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The most popular reviews in /r/quilting:
What exactly do you need help with? The photo tells you the name of the book (Quilting Simplified, which Amazon tells me is by Choly Knight) and the pattern (Artitstic Arrows). The page itself shows you how to construct the pieces, so all you need to do is work out how big you want to make the quilt. You wouldn't even need to buy yardage, as this looks ideal for a scrap quilt.
You're looking for something more like this. Im guessing it has something to do with the orientation and strength of the magnets?
Look up cordless power rotary shears or rotary cutter.
I found simular cheers but not the same at in the video yet.
Edit: might be this one
I have a small, old Singer machine that is most definitely not the most favourable thing to quilt on. It does the job but it’s not ideal.
I’ve found if I clip my fabric roll in a nice tight roll using these Stroller Clips then it makes it way easier.
Apologies if it’s a well known trick amongst those in the know but it was a bit of a lightbulb moment for me since I was trying desperately to wrangle a constantly unfurling roll through my tiny machine!
Edit: Not a question, a suggestion. <$20 budget item for all skill levels
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I can't live without my Wonder Clips , they're always so helpful for sewing on binding and I also like to use them to hold little piles of fabric together when I need to separate groupings.
I buy them in bulk on Amazon. 72 sheets for like $11. I'd buy them even if they were full price. They make such a huge difference!
https://www.amazon.com/Shout-Color-Catcher-Trapping-Sheets-Count/dp/B01B0ADMP8/
Hand quilting can make your hands ache. Take her out for manicure that includes a paraffin bath. They also have affordable at home options. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003ZWEW1S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_EHW60D31TV5WVA0TSZGW
If you have a higher budget, buy her a Oliso brand iron. https://oliso.com/collections/smart-irons
Patch together some tea-dyed floursack-towels? That way you get the relic-feeling/looking fabric without the mustiness/fragility of genuine vintage or the roughness of burlap?
Amazon is where i got it! My local Joann has never really carried it so it seems that could be hit or miss.
I would get a yard if I were you so that you get a full repeat. I got 0.5 yards at first and all the dudes except two or so were cut-off ��
https://www.amazon.com/Guilty-Quilter-Labyrinth-Pattern-Multi/dp/B07H3F677V
It's called Labyrinth Walk by The Guilty Quilter. It's been available for a bit and I've seen it in more than a few shops. It's on my bucket list to do!
Found these on Amazon and seems to work great. But otherwise Dritz Mark-B-Gone marking pen but it usually takes two pen to make a whole quilt.
LEONIS 5 Water Erasable Pens & 5 Air Erasable Pens [ 78008_78009 ] https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076F65FJY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3AHsCbBZK262Z
I use the air erase (pink) to make registration lines, then the blue water erasable for the lines I’m going to sew.
I’ve never had a problem but I am very careful not to apply heat to my quilts before I’ve soaked them in a cold rinse in the washing machine with a gentle spin and then lay flat to dry.
You don't have to fussy cut. You just cut and stack 6 pattern repeats so they line up, then cut strips and then cut triangles. All the triangles are identical and make the hexagons. It's actually really easy and fun!
One-Block Wonders: One Fabric, One Shape, One-of-a-Kind Quilts https://www.amazon.com/dp/1571203222/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_TQmUBb1FYBJ29
Have you tried the Clover fork pins? They literally changed my life. My points are always lined up now because they force the nesting to stay, well, nested. I can even have less precise block sizes if I use them. Yes, $8.49 (US) seems expensive for 35 pins, but you don't end up using a ton of them as you're sewing things together.
It'll remove it. If not on the first wash, then stop by a pet supply store or Amazon and look for "Nature's Miricle" products. I have a massive german shepherd and when we were house training her, she had some issues... Many rugs, blankets, and duvets were saved because of that product. I would wash that quilt a couple of times, just to be totally sure.
Going forward, I would be mindful how much time and attention you give everyone. Your dog may be marking/spraying because they're upset the new baby is getting the attention the dog used to be getting. Or it really could just be territorial. I've seen dogs do it before, and thankfully they usually stop as the baby gets older.
I agree! I think the purple is a bit to "blobby", can you make it more of a swirl or an S-shape? Maybe something more like [this]?(https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipMX2ENQVPouER-OvwyBmqdLtCJIlN7hWVNjdSEx)
Thank you, the unicorn is from artist KatrinSnow on shutterstock. Though I did make the hair longer. She has a lot of other beautiful images too.
Edit: My grandmother used coloring book images to make applique quilts.
I clean once or twice per quilt project, depending on how big and linty the project is. Instead of a mini vacuum I have a set of mini tools that attach to my regular vacuum, like this.
It's a mismash of a Becky Goldsmith pattern and KatrinSnow unicorn. I stuck it all together, made some changes, and made my own pattern, but it's not original artwork.
Edit: I just wanted to make a really beautiful unicorn quilt for my friend's little girl, who is the only other person I know who loves unicorns and blankets as much as I do.
Your backing needs to be wider than your quilt top, I usually go with around 7.5cm, meaning your backing neecs to be a 1.78m square
From your 3m fabric, you'll want to cut 1.78m x WOF, then you'll have 1.22 m left over. I would then cut your 1.22 m piece in half through the WOF (so you will have two pieces that are 1.22m x 0.62m - half the WOF), then piece these two together on the shorter side, giving you a piece that's 2.4 x 0.62m. Sew this to the first piece you cut (1.78m x WOF) along the long edge. You can trim the longer piece once they're sewn together. You should end up with backing that's around 1.78m x 1.8m - I usually use a 1/2"/ 1.25cm seam allowance on backing fabric
For future reference, I would use a backing fabric calculator like this one, they tell you how much fabric to buy and how to piece it together
I'd recommend a Brother as a perfect starter machine! I was gifted a Brother probably 15 years ago and it still works wonderfully. I'm also terribly irresponsible and haven't had it serviced ... ever? I've made probably a dozen full sized quilts on it plus many smaller projects. This is probably the closest I found on Amazon. We're a few models removed from when I received mine: Brother XR9550 Sewing and Quilting Machine https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088JDJ6MS/ref=cm_sw_r_sm_apa_glt_fabc_NG32F5TMC6NTTZ7DPXPP?psc=1
I love quilting with variegated threads. What about a gold or copper combo?
Ooo! So much faster than threading a needle doing this. Here's a link that shows two styles- top threading and side threading. But you can buy them anywhere even Walmart. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083LR427J/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_EE5cGbG9D32RH
I'll go first! I mostly make aprons but I have made a couple of custom quilts before.
My shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/compwalla
Link to a woobie I recreated for a boy: http://compwalla.wordpress.com/2010/08/12/rebirth-of-a-woobie/
I will be the first to admit it — I’m super strange and weird - I love a good press or iron job. With that being said, I don’t own a super expensive iron. I have found happiness with this $40 Sunbeam iron from Amazon that has some nice features (timer shut off, cleaning system, slick ceramic plate, long power cord).
I just recently did this with my small stash, and I found boards on amazon, 100 for less than $14 dollars. I used the "golden age" standard size, because they fit the best in my shelves.
I don't really know how to link anything here, but here's my attempt:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ZUPO6M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Oh my gosh, that pattern would be so easy! I can do some Quilt math and write you a very basic pattern if you’d like! It’s just flying geese and squares and no waste geese are super easy.
Regarding space fabric, I have made this star quilt using Timeless Treasures Space Galaxy Fabric. I bought 3 yards and it’s nice! I think Hancock’s of Paducah and Fabric.com also have listings. $10/yard isn’t bad for good quality fabric. It’s got beautiful blues, whites and purples in the galaxy.
Edit: u/FutbolGT is the MVP here with a tutorial and the SUPER HANDY sizing chart . All you’d need to do is add some sashing between the sawtooth star blocks to achieve the look you want. :)
Maybe give this a shot to get free access during the beta?
"Craftsy is looking for crafters to participate in research. Participants will get access to over 3,000 hours of high-quality instructional craft content for FREE. Crafters interested in participating should take this survey: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3671082/crafting-research. Those chosen to participate will be contacted within the next week."
Hello fellow Penguins fan! (Isn't this series brutal? Thank goodness for home ground advantage, that's all I can say).
Would you believe I'm just quilting a Penguins quilt now? I've written out the process I used for my quilt and uploaded it here (I was going to insert it as a comment but it got very long). I have to tell you, that unless you are an absolute wizard at reverse applique, it's not going to be easy. Pics are here -- I haven't finished yet so there are threads and visible marking lines all over the place, but you can see what it's like.
An alternative that doesn't smell like a sheep is the Steady Betty. I've had one for years and I really like it. I don't remember whether you can use steam; I never do. It comes in different sizes.
A nice book is this one: https://www.amazon.com/Flossie-Teacakes-Guide-English-Piecing/dp/1440247927/ref=sr_1_9?dchild=1&keywords=English+Paper+Piecing&qid=1627393755&s=books&sr=1-9
I got mine at Joann's when I could use a 50% off coupon.
I'm a fan of Patchwork City by Elizabeth Hartman. There are 3 size blocks, but they're made to be mixed and matched together into a larger block
stop reading so much and just try things out! So many of these things are more personal opinion than the internet leads you to believe.
If the needles you are using arent feeling comfortable, try a different one, particularly a different type (sharps/straw/milliners/all purpose, whatever, just buy a variety pack and go to town experimenting). I like these, which are size 10s, but they are a comfortable length for me. For a long time, I just used whatever I had lying around until I paid attention to why I did or didn't like them, and ended up with the clover ones linked above.
as far as thread - whatever floats your boat. I use cotton (aurifil 50wt) because I'm lazy and will use one thread for (mostly) everything. cotton might shred a little more than others due to the repeated pulling through the fabric, but a thread conditioner will definitely help. I would recommend just buying a couple of spools and testing them out. I personally, don't like using polyester or the stuff labelled as "hand quilting thread" at my local big box store, it feels weird to me while hand sewing.
As a general rule: if the resulting product is sturdy and looks pleasing to you, you used the right materials.
Thank you. The edge is very easy when you have the ruler and guide to help you. Here is a link to the tutorial on Youtube,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIHhTxTpMQ0
and here is a link to the ruler, sold on Amazon,
Thank you! I used to have the clear tubs and they worked pretty well when I was set up in our living room but we just recently moved and I finally got my own office so upgraded. I use these boards. Had quite a few sewing groups recommend comic book boards to make what I've been referring to as "mini bolts"
Robert Kaufman has made a neat little app called Quilting Calculators. The description for the app is self-explanatory and it has several different calculators for quilting, but I use it to know how much yardage for binding I need and have never been short. IIRC, I also used it to figure out how much yardage of backing I needed for the king-sized quilt I was working on and it worked out great. Overall a great little app to have on hand.
I don't know anything about the baby lock but if it doesn't have a needle down position that's a non starter. I would recommend this Juki . as a good straight stitch quilter.
I do have a pic somewhere, but it's a MESS. Yes, I have a dedicated space. Hubby has seen how much I need to sew to be happy so it's been a priority as much as a bathroom is. I have an entire room right now, but it doubles as a general workspace so most of my fabric tubs are in a different room on another level of the house.
Right now each project-in-progress is in a mega XL ziploc bag until it gets big enough to fold. those get sorta stored in plastic dish tubs or milk crates or even bookshelves. It makes sense to me. :D
I group those by stage the quilt is in. For example, all finished top with backings waiting to be quilted are in a different pile. (don't ask the total. I didn't include it in that 20 above.. it's not pretty).
The bags are anywhere from a small grouping of fabric + pattern only & a note it needs background fabric still, all the way to half pieced blocks (and pattern so I know where I am). I also leave sticky notes in each bag for reminders.
Some quilts I make just because I want to try the fabric combo or learn a new technique or just use up my huge stash. Most quilts don't have a specific end purpose; I'm all about the process. :D And trying to figure out what the hell to do with them. (some i sell, some i give away)
You can see my super scary trello board here though. I need to update it a wee bit. https://trello.com/b/Bt56VGey/quilts-in-progress
I should probably do a post some day. I went to my mom's house and organized her quilts in progress in those plastic show boxes. She only has 6 on the go though. I added lots of notes and made sure everything was together in each box so she could pick up any one and know where she left off without too much figuring.
That's gorgeous! They are addicting, so watch out!
I hand sewed a hexagon quilt top a while back - matter of fact, the top is still upstairs waiting to be quilted. I'm a little afraid to mess it up!
https://www.flickr.com/photos/knitblog/6049089895/in/set-72157619515479184
once I finished that one, I started a scrap version that makes no sense, but it uses up my leftovers from other quilts. It is still a work in progress:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/knitblog/8342088617/in/set-72157627816698564
Staystitch around the block itself if you know it's going to be handled a lot.
Or, use a smaller stitch.
For a long time, my stitches were just too big (in a hurry) and that was the biggest reason they came undone.
Any quilt I do now that has lots of seams around the outside, i make sure to stay stitch. It's just a line of stitching that will be hidden by the binding after assembly.
Here's an example of one I did recently: https://www.instagram.com/p/-U18nXEwMH/
I've done the Scrappy Trails pattern, which uses 1 jelly and 1 charm, and it turned out very cute. You could "calm it down" a touch by adding a few additional strips of grey and/or brown tone-on-tone.
The one I did didn't have too much color variation (can't recall the Moda line for the life of me) but it makes me think that it would work fairly well with your color scheme.
http://quiltergeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/scrappy-trails.jpg
Here is the Take Five Pattern that I have used over the years.
Available to anyone and everyone that wants to use it! For serious, you can never have too many patterns.
And you can obviously turn the blocks to make different patterns or even rearrange the fabrics in the blocks. I've seen one Take Five that has all three small squares along the bottom. Just depends on how you want to make it.
**If the links don't work or I have broken a rule/reddiquette, please forgive me, let me know, and I will try to amend my wrongs. :)
Modern Blocks: 99 quilt blocks (though, while it says 99 quilt blocks..there are many that are nearly identical..)
shape workshop for quilters great block book, also includes several patterns for quilts.
not sure atm if all the blocks in those books finish at the same size, so you may have to spend some time learning to resize the blocks.
But what you should know, is that even though the books look modern, they are all based off of traditional blocks. don't disparage the traditional block books, as they are phenomenal as well. Just using modern colors and fabrics goes a looooong way towards modernizing traditional blocks!
This quilt I saw on this subreddit was my inspiration! I think in the comments someone mentioned a similar pattern, but I really just looked at it and came up with the idea.
I got two 20-strip jelly roll packs from Joann’s (the white & cat) and a Kona roll, which I think was like 40 strips? I had my sister help me make aesthetically pleasing (to her) groups of 5 strips. Then I just seamed them all the way up and ended up with 16 sets. Then I used an equilateral triangle ruler (here’s the one I used lol) and I was able to get 4-5 10.5” tall triangles from each strip.
I rotated the triangle while cutting, so it ends up where you’ll get two of the diamonds from each set (that will be inverses of each other) plus 1 extra equilateral triangle and a little bit of potentially usable selvage.
Those extra triangles became the side-fillers (in retrospect, I should’ve rotated them so they were in the same pattern/had the same kind of optical illusion effect 🤦♀️) I had to cut a couple of the equilateral triangles in half and use some of the selvage end tiny bits to make the long obtuse triangles at the top and bottom.
Then I just laid them all out on the floor, turned on some tunes, and had my sister arrange them until she was happy. I seamed them in rows diagonally because fuck Y seams, then pieced the diagonal strips into the finished top!
Sewing with the triangles was kind of tough, and I’m pretty positive none of my points are perfect. But I think it looks really neat and I’m the only one looking for those imperfections. Let me know if you want any more advice! Sorry for this mini essay lol
Being in the US is probably a part of it - trying to find metric anything here is an exercise in frustration. What I’ve done in the past is buy some ruler tape in metric and marked the edges. You may also find a sign shop that can do a custom cut and etch for you.
https://www.amazon.ca/Kreg-KMS7724-Self-Adhesive-Measuring-Reading/dp/B0002QZ4VM
I’d try my hand at doing a quilt just to get going, rather than aiming for a show in your first effort.
If you like a challenge, start with a hand sewn one. That’s how I got my start. Learned a whole lot and from there, everything seems easier. I used this book to get started. https://www.amazon.ca/Handmade-Quilt-Complete-Skill-Building-Sampler/dp/193572696X/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=quilt+sampler+handmade&qid=1623732976&sr=8-1
Not OP but have recently purchased a double wedding ring template, made by cutrite which Donna at Jordan Fabrics over on you tube used. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07S97GQ9Z/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_277AYWA2C2SAAN1B8FGM
Log Cabin quilts are great for getting started, as they are pretty forgiving and pretty fast. I did my first quilt based on this “quilt in a day” book and it’s what I recommend to friends when they ask how to get started.
Make a Quilt in a Day 6th Edition Log Cabin Book by Eleanor Burns https://smile.amazon.com/dp/1642048801
A quarter inch foot is a presser foot that is made specifically so you can just line up the edge of the fabric with the edge of the presser foot and it will produce a quarter inch seam. Every major sewing machine manufacturer makes them but they aren't standard kit with the machine.
Here's one that will probably fit your Singer: https://www.amazon.com/Quarter-Piecing-Presser-Low-Shank-Machines/dp/B00G6TZ874
I'd just order it (but I'm semi-local, shipping still takes a while but its faster if you're not ordering cuts of fabric) and unless I could find the appropriate size 45* diamond or triangle template locally.. here's the dimensions. You don't have to order it from MoStar (though it looks like they have a nice 20% off orders $25+) there are other quilt stores that carry their templates and there's always amazon.
For sewing, I only use Gingher. Best scissors I have (will last a lifetime, but pricey). For quilting, applique, etc, I swear by Kai. You can find a pretty reasonable set of 3 on Amazon. They cut all the way to the tip and don't get dull like Fiskars.
Well the one you linked is only a half pound for $14 (and only 121 pieces) so I think I'd just go ahead and get the 10lb bag of real filler for $30. The fish pellets probably aren't (or at least, don't say in their listing) mold and mildew resistant and antimicrobial.
Where are you located? Maybe someone on here will have a better source for you than Amazon.
I owned Omnigrid, and a couple from MSQC. Neither has the amount of grip I need on the back, so I added clear grip plastic to the back. That made them less slippery. I got rid of them.
However, I prefer Creative Grids. The lines on the rulers are more finely printed, thereby increasing accuracy in my cuts. They already come with grips that adhere to the fabric when you hold the ruler down, so I don't have to worry about slippage as I use my rotary cutter along the edge of a long cut. Hands down 100% work every penny.
And my most favorite size is 8.5 x 12.5. Along with one that's 2.5 x 6, it is my most used ruler (and I have a lot of them).
I have this table. I have a dedicated sewing room but it's small, so I liked the fact that it was a drop leaf style. Ironically the casters have actually been the more helpful feature. I bought a huge cutting mat to plop on it, so if I fold it down then I have to do something with the mat and I'm just very lazy. I just recently had a 'duh' moment and raised it to counter height and that's pretty nice. And the little slide out baskets underneath are nice for leaving cutting implements in. I finally know where my rotary cutter is consistently. ^^;
I'm sure someone has a blog or YouTube reference, but my resource is a book... I purchased Your First Quilt Book (or it should be) when I first started quilting. I do believe I found mine at Joann's, if you're not into buying used from Amazon. It was published in 1997 so it might be harder to find new.
What's nice is it runs through EVERYTHING. Fabric selection from color to texture to directionality, block design, thread choices, fixes for oops moments (like running out of fabric) and all instructions include hand and machine instructions for every step. The back half of the book gives step-by-step instructions of 8 simple projects (pillow, table runner, wall hangings and a small quilt). It's a great resource and I do reference it even 8 years later.
Good luck!!! Excited to expand the community :)
I recently bought a Wasing dry iron on Amazon and it arrived a couple of days ago. I tried it out and sent it right back, but my reasons might not be yours, so perhaps it's right for you, who knows? It was very heavy, like an old fashioned iron and I have a bit of arthritis, so I knew that was going to be a problem going forward. But the real issue was that the base is all metal and ALL OF IT gets very hot and stays hot for a long time. When I press my sewing projects, the iron sits on the kitchen counter behind me and my hand could easily brush the back of the iron base by mistake or a cat could visit and get burned. It just seemed so risky. So depending upon your pressing setup, this could work or not work. It doesn't have auto-shutoff (a plus). And it does press very well! Not sure what I'll eventually buy. My black and decker still works, but it's not great and I really want a dry iron, as I never use steam. I will keep looking.
Ok. That one's all my fault - I looked on Amazon and they're going for $189 new. Sorry about that. :-/
Charm School 18 Quilts from 5" Squares: A Beginner's Guide https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1617452718/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_HTnkCbMDXGN7Y
This is from UK Amazon. Hope the link works. It's a lovely book, I want to make all the quilts.
All 45mm blades should be interchangeable with any standard 45mm blade handles.
I think that maybe I go through blades quite quickly? New cutting project = new blade. Starting to skip at lower pressure = new blade. Drop a stack of blades (some new, some old) onto a tiled floor while getting a fresh one out and storing an old one? - whole stack dinged on one edge - whole new packet of new blades :-/
Now I find it hard to judge how much improvement in blades is *my* experience level and how much is the blades - but I started 2 yrs ago with a Fiskar cutter (came with 3 blades) then I had 5x titanium coated ones from Driffy for £7 (some of which got killed by the kitchen tiles) and finally I found some "Imperial Global Ltd sks7" steel blades (Amazon) 20 for £17 and they seem to me to be the best so far - they seem to start out sharper, but still last as well as the previous ones (I'm on no. 8). Now, I suspect that I'm still doing everything wrong - I definitely have a ding or 2 missing from my rulers, and i know I need to give my cutting mat some more tlc soon too - but at less than a £1 per blade I'm happy to just keep changing them when I need to.
I think sometimes you get what you paid for (cheap copies) but sometimes you get lucky (decent but cheaper without the brand name) so it's how many frogs you'd be willing to kiss for your prince. :-p
UK amazon link ... https://www.amazon.co.uk/20-Pack-Replacement-Cutters-Crafting-Scrapbooking/dp/B06W2KNXXG/ref=lp_12257676031_1_4?srs=12257676031&ie=UTF8&qid=1554986629&sr=8-4
Good luck !!
Super sharp rotary cutter blades is the key for me. And using my larger cutter if I’m doing a lot of layers at once. There are also helpful things like this: https://www.amazon.com/Omnigrid-2229-Ruler-Double-Suction/dp/B003PA2852/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=quilting+grip+ruler&qid=1599880305&sr=8-4 And this: https://www.amazon.com/Omnigrid-2101-Invisible-Grip-Roll/dp/B00013MU3Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=quilting+grip+ruler&qid=1599880305&sr=8-5
I believe Omnigrid sells a film you can add to the back of the ruler. ETA: YES
I learned by hand. Search for this: THE DEFINITIVE WORK. Usually cheap at used book sites.
as far as I am aware, it is a technique that is exclusively available in books - amazon link.
you might be able to find them in your local library though!
Do you have any specific questions about tools or what terms mean? We can help you decode some of the terms and help with what tools are actually necessary.
I don't know of books that use the metric system, since I'm in the US, but this is one I used way back when.
Edit: this is another super simple beginner ebook
If anything doesn’t come or you decide you don’t like it, the only addition I can think of would be a magnetic pin holder. I like it better than a pin cushion because you can just drop the pin, rather than needing to aim into the cushion itself. Grabbit Magnetic Sewing Pincushion is the one I’ve had for years—or very similar;Mines from Joanns. I’ve recently upgraded to the Zirkel Pin Cushion which auto rotates the pins so the rounded side points OUT which is super handy and it’s stronger than my old one, so my awful aim still results in pins on the pad.
Glad you’re okay! Definitely always follow osha guidelines and cut AWAY!!!!!
Once you’re well enough to quilt, maybe get a fresh blade/ new rotary cutter. Much like good kitchen knives, the sharper knives are safer because you have to use less pressure. I barely rest any weight on my rotary and it easily cuts through two layers. I use an olfa. The cheapest on amazon is Olfa Splash Rotary Cutter 45mm Fairy Floss Pink if you don’t mind the pink.
Never skimp on changing the blade. Dull blades are more dangerous, just like your story shows!!!!
i would take a look around her space when you can get in there alone.
Are her spools of thread a mess? Maybe stored in a box or a bag? Maybe get her this
How many rulers does she have? Cutting mats? Maybe buy her a size she doesn't have, or a rotating cutting mat <--- always wanted one.
Is there anywhere in the house she can feature some of her quilts she's made? If not, maybe get her a quilt rack.
Spend some time with her when she IS quilting, and sneak in some questions as she's working. e.g., when she's working on binding her quilt (attaching the skinny edge on the perimeter of the quilt that covers all the raw edges), if she happens to be fumbling with pinning that binding in place ask "man that looks like a pain... is there any easier way to do this?" HOPEFULLY she'll say something like "I'm not sure, but I wish there was!". then BAM. you can surprise her with some binding clips.
Just try to find supplies, equipment, or materials that could make her quilting like easier, faster, and more efficient/productive.
Hope that helps.
Your beautiful fabric makes me think of aerial photographs over the Caribbean and all the stunning colors of the ocean mixed together. This pattern is for a placemat, but I don’t think it would be too hard to make larger. It is supposed to be an underwater scene, but I see an aerial view instead(so I would remove the fish!). I just really love the movement the fabric creates in this pattern. Maybe add some deep turquoise and lighter/softer blue colors as well.
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I made my own layout! I based my Polaroid photos off u/Lindaeve’s block here but mine are larger.
The camera in the middle, I purchased this pattern here (Pattern designed by Kristy @ Quiet Play) and scaled up about 300%, so it wasn’t a 10” block but about 30” LOL
Got the patterns here: https://payhip.com/quietplay I just assigned random colours using the scraps I had from the quilt. I didn't use a pattern for the pillow, there are tutorials on YouTube though. I quilted the block after piecing. It has batting and backing. It is more of a pillowcase, the pillow is removable for easier washing. So I sewed the square to the overlapping flaps on the back and then bound it the same as I would a quilt.
I love to arrange a section of my own blocks and take a picture to compare several versions to be sure. I like to try at least 3 different arrangements even if I like the first one a lot because you never know! Check the # search on instagram to see some inspiration and save you some time on deciding which layouts to try. Here is a #HSTquilt search on instagram.
Try looking into Inkscape (which is free) before spending money on expensive programs. You also have the benefit of vector graphics in inkscape which will mean it will be easy to zoom in for close up diagrams - and it's fairly intuitive to use :) https://inkscape.org/en/release/0.92.2/
OK, that took a whole lot longer than I anticipated. It was too long for a reply post so I made it an rtf file and uploaded it here -- scroll down past the advertisements to get to the download links. I hope it helps.
I use openoffice draw. It is free, but old school. I like it. My advice to you is learn all the little tricks. Like, press shift to select multiple items, then you can right click, select shapes then merge to make them one item. Also, you can go into preferences, then colors, then edit to make your own colors (make sure to click add or it won't be saved). I design all my quilts in draw. I don't ever finish them, but I design a lot.
Look into something called a hanging sleeve. They sell them pre made on Amazon but someone has to hand stitch it to the quilt. When I had walls not covered in bookshelves, I’d just use a curtain rod to hang them.
Quilters Hangup Pleated Quilt Sleeve in Natural muslin https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0019CZVO8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_8PBYHTGFM7NQ8FKH2FNC
For hand quilting I use this thimble https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01CWM4NNS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and a Bohin 3 in 1 needle puller. Together they speeded up my quilting a lot!
A cedar chest is actually not a good place for it unless you wrap it in something, per this link.
I have one of these storage bags and I like it a lot: QuiltSafe bag It's very reasonably priced compared to archival boxes.
This is the one I use. https://www.amazon.com/Janome-Convertible-Motion-Quilting-Models/dp/B004LJU8XK
It is kinda spendy for around $50, but it is low shank, and I use it on both my cheap Janome machine and my antique Singer. I would think it would work on any low shank machine, but I can't promise.
Edit: The benefit with this foot, is that it is adjustable. You can lower and raise it via a thumb screw on the side. There is no hopping motion.
You want a compressed air to help clean it. Here's the one I have I even use it to blow dust out from under hard to clean furniture.
Electronic Dust Blower Environmentally Friendly Alternative to Compressed Air or Canned Air https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FWSYOME/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_TVC778NF8CNR4DS15F7X
I personally love the 3 yard quilt patterns, as they usually have a big "focus" block that will let you show off a bold pattern. Plus, you could always use the 4th fabric to make a nice thick border!
Girl, this will change your life. Watch. Buy. Your back, knees, and neck will thank you later. I use my generic brand wonder clips and clip the felt backed tablecloth on my big slider window curtains and voila! I am actually loving this so much that I’m sewing a couple together. 😬
https://youtu.be/Xak5IMBSUZA What I’m referring to starts at 2m 20s.
Example: Covers For The Home Deluxe Stitched Edged Flannel Backed Vinyl Drop Tablecloth - Multi-Color Geometric Medallion Pattern - 60" x 120" - Oblong https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01EVTNEXK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_J8PWR9AMS2EH938SSH9Q?psc=1
Yes! I have a really basic Singer machine too and I just googled which walking foot would be compatible. Something like this :) Good luck!
Thank you! I personally used this one because it was big enough to make the sizes I needed. I’m not familiar with Bloc Loc, but I’m sure any ruler with a 90° angle will be fine
I agree with string quilt! You won't have to trim them all to a uniform size, plus you can go traditional or modern. I've not found a lot of free string quilt patterns online, but there are some great looking books on it. You may be able to reverse engineer some from photos. I think my favorites use string blocks with a solid background to make them pop, in traditional patterns like carpenters star.
Start in the middle of the quilt and work your way out, that way if you have any slack between the layers of your quilt sandwich you won't end up with a pucker on the middle of the quilt. Also, don't quilt densely in the beginning. Start quilting a line every 4" (or somewhere around there). Once you have all of the quilt quilted at that spacing, go back and subdivide that so you have 2" spacing. That way if you don't like the closer spacing you can call it good and be done. It also let's you get the whole thing partially quilted so you no longer need basting pins/thread.
Do you have a walking foot? If not, get one!! The walking foot will act as an extra pair of feed dogs, but from the top of your quilt to help feed the layers through the machine.
I've tried rolling the quilt, but only like it sometimes. My old machine has a small, circular-ish throat space so rolling helped the quilt fit through... And there wasn't any room for my right hand. So having a quilt rolled up gave we a way to grip and good the fabric. But, the rolled quilt can be very stiff, so make sure your table has space behind it so your not trying to push your rolled up quilt into a wall on the other side of the table.
I also got a pair of Grabaroos Quilting Gloves. Otherwise I just don't get enough traction between my skin and the quilt. They're also nice for piecing to line up your pieces of fabric..... But if you get a piece of thread stuck to them it takes forever to get rid of it.
I’ve used Jacquards Ink Jet silk fabric and the results have been fantastic. A lot of the quality of the end results is due to a good printer.
Jacquard Ink Jet Fabric 8.5'' x 11'' Silk Organza Sheets (5 Pack) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000Y8TKHC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_EK8293R27MKX392RE0WV?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/Quilt-Stencil-Scotty-Dog-Sitting/dp/B003URGU7M
Can use a water washaway pencil to layout a cute stencil all over it. I like this scotty dog one since you have the one on the quilt top.
I just use the dritz brand pins from big box stores. Glass or plastic headed isn't really a big deal. I actually really like these flat headed pins. If you are having difficulty pushing through the fabric, just shift a fraction of an inch to the side - often the resistance is caused by trying to put the pin through a thread rather than between the threads!
Thank you! Yes, I use Best Press! I went through a couple of the regular-sized bottles and didn’t want to buy the huge refill, but I finally discovered the 33 oz. refill on Amazon. It’s probably cheaper elsewhere though.
There's lots of info online, but I can't think of anything in particular, other than a relatively new book called the Quilter's Field Guide to Color. I haven't looked at it, but it sounds like it would be good from what I've read. Here's the Amazon link: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/1940655366/ref=cm\_sw\_em\_r\_mt\_dp\_F276Fb97V0KMM
You can absolutely draw it onto the fabric, using tailor's chalk or a wash out marker. I do not recommend the air soluble markers, as the mark disappears really quickly, but the blue ones are great. I buy these.
One tip: Start in the middle of one of the sides and work across the quilt. Then work either up toward the top or down to the bottom. When you start in the middle of the quilt, you end up with less weird bunching because you can continually adjust the quilt & re-spread as as you go. Hope that makes sense.
"Tacky was an odd bird..."
May it bring many smiles!