Did you know that your Electric Quilt software is one of the best tools for creating and planning your quilts?
Need ideas for a quilt?
Want to see how much fabric to buy?
Do you need templates?
Have trouble with rotary cutting instructions?
Paper Piecing is easy when you can print your blocks right onto the foundation
Wonder if the colors look good together? Print out just the colors or use the fabric libraries. You can even scan in your own fabrics if you like. Still need more fabric? Download fabric libraries from their website.
Not sure how many blocks to make?
How about drawing or designing your own blocks?
What about borders?
Want to test out quilting designs?
Electric Quilt can answer these questions and so many more. Take a look at their software you won't be disappointed. (you may however never make a quilt as you could spend hours having fun with this design software)
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Friday, July 31, 2009
Electric Quilt Software
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Sewing table that fit your machine
Cool setup! No really if you need to extend your quilting space and don't want to spend a lot of money you need to check out these tables from Sewing Mate
The cool part is that can be adjusted to fit just about any machine! Don't believe me, check and see if your machine is listed on the Sewing Mate site.
Really how cool are these tables?
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Great Ideas For a Quilt Baby Blanket Gift
Great Ideas For a Quilt Baby Blanket Gift
By Jackie Lee
Making a handmade quilt for a new mom is a gift that will be treasured and loved for generations. There are many people who choose to keep handmade quilts as family heirlooms, and you may find your quilt baby blanket turns into something that is passed down from generation to generation.
It is pretty to learn to sew quilt squares, you can do it by hand or with a machine. You can find an entire kit at the craft store that will provide you with the instructions, and all the material you need to make a square. Most of these kits you buy one square at a time, then put them all together. This makes quilting a little less overwhelming, since you only have to focus on getting one square at a time done. When it comes to the actual quilting of the blanket you can do it yourself or you can also pay someone else to do it for you. There are machines that make quilting very easy, but unless you are going to do a lot of quilting it might be more economical to have someone else do the quilting or do it by hand.
A great way to make a memorable quilt baby blanket gift is to get the whole family in on it. Each family member can make a square or two. You can use cloth markers to inscribe special messages from each member. You can choose to have everyone work on the same type of squares or you can have a mix and match baby quilt with a variety of square patterns. Both are lovely.
You can also get ahold of the grandparents to be and see if they have any clothes or blankets saved from the parents' childhood. If they do you could include these fabrics in the quilt for their child making it a multi-generational quilt, which will no doubt be a family heirloom.
When choosing colors and themes for a baby quilt the sky is the limit. You can go with bold exciting colors, cartoon characters, or you could even call and talk to the parents and find out what color they are planning for the nursery to match your quilt to the theme of the room.
Making a quilt takes some time and effort. You may want to get started as soon as you find out your loved one is having a baby. This will leave you plenty of time to get the quilt done, and contact other family members who want to be involved in the project.
I know the quilt baby blanket gift we received holds a very dear spot in our hearts. It is a family treasure, and although we use it now, I may be tempted to put it away and save it for when my daughter has a baby.
Find more unique baby blanket gift ideas. For those who don't like to sew check out our no sew baby blanket gift instructions.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jackie_Lee
http://EzineArticles.com/?Great-Ideas-For-a-Quilt-Baby-Blanket-Gift&id=1429844
For a great baby quilt pattern take a look at the "Mother Goose Baby Quilt" pattern from Quilting Weekly.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
What Sewing Machine to Buy
What Sewing Machine Should I Buy? This is tough question to answer, and there is no right or wrong answer here. One thing I can tell you for sure is that you need to do your research. And here are some pointers as to what you need to ask yourself, and the shop owners. As you can see there are many things to consider when purchasing a new sewing machine. With the cost of machines ranging from hundreds to several thousand dollars, research is important if you want to invest in the right machine for your type of sewing. Don't just buy a sewing machine; check to be sure the manufacture/company will be there to support you and your machine for the life of the machine. The company behind the machine is just as important as the machine it's self.
Updated: 11/25/09 with a really helpful link to a website for sewing machine reviews. Check out Best Sewing Machines Reviewed.
What Thread is Best For Quilting?
What Thread is Best For Quilting?
By Kate Welder
Quilting thread is classified under two categories that is sewing and embellishing thread. The sewing thread is the one most used and is especially fit for quilting. Sewing thread comes in a variety of options, fibers and weights alike and the latter can be between 28 to 60. Because quilting threads need to be durable and withstand the time test, you should buy threads of 40 weight or somewhere near this number. Those closer to the 28 thread are for embellishments and those with a weight of 50 are sturdier and stronger, therefore used for piecing. How do you read the weight of a thread? Just study a little the label and you will see a little marking on the label, saying for instance 40/2. This means the thread weight and respectively how many plies it has. Therefore, the thread in the example has a 40 weight and 2 plies.
Threads designed for quilting are made of cotton, polyester, plastic, rayon or metallic materials. The metallic or plastic threads are commonly used in embellishments or to add specialized stitches. The cotton ones are used at larger scales and therefore they are widely available. They are also subjected to a mercerized process, in which the cotton threads that are treated with sodium hydroxide to shrink and increase their luster and affinity for dye. Cotton threads usually weigh from 30 to 60.
Rayon threads also display an increased affinity for luster while the polyester one holds the advantage that it doesn't shrink when washed and it neither loses its color. You should also bear in mind that metallic threads need acquires skills beforehand so that you can sew them together, so this type of sewing is not for beginners. When purchasing threads for your quilting, look for the specialized companies that have a long term tradition and quality reputation like Coats and Clark, or Guterman specializing in hand quilting and renowned for the quality and refinement of their threads, Madeira rayon threads, strong enough to be used for embroidering on denim and leather or Mettler, a company which offers several types of fibers.
Another thing to consider is your sewing tool; if it's old and rusty, it should be better left behind. If the spool moves itself, unreel it then pull it back on. If you come across threads that snap, it's best to leave them apart because they will snap inside your sewing machine too. Considering that the thread market nowadays offers so many inexpensive options, it is best to buy new thread whenever you need one and don't try to save money on the threads' quality. After all, you will end up less frustrated and you will do your work more quickly.
You will also find numerous types of threads available for different embellishments and you could find these in the local specialized store. For manual quilting, you can utilize embroidery floss, which comes in different shapes and fibers in every store you can think of.
At the end of the day, by choosing wisely the threads you are just beginning to become mesmerized by the beautiful art of quilting.
For more information on quilting and to receive a free ebook "Quilting Reveled 101" please visit http://www.quilthowto.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kate_Welder
http://EzineArticles.com/?What-Thread-is-Best-For-Quilting?&id=1734344
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Easy Sewing Projects For Beginning Quilters and Anyone Else
Easy Sewing Projects For Beginning Quilters and Anyone Else
Easy Sewing Projects For Beginning Quilters and Anyone Else
By Maybelle Maddison
OK. So you have decided to take the plunge and start quilting. The challenge is that you do not feel comfortable with your sewing machine. What you need are some easy projects to get you started, but that do not feel like you are wasting your time. The following list of projects make great gifts and you will also have great practice when it comes to tackle your first quilt.
Wallets
Wallets are wonderful. What I'm thinking of specifically, is the Wonder Wallet pattern by Lazy Girl Designs. I've made so many of these because they are easy and practical. Over Christmas I used them as gift card holders. Because they only use half a fat quarter, you can go crazy over novelty prints without taxing your budget. With this pattern, you will get used to sewing in a straight line and using your walking foot.
Once you are confident with wallets, your next project can be a quilted purse.
Pillowcases
Pillowcases are all straight lines. Again, using novelty prints, these makes great gifts for young kids. I made pillowcases last Christmas out of High School Musical flannel. My nieces loved them!
Another benefit is that once you feel confident with your skills, you can make a quilt out of the same material. The recipient will get both the quilt and pillowcases. Now that is thoughtful!
Coasters
Folks who work in offices will appreciate a set of coasters to keep their desks nice. The upgrade for this project will be place mats to match the coasters.
Bookmarks
A quilted bookmark is the perfect gift for the reader in the family. You can choose the fabric and design according to the recipient's hobbies. Adding a book with this gift would be a nice touch. Another option is just to make a bookmark for yourself. I know that I have a hard time keeping up with them.
Tote bags
You can easily find tote bag patterns all over the Internet for good reason - they are easy and practical. If fact, you can have a tote bag for different reasons. You could have a tote bag for the grocery store, a tote bag for the library and a tote bag for work. You'll learn how to sew in a straight line. If you are a ready to branch out, you could use a quilt block as decoration on the bag.
Cranking out wallets, pillowcases, coasters, bookmarks and tote bags will have you getting comfortable with your sewing machine in no time. While you're producing lovely handmade goodies, you'll also be preparing yourself to start quilting.
Maybelle Maddison is a true Southern Belle and dedicated quilter. She has made it her mission in life to spread the joy of quilting! Visit her site at http://www.joannfabrics.org for quilting information, pattern reviews and suggestions on how to start and keep quilting!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maybelle_Maddison
http://EzineArticles.com/?Easy-Sewing-Projects-For-Beginning-Quilters-and-Anyone-Else&id=1063521
For a fun Tote bag pattern that uses something you already have in your sewing room, try Raking Leaves Tote bag pattern from Quilting Weekly
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Sewing Machine tips from our live chat
Sewing Machines Our chat room was a buzz this past week with another lively chat, and this time it was about "sewing machines". When I chose this topic my intent was to find out what type of machine you use for sewing/quilting, and then find out what you liked best about your machine. This investigation into your sewing room was to help new quilters find out what's available today in the way of sewing machines and also to show them that quilting can be done on just about any machine at all. You don't have to spend a lot, or have a fancy machine to quilt. What was revealed to me on the first day of the chat was something I did not expect. I was quite surprised at the number of you who own either treadle machines, or feather weights! This really did drive home the concept "that you really can sew on any machine, and you don't need a fancy machine to quilt". Treadles are one of the first sewing machines. No power required to operate these. And the feather weights were rather simple as well. Although they did offer the sewer a little more power as they were electric and had foot pedals similar to today's machines. First let's look at the treadle machine. I would think that many of you may have seen a treadle machine at some point in your life. For me it was in my grandmother's house as a child. I would get to sit under the machine and push the peddle with my hands while moved the fabric through the machine up top. (Or at least until she got frustrated with my irregular movements, or too slow movements for her) From the dictionary: A treadle [from OE tredan = to tread] is a part of a machine which is operated by the foot to produce reciprocating or rotary motion in a machine such as a weaving loom (reciprocating) or grinder (rotary). Many of the early sewing machine were operated by a treadle mechanism linked to the machine by a leather belt. Here you can see a treadle machine in the closed position. The machine would store neatly in the cabinet when not in use. What a beautiful piece of furniture this makes! The "pedal" at the bottom would be pressed back and forth in a rocking motion to make the needle move up and down with the help of a belt on the large wheel to the right of the peddle. There are many benefits to this type of machine beyond its obvious beauty. The cabinetry was beautiful, but the machines were even more beautiful. Inlayed with gold, or mother of pearl was not uncommon. Because this machine relied on your pedal power, it gave you total control of the speed. This is the ultimate speed control! You can sew as fast or slow as you want, by simply rocking the pedal faster or slower. Developing a rhythm is all it takes to gain control of this machine. Your legs will enjoy the work out too! Beyond the control, there are no computer chips to break, or buttons to figure out this is as basic a machine as it gets. It is a straight stitch machine, but really in quilting the straight stitch will do the job just fine for piecing and quilting. Featherweight machines Feather weight machines were manufactured between 1933 and 1964 by a company named Singer. These were light weight and portable. Much different than the treadle machines which were in heavy cabinets which could only be moved around the home like any other piece of furniture. The featherweights even had a foot pedal much like we use today. These machines were run by electricity and not by "man power". This gave the sewer freedom to pack her machine into a case and take it to class or to a friend's house if she desired. Many of these machines had an extension on the bed that flipped up to give you more sewing space. The convenience of folding this extension up and down allowed to be packed in a small cubicle of a box to be tucked away when needed. There are many attachments that can be purchased for these machines including walking foot, button holer, ruffle and even a zipper foot. It is a great machine for piecing and the manufacture doesn't recommend using it for machine quilting as it could burn out the motor. You cannot lower the feed dogs on this machine, making it difficult to free motion quilt. That being said, there are many people who say they have successfully used their machines for machine quilting. So my hat is off to all the ladies who are still sewing on either of these machines today. Treadle On – A helpful site dedicated to those who want to use "man powered" sewing machines. Sewing Machine 221 Sale – Is a great place to start if you are looking for repairs or parts for your machines (old or new) Of course if you have a new sewing machine it is best to go to your dealer or the place of purchase if the machine is still under warranty, as going someplace else for repairs could void your warranty. Planet Patchwork – Read this well written and detailed article on featherweight machines. It is very informative. About.com – Here are some photos and facts found on this site on featherweights. The pictures are a great help if this is your first time learning about this type of machine. Some of the brands available today include: Now there may be others, this is just the ones that I am familiar with, and names that I have heard in the chat and amongst quilters I have met. Each of these companies caters to the home sewer. There are many price ranges and features to choose from. Basic sewing and embroidery options can be found on many of the machines today. So how would you decide what is right for you? This is tough question to answer, and there is no right or wrong answer here. One thing I can tell you for sure is that you need to do your research. And here are some pointers as to what you need to ask yourself, and the shop owners. As you can see there are many things to consider when purchasing a new sewing machine. With the cost of machines ranging from hundreds to several thousand dollars, research is important if you want to invest in the right machine for your type of sewing. Don't just buy a machine; make sure the company will be there to support you and your machine for the life of the machine. The company behind the machine is just as important as the machine it's self.
Chat Room Summary – Week of July 6th -10th
Let's explore these two machines a little closer
Helpful links about treadle & featherweight machines
Our chat also revealed more modern machines as well.
What machine should I buy?
Friday, July 10, 2009
String Quilts
During the economic slump of the early twentieth century, string style quilt making thrived. Rural mid-century women, cut off from mainstream society and markets, founded their own string quilt style. The twenty-first century version is known as selvedge edge quilts.*
The strings were narrow strips of scrap fabrics or otherwise used pieces of fabric that would be thrown out. String quilts knew no bounds. Women sewed their strips of fabric together until they covered a pattern in the shape of a diamond, square, triangle or any shape cut from newspaper or used fabric.
Women made strings from used, old, and new fabrics. All fibers and thread counts were candidates for the string quilt including the thinnest dress fabrics. Often, a flour sack served as the foundation fabric for sewing string pieces onto, in the flip-and-sew fashion, until the foundation was covered. They snipped off fabric leftover around the pattern edges, and the blocks were sewn together as any patchwork block would be. As a result, some string quilts offer a cacophony of fabrics not often used in quilts.
Some women used larger scraps, and often the block's strips were a variety of widths. Scrappy strips were asymmetrical and uneven, or pointed, or on the bias. Whatever fabrics were available, they were used as is. There was no time to waste cutting them to size. Women used an old blanket or quilt as the filler and tied the layers together; winter was near -- no time for quilting it.
String quilts made by women in Gee's Bend, Alabama, and Mid-western Amish communities, have become an art form. Their stringed blocks are often square in shape or close to it, with one above the other. Sometimes sashing strips divide the blocks. The Amish string quilts can look like stacks of small squares. This pattern is named Coins.
When these noted groups of quilters combined their scraps into a string quilt, it may have been nothing special to them. Yet, the quilts dazzle the eyes of outsiders and art collectors who see them as wall art today. When the country was enduring the Great Depression, women combined their scraps into string quilts, which were seen as utilitarian and still are.
Now, women are making selvedge edge quilts, using strips cut from the sides or edges of cotton fabric. The selvedge prevents unraveling and holds onto hooks during the printing process. This edge is mostly white with the manufacturer's name and logo, the designer or collection's name, and a chart of the colors used printed on it. Selvedge edges are cut completely off and thrown away. Today, they are saved for a new purpose.
Selvedge edges are about one-half inch in width and run the length of the bolt. The writing on the edge varies in font style, color, and amount of coverage. This then becomes the decoration on this strip. The selvedge edge's size and shape matches another material women used a century ago that was definitely not intended for quilt makers, but instead was a by-product of cigar companies.
A century ago, cigar companies tied a bright colored silk ribbon around a bundle of cigars. Women stitched them together with black or colored embroidery floss stitches onto a fabric foundation block. They were not cut or curved, but placed side by side. Cigar company ribbons had fancy logos and used attractive fonts in black ink on yellow or orange ribbons. The various advertising on the ribbons added decoration to the quilt block. Green, pink and purple ribbons were occasionally used in the block designs, signifying a rare cigar.
Just as with many string and selvedge edge quilt blocks, women took the cigar ribbons and arranged them to form designs. The blocks were usually square, with strips laid in log cabin designs, on the diagonal, or in quartered designs. The color would add another dimension as the secondary pattern that formed when the blocks were sewn together.
Seldom were cigar ribbon tops made into quilts with batting and back. Made with silk and unquilted, they were fragile, unlike the string and selvedge edge quilts. Mostly they remained as tops to cover tables, or they were made into pillows.
The common thread in string, selvedge edge, and cigar ribbon tops, is that their popularity came about at the time of an economic downturn or a War, or both. The materials used in each were throw-aways being put to use, as a quilt or decoration for women's homes, and they were there for the taking.
Women did then as they do now -- they got creative and sewed together the fabrics they had, including scraps. New quilt styles emerged that we recognize today and hold dear in our homes, or see exhibited in a gallery as art.
*This term may have been coined by the Karen Griska who authored a how-to book, "Quilts From the Selvage Edge", AQS, 2008. Selvage or selvedge is correctly spelled either way.
For more articles on the history of quilts, fabrics, women's lives and quilt styles through time visit http://www.antiquequiltdating.com and the newsletter at http://quiltersspirit.blogspot.com Both are written by quilt historian Kimberly Wulfert.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kimberly_Wulfert
Kimberly Wulfert - EzineArticles Expert Author
Take a look at Happy & Scrappy The perfect pattern for string Quilts for only $16.00 US dollars.
Another great ideas that is sweeping the web is making selvage quilts. Selvage quilts are the perfect companion to your string quilt patterns. Mix selvages with other strings of fabric or alone you won't be disappointed with the results. Take a look at Selvage Quilts pattern, which shows you 4 different projects to get your creative juices flowing for months to come. This class is only $16.00
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Organic Baby Quilt ideas
Giving a baby quilt is rewarding and satisfying in it's self. But if you can make it organic, then you will feel even better as you know it will be good for the baby, the mother and our planet. This article will give you some tips on getting started.
Organic Baby Quilt
You can quickly make an organic baby quilt for the newest member of the human race. When you are invited to a baby shower or you are having a baby you know that one of the best present that you can give a baby is a quilt. The quilt will not only be used when the baby is small, but can be used as a keepsake when the baby grown and have babies of their own.
You can make a quilt easy. To make it organic you will want to make it using organic material. There are many variations of organic material available that you can create a unique baby quilt that is truly one of a kind.
To make a baby quilt you will want to cut out blocks of materials this will become the top part of the quilt. Depending on how large you will want the quilt is how many blocks you will cut out. You can make the blocks out of different patterns that you can then mix and match on the top of the quilt. Once you get the blocks cut out you will lay them out to see how you want to position them. Then sew them together. You have now completed the top of the quilt.
Once you have the top of the quilt designed you will need to cut a piece of fabric for the bottom of the quilt. Make this about the same size as the top blocks.
To assemble the quilt you will put the top of the quilt then batting and then the bottom. Sew these together you won't have to worry about the raw edges because you will be adding something to that. Once it's sewed, you will want to take binding tape which come in many different colors and wrap that completely around the quilt so that it gives a finished even look on both sides of the quilt.
It doesn't take long to make the quilt and it will be a treasured item for the baby and the family of the baby.
Just because you want to purchase all organic baby supplies you won't have to break your budget. It doesn't have to be expensive to buy organic baby toys and diapers. If you want to be a natural shopper and shop organic you can do it easily as more and more items are now being produced organically.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jackie_Chapman
Need a fun idea for the quilt top?
Check out this Mother Goose Pattern found at Quilting Weekly
Monday, July 6, 2009
Making sens of Marking Tools for Quilting
When you need to mark your quilts, there are so many choices available today that it can make your head spin. Chris from Quilting Weekly helps you make sense of them all in this short but informative video.
For more helpful tips, video tutorials and lessons visit Quilting Weekly. Where we Design Projects to Inspire!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Easy Quilting Crafts For Kids
A great way to keep kids busy is to introduce them to quilting. While there are numerous crafts and fun activities for smaller children in daycare, preschool, or elementary school, finding educational crafts for older girls can be challenging. Quilting crafts for kids can help older children learn sewing techniques, spark creativity, and bust those times of boredom. It's a skill that can be used for a lifetime.
Girls love quilting because they're able to pick and choose from hundreds of patterns of all shapes and sizes. There are patterns containing flowers, squares, circles, characters, animals, nature scenes, and a variety of colors. Crafts and sewing can go hand in hand, so once a child learns quilting, she can easily add other sewing skills if desired.
Quilting Books for Beginners
Quilting books for kids offer step-by-step instructions about quilting. They also start with the basics such as how to thread a sewing machine and how to stitch in a straight line. The books list what types of fabrics, tools, and supplies are needed to make gorgeous quilts. Some books offer photos, a glossary, tips, actual quilt projects with step-by-step guides, beautiful patchwork ideas, and more. Once your child learns the basics of quilting, she can add to her skills and learn to make pillows, placemats, wall hangings, or lap quilts.
A Quilt for Every Occasion
Making quilts can be a fun way for your daughter to decorate her room in her favorite colors or themes. Quilts also make great gifts for any occasion: birthdays, Christmas, weddings, baby showers, graduations, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and even Valentine's Day. Quilt designs might also be geared toward a season, with flower patterns and light colors such as pink, light green, yellow, or baby blue in spring and summer. Darker colors such as red, brown, black, green, or blue will work well for autumn and winter patterns. Quilts as gifts will express love and effort because she made the gift very special with her own hands.
For the Career-Minded
Teens who want to earn extra money will find quilting to be very rewarding. It does take time and effort to make a quilt, but the returns can be excellent. She can sell her quilts at local flea markets, consignment shops, or even online through a website or auction (with parent's help, of course). Quilts are always in demand, and all styles and colors can be sold for profits. She can make quilts of contemporary styles or lovely patchwork designs like "grandma used to make!" It's her choice. She can even ask her friends and relatives about buying the quilts.
If you don't own a sewing machine, you might be able to find an affordable machine used at a garage sale or flea market. Or, check your local newspaper in the classifieds. You can buy one new in a local sewing supply store or on the Web. There are online auctions for sewing machines as well, so make sure to check all these resources to find a great deal.
Quilting skills will take some time to learn, but once she becomes confident, she can enjoy quilting as a way to relax and create something of value. If you'd like to start quilting with your daughter or even teach a class of young people how to quilt, search online today to find instructional books and websites about quilting.
Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Quilting Books and Ideas for Kids.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Robertson
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