(JAN 2014) "Battings: Middle Layer Key to the Look of Your Quilt"
An online article by Addy Harkavy, this article is an easy read and explains the differences between cotton, wool and poly batting; discusses the "to wash or not to wash" question; and provides the results of her (albeit not scientific) attempt to test differences between battings. Some quilters use the same batting for every project but that only works if you repeatedly do the same sort of quilting ... if you are expanding your horizons, you might be surprised what a different batting can do for you .. and your finished projects.
(JAN 2014) Perfectly Excellent Binding Corners
Checking out Joan Ford's website (she'll be our February 2014 guest quilt teacher), we stumbled on the single best description and photo illustrations for how to sew -- well, Perfectly Excellent binding corners. No matter if you are doing right angle, 90 degree turns or being fancy with 60 degree. This is one trick of the trade that we'll not forget to apply from this moment forward.
(DEC 2013) BEGINNER'S SPECIAL: Quilting for Dummies, the Cheat Sheet
You can purchase the book but this FREE online Cheat Sheet is a great way to get started. It includes a shopping list of the typical tools and supplies needed to quilt (although we'd recommend you take a class or talk to a Guild member first so you don't over spend); a table of common fabric cuts and yardages for quilts; and a glossary of terms to put you on an even keel when you start talking options with other quilters.
(DEC 2013) How to sew a curved seam without pins
"Okay, I was a sceptic," was how this review started. Although the demonstration is for a Curve Master presser foot, any sewing machine foot with a solid 1/4" bar for quilters would work. The demo shows you how to feed curved fabric using such a foot. It is all in the technique. You might (probably will) need to practice a time or two but that will be time well spent if it means you'll never have to pin curved seams again in your lifetime!!
(NOV 2013) Tips for machine quilting a large quilt
The Modern Quilt Guild has a simple explanation for how to plan and machine quilt a large quilt using quadrants. Doing the work in blocks while turning the quilt at the finish of each one, before starting the next, keeps the bulk out of your way. Simple tips are often the most effective! http://themodernquiltguild.wordpress.com
(OCT 2013) On-line quilt tutorials
The Craftsy website features tutorials and quite a few free classes. Although some classes are fee-based, a lot of them are discounted. One Guild member from Patchwork Garden Chapter says she has found them quite easy to follow -- especially now that she has her compter in the same room as her sewing machine! Check them out at www.craftsy.com
(JUN 2012) On-line Fabric Calculator
There well may be others, but this website calculator will give you at least a best guess for how much fabric to purchase:
(JUN 2012) Standard Mattress and Block Sizes
We cannot back track to find the original, but this chart was on a couple of websites so we copied it here to make it easy to print. It includes measurements for standard mattress sizes (crib to king) and then a chart to help you determine the number of blocks needed, based on the size of block you want to use. Sizing Chart
BEGINNERS! YouTube Free-Motion Quilting Tutorial
Patsy Thompson's four-part tutorial will help the beginner get started to free-motion quilting starts with clear instructions on how she prepares quilts by spray basting layers. Her clear, no nonsense instructions are encouraging and realistic. www.youtube.com/watch?v=39I5A3iyCtw
Quiltropolis, an online clearinghouse for all things involved in quilting.
CB (Allamanda) found exactly the fabric she needed to finish a project when she couldn't find the fabric locally. "After browsing through the online fabric offerings, I still couldn't find what I needed. They have a process where you can submit your fabric request, and the request goes out to all their member quilt shops across the country. The quilt shops then get back to you via email to let you know whether or not they have the fabric. I was very fortunate to find a shop in Minnesota who had some of what I needed, and she was willing to order the other fabrics for me even though I only needed a half yard of each! Amazing!" www.quiltropolis.com
(Jan 2012) The Quilt Show, featuring links to Alex Anderson & Ricky Timms
RB (Allamanda) says "I got some real great help from this site and I am just a beginner in quilting." www.thequiltshow.com
About.com's very own Janet Wickell
Janet collaborated with her sister Donna to write Quick Little Quilts. She authored Easy-to-Make Dollhouse Quilts, a collection of foundation pieced minis, Teach Yourself Quilting, a reference for beginning to experienced quilters and The About.com Guide to Quilting. Janet was the freelance writer for numerous Rodale Press quilting books and she has contributed to many other books and patterns. She also teaches workshops on quilting and hand marbling on fabric. quilting.about.com
YouTube Demonstration of Paper Piecing
This easy to understand 10-minute video takes the viewer through the steps involved in paper piecing. Great clip for beginners.
