I recently took a longer color class from Jennifer Sampou, and it was eye opening for me. My most recent quilt project gave me a chance to use what I learned. I signed up for a Quilt Challenge with my local Guild that used two pieces of fabric for the quilt. Unfortunately, I had nothing in my stash to match it. Then I remembered my Jennifer Sampou Ombre's and problem solved! I compared the challenge fabrics to my ombres and I am quite happy with the results. The Ombres's as a background fabric added so much. I challenge to you give it a try too! - Ann Here is a quilt tip shared by one of our members, Pauline from Vancouver, Canada.
I have used a version of this in the past, and it really saves a lot of time. Thanks, Pauline! One of our members, Krista C from Florida, submitted this tip she found on the internet by American Quilter's Society. I was having this same problem recently, and tried it out. Like the author said "Worked like a charm!" Thank you Krista for the tip! Try this quick and easy tip from AQS Member Maggie Desmond. Maggie writes: I do not know about anyone else but I sew on an older machine. I cannot replace the throat plate when I am sewing things with fine points. I tried every trick I knew and some I got from other people. The slot in my throat plate is just too large for quilting and the corners get chewed up with the needle and stuffed into the throat plate. I have been using scrap fabric to start and also have been starting in the middle of the piece and sewing out through the points. This makes it hard when you are chain sewing - just cannot do it. I found some very thin parchment paper and cut or torn it into small rectangles to use at my sewing table. This works like a charm! Just put a small piece of parchment paper part way under the piece you are going to sew and under the needle. Sew normally. Since you are using a small piece of parchment paper and it is not under the full piece of fabric, it pulls out very quickly. The points come out perfect and I love my machine again.
I saw this blog post about options for Quilt Backs, and thought it gave some good options to consider. (PS- You can click any photo to see a larger image)
"Not sure why quilt backs have been on my mind lately, especially considering the fact that by the time I finish a quilt top, I really don't want to give the back much of a thought. And I'd say the larger the quilt, the more I struggle with a quilt back plan. I guess it just is what it is. But for what it's worth, I've gathered up some options." Blog post from A Quilter's Table https://aquilterstable.blogspot.com/2017/11/10-ways-to-make-quilt-back.html?m=1
Before you give your quilt, make sure you have photos of the quilt. Take more photos than you think you’ll need and make sure they’re clear and accurately depict the colors of the quilt before you start wrapping:
A very cute gift wrapping is a cute pillow case. Actually, the pillow case makes an easy appreciated gift by itself!
This older video shows a clever and quick way to make a pillow case. It doesn't get much cuter or quicker than this! (PS- This video is from 13 years ago, so the pillowcase drive is over) Another great idea is to make a Tote to put the quilt in. You can make it any size you need. If you don't have an easy tote pattern you already use, the video below shows how to make a quick tote using a charm pack (5 inch squares) to make it.
I have noticed that a few of our members have been making quilts from their fabric selvage edges. This video from Carol Thelen shows give tips on making them, as well as some suggested layouts.
If you would like to learn more, or prefer written instructions, here is a link to her blog post: https://quilt-notes.blogspot.com/2022/07/the-selvage-quilt.html This roll of interfacing can be handy to have as a tool in your sewing area, especially if you are being challenged with sewing on the bias. I thought I would share this video showing a couple of good uses for the 1 sided fusible roll.
I don't there there is anything more fun that shopping at a Quilt Show. This video is also very fun since she shares what she brought back from Quiltcon, the modern quilt show. A lot of new things, and so much fun!
In case you want to follow up on her buys, here are the links she shared so you can find them: The items in this video can be found at these websites (not sponsored) WONDERFIL SPAGETTI https://www.wonderfil.ca/spagetti SEWTITES MAGNUM https://www.sewtites.com/products/sew... SHAKER SAWDUST SEWING CADDY https://www.shakersawdust.com/shop/te... BESSIE PEARL https://bessiepearlbindingco.com/ IRONMATIK https://ironmatik.com/ CUSTOM QUILT TEMPLATES https://www.customquilttemplates.com/ This quilt is really cute, and the bonus is that it is fast and easy to assemble. I love it when shops like Fat Quarter Shop offers things like this to us quilters. By the way, the video shows that some quilters like to make their blocks a little bigger and then trim them down to an exact size for precision. Other quilters do not. Each of us can choose!
PS: A lot of our group enjoy shopping at this online shop, FatQuarterShop.com The download for this pattern is here:
Fabric panels are very tempting to buy, there are such nice ones available. But sometimes you aren't quite sure what to make with them. I really liked this simple solution that looks really nice. The bonus is that this is an easy and quick design to make, and great for a quick gift or a donation quilt.
One of our member, Seri, recommended this free pattern from the Fat Quarter Shop. Seri just made this quilt, and it was super cute! There is also a video to go with it, which I have shared for you below. Here is a link to their post:
https://www.fatquartershop.com/charm-pack-crispies-quilt-pattern-free-pdf-pattern-fat-quarter-shop Or you can download their free pattern here:
We have already posted a tip about using a Hera Marker for your quilting designs. The advantages include no chalk or ink to remove, just creases made on the fabric. One thing I have struggled with is that sometimes it can be hard to see the marked lines, depending on your current lighting setup. This video gives a few good tips on that, as well as some tips on marking the lines themselves.
PS - here is a link to our previous post about Hera Markers Click Here Improv piecing can be a lot of fun, with beautiful results. It is also a great creative way to use your scraps. I thought this video did a nice job of demonstrating one way to do it.
--Ann This video gives some good advice on setting up to do Walking Foot Quilting on your domestic machine. I thought it would be a good refresher for those of us who like using this type of quilting. I use it myself often for donation quilts and quick gifts like baby quilts.
By the way, I have seen some teachers instruct to only go one way with the walking foot quilting, and others don't care which direction they go. I personally have had success both ways, so choose whatever works best for you! Ann Below is the free download they offered so you don't have to chase it down. Of course, it is for personal use only.
Thank you to our Member Chris Nolen for pointing out this video. It is a real treat to get to see the modern quilts at Quiltcon this year, and the host of the video is lots of fun.
I love this easy pattern, especially because it is so simple with all half-square-triangles. Everything you need to know to make the quilt is in the video. Remember to handle bias edges gently and not stretch them out. Once they are secured with a seam, they will be easy to handle.
I thought this was an easy and attractive pattern from Moonkin Stitchery. What makes it so easy has a lot to do with using a Layer Cake (10-inch square fabric set) to make it. A Quick gift to make, or a good pattern to use with that Layer cake you have in your stash.
A link to download her free pattern Click Here or our members can also check it out in our Pattern Library Like many of us, I came into Quilting after many years of sewing garments. So, I was confused when I heard quilters says they never preshrink their fabrics. Of course it also depended on the fabric and its use. I thougt this video was helpful to understand why sometimes it is appropriate, or not, to deal with shrinkage and color bleeding.
-Ann |
Virtual QuiltersWe welcome quilters from any area to join our free virtual quilt group. If you have questions, contact Ann@VirtualQuilters.com Archives
May 2024
|