Free Block of the month pattern

Quilting Weekly has some breaking news to tell you about! And just in time for the holidays!  

How would you like to receive a Free Block of the month pattern? But unlike the typical BOM pattern (where you get one block a month) we want to give you all 12 blocks straight away!  That's right you don't have to wait an entire year for the quilt to unfold, you can have all the blocks and assemble it at your own pace, which could be a block a day!

This lovely pattern titled "In the Neighborhood" is yours free when you purchase the class "Foundation Paper Piecing".  But there is a catch, this free pattern will only be given to the first 25 people who order the class! So don't wait go get your free pattern, so you can test out all your newly learned paper piecing skills (which you will be taught in the class)

How to Applique Baby Quilts

How to Applique Baby Quilts
By Andrea Hunter


Applique is a creative technique, often used in quilting. It can also be intimidating if you've never tried it before. Here are some simplified instructions, for those who wish to attempt this sometimes dreaded task. An applique stitch is a stitch used to attach one piece of fabric to another. In quilt making, this method is often used to attach simple cut outs to a base fabric. The applique stitch will accomplish two things. First, it will securely attach the cut out to the block. Second, it will keep the edges of the cut out from fraying. Below, you will find step by step instructions on how to applique.

1) The first step is to cut out a quilt block and also the shape you wish to attach to the block. If you have purchased a pre-cut quilt kit, this will already be done for you.

2) Next, you will use a light weight fusible web (sold as Stitch Witchery, Heat N Bond, etc.) to attach the cut out to the block. This will prevent the cut out from moving around while you applique. Washing the fabrics before starting the fusing process, will ensure that the fusible web will adhere to the fabrics. Follow the instructions that come with the fusible web to attach the cut out(s) to the quilt block.

Note: If you don't have fusible web, you can use straight pins to attach the cut outs, but you will likely have puckers in your cutout when it is appliqued. To center a name on a block, start with the middle letter of the name. For example, if you have the name, "AVERY", you would start with the letter "E". Place the "E" in the center of the block and press. Then place the "V" and the "R". Then place the "A" and the "Y".

3) Choose your thread color. If you are a beginner, it is a good idea to choose a thread color that will blend in with the shape you will applique'. This will help to hide any mistakes, as they will blend in with the shape(s) and seem unnoticeable. If you are pretty confident and experienced, with a sewing machine that takes fairly uniform stitches, you may want to coordinate your thread with an accent color on your quilt. In this case, you would choose a color much different from the shape that matches another color on the quilt that you want to bring out.

4) Test your tension! This step is very important and is one that you should try on scrap pieces of fabric. This way, you won't mess up your masterpiece! Take two scraps, one that is smaller than the other one. Use your zigzag stitch to sew the smaller piece on top of the larger piece. Sew along the edge of the smaller piece so that the needle alternates, taking a stitch on the smaller piece, and a stitch on the larger piece, attaching the two together. Make sure your stitches are even. Your zigzag stitches should also be very close together, to create a satin stitch, so the edge of the cut out is not exposed when you are finished. If your stitches are not satisfactory, adjust your tension, a little at a time, until you get the desired results. If adjusting your thread tension doesn't work, try adjusting your bobbin tension.

5) Now for the fun part! It is a good idea to start on a corner so the place where you start and end will look as smooth as possible. Sew around the shape(s) with a zigzag stitch. If you are going to applique' more than one shape, such as a name, start with the center letter first. As you sew around the shape, pause and turn on the corners, to keep an even stitch, all the way around. Try to end so that the place you start and end looks continuous.

See, that wasn't so difficult. You should now have an appliqued piece of work, that you can show to all of your friends, and be proud of.


Andrea Hunter is the co-founder of Sandrea Baby Quilts. http://www.sandreababyquilts.com offers handmade and personalized baby quilts, baby quilt kits, baby quilt patterns, receiving blankets, and free tips for quilters.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrea_Hunter
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Applique-Baby-Quilts&id=1763936

Quilting Weekly offers you both paid and free quilting lessons. Whether you are looking for patterns and instructions or just need some advice Chris Dahl (the owner and head teacher) is always ready to lend a hand! Her Mother Goose Baby quilt pattern is one of the most popular classes on the site today.

Free quilt pattern

Take a look at this free quilt pattern brought to you by docstoc.com

Watch this blog for more free quilt patterns and tips.


Baby Quilt Patterns -

Free Fabric Postcard Class!

Fabric postcards are popping up in mailboxes all over the world. They are being swapped, collected and traded by quilters and fabric artists everywhere. And why not, they are like little fabric treasures that appeal to even non quilters/artists.

If your curiosity is peeked even just a little then you may be interested to know that you can learn to make your own treasures with just a sewing machine and some fabric scraps. )Although you may find yourself adding other goodies like ribbons, decorative threads, yarns buttons and any other items you find lying around your craft space.) Once you start you won't want to stop. And there are lots of places on the web to join Postcard swaps, (really just google "postcard swaps" and see what I mean)


But back to my headline, which said "Free Fabric Postcard Class". This is being offered at Quilting Weekly. At Quilting Weekly they are known for their easy to follow and very detailed tutorials which they offer on a variety of quilting projects. To get the free fabric postcard class you will need to register for the site (which is free) and by doing so, you will receive not one but 2 free classes! One is the Postcard tutorial and the other is for making a friendship star quilt block and pillow. There are 3 different methods taught for making the infamous half square triangle, a skill every quilter should learn. There is no further obligation to purchase other classes, although I would recommend you at least look at the class list. There is no harm in looking right?

They also offer a weekly special on select classes at 50% off, so joining the mailing list is highly recommended so you get all the details. (oh if you joined the site you are automatically added. But if you decide not to you can still get on the mailing list by filling out my form at the top of my blog)

Take care my quilting friends, and if there is something you like or dislike about my blog be sure to let me know by leaving me comments. I love to hear from my readers.

Free Tote Bag Patterns

In today's world of recycle reuse, and less waste creating your own bags or storage containers is not uncommon. Most stores are now carrying and selling such bags. But we are sewers, and we have a fabric stash right? So why not make our own. I mean after all most of these patterns are simply quick, easy and if we get to choose our fabric then we are sure to enjoy the bag and be proud to carry it!

I too have been interested in bags, and have only made simple totes. I have bought books with patterns from the simple to the more complicated with pockets and zippers. But have not tackled them as yet. Why? mostly because of time. That elusive time that seems to slip away from me each and every day. There seems to be more and more to do every day, and every day I say today is the the day to start some sewing.

Well today is that day and I have found a site that will surely inspire you to get started making your own bags. This site has so many links to great patterns that you might just have to spend the entire day looking at them all to decide which one to make tomorrow! (But make at least one and see how easy they are and how much fun you will have) Bella Online is a great resource site that covers many topics, but this one is just about a "Bag Lady" and her obsession with bags. I think many of us can relate to her story, but more importantly you can take advantage of her great list of "bag Patterns". Go to Bella Online and check them out for yourself.

In addition to the above resource I have another link for you to check out as well. This article points you to a site with 35 reusable bag patterns! So check out Online Quilting, Free reusable shopping bag patterns as well.



One last tip, take a look at this great tote bag pattern called "Raking Leaves" that used selvages (you know those ends of the fabric which you typically throw away). This is not a free pattern, but it is certainly a reasonable one. I know that you will get plenty of help if you need it while you work on the pattern, so you are not just buying a pattern, you are getting personal private help should you need that. How do I know? I know because that is one of my patterns. Quilting Weekly is how I am trying to pay for my fabric habits. Worth checking out, no cost to look right?

Ok, after you spend the day looking at my pattern links, make your favorite bag then send me a photo! I would love to post it here for others to see. Or just leave me a comment letting me know which one you liked best. Take care and happy quilting!