Your Different Sewing Machine Options
By Amy C
Some crafts people begin a sewing hobby with the misconception that it will save them money. The truth is sewing is more enjoyable than economical. One of the major expenses involved in sewing is the purchase of a sewing machine and all of the additional components. It is vital to understand and research your sewing machine options before making a final purchase. The following are a few tips which you can use to ensure that you make the right decision.
Sew many choices!
Before moving forward and purchasing a sewing machine, you must first decide what kind of sewing projects you would like to attempt. This is one of the most important things to consider since all sewing machines have different capabilities and functions. For example, if you plan to use your machine for garment construction or repair then a simple easy-to-use multi-stitch machine will be fine. If your hobbies will include sewing felt or leather, then a more complex and industrial strength machine may be a better choice.
Sew much money!
Buying a sewing machine can be overwhelming, and the amount of choice can become confusing. This is why working out a spending budget is one of the most important steps. Try to be realistic about how often you will use your machine and set your limit accordingly. Sewing machines can cost anywhere between $100 and $4000 dollars. If you are not careful it is easy to convince yourself that you need the one with all of the bells and whistles. Many of these extra functions will go unused and are not necessary for even more advanced and difficult home sewing projects.
Sew where do I start?
When searching for a sewing machine, it is always a good idea to visit a local dealer. Here, you will be assisted by knowledgeable salespeople who will guide you toward the machine which is most suitable. Most sewing machine suppliers will also allow for you to test multiple machines before deciding on a final purchase. This is a great way to see for yourself if a sewing machine is comfortable, user friendly and a high enough quality. Some sew machine dealers will also have gently used machines for sale. This option is perfect if you are first starting out in the hobby and would like to work your way up to a more complex machine. Sewing can be an incredibly enjoyable hobby and purchasing a machine should not be hard on you or your bank account. Shop around and take the time to make the right decision.
Make sure to visit Discount Sewing for discount supplies, tips, tricks and advice. Come and discover the perfect Embroidery Sewing Machine and more.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Amy_C
http://EzineArticles.com/?Your-Different-Sewing-Machine-Options&id=2480385
If your interested in more articles on sewing machines check out these two found on my blog:
What sewing machine should I buy?
Or
Sewing Machine Tips from our Live Chat
Showing posts with label ezines. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ezines. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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