basics you will be able to design and make your own quilts for your family.

Many people quite like the idea of quilting but get worried when the see the size of some large bedding quilts. If that worries you then just think on it for a moment. Quilts are quite commonly made from blocks, which themselves are made from smaller pieces of fabric. What you are doing then is sewing some small pieces of cloth together to make a block. You then sew the blocks together to make the quilt.

Instead of doing that, why not sew the blocks together to make bigger blocks and sew these together to make a bigger quilt! Alternatively, sew some small quilts together to make one big quilt. That's how to think of it, rather than looking at a big quilt and thinking it too much for you. This is good approach to take if your quilt is ornamental, though a keepsake quilt needs a different approach.

Keepsake Quilts Are Made From Old Clothes

A keepsake quilt is made by using fabric from old clothes that you have carefully stored away to represent salient periods in somebody's life. A child's first jacket, a piece of a first school uniform, a father's wedding suit and so on. Many mothers use these keepsake fabrics to form into a quilt and present to a daughter at her wedding. Such a gift demonstrates love since the planning would have started early in the child's life.

The mechanics of quilt making are simple. The difficult part is deciding on a pattern and collecting the fabric, and sometimes even the thread that may occasionally have to be a very specific color or type. Once you have everything together you can being making your blocks, unless you use a starter kit with the blocks ready made.

Once they have been made, you should set all your blocks out into the design you want, and make sure, not only that you have enough blocks for the whole design, but also that you like it. It's a bit late once you have finished the sewing! When you are happy with the look of it, then start to sew the blocks together leaving about 1/4" seam. Once that is finished you have to put the quilt together. You should use a quilt frame, over which you can tightly stretch the backing. It should be stretched tight to avoid any creases and keep it looking good when it is finished.

Place the batting on top, and secure it with a few tacked stitches. The bat is the padding material that provides the thickness and warmth to the quilt. You can get different thicknesses of batting according to your needs. Now place the quilt top over the batting, and again stretch it across the frame and secure it. Now you can start stitching. It is generally better to start in the middle and work out, but some frames roll up and allow you to work down the quilt from top to bottom.

Try to Make A Quilt For Your Children This Winter

The quilting will be easier to complete if your top is made from square and rectangular blocks, since you can sew in straight lines down the seams. This is particularly advantageous if you are using a sewing machine. This is the part of the process called 'quilting' from which the item itself gets its name.

It is a very rewarding craft since your work has both a decorative and practical use. If you have children or grandchildren and you think it might be a cold winter this year, why not gather up all your fabric scraps and make a quilt to keep them warm. Who knows, you might get the bug and you will have found a new purpose to your life.

About The Author: Jessie Pedersen is an avid and experienced quilter of over 10 years. She has made over 250 quilts of all sizes, patterns and types. She has come out with an ebook, Make A Quilt In A Weekend. For more quilting advice, visit her site today!

To Quilt or Not to Quilt?

To quilt or not to quilt is always the question. I am not talking about whether or not to make a quilt for me the answer to that is always Yes. The question I am asking, and I think other quilter's do to, is how to do the final "quilting". Sometimes for me I know exactly how I am going to do the final quilting even before the top is done and other times I get the top done and have no idea how I am going to do the quilting so I let the quilt tell me. No I am not crazy, ok maybe a little, but it is a method I use and I want to share with you.

So how exactly do you let a quilt tell you how it wants to be quilted? Well for me I hang the quilt on my wall and look at it. Sometimes the pattern just emerges and it is so obvious how it wants to be quilted. Other times I hang it on the wall for days and get nothing so I take it down and put it away until the quilt tells me how it wants to be quilted.

I have a few examples I want to go over to give you an idea of what I am talking about. This first one is the Tumbling Blocks quilt I did. I knew from the beginning that with this pattern and the fabrics I had chosen that the quilt would want an all over stippling design and of course the quilt was right. The stippling on this quilt is beautiful and just what it needed to make it perfect.

Not all quilts want an all over stippling design. Some quilts like my Dino Quilt with the card trick design in the middle just want some straight line quilting. And in the case of this quilt straight line stitching was done on the diagonal to accent the diagonals in the card trick design.

Some quilts don't want to be quilted at all, scared of the needle or something...lol. In the case of the Stained Glass Window Quilt with the prairie points around the outside this quilt just screamed for being tied.

Another example would be the Christmas Table Runner I just finished. Since all of the sewing for the top was done on the diagonal then it only seemed right to do a stitch in the ditch on those same diagonals. This produced a chevron effect on the back of the runner that is picture perfect.

The last example I have is the quilt I am working on right now, sorry don't have a current picture of this one. The quilt top I made is actually made up of rectangles and when all sewn together produced small squares in the middle of the rows. When I did hang this quilt on my wall and saw those small squares emerge I knew that that would be where I would do my quilting. So I am doing a stippling effect in the small squares in rows which is giving me a very nice triangle effect on the back of the quilt.

So when I ask the question to quilt or not to quilt it is really up to you and your quilt. You can look in as many books as you like and they can teach you all the different quilting techniques but what it really comes down to is what do you and your quilt want. Don't do an all over quilting if the design call for the quilt to be tied and don't do straight stitch in the ditch if your quilt wants to have stippling. Just relax and do what comes natural for you and your quilt because at the end of the day that is what it really is all about.

As with all of my articles if you would like to see the pictures and examples of the quilts I am writing about please visit my blog at www.bedtimebabyquilts.com/annasblog

Amy Lloyd is the Owner and Operator of http://www.bedtimebabyquilts.com a website dedicated to the making of true patchwork baby quilts. Visit her website each month as she has different promotions ranging from free coupons to free quilted items.

How to Make a Quilt - The Fundamentals

Quilt making is a creative art which has achieved prominence over the last few decades. This in fact is a very ancient art form which was traditionally restricted within certain communities and territories. It originated as a necessity but gradually evolved into an occupation. The craft of quilt making being restricted to communities was perfected over generations. However, with the patronage of vocational institutes and art colleges quilt making is now a recognized craft.

Quilt making could be done at a domestic level or at an industrial level. A beginner before learning to make a quilt must become familiar with related terminologies such as their styles, fabrics, color, quilt kits and its tools. Fair understanding of these aspects would help in learning 'how to make a quilts'.

Styles - The quilts styles and its characteristic are of a particular place or event. A proper understanding of this subject would help you to develop your own independent style. This is important for creating an identity. As quilt making is an art form it is important that you develop a distinctive style. Christmas quilts, civil war quilts inspired by American Civil War, Amish quilts originating from Amish tribe, Maranao quilts related to people of Lanao in the Philippines island of Mindanao, to memory quilts based on family events, photo memory quilts based on photographs, and scrap quilts made from leftover fabrics are popular quilt styles.

Fabrics - Fabric for making quilts should be colorfast. Before using a fabric for weaving, it must to be washed, to run out the color. This fabric is essentially the base upon which the quilt is woven or sewn. In all probabilities it should be tight and strong so that it can last for many years. Quilts in many cases last lifelong even after regular use. Cotton is the most preferred of all lining fabrics. Synthetic fiber or mixed lining may also be chosen but that requires experienced weaving hands. Crepes, stretches, and knits should be avoided as quilt linings.

Color - Quilts colors are often ignored, but it's an important aspect in making them. For a cool feeling blue suits best as quilt lining, while yellow and red lends a warm feel. A white lining brightens up the interior while black might be used for a subdued effect.

Kits - This is imperative for quilt making. Quilt kits are available in 'blocks'. Beginners should buy on block a month so that they can learn the art with ease. These kits contain all information regarding quilt making. The basics are given in form of simple instructions for easy learning. As a beginner's guide some designs, fabric choices and colors are also provided. Separate kits are available for experienced weavers. 'Blocks' for different purposes are available for convenience of trained quilters. For example, there are separate blocks for pillow cases, bed covers, and rugs.

Tools - Quilt making is both a skill and creative art. However for proper development of this skill certain tools are necessary. For hand weaving pins, hoops and needles are must. Fabric markers are also essential. For machine weaving quilting machines, machine needles, frames, and rotary cutters are required.

Merlina quilts are the best example of quilt making in creative arts and its dexterity.
Her each functional homemade quilts with latest motif are of few examples of artistic excellence in quilt designs.

The Origin of Quilt Block Names

Have you ever wondered how quilt blocks are named?

As you look through a book with hundreds of quilt blocks, several interesting things pop up. You will probably discover quilt blocks with a different design while having the same name. Likewise, you will find quilt blocks that look the same yet have different names.

How did this happen? And what is the inspiration for naming quilt blocks in the first place?

A look at history and understanding life in the early years of America are particularly useful to answer these questions.

Since early Americans were driven from England to gain religious freedom, they continued to be very religiously minded in the New World.

All day Sunday was spent at church for both religion and social time. The morning and afternoon sermons were divided by an hour-long lunch break where families would share the events of the week while enjoying the peaceful meal.

Many quilts and quilt blocks reflected that religious devotion.

"World Without End," a quilt made during the Revolutionary time period, is a name lifted from the Book of Common Prayer. It was, and still is, a phrase familiar in every church, regardless of creed.

It's also interesting to see the range in complexity of making quilt blocks and quilts. The "Star of Bethlehem," "Jacobs Ladder" and "Job's Tears" represent quilts and blocks and were more studied designs. While the "Star and Cross" and "King David's Crown" were simpler and very popular for bed quilts.

In addition, early Americans were also very politically minded. Even though women couldn't vote, they were acutely aware of the importance of the politics of the day.

While originally the political efforts were directed toward economic freedom and relief from onerous taxes, later the politics shifted toward political freedom as well. After a century of local government, Americans were politically astute, and were dedicated to developing the machinery of a republic that would survive.

And the political conversations extended into the quilt blocks created during that time, enabling quilters to express opinions developed as they listened to the arguments of the day.

Even naming a quilt block stirred controversy. A block named "Whig Rose" and "Democrat Rose" created a debate as to which was the correct name - a debate not settled, maybe even today.

Politics and quilts continue to intertwine with "The Little Giant" being named after Stephen A. Douglas (from the Civil War era), the "Free Trade Block" (which has relevance today), "Fifty-four Forty or Fight" (from the early 1800s fight between the US and Canada over territory in the northwest territory) and "Tippecanoe and Tyler Too" (a campaign slogan during the Harrison presidential election in 1840).

The trades and occupations of the time also offered inspiration for quilt names. "The Anvil," "The Carpenter's Wheel," "The Churn Dash," and "The Water Mill" all came from women's familiarity with old-time callings.

"The Reel" was a block that represented the once universal occupation of women - spinning. The Reel was used to wind thread onto skeins.

Outdoor life provided more inspiration for quilt block names. Take, for example, "Flying Bats." Bats were once very common, and without screens in open windows, bats would be attracted to the light inside houses. Once inside, blinded by the light of the lamps, the bats flapped and banged against walls and the ceiling while women ducked and screamed while small boys made a game of chasing them.

Since the sun, candles and oil lamps were the only source of light, the pioneers relied on the natural light of day for most of their activities. Industrious folk rose early and were able to witness the glory of every sunrise. It wasn't too unusual that "Rising Sun" quilts would be created.

There are two different methods of making this intricate pattern, both reserved for expert quilt makers.

In sharp contrast, quilt blocks representing the setting sun are much simpler. A Block like "Setting Sun," also known as "Indian Summer" took some skill, since it includes triangles on a curve, yet was not as complex as the Rising Sun.

Maybe the contrast represented the difference in the level of energy of a quilter between the early morning rising and the end of the day, having completed a full day's work.

Many designs were specific to their community of origin. And as they migrated away from the community, their form changed. Since there were no printed patterns at the time, duplication of the design depended on copying the pattern by looking at an existing quilt, remembering the design having seen it previously, or understanding a verbal description of the quilt block.

Any of these methods could result in the proportions of the shapes within the block changing, therefore changing the overall look of the quilt; and a new block design with the same name was born, even though the quilter thought she was duplicating the quilt block exactly.

What will be the inspiration for the quilt block you design?

Penny Halgren
http://www.TheQuiltingCoach.com Penny has been a quilter for more than 26 years and enjoys sharing her quilting knowledge with beginner quilters so they can avoid the mistakes she made as she was learning to quilt.

Discover the interesting history of quilts

Quilting was practiced in ancient Egyptian times and evidence found in the tombs of the Pharaohs. Quilting was a form of different types of tissue to make a single item of clothing which was later objects of decoration sewing. Substances called patchwork quilting sewing quilts together also blocks later developed and was dominant during the middle of the 19th century. Quilting consisted of stitching of three layers of tissues-the top of the quilt, the fill in the middle and the support.

Types of comforters

The first type of quilt is the ' white cloth Quilt ' which is made from a single piece of fabric. The three layers were quilted together. The colors that were used were solid and were of cotton or woollen fabrics. White duvets called "whitework" were also created. The first designs that were created were simple ones. Then there were some with motives and flowers. Some were created by the Trapunto method by inserting extra stopping certain areas in the duvet to make it thicker.

The following type is the work of crops parse duvets that was cut from the printed materials applicated motives. The other type of quilt is Medallion where a single piece of fabric or a front in the middle would be sewn. The boundaries were pieced together or front.

Revolution in Quilt making

The industrial revolution brought about the rise of the textile industry where women got weaving and turning substances as substances was readily available. Make Quilt developed tremendously during this period. Were now old scraps of clothing is not the only materials that were used to create quilt. Then arose the block style quilts where an equal number of blocks or different patterns were used as blocks for quilting. The advent of added boost to the popularity of quilt sewing machines.

Quilts made for slaves and soldiers

Duvets were first created to raise funds for the slaves and the support of the movement for abolition. During the American civil war these quilts were then made to specific hot to keep the warring soldiers. In the late 19th century a new style of quilt, known as the Crazy Quilt where abstract forms were sewn to the duvets. So developed the name Crazy Quilt that was all the rage.

Use of quilts

In the earlier centuries wore clothing that were under their armor Knights padded to provide them with warmth and comfort. The Romans introduced the concept of quilted bedding in Europe where they filled bags as their mattresses used. This idea was later developed by the English who converted this filled bags in a combination of mattress and covers. In the 15th century, Europeans used the quilts refuge of the relics winters.

April possession website quilting thread has details of where to buy deliver Queen Quilt kits and discounted quilting thread substances

Beginning Quilting - a New Hobby or Craft?

Like many other crafts and hobbies, quilting has survived the test of time. Some quilt historians date the beginning of quilting back to the middle ages, when quilted clothes were made for warriors sent to battle in cold climates. According to history, fabrics were layered and stitched in the same quilting method used today to keep the layers intact and keep the warriors warm.

You might note several differences:

o The quilting was done by hand (as was the construction of the clothes)

o There were no fancy designs of either the quilting pattern or the clothes

o Probably this clothing was made by local tailors (who generally were men)

Quilting today is much more fun and includes both men and women! Because there are more than 20 million quilters in the US, fabric stores have dedicated sections of their shops to quilting fabric. In many communities, it is easy to find a quilting store or two (or three) - a shop that caters just to quilters. And finding quilting fabric online is getting easier by the day.

With a wide selection of resources, the next question is whether you will enjoy quilting. The art of quilting has something for almost everyone.

Traditional patchwork quilts are still very popular. They provide a framework for design while allowing the quilter to use fabric selection to vary the overall look of the quilt. Contemporary quilts, or art quilts, are also popular, and provide a canvas for designing quilts that has no bounds.

Many quiltmakers still rely on hand sewing which makes quilts portable. Your quilt project easily goes into the waiting room of doctors and dance classes, travels with you in the car on long trips, and turns idle time into productive time.

Other quilters complete their entire quilt project on the machine - from piecing blocks to machine quilting and finishing the binding.

Whether your quilt is made by hand or machine, the sense of pride you feel when your quilt is finished is at least equal to the feeling of love, admiration and appreciation that the person who uses or receives the quilt feels.

And you become a thread in the history of time - linking past generations with the future.

Happy Quilting!

This article courtesy of http://www.How-to-Quilt.com.

You may freely reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter provided this courtesy notice and the author name and URL remain intact.

©2005, Penny Halgren

Penny is a quilter of more than 24 years who seeks to interest new quilters and provide them with the resources necessary to create beautiful quilts.

Penny Halgren
http://www.How-to-Quilt.com
Inspiration and Education for Beginning Quilters

http://www.Rag-Quilt-Instructions.com
Fast, Fun and Funky Quilts

How To Quilt - Stitch In The Ditch Quilting

Stitch in the ditch quilting is the name given to stitching along the seam lines of the pieced quilt blocks. As with free motion machine quilting, this is done from the top of the quilt with the pattern of the quilting showing up on the quilt backing.

You will need a walking foot machine foot, a pair of quilting gloves and loads of patience.

There are a few things that you need to think about before you begin quilting:

Do you want the stitch in the ditch quilting to stand out or blend in? It is more usual to use a blending colour thread for the top, but you may wish to use a colour that stands out on the quilt backing to showcase the quilt design. It is fine to use a different colour thread in the bobbin.
Before you begin quilting, be clear about the pattern that you are going to use: do you want to stitch in the ditch along every seam, just outline a particular pattern in the quilt blocks, or even just outline the quilt block itself?
Check your stitch length. The norm is 12 stitches per inch, a little longer than everyday sewing stitch length.
Adjust the sewing machine tension. This is probably the single most important factor in helping to achieve good machine quilting results. Because of the thickness of two layers of fabric plus batting, the auto tension on your machine is unlikely to give the best results. Make up a practice block of the three layers used in your quilt and sew a line of stitching. Look at the back of this sample block. Chances are you won't like what you see as the stitching will be too tight, so loosen the tension and try again. Keep experimenting until you feel that the look of the stitches on your quilt top and backing are giving the look that you want for your quilt.

Quilting with stitch in the ditch

Now you can begin quilting with stitch in the ditch on the quilt itself. Put on your quilting gloves: they really do help to stop your fingers sliding on the fabric. Begin in the middle of the quilt. This will involve rolling the quilt to the right of the middle so that it fits neatly into the space on your sewing machine. Place the quilt so that the needle will come down on the seam line. Begin sewing, trying to keep your eye on the seam feeding into the machine rather than on the needle itself. It's amazing how your eye is drawn to watch the needle going up and down, which doesn't really help you maintain a straight line at all.

After a few inches of sewing, stop the machine and reach round for the trailing end of thread. Pull gently on the thread so that the bobbin thread begins to pull through to the quilt top. Using a pin, pull the bobbin thread right through and tie a double knot with the top thread. This will secure the threads without having to use back stitching. Do this at the beginning of each line of stitch in the ditch or you will end up with trailing threads all over the place, getting caught up in the next line of stitching.

Continue sewing along the seam lines until you reach the edge of the quilt. Take your quilt out of the machine and tie off the ends of the threads.

Returning to the middle of the quilt, repeat the process with a new line of stitch in the ditch quilting going from the middle to the edge. Try to quilt in the same direction as previous lines to avoid your quilt backing puckering slightly.

Quilting with stitch in the ditch is a marvellous method of quilting in its own right but also a great confidence booster before you attempt free motion machine quilting.

Ludlow Quilt and Sew is an online quilting site that provides clear and easy to follow instructions on beginner quilting and how to quilt and sew. Sign up for the free monthly newsletter giving tips and advice and an exciting new project every time. Visit http://www.ludlowquiltandsew.co.uk

Collecting antique quilts-history, heirlooms, and high art

From the earliest days of the American colonies quilts were an important part of everyday life. They kept the family warm, sometimes covered the table, and the occasional high as flew banners. Now that the same functional and beautiful antique quilts are highly appreciated by modern collectors.

The most common antique quilts

Among the numerous quilts tucked away in trunks, antique shops and museums, there are a few certain species that are most common. The "Front" quilt, most popular between 1775 and 1885, consisted of pieces of tissue that design on a large, solid color-block were padded. The Duvet "Trapunto" was a popular form of appliqué quilt in which the designs were filled with cotton to make a raised look and feel.

"Album" quilts were made up of small sections, each section sewn together by someone else, and then to a large quilt. "Patchwork" quilts were made of a different pattern, or a square, a rectangle, or some other configuration. Although patchwork quilts most common of 1775 to 1875, they were embraced by Quilters of all periods.

"Crazy" quilts, popular from 1870 to 1890 (and well into the 1930s and ' 40 's, especially in rural areas of Appalachia and the South), were made with a quilter could find anything that looked appropriate in their work, including bits of worn family clothing. She seemed to have no rhyme or reason, other than in the mind of the person who creates them. Partially as a result, be Crazy Quilts often believed to be created more of necessity and household nut in place of a certain feeling of design or pattern. Due to their personal nature have Crazy Quilts often great sentimental value.

Of household chore to works of art

Since the u.s. cotton industry began to evolve in the early 1800s, so did the creation of duvets. Before the time of the sewing machine, hand stitched quilts were. Quilts made from 1800 to 1825 show impressive levels of craftsmanship, often with small stitches that were meant to last through years of use. By 1850, almost every household in the United States had a quilter in their midst, and the skill needle work ranged from the neat, clear and careful hand-stitching of experienced Quilters to the unequal and less attractive sticking out of unskilled amateurs.

In the years following the civil war, the industrial revolution found a foothold, popularizing mechanized tools, and help the sewing machine to a household staple. The fine stitching of duvets, a much rarer craft was gradually, in favor of the documents faster, with less attention to detail could be made. Duvets would not be considered functional works of art to the late 20th century, when saw an intense resurgence that continues to this day quilting.

Community and family heirlooms

Some of the world's most beautiful quilts never find their way to the wall of a museum or even to an appraiser. They are located on the beds of family members who can tell you which ancestor stitched them together when they did it, and why. These are often family heirlooms, quilts made for a specific person, possibly given as a gift, and then by generations.

Duvets are as guards of the history, a story-telling medium. They are often created in honor of a person's place in a community, to celebrate a wedding or a new home, and on the occasion of special days. Duvets were also used for political or social pronouncements. One of the best modern examples can be found in the AIDS Quilt, a project founded in 1987, that brings together the families of those who have passed from the complications of AIDS.

What is valuable ... and How to Tell

If you are looking for the perfect knowledge of antique quilt, quilting thread techniques and materials is the key to getting the genuine article. Reproductions can sometimes be convincing enough to fool of experienced experts! To make sure that you get a true antique quilt, the following points in mind.

What kind of store was used?  The polyester batting known modern Quilters is a relatively new development; polyester was not popular until the 1960s. Usually wool or cotton, and contains antique quilts they sometimes side store will have. Another common practice to use of old, ragged duvets as save in new Member States.

Consider the thread. Before thread cheap and readily available, many women the heavy cotton threads was used of feed bags to sewing their quilts together. Quilt, white wire in front anywhere on a is used? Topics in applicated duvets matching is more of a modern standard.

Carefully looking at the stitching. The stitches should be small, and very regular evenly distributed during the duvet. Most real antique quilts were made to be both beautiful and functional, and not the tight stitching assured that the duvet after years use would fall apart.

Examined the condition of the cloth. The structure of an old duvet will probably very soft and possibly be worn thin in places. Newer look untouched for decades, but real antique quilts duvets were probably beloved and used regularly.

Consider the size of the bed. Bed configurations have changed over the years. A quilt is large enough for a modern king bed, for example, was not the purpose of a quilter in the early 1800s.

What dyes were used? Dyes in the early 19th century were made by boiling plants on the stove, usually in iron pots, to pick up their color. Most of these colors were rather boring, and consisted of of earthly colors, such as slate or light Greens. Aniline dyes were popular around the time of the civil war, and started off very lively, but disappeared over time.

So whether you collect antique quilts with an eye for design, an interest in the heritage that they represent, or simply as a means of investment, it is very important to choose an antique dealer, who has a good reputation. Serious antique dealers will go the extra mile to the origin or the known history of the Duvet, to the extent that they can trace. And a reputable dealer the difference between a wall full of treasures and a chest full of reproductions.

For the best & antique collectibles buy and resource to find dealers, shops, galleries and resources in Central Kentucky, visit http://www.CentralKentuckyAntiques.com.

Embellishments Give Your Quilt Personality

Nowadays, embellished quilts are the 'in-thing'. Embellished quilts look very trendy and we can experiment with a variety of options with which to decorate the quilts. The primary objective of a good quilt is to keep us warm in bed. But many families use quilts also to celebrate different events of our life like weddings, birth of a baby, Christmas and other festivals and events. Many are used simply for decorations.

There are two important ways to guarantee that an embellished quilt is attractive to the eye. First and foremost, the quilt making has to be technically sound. If it is not constructed well, no matter how much we adorn it, the quilt will not look good and will wear out. Second, we must keep in mind that the accessories not only make the quilt attractive but also add weight to it. Thus the foundation fabric or the fabric with which the quilt has been constructed, must be strong enough to support the embellishments.

Lace, Ribbon, Beads or Paillettes, and Other Embellishments

The list of potential quilt embellishments is limited only by your unique creativity. Following are just a few of them:

o Paillettes - These are small, circular pieces of luminous metal or plastic sewn on garments for decoration. They shine wonderfully when they catch light or sunlight. They can be used to decorate clothes, handbags and accessories. They are also great accompaniments for crafts such as frames, jewelry, lamps, and more. They are also fashionable as a knit, crochet and quilt embellishment.

o Beads - Beads can be used to add visual appeal. They can be attached anywhere while adorning the quilt top or block and/or after the quilt sandwich has been created. We can attach the beads to the top coating or through the top layer and batting or through all three layers after creating the quilt sandwich.

o Buttons - Buttons can be sewed on in small clusters to enhance the appeal of a plain area. Buttons stitched onto folded ribbon or embroidery can also go a long way in making your quilt look exciting.

o Charms - Charms have gained tremendous popularity and can be found in discount stores, jewelry stores, flea markets, garage sales, and all over.

o Doilies - Doilies and other specks crochet can plug a plain shape marvelously.

o Embroidery - Embroidery can be done with the help of floss or silk ribbon. They go a long way in adding a delicate touch to the quilt. We can also use French knots for consistency and use outline stitches to characterize the edges of an area, which might need more focus.

o Lace - Lace can be added in numerous ways. It can either be stitched on flat or assembled to give it a full, more three-dimensional look. Lace can also be used in a pieced seam or inserted under the rim of an appliqué patch. We can even be fasten it on top of a seam to conceal it. Lace can successfully set up a contrast of texture yet is light and appealing to sew. Embellishment used on top of a lace such as stitching or beading areas intensifies the visual texture. It creates a intense feel both literally and visually and also helps the eye to slow down as it considers the area.

o Ribbon - Ribbons can be added in the shape of streamers and bows.

However, we must remember that the heavier the embellishment we use, the more quilting is required to prevent it from sagging. If the quilting is not done with care, the quilts will not lie flat. If heavy embellishment is used, hand quilting may makes for a better quilt to avoid ruining the embellishments with machine quilting. Or, for the safety of the embellishments, the quilt, and the machine, machine quilt first, then embellish.

With a bit of care, embellishments can add a whole new personality to your quilt and make it a one-of-a-kind creation.

Jan Myers is the author of numerous articles and books on topics from organizational development and leadership to quilting. It was her avocation, the love of quilting, that inspired the popular online membership site for quilters known as the "world?s largest quilting bee" at www.quiltingresourcecenter.com

How And Whys - Quilting Machines

Many traditional hand quilters may disagree with the intrusion of Long Arm Quilting Machine into the realms of quilting and that it is considered a necessary tool in creating a quilt. This is partly based on the assumption that quilting machines would distract from the enjoyment and the uniqueness of quilting. But it cannot be denied that Machine quilting is becoming more and more popular by the day. This trend from the traditional hand sewn quilt to machine made quilting can be attributed to several factors such as the change in lifestyles, the advancement of quilting machines, intricacy of design and the time factor of completing a quilt.

Quilting machines have to some extent reduced what was once a lengthy and painstaking procedure and in doing so has made the quilting process more manageable and realisable hobby for a greater range of people that would be otherwise constrained by the traditional hand sewing methods. What cannot be denied is that machine quilting does match and even surpasses the output, quality and intricacy of traditional methods.

Other advantages of quilting machines can offer over hand sewn quilts, are the finished article will have a more professional appearance due to the inherent capabilities of the machine to create straighter edges which is reflected throughout the design pattern. Machine quilting also ensures that the final product is much sturdier than a hand sewn quilt. Quilting machines actually enhance the quality of the finished quilt through the mechanical action when it draws the material through the stitching action. This action holds the material in such a way that material is held tauter than if one was individually holding the material. This action also contributes to the strength and quality of the stitching operation. This overall improvement is

that one has a quilt which has added superiority both in quality and durability.

Time seems to be driving factor behind many peoples decision to purchase a quilting machine. Previously, when using the hand sewn methods you may well have to wait several weeks before you could add the finishing touches to one quilt. With machine quilting, however, you can easily create beautiful quilts in just a few days. A machine can power a needle quite easily through several layers of fabric which gives you the freedom to choose the type of stitching, which enhances the design and finish of the quilt.

Quilting machines can basically be classified into regular quilting machines or arm length machines.The regular quilting type includes the machines with an approximately 7 inches arm. They allow you to combine work on different parts of the quilt. The long arm-quilting machine has an approximately 16 inch arm and replicate the actions of the shorter 7 inches arm but allows you to work without having to change your position so much as when using the shorter 7 inch arm. Overall the longer arm reach machine is more efficient to use and saves labour time in movement and checking.

With advancement of modern technology being applied to quilting machines it will enable quilters to incorporate both the more modern intricate designs and the older traditional designs. Having the availability of a quilting machine will enable one to take the next step to starting a part or full time business, as the Long Arm Quilting Machine provides the capability to produce more professional, artistic and high quality quilts in a shorter time span. Having these capabilities should put you in a position to offer your customers a highly customised quality product at competitive price.

George O Neill is a successful entrepreneur both in the off-line and on-line arenas. To read more articles and download free PDF Reports on Quilting people and machines please visit: http://www.quiltingpeople.com

Quilting for Beginners - Does it Take Too Long to Make a Quilt?

If you are thinking about learning how to quilt, or are a beginner and haven't made your first quilt yet, you might be wondering how long it will take you to make your first quilt. If you're afraid that it will take you months, or even years to make a quilt, you will be happy to learn that it isn't the case. Depending on the quilt you choose to make, you can have your first quilt done in less than a week, and may even make an entire quilt in a weekend.

There are many things that will help decide how long your quilt will take you to make. One thing is the amount of time you can devote to it. If you only have a few minutes, you might be better off just waiting until another time, as by the time you take everything out, get it all set up, and start quilting, you will have to stop to put everything away since you've run out of time. If on the other hand, you can set aside a few hours, you will be more likely to get more of the quilt done, and then you will want to devote more time to getting it finished.

Another thing that will help make your quilt take less time is if you make a smaller quilt. At least until you get the hang of things, the first quilt (and probably first few quilts) for a beginning quilter should be something small. Maybe something like a baby blanket, or a lap quilt. This way you will have experience in making the whole quilt an will get better at it and in turn be quicker with it. Also, by choosing a small quilt, you will see your results sooner, and will be more likely to want to continue making quilts.

If you keep your materials together and organized, you will also find that you will be able to finish your quilts faster, since you won't have to spend time just getting things together each time you want to work on your quilt. If you know exactly where everything is, you will be able to pick up where you left off, and get right back to being productive and getting your quilt done.

If you are a beginner quilter and are worried that you won't be able to finish your quilt, or that it will take too long to make the quilt, then just follow some of the above tips as well as any others that will help you quilt faster, and you will have your first quilt finished before you know it!

Jenny Grant enjoys quilting and loves to help others learn how to quilt. She wants to help you make quilts faster so you can make more quilts for friends and family and even earn money from selling them! If you want free tips on quilting, visit the Quilting Advisor.

Learn To Quilt - Best Books For Quilting

If you are starting to learn to quilt, or an advanced practitioner of quilting you can uncover a lot of books that can help expand your skill. Quilting publications fall more or less into a few categories, and many titles abound within each one. The different types of books are how-to, pattern encyclopedias, historical, books about the joy of quilting, as well as art books.

How-to books are in all probability the most popular, in addition to being the first stop for the individual who wants to learn to quilt. They range from publications which discuss the complete craft of quilting as well as offer step-by-step advice, to books that will capture one feature of quilting and clarify how to achieve it. The instructional publications start with such fundamentals as cloth selection in addition to which accessories you'll need and proceed through instructions for assembling the blocks of your quilt top as well as the quilt itself, down to explanations of quilting, both hand and machine. Each quilter needs at least one of these publications within their library, and commonly will manage to accumulate a number of them. You'll find it amazing how many times you need a ready reference when you are in the middle of a quilting task. An extra sort of book that every quilter will need to have on hand is an encyclopedia of patterns which include simple quilt patterns - huge for the starter. These books collect various different quilt block patterns along with explain the fundamentals of their assemblies. Since their aim is to cover a lot of ground, these publications are significant starting points but will not go into intimate detail. For that you will want to turn to books which feature coaching on a individual pattern. With the extensive assortment of quilting block patterns and techniques, you are able to imagine that this group of quilting books is rather extensive and stocked with titles.

Because quilting has its roots in American history, quilts and the craft of quilting have been studied in detail, and a lot of historical quilting textbooks exist. Looking at these textbooks along with seeing what our ancestors accomplished having a fraction of the equipment and supplies on hand at the moment can be a terrific source of inspiration to current quilters. Along the same lines are books that discuss the enjoyment to be derived from quilting, both in its social form (such as quilting bees) or as a solitary pursuit. Finally, there is a complete segment of quilters who have advanced the craft into art. These quilters regularly show their work in galleries in addition to museums, for example the quilt wall hanging. They publish books not just about their quilts, but the thoughts and procedures that went into assemblying them. Every now and then collectors of quilts will put out publications, too. These art quilt books are as inspiring in their way as the historical quilting books.

Part of the thrill of quilting is locating books on the topic, and fortunately for modern quilters, there is a massive array of titles to choose from. Regardless of whether you are choosing to put together a handmade patchwork quilt or a quilt wall hanging, even quilted clothing for that matter, you should make sure you have a book or 2 easy to hand to help you along the way.

Article by Lolly L - http://www.QuiltingForBeginnersOnline.com Learn to quilt having the best books to hand. Quilting for beginners is made easy now that there is a variety of places to obtain the book that you need to start and finish your own handmade patchwork quilt. Once upon a time you could only get your books from places like the library or your local bookstore. Now with the internet available you can get any kind of quilting publication available, including one with simple quilt patterns in it for the novice. Visit http://www.QuiltingForBeginnersOnline.com for some great information.

Archived Autumn

October 21, 2011 by ivoryspring

Happy Friday, Friends!  I hope you are having a good day.  Let me take this opportunity to thank you for your kind words on my sneak peek post on Asian Mist yesterday.  I am much encouraged.  I don’t really have anything quilty to share with you today (still working on Asian Mist).  I thought I would show you some snapshots of autumn from my archive…

You can see that dishes are a big part of autumn at my end.  I dutifully put up most of my blue and whites, and replace the cabinet space with my fall service…

Now, there is one blue and white piece I do not put up, for obvious reason:

First the dishes, then the scanty collection of accessories.  I am not a knick-knacky person, so I tend to use my accessories all year round and dress them up as needed to suit a particular season.

The visible accents of autumn serve to foster the attitude and reflections of thankfulness within. I make a point to display one of my favorite illustrated book on thankfulness in the autumn season:

I am so happy you stopped by!  I wish you a lovely weekend.  Mine will be a working one, but after this weekend, I should be more freed up to visit with you, I think…. I hope…

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Amish Quilts for sale

Not just anyone can produce an Amish quilt. They are created by Amish people.

A book written by Bettina Present "Amish Quilt maker," says there is a difference between Amish quilts and Amish quilts created. Amish quilts that are really used in Amish homes. Amish made quilts are made by an Amish quilter and sold to help supplement income of the household.

The duvets used by the Amish in their homes are actually rather simple and utilitarian. They are not quite like the detailed quilts Amish Quilters produce to sell.

The duvets used by the Amish in their homes instead, use simple solid color fabrics and simple patchwork designs. Pedal sewing machines are used by many quilt makers in Amish communities for their projects quilt. They usually use the sewing machine pedal to the top quilt piece. Then, the whole thing is padded using a large floor frame to stretch out the hand.

You've probably noticed that you don't see a lot of substances in Amish quilts Amish or created?

There's a reason. Given explains that the Amish just don't think that it's economical too low dust without need. They look layering substance as frivolous and not a good use of the substance.

Or a House quilt has small prints in it or not often comes down to the acceptance of the community. Some careful communities can be used in a small printed fabric House quilts. The Church usually has huge imports into the community advice. The fact that some Amish Communities a little less conservative explains why you will see an occasional print in an Amish house duvet.

Now that you know this background information, why can't you an Amish quilt? Amish is a religious company. It is a Christian denomination known for its conservative, simple way of life. The Church dates from the late 17th century. It would be disrespectful to claim to have created an Amish quilt if you indeed were not Amish.

What you can do is to create an Amish inspired duvet. Select your quilt block pattern that you want to use. Ensure it; s a simple quilt block, and that it is not extended or the simplicity of the trademark of the Amish does not fit.

Select your colors accordingly. Keep the colors easy. The quilt must not be too bright or bold, although from time to time use jewel tones in their quilts Amish Quilters to shine.

Colors like red or yellow not allowed to be used by some communities sewing projects. Print your Amish quilt should not much inspired.

Most Amish quilts have limits ... sometimes more than one border. Borders are included in Amish quilts, because they are an effective, simple use of the substance. You want to be sure a limit on your Amish quilt inspired.

As you know by now, you won't see a lot of decorating on Amish quilts. Your Amish quilt, then also need no decoration inspired. It is rare that buttons on articles of Amish clothing, they certainly have no place a quilt enhanced.

The Amish rely on hook and eye closures and breaks down for most of their clothes every day. Pants may have a button for security.

Amish quilts do not need a lot of embellishing or bright colors because the work of the hand of the Quilters is what makes them truly beautiful and extraordinary. The muted colors and simple patterns allow the art of the padded stitches to shine through. Extensive quilting designs on a simple background make quite a contrast!

See our large selection of Amish Quilts for sale, handmade or quilt blocksfind; If you are creating your own Amish quilt inspired.

Quilting - 2 Different Quilting Techniques

Hand Tying A Quilt

The first method of quilting to consider is hand tying a quilt. This is often considered the easy option but it can actually become a design feature of the quilt.

This is naturally a hand quilting option so the first thing is to thread your needle with suitable thread. Ordinary sewing thread would not be strong enough. Many embroidery threads would be too thick and would risk putting holes in your quilt (quite apart from being very difficult to pull through) so you need to use something in the medium range of threads. Personally I use about 3 or 4 strand embroidery thread. Deciding on the colour is a matter of choosing whether you want the knots to blend in with your quilt top or stand out from it.

Having threaded your needle, then, pull the thread so that the ends are level with each other and you will be sewing with double thread. Push your needle through from the top of the quilt and bring it up again about 1/4 inch from where the needle went down. Push the needle down again through the first point and bring it up again through the second point. This extra step to create an anchoring stitch is not essential but I find that it helps to strengthen the knot.

Pull through to leave about 2 inches of thread at the end. Cut the thread 2 inches from the quilt top and tie a double knot with the ends. Trim the threads if wished, but no closer than 1/2 inch from the quilt top or you will weaken the knot. That is honestly all there is to it, but now you have to think about where to put the next knot.

Some types of batting only require quilting every 8", but I feel safer with about 4" gaps between quilting. You could tie the knots near the corners of your patchwork quilt blocks or use them to make a design within your quilt blocks.

As you become more experienced at hand tying a quilt, you will find that it is possible not to cut the thread after each knot but keep making knots leaving loops of thread between each knot. Then when you have come to the end of the thread you can go back and snip between the stitches and tie the knots.

Ribbon Quilting

The second method of quilting is ribbon quilting which is a personal favourite of mine. Choose a ribbon that is only about 1/4" wide and one that does not have a texture that would be ruined by sewing on it, such as velvet, or one that has a design of pictures or something that would not be helped by having stitches running along the length of it. I usually choose a simple satin ribbon and let the colour provide the interest factor.

This method of quilting can best be used on smaller items such as bags and baby or lap quilts. Cream coloured satin ribbon on a brown bag or pink satin ribbon on a white baby quilt can look absolutely stunning.

Having layered and basted your three layers of quilt top, batting and backing fabric, use a fabric marker to mark straight lines on the quilt top. These might be in the form of cross hatching, chevrons, or even just diagonal lines on one diagonal only. Experiment.

Begin sewing in a corner or on the edge of a central line. Place the ribbon on top of the quilt top with the edge of the ribbon extending out a little beyond the edge of the quilt. Set your machine to zig zag with maximum stitch width and length and sew the ribbon to the quilt following the marked line carefully. At the end of the line, cut the ribbon a little past the end of the quilt and begin the next line of ribbon quilting. Always sew the lines in the same direction as each other or you may end up with some puckering of the quilt top or backing.

When you have finished sewing ribbon along all the marked quilting lines, sew a line of zigzag all round the edge of the quilt top to secure the ends of the ribbon to prevent fraying. Then continue with either binding if it's a quilt or sewing the seams if it's a bag that you are making.

Quilting Techniques

These are just two of an almost infinite number of ways of quilting your quilt. One of them is hand quilting and the other is machine quilting, but both provide a really interesting finish to your quilt without taking up an inordinate amount of time.

http://www.ludlowquiltandsew.co.uk

Discover the Joys and Benefits of Quilting - An Inspirational and Creative Form of Craft

Quilting was a common social activity in the past. During earlier times, quilting fabric was an activity which farm wives like to get together to do. These are opportunities for them to retreat from their straining physical chores of farm life and do something light and useful together. At that time, quilts were an essential article in households, not only as bed coverings, but also as curtains, and petticoats and waistcoats to keep the body warm. In fact, patchwork quilting was created by homemakers during the time when there was a shortage of fabric. Worn out sewn items were often recycled into patches for quilts.

Today, quilting is no longer practiced to satisfy economic or social needs, but for expression and enjoyment. Patchwork is not longer simply a form of frugality, but rather another form of art. Although quilts are still sometimes made from fabric scraps, the quilt maker is more likely to use the scraps to recreate the charming look of old quilts or to commemorate an event, rather than out of necessity. Quilting is now used as a creative and inspirational form of craft. Having a long history, quilting has shown itself to be admirably versatile and its ability to change and adapt is a hallmark of a successful craft.

Many people, today, used quilting as a hobby because they find it fun, gratifying and enriching. Quilting offers them an opportunity to express their creativity and helps to enhance their lives. Most people enjoy the process of choosing or designing a project, the process of selecting the fabrics and the satisfaction of creating something unique and special. It gives them an opportunity to experiment with color, design and texture. The completed piece of quilt gives the maker a great sense of achievement and delight. Most people engage in quilting because they want a creative experience and an emotional expression. It is no wonder that some people find it healing. Stressed mothers of young children, exhausted caregivers of ill parents, wearied working women and men seeking a creative outlet often find the process of making something soft and warm, like quilt, is more restorative than the usage of any kind of available drugs.

As quilts provide warm and comfort, they are used for clothing and bed coverings. There are those which are kept as attractive works of art. They have been showcases for the talents and skills of their creators. The range of quilted items, nowadays, has expanded to include placemats, wall hangings, cushion covers, table runners, bonnets, diaper totes, eyeglass cases, makeup bags and hanger covers.

Making quilts today is easier than you may have ever imagined. The making of quilts does not require any special skills, just a general knowledge of sewing. If you can sew a button or mend a hem, you can certainly make a quilt. Quilting is simply using a technique to stitch together layers of fabric using a decorative pattern to create a variety of beautiful and practical objects. A completed quilt is actually a creatively stitched together sandwich of fabric and batting. The basic equipment for quilting include needles, pins, thread, scissors, thimble, beeswax and a frame or hoop to quilt on. Other necessities are a long ruler, masking tape, drawing paper and a marker for transferring quilt patterns onto fabric. Although machine techniques may have replaced the tedious hand sewing one, modern quilt makers still take inspiration from old quilts and try to adapt those designs and techniques to today's lifestyles.

It is important that while working on selected quilting patterns, a quilt maker should not just replicate the patterns and colors shown in the samples but also to adapt the patterns to his or her own color preferences and ideas. He or she should attempt to create his or her own unique designs and try out new techniques. In this way, he or she can make progress by gaining new technical skills as well as new insights into the design process. For more information, please go to Manage stress through recreation.

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Commissioning Quilts good

Duvets are not just pieces of fabric sewn together. It is an artistic piece and a symbol of just about everything, to which the tags along a number of applications. In different circumstances, be pieced quilts and sewn together for many different reasons. Be reconstructed from the many scraps together, is a quilt sewn usually to heat and comfort. The very first step in quilting is to think of its purpose. There are more applications than what a person can think of. All the same, a quilt used as the following:

Bed Cover. General, quilts made for warmth and bed decoration. Duvets could instantly change the look of a room. Yes, quilts could distinguish and bed covers as a great impact on the overall look of a room. Duvets are also made as fantastic as a curtain wall-hanging and, as the best thin.
Curtains and wall hangings. Duvets exist as curtains, specifically with thin store. It is also created as a hanging sleeve, where we usually place accounts and keys. Presto! You have an immediate work of art!
Throw pillows. Scraps of tissues sewn together with thick store could create a throw pillow within. It can be held on your bank or even on the side of the bed use even if you just want to curl up.
Tablecloth. Quilts that are thin or just the basic quilt tops are sewn to serve as a tablecloth. Find it at your dining table or even on side tables.
Investment. Yes! Most of the quilts created were passed as an heirloom. Look carefully after the duvet and your family, generation to generation. Not so pricey but high sentimental value would the grand and considered.

The use of Quilts do just didn't stop there. Ever heard of "cutter quilts"? These are vintage quilts that are seriously worn out. When comforters are worn out, most tend to ignore those and set them aside. However, there are pieces of which are still in great shape and just need a teeny idea to keep them around. There are many ways to be done for cutter duvets. Consider the following:

Table mats. You have the option to make it as placemats on your dining table, dressing table or your coffee table. A little imagination and creativity you would do to help.
Tote bags. Tag along with embroidered quilted tote bags. Usually for women on the go.
Cosmetics and toiletries bags. You don't have to be someone to have. Have your own, personalized cosmetics and toiletries bag out of Cutter duvets.
Picnic blanket. Instead of in duvets, use them taken aside worn by having picnic blankets.
Teddy bear. Stuff your cutter duvets and make it a teddy bear. Less, but would be pleasant.
Art on the wall. In a simple frame section frame and hang on your walls. Consider a set and it looks very effective.Christmas stockings. Why go shopping for Christmas stockings? Why spend when only your artistic ability to need some quilts cutter simple Christmas stockings to hang on your wall? Who knows, maybe your kids love it too.
Oven gloves. Ever thought of such? Protect your hands against burned by having your own oven gloves made of Cutter duvets. You have the option of the thick batting so well.
Equipment Cover. Cutter duvets could hardly used House kits are provided. Have it fitted and make a for rarely used equipment. You can choose to the embroidered. It displays your creativity and your equipment as well as protects against dirt and dust.
The Cover of the book. This will allow a book look more personalized and stylish.

There are more uses of quilts and duvets cutter other than those mentioned. There are a variety substance jelly sandwiches quilts made into a film that offers good value for House. Always remember, quilting is a process and as a process, changes in most of the time be considered. As the crafts is done, the possibility of more applications has a quilter of quilts, even for cutter duvets to discover.

An article writer with passion on home improvement and marketing. Http://www.fabricjellyrolls.net an affiliate of

Leafy Comfort: Preview

October 24, 2011 by ivoryspring

Happy Monday, Friends!  I hope you are doing well.  My Leafy Comfort Pattern is now available through Patchwork Posse:

I used nothing but scraps for the runner, and with a bit more scraps, I was able to make a mug rug:

I am going to fly for now.  I have another pressing deadline I need to take care of.  I keep hoping for a slower pace in my life… so far, it’s not happening for the first part of this week!  Alrightie… I will catch up with you later!  Take care, you all!

Be the first to like this post.Posted in "Scraps" Projects, Quilt Pattern | Tagged Fall Mug Rug, Fall Runner, Patchwork Posse | 3 Comments

View the original article here

Sandwiching a Quilt

A quilt is a fabric sandwich that is made up of three different layers. These three layers are called the quilt top, the filling (also known as the batting or wadding) and the backing.

The top portion of the quilt sandwich is called the quilt top. Quilt tops are usually made of fabric blocks that are pieced together. Some tops may be appliqued or the top could be created using a mixture of both piecing and applique techniques. Some quilt tops may not be pieced together at all and instead may be made from a whole uniform piece of cloth.

The middle layer or filling of a quilt may consist of cotton, silk, polyester, or wool batting. The batting is what makes a quilt truly a quilt. If there is no batting, your creation would actually be known as a coverlet and not a quilt. The batting gives a quilt dimension. It contributes to the warmth the quilt provides.

100 percent cotton batting is the easiest batting to sew through. It is the most common choice of batting in quilts for the quilt purists. Cotton can shrink nearly 5% when washed so make sure that you use closely stitched intervals to prevent the batting from bunching in all the corners, nooks and crannies. When the quilt is washed, the batting shrinkage will give your quilt a wonderful overall antique look.

Cotton/polyester blend batting gives your quilt a traditional look and feel without the hassle of cotton. There is less shrinkage and as a result, you can quilt it at a slightly larger spacing interval. The polyester content helps to keep the fibers from migrating into corners during use and when being laundered.

Polyester batting launders quite well and there is no shrinkage to contend with. Since you can stitch at larger spacing intervals, you can finish your quilt much faster. Polyester batting is the most popular choice among general quilters. Cotton comes in at a close second. Polyester batting come in low loft and high loft. The high loft batting is thick and is good if you want to have your quilt thick like a sleeping bag.

Silk batting is best suited for quilted garments and is not recommended for bed quilts as the silk batting is quite expensive.

Wool batting is very heavy and it is great if you are making a quilt for insulation on a cold night. The fibers have a tendency to migrate through the top and bottom layers (known as bearding). To prevent this from happening, encase your wool batting in extra layers of fabric top and bottom and use short stitching intervals when you sew your sandwich together.

The bottom layer of the sandwich (known as the backing) is a large piece of plain or printed cotton that may or may not be pieced together from smaller pieces to create the proper size. There are backing fabrics out there available by the yard in 90 and 120 inch widths. If you have a hard time finding these fabrics and you don't want to piece your backing, you could go out and buy a cotton bed sheet that is larger than the pieced quilt top that you created.

There are three methods that can be used to sandwich your quilt in preparation for quilting.

The first method is to pin the sandwich pieces together with nickel-plated safety pins. Start pinning in the middle of the quilt and then pin approximately 2 - 3 inches apart. Pin your way to the edges of the quilt making sure that the three layers remains smooth and that there are no bumps or tucks in the layers.

The second method is to hand baste the sandwich layers together in preparation for sewing. The pieces are assembled together in the same way as the pin basting. After assembly, you take a thick quilting cotton thread and using a long running stitch, baste together the three pieces starting from the middle and basting to the edges.

The third method is to secure the sandwich pieces in place by using fabric adhesive prior to quilting. The adhesive will dissolve during the first wash of your quilt so quilting your layers after using a fabric adhesive is a must.

Whatever method you use, a little time and care taken during the sandwiching phase will make the whole quilting process go smooth in the final steps and you will be happy with your finished quilt.

Ramona Dunn is a sewer and quilter with over 35 years of experience behind the sewing machine. She has a diploma with honors in sewing and dressmaking from the Stratford Career Institute and she is the proud owner of her own online quilting web site called Those Cotton Pickin' Fabrics.

Ramona is a professional educator by day and she has authored a book for beginning quilters called "How To Do Quilting In 8 Easy Steps". To learn more about this book, click this link:

http://how-to-do-quilting.com/

Quilting thread Hand on antique quilts patterns

Which hand quilted patterns were stitched in American quilts created in the 19th and 20th century? Nine common patterns seen by this quilt historian are described here.

1. Clamshell is one of the earliest patterns. They were on a whole cloth and stitched patchwork quilts allover the top or if the background between other quilting patterns.
2. Feathers were most common on pre war fancy and extensive quilts that were used on special occasions, or given as a gift. The ferry was not shaped like a bird's long-pointed feathers; they were short as a petal and rounded at the end. Feathered designs were stitched in a variety of motifs such as a garland, wreath, pineapple and heart. Feathered designs were often used on red and green front quilts created in the Middle years of the 19th century and Colonial Revival style front quilts created in the 20th century before the second world war.

3. Hanging diamonds squares were on point, often used in combination with feathered patterns. They can be great or small in size. They were stitched around to keep the store on front pieces and place in the area of the background of the duvet. Diamond the size of the transfer increased after the civil war and became the only quilting pattern on some patchwork quilts. Larger size diamonds are found on vintage quilts.

4. Another common choice for an all over pattern patchwork and utilitarian quilts is
a square grid. If the allover pattern were the squares large to larger in size. If the pattern of the background, they were less dependent on the patchwork or front pattern. Here again, a special quilt gotten smaller grids that the blank areas to keep hitting each other and layers properly filled.

5 & 6. Cables and chevrons were stitched in borders and sashing strips. Cables were connected curved "S" shapes vertically run on an edge or list. Chevron forms straight lines were "V 's" fill the width of the border in the form of a zigzag. One, two and three lines dwindling in size formed the cables and the chevrons. The two century quilt makers used these two patterns.

7. single and double parallel lines were usually quilted duvet on the diagonally across the whole or just in the borders. Pre War duvets could triple stitched close to each other in parallel lines, the background areas around appliques and borders. In the late nineteenth century women quilted also rules on front pieces. Single and double lines, line spacing, were further apart than previously quilts, stitched in vintage era duvets.

8. Fan quilting is also called elbow quilting thread because the quilter the range of her elbow to her fingers used to arc or fan shape. Methodist and Baptist been popular names for the Fan Fan Fan too, because it was quick and simple pattern for a group of women of the Church cross around a large quilting frame. In England is called the fan waves. The pattern was common later in the last quarter of the 19th and first half of the 20th century quilts, and is especially popular in the southern and southern Midwestern States. The fan was usually used on daily duvets.

9. the a quarter inch within the seam stitching was sometimes referred to as "quilting by the piece" or "in the piece" as a result of exactly how it turned out. This pattern was used occasionally from the nineteenth century, is never a common pattern to the late 20th century.

Kimberly Wulfert is a quilt historian, speaker and teacher, specializing in antique quilts and textiles dating. She has two easy quick charts for dating quilts made between 1775 and 1950 developed and they are portable to put in your wallet to shop. http://www.antiquequiltdatingguides.com

Want to see and read more about quilts of all kinds, art reproduction and antique and women (mostly) who has created them? Sign up for http://quiltersspirit.blogspot.com her free newsletter on and be with an international Quilters spirit circle of friends!

The steps of making a Baby Quilt

When your friends or family members in their family welcome a newborn baby is often the cause for celebration and gift giving. One of the most appreciated gifts his baby quilts. Newborns are used for the comfort and heat delivered during pregnancy; and after birth they enjoy tight this time in soft, warm material. As they grow up babies are an annex to their favorite blanket and they love the spring. Many types of duvets are designed for babies. The best part is you don't necessarily to buy a special quilt for the new addition, allows you to create with love. Create a quilt Hand will allow you to create a truly personal gift for the newborn, and all the love and hard work that goes into making the quilt will be greatly appreciated.

There are kits available that contain all the material necessary to create a quilt for beginners quilting thread. These kits contain step by step instructions that you can make of the goods in hand-crafted duvet for the new addition. Kits are also great because they help new quilters, so they learn the basics of quilting in the future to other, more personalized duvets. While experienced Quilters often aware of the hard work and the materials that go into creating the perfect duvet; create the perfect baby blanket can still be difficult.

Create any type of quilt requires planning and arranging items in the perfect order. While baby quilts can vary in complexity of appearance they needed so much work often as a full size quill. There are five major steps in planning and creating the perfect duvet.

Size is the first element to consider when it comes to making baby quilts. A baby quilt must significantly smaller than a typical quilt. Some quilts can be used for quilts or as bedding in cribs, so it's a wise choice to make a quilt that matches the size of the cradle is equipped. In addition, size may refer to the thickness of the duvet. Quilts that are built for adult use or even decoration are quite thick. A quilt that is created for a baby should, however, relatively thin.

Design is the next step in the process of creating the perfect baby quilt. Different types of duvets require different materials in different amounts; Therefore, it is essential that your duvet designed before you buy materials. Another variable is time: patchwork quilts take much more time and dedication than bind duvets and crochet costs even more time than a patchwork quilt. Quilters should be drawn up for the amount of work they're going to dedicate to the duvet.

Once you have your design set, the following considerations are the materials that you want to create the duvet. The race is the material for the child nursery; is the theme for their gender? In addition, the cloth should me comfortable for the newborn; cotton or fleece fibers are among the best choices. If you use two different materials are used, they must be of the same type with the only difference is the pattern. In addition to the cloth or yarn will you should use wire and save for the inside of the rug.

The construction of the blanket is the most time consuming part. Many Quilters actually pin the materials of the duvet to sew together before they start so they can see what it will look like. This allows them to move, and the placement of the stitching thread customize as needed. The construction process will greatly vary depending on the type of quilt that you create. Regardless of that style, it is important to take your time and pay attention to detail.

Completion of the quilt does not mean that the process is actually finished. After the duvet is mounted should be gently washed and dried the duvet. This will be good for shrink or instant blur from the material that you used. In addition, the removal of all brands or chemical substances which are used during creation of the materials and the duvet. This is important for every baby quilt as babies are extremely susceptible to disease and chemical reactions. As soon as the quilt is washed and dried it is completed and can be given to your new beloved.

Jennifer r. Scott has written for more than ten years on a wide range of topics. She has a background in which such diverse areas as environmental movement, cooking, animal care and technology. If you would like more information about baby quilts, quilts, please visit a site all about Quilting.

A Quilt with a soul

I think duvets have a soul. The quilter can the soul that is part of the duvet or duvet it allows the development of his own soul. But I believe duvets have a soul. Why? Because they speak to us our attention capture and duvets. I know that I am a quilter as a part of my personality and be with each of my quilts. I'm sure other Quilters itself also share them with their duvets. When a quilter is dealing with their quilts, duvets develop their personality. When this happens, develops the quilt a soul.

The personality in a quilt can be defined by color or by interest. What do I mean with interest? It is a quilt that demands your interest or your eye captures. It does this by the cause of your stop and take notice. For the purposes of this article, I have chosen "generate an interest in the eye of the Viewer" to define of the soul in a quilt. When I find an interesting quilt the speaks to me on several levels: block design, color options, or even its history. The Jane Stickle quilt "generates an interest in my eye".

What made this quilt so interesting for me? The history of the quilt first caught my attention. I love history and I especially love to read about people who have an impact on their world. MS of Stickle quilt had an impact on me and the World quilt. If you aren't familiar with the Jane Stickle quilt, I recommend that you the book "Dear Jane" by Brenda Papadakis to buy. I think it is a must read.

Reading the book "Dear Jane", I realized that the duvet was found in an attic in St Louis, MO. Louis, MO (my hometown). I was immediately hooked. As I read more I realized that a woman of modest means designed and made of a quilt that is known around the world more than 100 years after the creation. It's probably, thanks to Papadakis MS in the world has every heard of Jane Stickle quilter or the "Dear Jane" quilt, or better yet, belongs to a "best Jane" club. In short, we know very little about Jane Stickle. We know that she was an ordinary woman of modest means. We know that she was married and that we have found no records of her children. And we know that she wasn't a rich woman. I call on her ... a plain Jane. Still she created a quilt that is known all over the world. The duvet makes me question: she was active in its own city quilt guild of quilting bee? They exhibit quilts in local scholarships? What inspired Jane Stickle to make this quilt? She signed the Duvet "Jane Stickle 1863 war time". Why she's sign? At a time, when it is rare for quilts to be signed, Jane Stickle signed and dated her duvet. What meaning has the words "the time of the war" mean? Maybe they made it for a loved one who was at war. Maybe it's made to mind her from the stress of the war.

If I watch this quilt, caught my eye is treatment of each block design. There are 225 blocks in the duvet. One block is not replicated. I do not believe that one of these blocks are found in all other quilts of the period. She did design of each block or taking ideas from other quilts? What was her inspiration? Quilt block patterns were not common In 1863. It's phenomenal to design 225 blocks for one person. The block size for the Jane Stickle quilt is only 4 ½ x 4 ½ inches. Why is she forced to do so many blocks and so small in nature. How such small chunks? MS signed the duvet: 5602 Stickle pieces. The number of pieces is another miracle. As mentioned before, quilts of that era not to include the number of pieces in the duvet. I can only imagine how long it took to cut, assemble and organize 5602 piece. Maybe she had help cutting 5602 pieces. The scissors in the 1860 cannot have the task made easy. Even in 2010, cutting 5602 pieces is a party.

As with humans breathe duvets. They demonstrate character, personality and a soul. They embrace us every time we touch, feel, or they see. The duvet Jane Stickle is only one quilt embracing my soul. You have the soul of a quilt experienced? I hope you.

Darlene Pratte is the owner of an internet fabric company. She loves her creative talents through quilting Express.
Visit our Web site (http://www.foxyquilts.com)

101 things about Quilting

Quilting is my interest and I want to encourage others to quilt to. You don't have to be an expert, so relax and enjoy. Interesting facts and little tips will make this article fun to read and very helpful.

1. Quilting is the sewing together of three layers.

2. Quilting is fun and can become seriously addictive

3. Many ways to create a block no one way is the only way

4. There is no such thing as the quilt police

5. Hand quilting means you make it by hand

6. Machine pieced means you used your sewing machine

7. There is no age limit to start

8. Yes you can make a quilt even if you are colour blind

9. You can make a project of many sizes

10. It can be a expensive hobby when you start to store fabric

11. You can take some projects with you when you travel

12. Putting colours together is as easy as looking at nature

13. Fat quarters can be cut into different size squares

14. A fat quarter is a piece of fabric cut 18x21"

15. America is the largest quilting nation

16. Men & women quilt

17. Use a cotton thread when using cotton fabric

18. Always make sure you have enough fabric to complete the project

19. Using dark colour wash them first to make sure the colours do not run.

20. Decided if you quilt will be washed or dry cleaned

21. Use one pair of scissor for paper and another for fabric do no mix them up

22. When paper piecing use a small stitch it helps when you tear out the paper.

23. Paper in USA is smaller than UK

24. Disappearing marking tool are good but check them on a sample of you fabric before using.

25. When cutting with your rotary cutter use a new sharp blade for a new project.

26. Exercise caution when using rotary cutter and always retract blade when no in use

27. Cutting mat should always be stored flat

28. Rulers come in many sizes use one that you can easily see with your cutting mat.

29. Always place your hand on the ruler when cutting and move up to follow the rotary cutter.

30. Rotary cutting is fast

31. Appliqué is cutting out shapes and attaching them to fabric

32. You can use turned edge appliqué if you like to hand sew

33. Raw edge appliqué uses a product containing glue ironed on the back of fabric

34. Raw edge appliqué is machine onto the fabric

35. Basting glue is another way of doing turned edge appliqué.

36. Small pieces of fabric can be saved for appliqué projects.

37. Paper piecing uses paper to sew on lines to create blocks.

38. Paper piecing can be used to make sharp points

39. Quilt shops are colourful places to be and inspire many projects

40. Let you quilt shop help you choose your fabric if you are nervous to do it.

41. Opposite colours are attractive on quilts

42. Wide backing fabric means you do not have to join the backing fabric.

43. Cotton batting often has a scrim attached put this side to quilt top to stop bearding.

44. Bearding is when the fibres of the batting fabric come through to the quilt top.

45. Square up you quilt blocks before joining them up.

46. Quilt blocks of the same size are easier to put together.

47. The red square in the centre of a log cabin quilt is the symbol of home

48. Log cabin is strips of fabric joined together to make a block usually using light and dark fabrics on opposite side.

49. Quilt making was first used when garments wore out and there were good patches left these were cut out and sewed along with other patches and then used as bedding maybe with an old blanket in between

50. Quilts were used in the Slave trade in USA to let escaping slave know it was safe to go that way. Quilts would be hung out on the porch and removed if there was danger.

51. In USA fabric is sold in yards in European countries it is sold by metres

52. A Jellyroll will have 2.5" strips of the whole range of a particular range of fabrics.

53. Jellyrolls can be used to make quilt blocks and are good if you don't want to cut strips of fabrics yourself.

54. Charm squares are cut into 5" squares and can contain all the same fabric or the range of a particular design.

55. Always measure twice cut once

56. Use a new sewing machine needle for each new project

57. Seams should be ¼" make sure they are straight or else your blocks will not all measure the same.

58. When you need to undo a seam use a seam ripper and cut every 5 stitch and them pull apart

59. If using spray starch wash you project when complete so it does not attract bugs.

60. Trouble threading your needle use a piece of white paper behind the needle eye helps you to see it more clearly

61. Use rubberized matting found in the kitchen store under your sewing machine to stop it moving.

62. If you sew in an area where you don't want to have to pick up the thread off the floor. Put a tablecloth or large sheet down first when you are finished you can collect up and empty outside.

63. Never use nylon thread for baby quilts they could come undone and wrap around the baby's finger.

64. Don't use polyester batting in baby quilts it is a fire hazard.

65. Stitch in the ditch means sew on the seam line do this by pulling the seam apart slightly then you will not notice the stitching

66. You can tie a quilt instead of sewing it, by using thread or wool and just tying it together to secure it.

67. Long arm means your quilt is sewn on a sewing machine that has large throat space on the sewing machine

68. Feathers are not only on birds they are used as designs on quilts.

69. Tone on tone means the two shades of the same colour on the fabric.

70. You can make your quilt out of any fabric but some fabrics are easier to work with.

71. Quilts can be embellished with many things

72. Quilts can be used as a wall hanging.

73. Quilts are considered as works of art.

74. Colour in the quilt plays an import part different colours can change the way quilts look.

75. Freezer paper can be used for quilting projects and not just in the kitchen

76. Sand paper can be used to sharpen your pencils

77. You can used empty plastic drink containers to make appliqué templates

78. To clean your soleplate on your iron, put some salt on a washcloth and iron over the cloth removes all the dirt.

79. Use a bamboo stick when pressing seams open to avoid burning your fingers

80. To make several pages for paper piecing put block on top of several sheet of freezer paper and sew on the lines with no thread in your needle. Marked with out tracing.

81. To make it easier to remove paper from paper piecing, place the block on a damp washcloth for a few minutes, then the paper comes away no problem

82. If you prick you finger and mark you quilt with your blood roll up a small amount of thread and wet with your spit and then rub the spot it will then be removed.

83. Tape a brown paper bag to the edge of the table next to your sewing machine put all your scrapes and threads in when you finish sewing just throw

84. When you have old needles don't put them into the rubbish on there own, use a empty film container or tic tac container and then dispose of them into the rubbish

85. When you purchase fabric write on the selvage edge the amount and where you purchase helpful later on.

86. Use flower head pins when quilting they are sharp and longer than dressmaker pins

87. Snips are handy for cutting threads beside the sewing machine.

88. Use your ironing board for extra room beside you sewing machine

89. A magnet can help you pick up dropped pins quickly

90. Use a bread slicing rack to hold all your rulers

91. Remember to sign your quilt it is a work of art.

92. Use a bread slicing rack to hold all your rulers

Clean pizza boxes are handy for storing quilt blocks in.

93. Be relaxed when machine quilting your work will look much better.

94. Use a laundry rack to hang strips of fabric over will make it easy to pick up

95. If you don't have enough blocks to make the right size quilt consider putting sashing between the blocks.

96. Use a mug tree in your sewing room for hanging scissors on.

97. It is completely ok to be working several projects at the same time after all we cannot contain our creativity

98. Store your fabric in the same colour families that way you will not over buy one colour

99. If you have made your top and cannot face quilting it send it out to a long arm quilter they will make it easy for you.

100. Use glass jar to put you bits and pieces in that way you can always find them

101. Use the Internet as a source of information and a learning tool there is a lot of stuff out there also to buy your online fabric you might find a bargain.

Sue Kershaw has been a quilter for 15 years her passion began when she lived in the Middle East. Sue started an online quilt fabric store http://www.passion4quilting.com/catalog/index.php to fit in with her expat life style. Sue experience and knowledge is found in her website with articles on paper piecing patchwork and quilting and lots more.