Sew a Quilt Blog

Marcella's First Quilt!

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 13:25:16 GMT

I found your website and decided to try my hand at quilting. I am a 26-year-old wife and mother. Somehow I managed to find the time to take out some

Free Quilt Patterns Giveaway!

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 19:14:59 GMT

For May, I decided to give away FIVE free quilt patterns. Beginner quilters will appreciate the easy-to-sew designs. Enter now!

Beginner Quilting Lessons

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:31:54 GMT

Beginner quilting made easy! Discover a wealth of information for the beginner quilter. Learn quilting basics, watch quilting videos, chat with other new quilters. Plus a lot more!

Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum--a Fun Destination

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 15:26:12 GMT

Remember the "Little House on the Prairie books, written by Laura Ingalls Wilder? I sure do. Wouldn't it be fascinating to view some of her personal effects, up close and personal? If this makes your heart beat a little faster, then head over to the "Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum" in Walnut Grove, MN.

Young Laura Ingalls

Laura Age 70

More Family Photos Below Some of the authentic artifacts on exhibit are: A bible from the church where the Ingalls' worshipped, bonnets, aprons, dolls, historical documents and even a quilt made by Laura and her daughter, Rose. The fun doesn't stop there. You can also visit the actual, undisturbed site of Laura's dugout home. It's located about 1.5 miles from the musuem. Incredibly interesting! How would you like to attend a live drama reflecting Laura's life in Walnut Grove? This outdoor performance is called the "Wilder Pageant" and it's scheduled for July 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, 2010. Other actitives of interest include live appearances from Alison Arngrim (Nellie Oleson) and Dean Butler (Almanzo Wilder) from the television series, "Little House on the Prairie." Look for Alison on July 24th, 2010 and Dean on July 17th, 2010. Speaking of Nellie, this museum also hosts a "Laura-Nellie Look Alike Contest." One can only imagine how hilarious that will be! So, pack up the family and get ready for some historical fun! Oh, and just for a kick, check out these photos of the real Ingalls' family. You gotta love 'em!

Caroline & Charles Ingalls Laura's Parents	Carrie, Mary & Laura Ingalls
Laura with Husband, Almanzo Wilder	Rose Wilder Lane Laura's Daughter

AQS Quilt Show & Contest, Paducah, KY

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 19:07:55 GMT

Just a reminder. One of the most popular quilt shows in America will be held at the Paducah Expo Center from April 21 to April 24, 2010. This year, the show features over 100 quilting classes, 400 vendor booths, lectures, and a quilt auction. Those of you who adore Eleanor Burns will want to attend her live stage show. She's such a wonderful person, and she's funny, too. It's worth the trip just to see her! I truly enjoy viewing all the quilts from the quilt contest. This year, you'll get to visually devour over 400 of them. Not only do I appreciate the skill and beauty of each one, but I get a lot of new ideas for my upcoming quilts. Although I love everything about the Paducah Quilt Show, I must admit I enjoy meeting other quilters the most. So, do something nice for yourself. Head out to Kentucky and make some new quilting friends!

Male Prisoners are Sewing Quilts!

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 15:29:58 GMT

Yes, you read that right. Male prisoners are sewing quilts, and they're loving it. I'll admit, I didn't know a program like this existed. "Fine Cell Work" is the UK based organization responsible for this incredible program. Currently, they staff over 50 volunteers who teach embroidery and quilting skills to inmates throughout 26 prisons. You might think that most of the prisoners are women. But, you would be wrong. Surprisingly, 80 of the inmates are male. This program is so popular that there's a waiting list to enroll. Why do you suppose this is the case? The male prisoners say it gives them purpose, hope, skills, and independence. Prisoners also get paid for their work, so that's icing on the cake. When I first heard about this program, I went to their website to see some of their quilts. Wow, their work is amazing! They give us ladies a run for our money! If you want to see some of the inmates' quilts, check out this awesome slide show. You might also be interested in reading this interesting question and answer page.

It's Coming! Janome Horizon 7700!

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 13:16:26 GMT

To mark its 150th anniversary, Janome has introduced their newest sewing/quilting machine, the Janome Horizon 7700. And, it's a real beauty.

In a nutshell, the company took their bestselling model, the Janome 6600, and souped it up with more desirable features. This includes a larger working area and an extra long free arm. There are too many goodies to list here. So, check it out for yourself. And, if you decide that you've "just got to have it," you won't have to wait long. It will be available for purchase on May 1st. In the meantime, retailers are busily learning how to use it so they can answer all our questions. See you at the quilt shop!

Jane's Patch Quilt

Sat, 10 Apr 2010 18:56:39 GMT

I was 49 years old when I started my first quilt. My cousin Aunt Monie helped me get started. She and I both wondered if I would have the patience to

My first quilt for her first baby

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 00:19:00 GMT

I learnt to hand quilt in highschool and like most people in 'that boat' I was excited by the idea of machine quilting. I borrowed my Nan's cutter & tools

Fun and Done

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 11:33:01 GMT

I have made a few quilts in the past, and enjoyed all but the hand quilting. I have problems with my hands that made the last quilt hard to finish...so

Free Quilt Labels

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:32:32 GMT

Want free quilt labels? Sign up for my quilting newsletter and get 17 beautiful quilt labels. Print one or print them all!

My Course in High School Curriculum!

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:03:15 GMT

I'm excited to announce that my quilting course has become a part of Rockingham County High School's Apparel I Class curriculum! Many schools, colleges, scout groups, senior centers and quilting shops have taught my course. This is a real honor for me. So, why am I writing about Rockingham High School of North Carolina? Because Lydia-Patterson-Bryant, teacher of the Apparel I and II Classes, graciously sent me photos of her students holding their finished quilts. Wow, what an awesome variety of colors and styles! I'm proud of all the students who participated in this class. Nice job, Girls! I send out a great big "thank you" to Lydia for sharing these photos with all of us!

Quilting Questions

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 00:30:39 GMT

Find answers to beginners quilting questions. Submit a quilting question of your own.

Marcia's Table Topper/
Wall Hanging Sampler

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:00:33 GMT

Three years ago when I started quilting I found Gloria's web site with clear directions for a small sampler. I used most of the blocks and made this small

Layering a Quilt

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:20:04 GMT

What is the best way to layer a quilt? I can never get all 3 layers to lay flat. I always end up with ripples or bunching. Are there any special tools

My First Quilt 2010

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 14:36:16 GMT

Well I never was interested in sewing too much, even though my Mother sewed. I learned to crochet from my Grandmother at 6 years of age. I was watching

"Myrtle's Sampler Quilt"

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 14:34:26 GMT

I have been sewing for over 50 years, I have dabbled in a bit of quilt making through trial and error, mostly error. When I found this book on line I had

Jelly Rolls

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:33:57 GMT

I have always wanted to know how to sew jelly rolls. ANSWER I love jelly rolls, because I can literally hold an entire fabric collection in the

Non-Bias Binding

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:23:56 GMT

How important is it for the binding strips to be cut on the bias? Would you buy the same amount of fabric to make bias strips as you would for cross

Adapting Stretchy Fabric?

Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:20:14 GMT

I have been saving my son's t-shirts since he was small. They are mementos of family trips etc. I thought it would be cute to make them into a

Fat Quarters

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 20:16:42 GMT

Fat quarters are precut pieces of fabric, usually measuring 18" x 22". See why quilters go bonkers over these little guys.

Short Survey

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:01:36 GMT

Please take a short survey about quilting topics you enjoy!

Quilt Labels

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:00:44 GMT

Check out these free, gorgeous quilt labels! Just print and sew!

Binding

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 17:54:59 GMT

What seam allowance do you use for binding? ANSWER: The standard seam allowance for binding is 1/4.

Charm Squares

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 17:53:24 GMT

Can you please give me the dimensions of a charm square? ANSWER: Sure. A charm square measures 5 x 5. These are great for making scrap quilts or

Quilting Articles

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:58:47 GMT

Check out our quilting articles for tips, tricks, how-tos and interesting quilting information!

Precut Fabric

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:55:13 GMT

Using precut fabric bundles makes quilting fast, fun and super easy! Learn about all the gorgeous precut fabric bundles!

Why are My Squares Too Small?

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 14:05:30 GMT

I just sewed my first block. I followed the instructions which called for some solid 3-inch squares and then some of those squares laid right sides

Lengthwise Grain of Fabric

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:58:13 GMT

What makes the lengthwise grain of the fabric stronger than the crosswise grain? ANSWER: That's an excellent question! There's a few reasons why

Bamboo / Cotton Batting

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:55:40 GMT

I have some 50 cotton 50 bamboo batting (needle punched), sandwiched between 100 cotton fabrics. How densely do I need to quilt it for a child's

Muslin

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:55:12 GMT

I'm a new quilter and want to make a half square triangle quilt. One triangle would be a print and the other a solid. Would it be okay to use

Signatures on a Quilt

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:54:13 GMT

My sister and I are making ny daughter and her new husband a signature quilt for a wedding present. We had all of the guests sign with Pigma pens.

Crosswise Strips

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 15:53:05 GMT

Hello, my name is Melody and my sister purchased a kit for me as a gift. However one of the instructions in the kit was to cut crosswise strips. I

Sarah's first Lone Star Quilt

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 21:21:50 GMT

Here's a quilt that I began to make as practice. I wanted to learn how to make the Lone Star Quilt for my future daughter-in-law, so I thought I'd

Quilt Artist Interviews

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 21:00:20 GMT

Awesome quilt artist interviews. Learn more about your favorite quilt artists or quilting teachers.

9 Ways to Thread a Needle

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:54:26 GMT

Check out 9 easy ways to thread a needle. These techniques will save you time and frustration.

Quilt Square Patterns

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:51:53 GMT

Use easy quilt square patterns in your first quilt. This saves you time and frustration. It also keeps you interested in your project.

Christmas Quilt Patterns

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 13:57:54 GMT

Free Christmas Quilt Patterns for you! Sew one Christmas Quilt Pattern, or sew them all!

Bonnie Browning Interview

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:37:56 GMT

Bonnie Browning is a quilt artist extraordinaire. She wears many hats. Learn more about Bonnie Browning, the quilt artist.

Card Trick Quilt Pattern

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:25:37 GMT

Love the card trick quilt pattern? Think it's hard to sew? It's easier than you think. Let me break it down for you.

Braid Quilt Made from Jelly Roll Strips

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:42:43 GMT

Mickey just sent in a question about strips in a jelly roll. I made this quilt top from one jelly roll, which had 42 strips included in the roll -

Set a Color Paint

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:36:28 GMT

How do I go about purchasing the Set a Color Paint and book by Elin Noble by mail order? ANSWER You can order the book and paint set from the Pro

Quilt Labels on the Computer

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:23:08 GMT

I like to make quilt labels on my Double Jet HP Printer - Love the way they look - but know they are not waterproof - is there a product you can buy

Paper Piece Quilt Patterns

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:56:59 GMT

Paper piece quilt patterns are a blast! They're fast, fun and super easy to sew!

Kaleidoscope Quilt

Mon, 12 Oct 2009 11:30:02 GMT

I started quilting a couple months ago. My first project was a 5-square block design I found on the web. It came out great, but I quickly realized

The Quilt That Took 18 Years to Finish

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 13:06:25 GMT

All quilts have their own story and every quilt's story deserves to be documented. This quilt is special to me because it was my first and for the

Patchwork Pulse Newsletter

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:30:00 GMT

Patchwork Pulse newsletter offers quilting news, how tos, tips, techniques and quilting fun!

Train Quilt Pattern

Fri, 07 Aug 2009 19:28:45 GMT

I'm looking for a train quilt pattern. My son loves trains, and I want to use this theme. Do you know where I might locate a locomotive quilt

Strip Tube Ruler

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 14:43:56 GMT

To get an 8 1/2 block, the pattern instructions are to sew (2) 2 1/2 x 42 strips to a 3 1/2 x 42 strip. These strips are then sewn to an identical

Patterns

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:49:15 GMT

Do you know where a Light in the Valley quilt pattern can be obtained? I did an online search, and I only found pre-made quilts with this