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Quilt-Related Project: Wine Sack

Friday, May 25th, 2007



Quick Project!
Quilted Wine Sack

Quilted Wine Sack
     With summer right upon us, picnics are inevitable, as are weddings, and the highlighted project for this week can be used for either!
     This oh-so-simple, quick, cute wine sack pattern is provided by the Home Sewing Association and makes a handy carrier for a bottle of wine to take to a special occasion. This wine sack makes an excellent “anytime” gift, too!
     This fun project includes a great description, a nice photograph, a list of materials needed, and a complete set of instructions that are easy to understand.
     I would rate this project at the beginner level, however, a more experienced quilter (or a new quilter that is motivated to learn!) could easily make a few adjustments to take it to a higher level. For example:

  • The pattern calls for pre-quilted fabric, but if one chose to use this opportunity to practice machine-quilting skills, it would easily give it a more personal look and feel.
  • This project is also one that could easily be embellished to turn a simple wine sack into a luxurious one in a snap! Add ribbons, buttons, bows, trims, metallic threads, etc. to enhance the appearance.
  • Change out the appliqué by either adding a personal design or by purchasing an already-finished appliqué that is ready to sew onto a project. Or leave the appliqué off completely and choose a fabric with a luscious print!
  • Leaving off the appliqué? Have a sewing machine that does embroidery? Add your own embroidery pattern for a unique look.
  • Try adding hand-embroidery!
  • Use decorative stitches to finish the project off (hemming, etc.).
  • Use decorative stitches to quilt the project.

    •      
         These are just a few ideas to get you started. Should you decide that this is the project for you, please share a photo?

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    Posted in Projects (Other) | 1 Comment »

    Quilt-Related Project: Strip-Quilted Tote

    Friday, May 18th, 2007



    Quick Project!
    Strip-Quilted Tote
    by Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores

    Strip-Quilted Tote
         Summer is rapidly approaching, finally, and many of us are beginning to think about trips to the pool, the lake, or the beach. And, as usual, we have a wide variety of little items that are essential for our outing. This project is geared around creating an eye-catching tote to carry those items. With a single glance, there are several features regarding this tote that caught my eye: The vibrant colors, the simplicity, the size, and the style.
         On a scale of 1 to 3, this project rates a 2 in difficulty. Some sewing and quilting knowledge are required, however not a great deal. This would be an ideal project to practice your skills on; it includes both strip-piecing and machine quilting!
         A brief overview of this tote includes:

  • Easy, strip-piecing,
  • 12″ x 14″, finished, excluding the handles,
  • Complete list of supplies and tools needed,
  • Clear directions, with excellent photographs.

    •  
         This tote is just too cute! Not only does it make a great tote, but I think it would make a really nifty handbag, too!

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    StarAn original article by Terry Crawford.

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    Posted in Free Patterns (Other), Projects (Other) | 1 Comment »

    Necktie Projects!

    Wednesday, May 9th, 2007



    Quick Project!
    NECKTIES

         I have seen several different patterns and layouts for necktie quilts, ranging from using antique ties to finding used ones here and there, all the way to purchasing brand-spanking new ones. But, just when I thought I had seen it all (well, most of it, anyway), along comes several quick projects that absolutely captured my full attention!

         While watching the DIY Network on Tuesday of this week, one of the regularly scheduled programs, Uncommon Threads, featured crafting with neckties. Talk about an eye-opener! As soon as the show opened and the featured projects put on the screen, I was glued to the tube, and with that said, there are three (3) projects I would like to highlight. For more details, including instructions and supplies needed, regarding each project, please refer to the DIY Network site.

         The first project is an A-line-type skirt that simply rocked. The hemline was staggered and the side seam of the skirt was fastened with grommets and ribbon. The waistband was made from, imagine this, a necktie! I was most impressed with this project, which is why I have it listed first.

    Photo courtesy of DIY Network, Uncommon Threads

         The second project, embroidering neckties, is one that proved interesting after it began. By that, I mean that at first, I did not think it would be anything new that I had not already seen. But, the semi-interesting part is the televised show giving me the notion that I could actually make my own neckties from any fabric of my own choosing! How cool is that! And just for the record, I would think that they could come up with a better appliqué than the one demonstrated!

    Photo courtesy of DIY Network, Uncommon Threads

         The third project was my least favorite, however, I can easily see how this one would really appeal to young people! This project, a necktie wrist cuff, seemed to be a snap to make!


    Photo courtesy of DIY Network, Uncommon Threads

         I do not know about you, but if I were in the mood to make one of these, the skirt would win, hands down! How about you?

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    StarAn original article from Quilting Passion by Terry Crawford.

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    Posted in Projects (Other), Quilt-Related Resources, Quilting Articles (Terry) | 6 Comments »

    The Mystery Surrounding Mystery Quilts

    Wednesday, April 25th, 2007

    Mystery Surrounding Mystery Quilts
    		      Do you love a good mystery? Do you love to quilt? If the answer to both questions is a resounding “YES”, then I have the perfect Web site for you!
         First, let me define what a Mystery Quilt is. A Mystery Quilt is a quilting project that remains a mystery up until the quilt is finished or until the participants figure it out (much to the author’s dismay).
         Participants are given instructional “clues” and have no idea what the outcome is going to be. It is usually a small, fairly easy project that is completed in stages over an extended period of time, the time determined by the author of the mystery and usually dependent upon several factors, discussed below. Most often, participants are informed as to the approximate final sizes and also the theme, if there is one.
         Occasionally, mysteries may extend over a longer period of time, however a year is the maximum time to conduct and/or participant in one (in my opinion). The only instance where I would conduct a mystery of a great length, such as 12 months, would be for a full size quilt, and it would have to be a spectacular design, at that. A lot of people do not like to commit to a long-term mystery due to several reasons, most of which I suspect you can guess.
         As mentioned above, there are a few factors that might influence the length of time a mystery would span.

    • The amount of “free” time the author may have to orchestrate it. The vast majority of the time, a mystery is conducted without any type of payment from the participants. In other words, the mystery is provided freely by the author. Since this is the case, one must understand going into it that the installments (the releases of new instructions) depend upon the the author’s time. Several thoughts on this. First, the author of the mystery should make absolutely certain before beginning a mystery that he/she has plenty of time to conduct the mystery in a timely manner. Second, the participants should understand that life does happen, even to authors, and that there may be some delay in finishing the mystery. A good author will keep participants updated as to the status of future installments.
    • The complexity of the pattern. This factor should be self-explanatory! The more complex the pattern, the longer it may take to complete the mystery.
    • The time of year. The season (or seasons) a mystery is going to span is all-important, as well. Mysteries are typically not conducted over the holiday season, beginning Thanksgiving and going past Christmas, beyond the New Year. These seasons are simply too busy with real life. Mysteries may also experience difficulty in getting participation if it is during the summer.

         In summary, mysteries are best when conducted during “dead” times during the year, such as winter. They also seem to have better participation if they are conducted over a shorter span of time (two months or less) and have options (MQ 15, 16, and 17 show versatility because they are all made from the same base pattern, but each look totally different when completed!) for the participants to choose from. I have also discovered that the more information (without revealing the outcome) that can be given prior to beginning, the better, such as: Theme, Options, Color Suggestions, Size, Time To Complete, Complexity, etc.
         If a mystery is announced as a short, quick project, that does not necessarily mean that it is not going to be appealing. A good mystery author can provide a truly unique pattern that gives the participants options, such as turning it from a wallhanging into a tablerunner or expanding it into a full quilt, etc. There are many times when a pattern is simple to make, yet looks like the quilter spent a lot more time on it than actually happened.
         An author of a mystery should attempt to keep the mystery suspenseful by mixing it up and postponing the “guessing” for as long as possible. The installments of a mystery should never be given in the order that is seen in the finished design. For instance, say that a wallhanging is going to have nine (9) blocks and the layout is similar to a nine-patch. Instead of giving the installments in order, from left to right and top to bottom, mix it up. Keep the participants guessing!!!!
         If you are ready for a good mystery, check out the ones on Quilting Passion and the other sites listed below. Each have concluded on Quilting Passion, however the majority of them remain online. Also, keep a watchful eye out in the Quilting Passion eNews or the Quilting Passion Mystery Quilt Notifications for the announcements of new mysteries.
         The Quilting Passion Gallery also contains many photographs of finished mystery quilts; this should give you an idea of the types (and wide variety) of patterns used. Since many authors of mystery quilts do not charge a fee, I can say with much enthusiasm that photographs are gratefully appreciated. Seeing finished projects from mystery quilts that I have conducted helps give me incentive to keep providing them! Mystery Quilt 19 is slated on Quilting Passion for sometime this summer.
         Other Mystery Quilt Web sites include:

    1. WWQP
    2. The Quilted Snail
    3. Electric Quilt Mysteries
    4. Teena’s Patchwork & Embroidery
    5. Anne’s Mystery Quilts

         
         Mystery Quilts are fun! If you have never played in one, then find one and join!

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    StarOriginal article first published on Quilting Passion by Terry Crawford.

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    Posted in FREE PATTERNS (Terry), Free Patterns (Other), Projects (Other), Projects (Terry), Quilt-Related Resources, Quilting Articles (Terry), Type of Quilts (Mystery) | 7 Comments »

    Paper-Piecing Quilts: Getting Started!

    Tuesday, April 17th, 2007

    Paper-Piecing: Getting Started
    		      
         What is paper-piecing? In a nutshell, paper-piecing is a technique used to sew blocks together using a sewing machine (set on a very small stitch) and plain paper (copy/typing paper). Blocks that have many pieces, or a lot of points, or even gentle curves, can be constructed with a degree of accuracy that is impressive to even the most highly skilled quilter. This is also an excellent way to use up smaller scraps of fabric that you never dreamed possible to use.
         How does paper-piecing differ from foundation piecing? Traditionally, paper-piecing uses paper as the foundation to sew your pieces of fabric to, while foundation piecing uses a fabric foundation (usually muslin). There are advantages and disadvantages to each. The primary advantage of using paper is that it is removable and less bulky than sewing onto a muslin-type foundation. On the other hand, this advantage is also a major disadvantage in that the paper removal is time-consuming, tedious, and just plain messy (tiny bits of paper all over the place!). The primary advantage of a foundation pieced block is that it is faster because you do not have to remove anything when the block is finished. The major disadvantage is that the extra layer of fabric adds bulk to the quilt. Regardless of which you prefer, the stitching technique used is basically the same as you sew your block together.
         There are many free patterns to be found on the Internet and also an abundance of books available for purchase. One of the earliest quilters to jump on board the paper-piecing train was Carol Doak, often thought of as the queen of paper-piecing. Ms. Doak perfected the technique, taking it to a new level of accurate piecing, and has created some stunning patterns and quilts. Ms. Doak is not only a talented designer; she is also a superb teacher, so if you ever have the opportunity to attend one of her workshops/seminars, do not let it pass you by! Carol also has a new DVD, Carol Doak Teaches You to Paper Piece, in which she shows you step-by-step the entire paper-piecing process.
         Current popular books include: Piecing Workshop by Ruth B. McDowell, Mastering Precision Piecing by Sally Collins, The Experts Guide to Foundation Piecing by Jane Hall, Painless Paper-Piecing by Marjorie Rhine, and Piece by Piece by Nancy Wong Spindler.
         Here are a few Web sites with valuable information and/or free patterns and projects to get you started:

         One of the most awesome aspects of paper-piecing/foundation-piecing is that it allows quilters to be extremely precise in their measurements, yielding practically perfect blocks every time! This is ideal for small blocks, but can be used for any size block you choose.

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    Posted in FREE PATTERNS (Terry), Free Patterns (Other), Projects (Other), Quilt-Related Resources, Quilting Articles (Terry), Tutorials (Other) | 6 Comments »

    eBay Is Pretty In Pink!

    Monday, April 16th, 2007

    Quilt Pink Logo
    		      Quilts benefitting the Susan G. Komen Foundation have surfed onto eBay in a vast sea of online auctioning as a result of an annual event called, “Quilt Pink“. The response to this event has been phenominal, resulting in over 4,000 gorgeous pink quilts made by quilters and/or quilt shops participating worldwide.
         The first wave of handmade quilts are online right now, and up for grabs to the highest bidder. 100% of these Internet sales go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, which is non-profit, to aid in the research to find a cure for breast cancer.
         The Quilt Pink Event was sponsored by the American Patchwork and Quilting Magazine®. The six-month eBay auctions began on Thursday, April 5th, 2007 and new quilts will be up for bid every Thursday until all are sold.
         This truly amazing effort to end breast cancer has united men, women, and even children, together in a global battle against this terrible disease. Many individuals and organizations came together in spirit, determination, and talent to help support this fight. One such organization to leap head-first into this war against cancer was the Quilting Passion Forum, which compassionately donated nine (9) quilts made by volunteers of the forum’s RRCD (Round Robin Charity Drive) Project, which began in March of 2002.
         This revolutionary, global charity project was the first ever of its kind to hit the Internet. The project provides a unique method of making handmade quilts of the finest quality with minimal effort, time, and expense for its wonderful volunteers. This on-the-leading-edge project was the prototype that set the standard for similar projects that have popped up on other forums.
         The trend to make quilts for charities is positively impacting thousands of lives by giving a spark of hope and something to hang onto during the roughest of times for families suffering from tragedy.
         Keep a close eye on this Web site for an article (complete with interviews from the Coordinator and her Assistant) highlighting the RRCD Project on the Quilting Passion Forum, with its multi-faceted simplicity, later this week!

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    StarOriginal project first published on Quilting Passion by Terry Crawford.

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    Posted in Announcements, News, Projects (Other), Projects (Terry), Quilting Articles (Terry) | 6 Comments »

    Final Thoughts On Placemats

    Wednesday, December 13th, 2006

    Finally, the part we all hate, binding a quilt. For the reversable place mats, the binding has to look good on both sides of the mat. That’s pretty easy if we chose related fabrics in the first place.
    I usually round my placemat corners, then gently fit a bias binding around it. I round the corners by first trimming the mat in to a rectangle, since in quilting I’ve usually distorted it a bit. Then, using a template such as a CD , a saucer or a mug, I cut a curve at each corner. (more…)

    Posted in Projects (Other) | No Comments »

    Placemats and Gifts

    Wednesday, December 13th, 2006

    000_0232.JPGWhen last we left our intrepid heroine… Okay, when last we left our harried seamstress, she was busy putting some holiday gifts together.
    I am finishing some place mats and I wanted to list the guidelines I follow, so well, so other’s don’t make my mistakes.

    I usually buy 1 1/2 yards of fabric each of a front and back . I cut these into 6 22 by 18 rectangles, and sandwich a thin fiberfill batting between.This gives me a generous place mat, big enough to hold plate utensils, table ware and napkin. (more…)

    Posted in Projects (Other) | No Comments »

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