December 1, 2006 08:43 - An Iron that Lifts Automatically? Yes!
The Oliso Auto Lift Iron
makes lifting and lowering your iron a thing of the past. Forget about scorching your fabric. This iron won't let you burn anything. If you accidentally leave your iron on your fabric, it automatically lifts itself.
You can also use the auto-lift control while you're pressing fabric. Just touch the handle, and it slowly lowers to your ironing surface. When you let go of the handle, it automatically lifts back to its starting position.
This feature is worth its weight in gold when you consider its health benefits. Ergonomically, this iron is wrist-friendly, which means no more strain on those delicate arteries.
Another great feature...you can fill the water tank when the iron is face down. You don't have to hold it under a faucet. That's one part of ironing I don't miss.
This iron has lots of other features. Check them out for yourself! Oliso Auto Lift Iron
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December 2, 2006 08:33 - My Finished Angel Pillow
Today, I quilted the angel to the front panel. Then I sewed light green piping around the edges for contrast. Finally, I added the backing fabric and inserted the pillow.
She turned out lovely, don't you think? That's saying a lot, being that I'm a total perfectionist.
Now, it's time to tuck the pillow in a pretty gift bag. Then I'll add a card.
I know my friend will appreciate this gift, because she loves angels. And you'll get to see her reaction, because I'm going to take pictures. Stay tuned!
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December 3, 2006 07:58 - Angel Quilt Delivered
On Saturday, I attended my hairdresser's retirement party. Her name is Millie, and she's one of the best hair stylists around. She's leaving the business to get married and to start a new life. Good for her; bad for us.
When she lifted the pillow out of the bag she said, "Oh, you put so much work into this!" Don't you just love it when people appreciate your efforts?
Anyway, here's a photo of Millie holding her gift. Doesn't she looks grand in her shimmering gold dress? Good-bye, Millie. We love you. You'll be sorely missed.
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December 5, 2006 14:16 - Add a Hanging Sleeve to Your Quilt....The Easy Way
Recently, I discovered a nifty way to add a hanging sleeve to my quilts. I was thumbing through a quilting magazine when I spotted the ad. It's a
premade hanging sleeve, and it comes in 3-yard lengths. Just cut the sleeve to size and sew it on. It's that simple. What will they think of next?
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December 5, 2006 14:55 - Enjoy Natural Lightening---Day or Night.
Hi, Everyone.Have you ever tried to sew at night? I don't do it very often, because it's hard on my eyes. But the other night I was pressed for time, so I decided to finish my quilt. My husband saw me squinting, and he set up a lamp next to my sewing table. I could see better, but I still had to strain.
The next day I went to Jo-Ann's fabric store to pick up some fabric. On the way in, I noticed a lamp display. The sign said, "Natural Lighting." Curious, I asked the clerk about it. She told me that the OTT Light TrueColor Floor Lamp simulates real outdoor lighting. Then she held up some dark and light fabrics. The colors were vivid and clear. There was no mistaking their true colors.
Finally, the clerk sat down at a sewing machine under the OTT Lamp. She stitched a seam, then she held it up for me to see. Wow, I saw each stitch without any eyestrain whatsover. You can bet I'm putting this lamp on my Christmas list.
OTT-LITEŽ TrueColor(TM) Original Grey Floor Lamp w/Magnifier
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December 7, 2006 13:01 - New Quilt Fabric Collection from RJR
Talk about luscious! You have to see RJR's newest quilt fabric collection. They're bright, beautiful and waiting for you! Not only that, but RJR offers free quilt patterns to go with the fabric. This is RJR's wholesale site, but you can still access the free patterns. To buy the quilt fabric locally, click on "Find Our Fabric" and then "Shop Directory." Happy hunting!
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December 7, 2006 15:14 - A Quilting Glove for Cutting and Sewing
Today's gadget is a
Nitrile Touch Quilter's Glove -Large
. You can use it to grip your fabric as you're sewing, or while your're rotary cutting. It's lightweight and it breathes. That means no sweaty hands. Make your quilting easier with this unique, double-duty glove.
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December 9, 2006 10:34 - Quilting Contests You Should Know About
We're fast approaching a brand new year, 2007! And with that comes the excitement of new
quilting contests. I haven't entered one yet. But I entered one of my quilts in the Fowlerville
Fair in early 1992. I placed third. Not bad for a first-timer.
I cleaned up in the cake category, though. For my Pina Colada Rum Cake, I received ALL the top
ribbons. They were "Best of Show, Gold Ribbon, and 1st Place." Again, not bad for a first try.
The moral of this story? Don't be afraid to enter your quilt into a contest. You never know what
can happen!
Here's a few quilting contest links:
American Rose Society
American Quilter's Society
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December 10, 2006 20:25 - How to Recognize Quality Quilting Fabric
Do you know how to choose quality quilting fabric? Yes, the fabric might look brilliant on the bolt, but will it stand up to the test of time? How do you determine whether a fabric is worthy of your hard-earned money and time?
If you're interested in learning about fabric quality, please read my article "Quilting Fabrics." You'll learn to how to choose the best fabrics for your projects.
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December 11, 2006 09:55 - Handmade Christmas Angels
I thought I'd take a break from quilting today. My husband is sick with the flu, and I want to cater to him all day. You gotta understand, we have a GREAT relationship. I love to pamper him, and he loves to pamper me.
Anyway, since Christmas is fast approaching, I wanted to share photos of some angels we made. It began when my youngest daughter, Denise, started laying out her materials.
I took an immediate interest. I plopped myself down at the table and asked her to show me how to make them. My oldest daughter Michelle joined in. We had a nice impromptu mother-daughter craft session.
The angels are really easy to make. We used miniature flower pots for the bodies, a wooden ball for the head, and sparkly pipe cleaners for the the arms and halo. And of course, we added doll hair and wide ribbon for the wings.
Denise tucked the angels in these miniature gift bags and added small peppermint candies. I think handmade gifts beat store-bought gifts any day of the week.
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December 13, 2006 15:46 - Quilting Coupons..Today's Deals
Here are a few deals on quilting supplies. These bargains are for online orders only. A lot of times you'll see discounts online that aren't offered in the regular brick-and-mortar stores. For those of us who enjoy online shopping, this is a huge plus. Some companies even offer free shipping. Consider the money you save on gas, and the savings really add up.
Fabric.com... Wholesale to the public!
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December 14, 2006 14:39 - A Great Stress Reliever--Quilting Cruises!
I've often fantasized about taking a cruise. Not just ANY cruise. No, I'm talking about a quilting cruise. Think about it. You get to meet famous quilting instructors, take classes and hang out with people who have the same interests as you. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the great food, music and ongoing activites.
The neat thing about cruising, aside from the beautiful scenery, is that you can travel around the world. For example, QuiltCruises.com sails to Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico, and the Baltics. Quilt Camp at Sea also sails to Alaska. That seems to be a popular destination.
How would you like to visit Paris or Japan? Studio Art Quilt Associates offer trips to these exotic locations.
And, if you'd prefer a warmer climate, how about a Caribbean cruise from McCalls Quilting?
Of course, there's a lot more places to hunt for cruises. I've only listed a few to get you excited. And, if you actually do sail to some far off destination, we'd like to hear about it. Just click on the COMMENTS link at the bottom of this page. Happy cruising!
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December 18, 2006 09:29 - Quilting Patterns Delivered to Your Door
Do you need inspiration for a new quilt? I feel that way too, especially when I'm putting the finishing touches on my latest quilting project. That's why I subscribe to a couple different quilting magazines. Not only do they give me inspiration, but they give me something to look forward to each month. There's one catch, though. There's too many quilting ideas! I don't have the time to sew them all. Such is the life of a quilter.
The three most popular quilting magazines are
American Patchwork and Quilting Magazine,
McCall's Quilting,
and last but not least,
QUILTMAKER MAGAZINE.
Not only do they offer beautiful patterns, they also contain interesting articles and quilting resources. Nowadays, quilting magazines are more affordable than ever. Give 'em a try!
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December 19, 2006 07:34 - Fat Quarter Bundles vs Charm Packs
What's the difference between a fat quarter bundle and a charm pack? Well, fat quarters measure 18" x 22" and they contain prints from different fabric collections. Fabric cuts in a charm pack measure between 5" to 10" and they contain prints from one specific fabric collection.
The number of prints also varies. In fat quarter bundles, you usually get between six and eight different prints. Charm packs, on the other hand, boast fifty to a hundred prints.
So, what's the best deal? That depends. If you need more fabric than five or ten inches, then go for the fat quarters. If you can work with 10-inch squares or less, then choose the charm pack.
The one advantage of charm packs is you get a huge variety of prints. With fat quarters, you're limited to less than a dozen. But both are equally appealing if you like to sample the fabric before you buy larger cuts.
Here's a few shops that carry charm packs and fat quarters:
Fat Quarter Shop
Offers fats quarters and charm packs.
Cozy Kitten Quilt Shop
Offers fat quarters and charm packs.
Cotton Patch
Offers fat quarters and charm packs.
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December 20, 2006 08:41 - More Free Quilt Blocks on the Way
Today, I woke up feeling a bit under the weather. I'm trying to do all the usual Christmas errands and to finish my "to do" list. But I'm low on pep, so I'll do what I can.
Okay, about the free quilt blocks. My beginner quilting lessons have been a huge hit. In fact, once my students finish the sampler quilt (see above), they often ask for more quilt patterns. I've already added a new pattern called Dutchman's Puzzle. I plan to add at least one block per week. You'll also see intermediate quilt patterns for those of you who want something more challenging.
There's one small catch, though. People don't realize how much time it takes to create all the graphics for my lessons. Don't get me wrong. I love working with graphics. But, I'm a perfectionist, and I only post patterns that are pleasing to the eye and geometrically correct.
Along with this labor of love, I'm continually adding new content to my site and quilting blog. This takes a lot of time, for sure. But I love teaching people to quilt. It's my passion. In fact, I'm going to open my new online quilt shop in the near future. Stay tuned.
Meantime, if anyone has any questions or requests, let me know. I want to build the best quilting site ever.
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December 22, 2006 14:54 - More Savings on Quilting Supplies
I started my Christmas shopping this morning. Usually I'm ready to go before Halloween. But I've been busy building my quilting site. I'm trying to make it the best quilting site on the net. That takes a lot of time and patience, but it's worth all the effort.
Speaking of shopping, there's still some great deals out there. You might as well take advantage of the generous discounts they're offering. A lot of retailers depend on Christmas sales to provide their yearly profits. They'll do almost anything to get you to buy, including offering ridiculously low prices on their quilting supplies. Throw in free shipping and you've got a great bargain.
This might also be the time to buy something for yourself. Maybe you've been dreaming of buying some fabric or a nice OmniGrid rotary cutting mat. Sure, you want to buy for others, but don't you think you deserve a little something for yourself? Of course you do. Now's the time, though. Christmas sales are almost over.
Here's are an online deal I found. Happy shopping!
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December 24, 2006 13:38 - Merry Christmas to All My Quilting Friends
Today is Christmas Eve. I want to say a public "Thank You" to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Thank you for your life and death on this earth, so that all may be saved. May we all take time out of our busy schedules to acknowledge the real meaning of Chirstmas....Jesus' birth. He gave us the best and most precious gift of all, eternal life with him in Paradise. Thank you Jesus.
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December 28, 2006 08:16 - Join a Quilt Guild for Friendship and Support
Welcome back.
I hope everyone had a great Chrstimas Day. We sure did. My daughers are all grown up, so the holidays have new meaning for us. Holly goes back to college in another week. She'll graduate in August of 2007. We'll have a teacher in the family. How about them apples?
Speaking of 2007, I thought I'd say a few words about quilting guilds. For those of you who don't know much about them, here's the scoop.
In a nutshell, a quilting guild is a group of local quilters who gather for friendship, information and support. You can show off a new project you're working on, get advice about techniques, chat, make charity quilts and have an all-around good time.
If this sounds interesting, you should check out your local chapter. Here's an easy way to do that. Just click on this link and type in your state.
Find a Local Quilt Guild
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December 29, 2006 07:04 - Slave Quilts Revisited
Wow. My daughter and I stopped by the post office yesterday. As we were waiting in line, we noticed a stamp display on the wall. I was immediately drawn to the bright colors of one particular set. It turns out they were quilt stamps. "How interesting," I thought. "What are Gee's Bend Quilts?"You have to understand, I don't normally go to the post office. I have my stamps delivered to my home. So, I never realized they made quilt stamps. This set became available in August 2006. Oh, well, better late than never, right?
Curious, I rushed home and did a web search on Gee's Bend Quilters. Boy, did I get a history lesson! This stamp set features ten quilts created by African-American women between circa 1940 and 2001. These quilters come from Gee's Bend, Alabama where their ancestors were slaves during the Civil War.
Despite their hardships during slavery, the women made quilts rich with American and African-American flavors. After the Civil War ended, the slaves were freed. Determined to rebuild their lives, they established an all-black community in the Gee's Bend area. That community still exists today.
The African-American women of that community are known for making bright, attention-getting quilts. This style of quiltmaking has been passed down for six generations. You have my admiration, Ladies.
Check out the Gee's Bend Stamp Collection. It's fantastic!
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December 30, 2006 11:56 - Real Men Quilt
Yes, you read it right. Men do make quilts. In fact, historical records indicate that men quilted
as far back as the Civil War. Apparently, some soldiers took up needle and thread to provide
therapy for their sore and injured hands. I doubt any soldiers gave them a hard time, considering
the bleak situation.
While I was searching for information on this topic, I found a site that features an elaborate quilt made by a Civil
War veteran in 1898. Just incredible, don't you think?
Although quilting has been considered "women's work," there are guys who unashamedly contribute
to this art form. For example, David Moller of Michigan stands 6'5 and weighs 180 pounds. He's a
Vietnam Veteran and he loves to quilt.
David used to photograph his wife's quilts. Then the unthinkable happened: He was bitten by the
quilting bug. David's been quilting ever since.
Then there's Richard Walker, also from Michigan. He's an astronomer who likes to make quilts with
heavenly themes. Besides creativity, Richard says he enjoys quilting because he gets to hang out
with a lot of women. Go figure.
Male quilters are being
recognized more than ever. This past year, the Westmoreland Museum of American Art in Greensburg, PA, showcased seven quilts from three male quilters; Jim Mikula of Ligonier, PA; Pete Buchan of Latrobe,
PA; and Tristan Blakeman of New Haven, CT. You can see why their quilts
were showcased at the museum.
As a quilter, I'm happy to know that society is more accepting of men who quilt. After all, men
make the best chefs and the best tailors. Right, Ladies?
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December 31, 2006 16:53 - Happy New Year!
Today is New Years Eve. We're getting ready to visit our neighbors for a night of fun and fellowship. I have a lot quilting ideas for 2007, and I can't wait to get started on them. Hopefully, you've thought about some quilting projects you'd like to do, too.
One New Year's resolution I intend to keep is to get my quilting store up and running. Starting next week, I'll get all the legalities taken care of. Then I'll focus on stocking my store. I'm so excited.
Here's to the next year. May it bring hope, peace and an end to the Iraqian War. Talk to you all in 2007.
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