Joining Pieces of Batting for your Quilt

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Greetings Quilter,

Quilters tend to be thrifty.

Well, maybe that is an understatement. Or is it an overstatement?

Anyone who has been around quilters knows that we collect small
pieces of fabric. Some of us have our limits – size of the piece,
color, type of fabric, etc. On the other hand, some quilters keep
every little piece of fabric that comes their way.

But how many quilters save their batting? Maybe the question is "do
you save your batting and know how to convert those small pieces into
larger pieces so you can use them in a quilt?"

For years when I began quilting, I bought only the size batting I
needed. The leftover batting became stuffing for pillows, little
fabric animals, or any other thing I needed some stuffing for.

It never occurred to me that I could piece the batting and use it in
a quilt.

That notion came to me via a workshop. The teacher mentioned that she
always purchased the largest piece of batting she could, and then
saved what wasn't used for other quilts.

Hmmmm… Sounded nice, but how do you keep the batting from bunching up
inside your quilt?

Turns out, you can sew it together – almost like you do your blocks.
And, as usual, there are several different ways to piece your batting.

The easiest was brought to us by way of an Eavesdrop on a Telephone
Conversation with Bonnie Hunter – who saves everything because she
loves to make scrap quilts.

Her method is to overlap the batting slightly and then zigzag down
the overlap. Because the batting is somewhat puffy, and it is
getting tucked inside the quilt and quilted, there really is no
ridge or stiffness where the batting overlaps.

Of course, you probably will zigzag a very wide and long stitch –
not one of those you might have used for machine appliqué when we
were making those tunnels of thread.

There are a couple of other methods for overlapping batting that
you'll discover when you visit:

http://how-to-quilt.com/articles/3010-piece-batting.php

Happy Quilting!

Penny Halgren
www.How-to-Quilt.com
www.TheQuiltingCoach.com

P.S. Which method you use will depend not only on preference but
the type of batting you are working with.

http://how-to-quilt.com/articles/3010-piece-batting.php

P.P.S. For additional resources, check out my blog:

http://quilterpenny.wordpress.com/

You'll find all the daily emails so you can search for articles
about tons of quilting topics!

P.P.P.S. Find answers to your Frequently Asked Quilting Questions:

www.AskPennyHalgren.com
www.How-to-Quilt.com
www.TheQuiltingCoach.com
www.QuiltBlockLibrary.com

7925 Pasadena Ave.
La Mesa, CA  91941

QUILTED ORNAMENT WITH NO SEWING

I just ran across an awesome video on how to make a quilted ornament with "no sewing."  Now that's great quilting.
QUILTED ORNAMENT

Come join me on CRAFTY

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Penny has the answer to : Easy Quilt Blocks

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Greetings Quilter,

Whether you are a beginner quilter or a quilter with more
experience, sometimes it's just nice to sew a quilt that is
fairly easy, and goes together quickly.

One year I needed to make a quilt in about 2 weeks for my
cousin who was headed for some major surgery.  In order to
finish the quilt, I decided it would need to be a simple 9
patch – with fairly large squares.

It ended up being a scrap quilt, and I used bright, cheerful
colors.  With speed piecing techniques and simple machine
quilting, the quilt was finished in less than 2 weeks – and
I had small kids around, too.

Many of my baby quilts were heart quilts – simple hearts
machine appliquéd onto 4 inch squares of fabric that were then
sewn into a quilt.  I changed the placement of the hearts,
adding sashing, sometimes placing the squares on point to make
the quilts more interesting.

Often I made really simple 9 patch quilts with alternating
colors – like a checkerboard or offsetting the checkerboard
9 patch with a solid square of fabric.

Using that concept, you can make quite a variety of quilts
simply by changing the placement of the colors and fabrics
in your quilt.

Your quilt block doesn't need to be a 9 patch either.  There
are some interesting and fun quilt block designs using just
squares in a 4 patch, 5 patch, or 7 patch block.

To see some of these designs, and get an idea about some basic
shapes of patches that you can use for simple quilt designs, visit:

http://www.how-to-quilt.com/articles/1101-beginner-quilting-block1.php

Happy Quilting!

Penny Halgren
www.How-to-Quilt.com
www.TheQuiltingCoach.com

P.S.  Many of these quilts can be made using some speed piecing
techniques, too.  You aren't really cutting and sewing all of
those small square patches, which means the quilt top can be
finished in a snap.

http://www.how-to-quilt.com/articles/1101-beginner-quilting-block1.php

P.P.S.  For additional resources, check out my blog:

http://quilterpenny.wordpress.com/

You'll find all of the daily emails so you can search for
articles about tons of quilting topics!
www.How-to-Quilt.com
www.TheQuiltingCoach.com
www.QuiltBlockLibrary.com

7925 Pasadena Ave.
La Mesa, CA  91941


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Making a Quilt Sandwich

Image by Jalsoli via Flickr

PENNY HAS THE ANSWERS TO ALL THE QUESTIONS NEWBIES LIKE I HAVE:
Greetings Quilter

Lunch time?  No, not really!

Making a quilt sandwich has nothing to do with putting a tasty
treat between slices of bread.

It has everything to do with making progress on your quilt and
getting it ready to sew beautiful quilting stitches.

Whether you are machine quilting or quilting by hand, layering
your quilt correctly can make the difference between smooth
layers and sewing puckers and tucks into your quilt.

Many quilters freeze when it comes time to layering a quilt.
But knowing just a few techniques will make it easy to
accomplish and ensure that your finished quilt will be
beautiful and pucker-free.

One of the most important things is to make sure that all of
the wrinkles are removed before you add the next layer.

As I quilted my first quilt, I discovered that the batting and
backing layers tend to shrink.  I'll probably never understand
why that happens, but it does.  As a result, I make sure that
the backing and batting extend at least 2 inches beyond the
quilt top.

Once all of the layers are smooth and centered, it's time to
baste them together.  This step is very important and will help
keep the puckers and tucks out of the back of your quilt as you
sew your quilting stitches.

You'll find tips for layering and basting, including a video,
here:

http://www.how-to-quilt.com/articles/5105-quilt-sandwich.php

Happy Quilting!

Penny Halgren
http://www.how-to-quilt.com/
http://www.thequiltingcoach.com/

P.S.  You'll also see what happens when your basting isn't
quite good enough:

http://www.how-to-quilt.com/articles/5105-quilt-sandwich.php
http://www.how-to-quilt.com/
http://www.thequiltingcoach.com/
http://www.quiltblocklibrary.com/

7925 Pasadena Ave.
La Mesa, CA  91941


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Brand New Quilting Resource from Alex Anderson

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Greetings Quilter,

Alex Anderson has done it once again!

This time she is sharing her techniques for hand and machine
applique - 6 different techniques in all!

My first quilts were hand applique quilts, and I barely knew one
technique.

I probably started with applique quilts because I didn't
understand traditional quilt blocks, yet loved the idea of
working with fabric and enjoyed seeing "pictures" created in
fabric.

I spent hours on each one of these quilts getting the applique
pieces so they had nice, smooth curves and sharp corners where
they were supposed to have sharp corners.

Way back then, I had nobody to guide me or show me any
techniques that would make my applique easier and more beautiful.

I just did the best I could.

The stitches holding the applique pieces onto the background
fabric were large, clunky, and fairly far apart - not nice tiny,
hidden stitches that would hold the pieces firmly in place.

The inside points were trimmed so close that I had to put extra
stitches to be sure that the fabric didn't fray. Those stitches
looked horrible, but I didn't know of another way to solve the
problem.

Then there was my machine applique.

Maybe you've seen it (or done it yourself) - those wide zigzag
stitches that create a mountain of thread around the outside of
your applique piece, and (if you are really lucky) might not
gather your fabric up inside them.

I wasn't so lucky or talented. Most of my machine applique
quilts had a ridge of fabric that was stuck to the mountain of
zigzag stitching around the fabric piece.

Since my early days of applique, I have picked up some
techniques that have helped, like:

* using freezer paper to shape the pieces

* taking tiny running stitches to gather the fabric around the
curves

* using tear away paper under my machine applique


I am still challenged by hand and machine applique, and once I
began making traditional patchwork quilts, I put applique aside.

But with Alex's new resource, I may just take it up again. After
all, I really do love to create pictures with quilts, and
sometimes it's more fun (and easier) to use applique instead of
piecing patches.

Plus, I have a Mickey Mouse quilt still waiting for me, and the
design is entirely hand applique.

Because this is a brand new resource from Alex, the publisher is
waiting for us to tell them how many we want, and I want to be
sure that your copy is included.

We are taking reservations just today and tomorrow - Wednesday.

After midnight Pacific Time Wednesday, August 5, the door closes
and our order will be placed.

Head on over right now and reserve your copy.

http://www.how-to-quilt.com/alex-applique.php

With the brand new techniques in hand and machine applique, we
will learn from Alex, our quilts will be easier to make and
more beautiful.

Who knows?

Maybe we will be inspired to applique some fun designs on top of
a pieced quilt!

Happy Quilting!

Penny Halgren
www.How-to-Quilt.com

P.S. Remember, the deadline is tomorrow - August 5 - reserve
your copy now before you get distracted by your current quilting
project:

http://www.how-to-quilt.com/alex-applique.php

www.How-to-Quilt.com
www.TheQuiltingCoach.com
www.QuiltBlockLibrary.com

7925 Pasadena Ave.
La Mesa, CA  91941


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Machine Quilting Unleashed

Image by The Library of Congress via Flickr

Greetings Quilt Block Maker

Are you among 42.9% of quilters whose biggest challenge in
finishing a quilt is deciding whether to machine quilt or
hand quilt?

==================

You are receiving this information because you signed up
for Understanding Quilt Blocks from
www.QuiltBlockLibrary.com.

If you would like to unsubscribe, go to the bottom of this
email and click on the link to Unsubscribe.

===================


Do you already know that you want to machine quilt your
finished quilt, but can't decide what design to use to
quilt it?

Or, maybe you already have the machine quilting design all
picked out, but lack the confidence to put the quilt to the
sewing machine needle and thread and do some stitching - the
machine quilting way.

I've been quilting for more than 26 years.  Yet every day I
used to look at stacks of unfinished quilts.

The quilt tops were finished, and I wanted to quilt them,
but, like so many other quilters, I lacked the confidence in
my machine quilting skills, and didn't want to ruin the quilt
that I had spent hours so carefully stitching together.

It wasn't that I was just guessing that I would ruin a quilt
if I machine quilted it. I had actually ruined one!  

And another one was embarrassing.  

But quilting daughter, Stephanie, designed the quilt when
she was in first grade and didn't care what the back looked
like; she wanted it hanging on her wall.

After those few disasters, I dismissed the idea of machine
quilting for years.

But then the stack of unfinished quilts began to grow.

I called around looking for some machine quilting help, and
discovered that a friend of mine who I had lost touch with,
had become an expert machine quilter. So I enlisted her help.

Using tips from her experience, I was able to spend some
time practicing with my machine quilting and gain the
confidence I needed in order to machine quilt a lap size
quilt and get started quilting other quilts in my stack.

And you can, too.

All of the details are here:

www.MachineQuiltingAdventure.com

Happy Quilting!

Penny Halgren
www.QuiltBlockLibrary.com
www.MachineQuiltingAdventure.com

P.S. Using this fabulous quilting resource, you will know
how to sew triangles together perfectly, add borders that
"square up" your quilt, and make matching bias binding.
All of that in addition to seeing how to machine quilt
on your home sewing machine.

www.MachineQuiltingAdventure.com

Hobbs Holdings Unlimited, Inc., 7925 pasadena ave, la mesa, CA 91941, USA

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Embroidery Heaven

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If you embroider, make sure you check out Embroidery Library. I just found a design I have been looking for and I can't wait to get started. It is a canvas beach bag with hummingbird embroidery. I hope my machine is up to it.
Embroidery Library has free designs and, like it says, a library full of designs. If you can't find the design you are looking for go there and look, I bet you will find it or one close enough to suffice.

Really love to sew? Take a look now...

	An offer from Threads and The Taunton Press. If you cannot read the information below, click here.
Ever wish you could sew clothing that fits, flatters, and suits you to a "T"? Then Threads is for you. It's your trusted guide to sewing clothes that make you feel like a million bucks! Subscribe and see how you can sew with ease and style! Threads is packed with up-to-the-minute fashions, useful techniques, and expert advice -- all geared to help you improve your skills as you stretch your creativity. Now you can... • conquer the basics • master advanced techniques • sew like a pro • create one-of-a-kind clothing • get in on trade secrets Every issue is packed with exciting ways to use your fabric stash, from the sheerest chiffon to the newest stretch materials to cozy faux fur. Plus all the latest on: • today's best sewing gadgets • really cool bags and accessories • unbiased pattern reviews • foolproof tips and more

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How-To-Quilt.com

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Greetings Quilters,

Whether you are just thinking about learning how to quilt,
are an experienced quilter, or are somewhere in between,
this site is jam-packed with great information to make your
quilting journey fun and inspiring.

Start with Patterns.

Click on the "Free Quilt Patterns" Link on the sidebar and
discover an extensive list of the most popular quilt block
and quilt patterns.

http://www.how-to-quilt.com/patterns/free-quilt-patterns.php

Sign up for the monthly newsletter.
Your monthly newsletter subscription comes with a link to
10 new traditional quilt block patterns each month.  Some
of them are fairly easy, white others are a little more
difficult.

These monthly quilt block patterns come with templates,
layouts and rotary cutting instructions making it easy for
you to get started.

Create a block and add it to a sampler quilt.  Or sew many
blocks with the same design and create a quilt for a friend,
family member, or yourself!

Most of all Have Fun with your Quilting :-)

Watch your email Inbox for frequent notices about updates to
the site, and information to make your quilting life easier
and more fun.

Generally, the emails will come marked from
"Penny@How-to-Quilt.com."  Add that email address to your
Approved e-mail List so it will fly by the Spam Filters.
You don't want to miss even one notice from How to Quilt.

And speaking of Spam Filters, we have switched to an online
version of the monthly How to Quilt Newsletter, to ensure
delivery.  Click on the link in the email, and go directly
to the monthly newsletter - in full color!

Enjoy, and Happy Quilting!

Penny Halgren

www.How-to-Quilt.com
www.TheQuiltingCoach.com
www.QuiltBlockLibrary.com

7925 Pasadena Ave.
La Mesa, CA  91941

EVERYTHING AMAZON AND EBAY

Image by Abed Dodokh via Flickr

EVERYTHING AMAZON AND EBAY
I am patiently waiting for my new sewing machine to be delivered. (OK, that's a lie) I'm impatiently waiting....not that they are not great with their shipping, because they really are, especially many of the independent vendors. I ordered something for my son's birthday on a Sunday and it got here on Wednesday, who can beat that?

My impatience is attributed to the creative ideas that are flowing through my head that I can wait to begin sewing. I am so ready to do some serious sewing and QUILTS just keep flying through my mind. I have ordered one of those new machines that are computerized and I got it at a "steal" on amazon. I should have done their overnight shipping but I didn't know I was going to be so impatient. I just can't wait to write a review about it and to try out all the new gadgets that come with it. I am at the age now where threading a needle is nearly impossible and when my daughter got her new machine and I saw that it had automatic threading and bobbin dropping, I just couldn't resist. When I get something creative in my mind, postponing gratification is very difficult, so I impulsively bought this machine and I can't wait to make new curtains, table runners, pillows and then move on to some quilt wall hangings.

My mother and all of her sisters used to make quilts when I was young. They were members of the Woman's Group at the church we belonged to, and I can still see the little shapes they had cut out and then sewed together. I wish my mother was here to see all the new tools that actually make things so easy, plus all the places you can buy the material with the cuts already done. See, I wasn't kidding, I'm so excited...so channel; all your energies toward me for it to come, miraculously early so I can get started.

When you get an urge like this, go right to Amazon.com or Ebay.com and find what you are looking for and make sure you read the reviews on the products to help you decide based on what others have to say, and remember EVERYTHING AMAZON AND EBAY for quality, price and the views of people that care about what you buy.

QUILTING THROUGH THE WORLD

Image by craftapalooza via Flickr

Just getting into Quilting, I was searching online for information and ran across this great website and wanted to share it with you. The Quilters TV Show . You can see step by step how to create a quilt from beginning to end. You can also sign up for their newsletter there. Great sight and lots of tips for making everything easier. The tools are great.

THE WORST CHRISTMAS GIFT EVER!

Image by Ennor via FlickrLooking for last minute ideas to finish up your homemade Christmas gifts this year. Don't forget to check out e-patterns. Find the perfect project in whatever medium you choose, knitting, crocheting, sewing, paper craft, beading, quilting, cross stitching, or plastic canvas. There is nothing as nice as a homemade Christmas gift, especially an ornament, although according to my som, the worst Christmas gifts ever are handmade ornaments. What do I make every year for Christmas...homemade ornaments. Fresh kid, huh?

SIMPLE SEWING PROJECTS TO KEEP YOU STYLISH

25 CraftStylish Sewing Projects - plus free shipping