PATCHWORK/QUILTING: QUILTING GLOSSARY (FAVE CRAFTS)

Quilter's have a way of using words as both a noun and a verb (e.g., a quilt, to quilt).  It can get a little confusing at times.  Hopefully, this Glossary will eliminate some of the confusion.

PATCHWORK/QUILTING: AMERICAN QUILTS OF THE 19TH CENTURY (FABRICS; LAURETTE CARROL)

Quilts are the artistic heritage of the American Woman.  From 1780 - 1890 , American quiltmakers produced a plethera of designs; those designs were the foundation of future patchwork and quilted creations.  Quilt making was a necessity during that period, not only for the needed bedding, but also to satisfy the need to create.  Producing bedding is no longer a necessity, but creative expression will always be a necessary part of our life.

PATCHWORK/QUILTING: INTERNATIONAL QUILT FESTIVAL OF IRELAND

If you've been giving thought to visiting Ireland, this festival might help in the decision making.  If you do go...send us a postcard or two.  Just don't get too uppity about your being there while the rest of us aren't.

PATCHWORK/QUILTING: THE HISTORY OF ALBUM QUILTS (FABRICS; LAURETTE CARROLL)

I think all American women should be aware of our artistic heritage...patchwork and quilting.  The patterns and designs found in quilts dating from the 1780 to 1830 were the creative expression of our foremothers.  Patchwork and quilting continue to be an important creative opportunity, and there's no doubt that it always will be.

Click here for an interesting account of album quilts, in addition to a wide variety of informational materials pertaining to all types of sewing activities.

TUTORIAL/FREE DOWNLOADS: LOVE EMBLEM QUILT (ANNAMARIA HORNER)

Can't imagine a finer (or more appreciated) Valentine's Day gift than this quilt...it says it all.  The tut is excellent, so even beginners won't have hassles.  Thanks to the downloads, you won't have to worry about inaccurate templates. 

Click TUTORIAL/FREE DOWNLOADS (above) to begin this loving gift.

FYI: PRE-WASHING FABRICS BEFORE QUILT MAKING (CRAFT NECTAR;WEEKS RINGLE)

I love it when someone agrees with me! I'm a huge promoter of the 'wash before cut' theory of quilt making. All it takes is one hunk of fabric that bleeds into adjoining colors to convince you of the value of pre-washing (been there, done that). Another plus...soft, supple fabric (no sizing) is easier to cut and stitch. When the top is pieced, I press using a spray sizing (NOT starch), and the fabrics look like they did on the bolt...plus, they don't wrinkle, regardless of how many times the top is scrunched and twisted when quilting.

Click FYI (above) to see rather graphic examples of the value of pre-washing.

FYI: WHAT'S A FAT QUARTER (IMAGINE FABRIC)

NOOOO, it's not what happens when you chump your way through a bag of M & Ms. It's a measurement of fabric. Quilters came up with this clever measurement to save money (and space) while accumulating a variety of prints and colors. Fat quarters are great for paper creations when fabric can be substituted for paper (think greeting cards, album covers, scrapbook pages, ATCs, post cards, covered boxes, etc.). Many stores feature bundles of color-correlated quarters...how neat is that?

Click FYI (above) to read and learn.