Check out my blog at www.quilteranonymous.com

I have moved my blog to my web page.  It was moved quite a while ago, but I wanted to encourage anyone who checks out this blog to head to my web page for a blogging that is sure to entertain.  Check it out today.  www.quilteranonymous.com 

The Fiber Nation: New Magazine - Fiber Bytes!

The Fiber Nation: New Magazine - Fiber Bytes!

Quilteranonymous.com

This is my last blog on this site. My webmaster has created a blog that is user friendly if you want to leave a comment or ask a question.  I hope to have video upload very soon to teach lessons on line.  check it out and leave your email so you will be contacted when new posts are available.  The new site is my web page  Quilteranonymous.com    save it on your favorites.  Let me know how you like the new site.

Step out of that rut

More and more machines carry an assortment of decorative stitches.  These stitches can change the look of domestic machine quilting, applique, embellishment or binding.  A great idea is to take a fabric sandwich, two pieces of fabric sandwiched around a piece of batting, and stitch rows of various stitches to see what your machine can accomadate for you.  Now, adjust the width selector and do another row.  Do you notice how that may change your stitches?  Now fool around with the length dial, again you will see a change.  These stitches can be used to give your quilt your own sense of style, you don't have to get stuck in the rut of a straight or zig zag stitch.  When you applique, try a decorative stitch other than satin or blanket stitch.  You will be amazed at the wonders you can accomplish.  It is your quilt, don't be afraid to try something new for you. Once you are comfortable with the stitches, try different weight threads. If you have additional ideas on stitches, be sure to post it in the comments so we can share it with others.

Happy 2012

I feel as though I just welcomed 2011, time flies when your quilting.  So many things to prepare for in 2012.  I have three classes scheduled on thursdays in January.  I am hoping to schedule a trunk show with a well known area artist once I have my classes organized.  Sign up quickly, classes will be canceled if there is low interest.

Quilters Anonymous January Schedule

It’s a Block Party, come and join us as we create a block a month.  At the end of the year you will have a beautiful quilt. Starting January 12, 7pm to 9 pm, $25. Monthly fee for class plus materials and book (Victory Quilts by Eleanor Burns)

Beginner quilting

Come learn all the basics of quilting from choosing your fabrics to sewing your binding.  $25.  Plus cost of supplies and book. Books used “Your First Quilt Book, (or it should be). Class Begins January 19, 7pm to 9pm 

UFO

Come and sew on a project that you need to finish.  Kelly will be available to help with any problems or questions that arise.  January 26, 6:30 to 9:00pm, $25 fee

Limited space.  Call to reserve your spot today 393-6262 if there is enough interest, day classes will be available as well

UFO = Unfinished Fabric Object

Did you finish a UFO this year?  How long did it take you to finish it?  What it makes it so hard to finish some projects and not others?  If you finished one, post a photo. you can send it to my facebook page and I can post it if it doesn't post for you.  I really want to hear about it. 

My unfinished Fabric object of the year is a stained glass quilted wall hanging of the nativity. It consists of three seperate wallhangings. I will post it as soon as I fiqure out where to hang it.    The reason why it took so long to finish?  I kept getting side track by projects my children and grandchildren wanted me to do for them.  Such a sense of accomplishment.  It is so beautifully stunning.

Your Turn....

Quilting 101: Great Hints

Many of us are self taught quilters, or at least we started out that way.  I had my share of mistakes along the way, that's when I decided I wanted to get rid of bad habits and take lessons to improve my quilting.
That was  8 years ago and many many quilts and classes.  I thought a great way to ring in the New Year would be to share important, often overlooked tips with you.

Our First installment, covers your fabric.  I seldom wash my fabric unless it is color fast, in which case I make sure I wash all the fabric... like colors together.Many people like to snip a triangle off the corners of fabric to prevent raveling.  I like to serge my raw edge, before I had a serger I would zig zag it.  It certainly makes it slick to remove from the washer and press, you will want to use some sort of sizing when pressing.  It makes your fabric crisp and easy to work with.  If you don't prepare your fabric in some way, you will likely be trying to detangle the threads from your fabric.

If you are using the fabric for backing, be sure to rip and not cut the fabric, it is the best way to square your backing.  Keep your backing in one piece if you only need one seam.  Make a snip and then rip only one of the salvages off.   Snip and rip both ends off of fabric so it rips all the way across width of fabric on both ends.  Now you should have 3 sides ripped.  Take both ends and butt them up to each other right sides together making sure that fabric is not twisted.  sew down salvage side of fabric to create seam.  Stop about 6 inches short of fabric fold.  Snip on fold and then rip across width of fabric.  Continue to sew down  the seam.  You will now have a backing that is perfectly square.  Rip off remaining salvages.
This is the best way to get a square backing if you only need to piece one seam.
Let me know if you like this technique.... remember to set seam and then press it open.

Have a great Day!