Quilting 180

When To Buy Used Quilting Machines

2010-02-14T16:28:00.000-08:00

Has your quilting machine been giving you more fits than it's worth? Always trying to fix it yourself or taking it down to be repaired? When should you break down and buy a new one? When to buy used quilting machines is when yours is just causing you more headaches than spinning out beautiful quilts.

Finding a used machine can save you a lot of money and time in the long run. Some are in great condition for a fraction of a new machine cost.

Time is of the essence when you want to finish your art work or project and getting a new 'used' machine will allow you to enjoy the craft you love.

Digitized Quilting Designs

2010-02-07T18:02:00.000-08:00

Digitized quilting designs will specialize in patterns for quilting and embroidery work. Both professional and casual quilters can take advantage of these high quality and detail designs.

Online you will find several sites that allow you to download and print digitized quilting designs to your liking. Some are free and some will offer discounts of 5 to 25% off certain patterns.

With digitized designs you can obtain high quality work in feathered patterns, fanned, spun, swirled and complex interlocking designs to give your work of art the detail you desire. The patterns are not only beautiful but they are time saving and easy for quilters to use.

Quilting Books For Kids

2010-01-31T16:56:00.000-08:00

Do you think your children or grandchildren would be as interested in quilting as you are? Do you love to introduce them to new hobbies and interests? If so, you can teach them the wonderful art of quilting by giving them this informative and interesting book on the matter, Quilting Unit Study For Homeschoolers by Maria Peagler, a homeschooling parent and quilt designer.

In this book it will show boys and girls hands-on projects that incorporates math, art, history, economics and other subjects in a fun and enlightening way.

As far as quilting books for kids goes this one is on the top of my list.

General Quilting Instructions For Beginners

2010-01-24T14:30:00.000-08:00

It is great to learn how to quilt. Not only is it an entertaining and fulfilling hobby but you will also be able to bring much joy to others when you present them with such a wonderful item. Quilts make terrific gifts for a baby, parents, grandparents, nieces, nephews and children.

When you decide to take up quilting you will need some general quilting instructions to get you started. There are many great websites online or quilting stores near you that will provide books on quilting with guidelines to get you going. With a little practice you will soon be on your way to making all those gifts for your loved ones and creating beautiful works of art!

The Specialty Of Hand Quilting

2010-01-16T14:54:00.000-08:00

Most quilters consider hand quilting a specialty. A unique form of quilting that is preferred among many newcomers and experienced quilters. Why is this? Because many say they like the connection they have with the cloth itself. It offers a slow but very peaceful pastime for them in something they can accomplish with pride. Hand quilting also allows them more control over each stitch and design especially when working with a tricky or difficult design or project. A hand pieced or hand quilt is truly a work of art with the artist touch making it extra special. If you are a quilter and have not tried it you might consider it if you have the time.

Shop Cotton Quilting Fabric By Category

2010-01-10T11:36:00.000-08:00

Certain quilts require specific fabrics. Shop for cotton quilting fabric by category and design and you can with such a wide selection in stores and online.

A little searching will get you some unique fabrics in cottons and other quality materials with just the right patterns, some being unique and quite rare. But it is all for the perfect quilt that you want to create that will be like no other so it is worth the extra effort, maybe a little more money to spend on the fabrics and materials to get it just right. Others use scrap materials and they come out just fine but some quilts demand to be different.

Quilting Retreats Allow Peaceful Escape

2010-01-03T12:42:00.000-08:00

Are some of you ready to just get away from work, the husband and the kids for a few days? Maybe go somewhere you can enjoy your favorite pastime and not think about or stress about anything? Quilting retreats offers this to so many. A peaceful escape that gives women the chance to catch up on their quilts, create some new ones and enjoy some fantastic company with other like minded folks. A retreat will be like attending show and tell everyday with classes and get-togethers where you don't really have to clean up and all you need to do is show up, quilt, eat and sleep. Sounds like paradise to many moms, aunts or grandmas out there I know.

Circuit Expression Machine Can Be Used With Paper Piecing For Quilting

2009-12-27T16:36:00.000-08:00

Paper piecing for quilting to prevent the fabric from stretching and shifting is very helpful especially when you are using difficult or unusual fabric. It pays off with unique quilts that can be original in design. The Circuit Expression Machine is a tool that can aide in this process for quilting or other crafts such as personalized books, albums and journals. The machine is perfect for paper crafting projects with themed kits for holidays and special events and occasions. Stenciled designs that will allow you to create the quilts that nobody else has with your own special touch. The Circuit Expression Machine can be that added benefit for your quilting needs.

Build Your Own Quitling Frame

2009-12-20T15:13:00.000-08:00

You may be interested in starting up quilting and are gathering up your supplies for getting started. Many people wish to make their own quilting frames. A quilting frame can be made to fit your personal needs such as height or size to aide you best. Some cannot afford to buy a quilting frame of their own. Making one can be affordable for many and suit their needs best in the long run. There is much information to be found online for making your own frame and you can buy one online or in a sewing or quilting shop. Search the phonebook or online for a place near you that can help you out with your specifications and designs which can be laid out for you perfectly.

Christmas Keepsake Quilting

2009-12-13T15:00:00.000-08:00

A quilt for Christmas would be warmly received by all. A keepsake quilting item that is a treasure of a gift. No matter if the design is simple or complicated and difficult a quilt filled with the memories of Christmases past or the design of a tree with ornaments or whatever you wish to do would be a great present to give your grandchildren, children, nieces or nephews. Family heirlooms that would stay in the family forever and always be brought out with all the Christmas decorations after the Thanksgiving holiday. Beautiful and festive designs and patterns can be found online for some inspiring ideas.

Finding Used Quilting Machines

2009-12-06T15:28:00.000-08:00

Finding used quilting machines will save you money and allow you to continue the quilting hobby you so love. Top of the line, brand new quilting machines can cost you up to $10,000 dollars. That is tough on your wallet. Those that purchase new machines are typically in a quilting business. To find one that is much more affordable for you check with your local quilt, fabric or hobby shop. A sewing shop may have one or may know where you can get one. Online do a quick search in the search engines for a used quilting machine. The auction site of eBay is a good place where you can pick one up, sometimes for a great price. Be sure to ask the seller about the machine and how it runs before you purchase.

Keepsake Quilting Catalog and Quilt Shop

2009-11-29T16:34:00.000-08:00

To me the most comprehensive site on the Web for quilting would be Keepsakequilting.com. The Keepsake Quilting cataglog and quilt shop is the ultimate quilters paradise for everything you need. For beginners or long time quilters they have Keepsake quilt kits, patterns, tools and notions, books, kits and fabrics plenty. Have fun making your keepsake quilt as pretty as possible with all the tools, supplies and knowledge you can garner here at this one online store.

Right now Keepsake Quilting are featuring a Christmas Cookie Tree Skirt, a Snowman Family Kit, a Woodland Christmas Kit, Holly Hobbie Medley or a Teddy Bear Parade Quilt. Wonderful designs to put together for the holidays.

Free Quilting Motifs and Designs

2009-11-21T23:42:00.000-08:00

To obtain free quilting motifs and designs turn to online for many resources. One quilting site I found that I like best is victorianaquiltdesigns.com. Here they are very viewer friendly, offering their motifs and designs for your 'personal use only'. You can enlarge or reduce them to the size you desire using a photo copier or your favorite personal computer program. There are bows, butterflies, antique leaves, acorns, hearts, flowers, circles, honeycomb, sunflowers, wreaths, squares, triangles and a multitude of borders for your choosing. A fast and simple way to find all the design motifs you are looking for in your perfect quilt making.

Crafty Quilting Templates

2009-11-15T11:09:00.000-08:00

When making quilts there are many sources for getting templates. Some make their own unique and fun template patterns while others are passed down from one quilter to another.

Online there are some crafty quilting templates you can purchase with a dual purpose. At timelytemplates.com quilters, needleworkers and scrapbookers will love the collection that they have of diamonds, stars, triangles, pentagons, hexagons, hearts and more in all sizes and varieties. These flexible, green plastic templates are easy to use and great for crafts for all kinds. Conventional drafting tools are not needing to make these shapes come out perfect every time.

Cotton Quilting Fabric That's So Much Fun!

2009-11-10T21:07:00.000-08:00

Where else are you going to find all the cotton quilting fabric you could ever want plus many other fabrics that are adorned with gorgeous, unique and fun patterns? The Cotton Shop at thecottonshop.net that's where! This online store is so much fun you are sure to find it as irresistible as I have. You can make anything you want and get as creative as you want when you have purchased the great fabrics at The Cotton Shop. That wonderful quilt you saw hanging in the window or the little girl's pretty pink quilt can now be yours to make for you and your own family. You can be as fun and creative as this fabric allows - and that is a lot!

Gammill Knows The Mechanics Of Quilting Machines

2009-09-06T17:42:00.000-07:00

Got a question regarding a quilting machine? Then turn to countryloftquilt.com where they know the mechanics of quilting machines like no other. What kind of voltage do you need, how long does it take to complete quilts of all sizes, how big of a room you will need to do your quilting in and can custom sized stands be made for a room along with so many other common questions are answered. Does price matter in the quality of a machine? They claim their Gammill machine is better than other machines priced higher for quality, materials, workmanship and features. I am sure you have your favorite quilting machine but trying out the Gammill might be worth it.

Quilting Kits For Wallhangings, Decorations and More

2009-08-31T16:04:00.000-07:00

Some quilts are not meant to be used but seen and admired and awed. Wallhangings, Christmas ornaments or other holiday decorations are just what some quilting experts call real art. Quilting kits for just this purpose are available. At borntoquilt.com they have an abundance of quilting kits to make everyone satisfyed. Their extensive offerings are unique and varied. There are some kits for beginners and advanced quilters. Some kits such as this snow dove ornament are great ways to introduce quilting to a new family member or friend. Loving quilting just started here!

Beginner Quilting Can Lead To Lifelong Pastime

2009-08-24T00:20:00.000-07:00

Beginner Quilting can lead to a lifelong pastime filled with passion and love for creating beauty and awe. It can also lead to some income for you and plenty of pleasure. But beware, we hear that many quilt makers find it hard to part with their beloved works of art. Some fall into quilting by acccident and others pick it up as a hobby or because they love to sew and quilt. Whatever reason you have fallen into quilt making just make sure you have a good time doing it and you will create artwork and design style you can call your own. Even after all these years, you may have that one quilt that is not like any other ever made.

Upholstery Samples For Quilting Fabrics

2009-08-17T14:33:00.000-07:00

There are varying degrees of difficulty in quilting. It depends on the design, fabric, skill, knowledge and what tools you are using. Many people use scrap or found pieces of fabric to incorporate storytelling into their quilt. Utilizing upholstery samples for quilting fabrics is another way to do this. It is not very easy to work with and can fray on the ends but the fabrics are simple to match and you may find something that will work with your creativity. Plus, upholstery fabric would be cheap and easy to get. All you would need is to go to an upholstery shop and ask them for their leftover scraps which most would gladly give you.

Machine Quilting Website For History and More

2009-08-09T11:20:00.000-07:00

Quilting has been around a very long time. In fact, it goes back to ancient times. Some say quilting started with the Egyptians or even the times of the Knights Templar. Quilting began when it was used to reinforce clothing to make them warmer and more durable. Some fascinating facts about the history of quilting come from donnakquilting.com, a machine quilting website that offers plenty of fun and interesting facts. They offer history plus longarm machine quilting services. If you are in need of finishing your quilt project I would check this site out first as it seems to be a very good source to help you complete your work of art.

Breast Cancer Quilting Blog

2009-08-02T20:22:00.000-07:00

I came across a breast cancer quilting blog that highlights the need for breast cancer awareness. Illustrated in this quilt layout is one of four for the Breast Cancer Quilt for the Breast Cancer Warrior Quilts. Members attended the race and created their own square on pink fabric that was given to them or used ones they brought from home. If you go to the blog at allthingscrafty.com you can see her updated progress in putting this quilt together. This is a great way to get breast cancer awareness out there and into the public's mind. This is a disease that needs to be eradicated from our lives.

Photo Memory Quilting

2009-07-28T14:50:00.000-07:00

Using precious photos, original art or mementos and even such items as clothing you can create an heirloom memory quilt. Quilting is special in itself and when you make it personalized then the quilt quickly becomes something to treasure and keep through the ages. You could select black and white or colored photos, any size and use as many as you want. All you would need to do is find high quality photo printing fabric and place the photos in the patterns you desire. Making quilt blocks with these pictures is a great idea or placing them next to other keepsake items is also good. Pick your colors and embroider a special message along side.

Vintage Quilting From Martha Stewart Show

2009-07-20T21:24:00.000-07:00

Beautiful vintage quilts are shown in this video from a Martha Stewart show. Stella Rubin shows off some fantastic quilts from long ago, some more than 100 years old. Stella Rubin's collection shows historic, keepsake quilting that are true treasures. Some have to do with the Centennial Exhibition, some with a fantastic assortment of fabrics and patterns and a dramatic Victorian era quilt that is quite fabulous and rich. Very rare and beautiful quilts she has collected that shows quilting at its very best. Stella Rubin probably has the most sought after collection of quilts that any quilt lover would die to have.

Site Linking You To Free Quilting Patterns

2009-07-13T11:41:00.000-07:00

You can never have enough quilting patterns. Seasoned quilters love ingenuity, fresh and exciting ideas for them to create their next quilting project. Most of them are connected online, and if they are then they have a great resource for them to find everything they want such as patterns, stencils, fabrics, supplies, machines, threads and more. For free quilting patterns they might want to click to freequiltpatterns.info where this site will link you to nearly 1300 other sites that offer free quilting patterns. Thousands of free quilt patterns to choose from? It could keep you busy for a while deciding which direction you want to go with your next project. A quilters dream!

Order Unique Quilting Fabric and Prints

2009-07-05T16:00:00.000-07:00

Tired of making the same old traditional type quilts? The quilting fabrics and patterns are what make them so special and different. If you are looking to order up some unique quilting fabrics, prints and patterns then one very good site to go to is borntoquilt.com. Here you will find plenty if you are looking for something fun and unusual for your next quilt project. Shop at their online store from the convenience of your own home for novelty quilt panels and so much more. This is a great place to shop for those that want something different in their next quilt project. They say if you do not see what you are looking for right away on their webpage, contact them, as they will have what you are looking for!