What Are Quilts?
By fthomas | November 15, 2008
Quilts are bed coverings made up of three layers: a quilt top, a layer of batting, and a layer of material for backing. The layers are usually combined using the technique of quilting. Quilting is the process of using a needle and thread to combine two or more layers of cloth. This step may be only functional, or if more elaborate, for decoration and design.
Tying is another method of connecting the layers in quilts together. This method is usually chosen when a quilt is needed quickly for functional purposes. The three layers still need to be prepared and basted. Thread or yarn is used for the process. Square knots are used to finish off the ties, which are placed 3-5" apart all over the quilt. A quilt that is tied is sometimes called a comforter.
Once upon a time quilts were created for necessity. Today creating quilts has become an art form. Gifted quilter's are called fabric artists instead of the outdated seamstress or quilter. Not only are bed quilts popular, but quilted clothing and wall hangings as well. Handmade quilts may sell for hundreds of dollars and hang on museum walls, not just bed frames. Amish quilts from Pennsylvania and Ohio are especially sought after, as are vintage and antique quilts.
If you are lucky enough to have inherited or purchased such an heirloom, taking proper care of it will maintain and perhaps increase its value. Quilts should never be stored in plastic bags, cardboard boxes or wooden trunks. Quilts should be aired at least twice a year, but not in direct sunlight. Very old quilts should be aired flat to avoid stressing the stitches. There is always a risk in washing antique fabric. Spot test it first. If you are using a machine, wash in cold water with a mild detergent and a gentle cycle. Dry your quilt on a flat surface. Using a fan and rotating it will speed up the drying process.
Quilts throughout history tell the stories of their times and makers. This is especially true during the depression when fabric was scarce. Some historians even believe secret messages and codes were hidden in handmade quilts at different times throughout history. One such story relates to the Underground Railroad. A certain quilt pattern would mean it was safe for escaping slaves to continue on their journey. Not all historians believe this theory, however it is true that signature quilts were a popular method of raising funds both before and after the Civil War. Signatures were added after a donation was made. These quilts were also known as friendship quilts.
While not all historians agree on this usage in the past, it is becoming increasingly popular today. Memory quilts and t-shirt quilts are popular and treasured gifts. Technology has even made it possible to add photos to fabric. Quilts are still used to raise money at raffles and charity events. Quilt guilds are being created and growing at a rapid rate, preserving and passing on treasured patterns and techniques.
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Advanced Quilting Techniques : How to Sew Quilt Pieces Together
By admin | November 14, 2008
Final quilting steps. Learn how to sew pieces of quilt fabrics together on a sewing machine in this free quilting lesson from a crafts expert.
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Discovering RJR Fabrics
By fthomas | November 12, 2008
Quilters looking for the best in quilting fabrics need look no further than RJR Fabrics, which is a leader in the fabric manufacturing market, with a niche specialty of the craft of quilting. "Creating Fabrics That Reflect Your Lifestyle" is the company's motto, and most quilters would agree that RJR is extremely successful in fulfilling this pledge. RJR makes high quality cotton fabrics with a 100 percent money back guarantee.
It is difficult to find companies who stand firm in their belief systems in today's world, but RJR Fabrics does this. One of the unique things about RJR is the fact that they refuse to sell their products to the large chains stores. RJR believes that the quilting enthusiast is best served through small, local quilting and fabric shops. The company maintains that these small shops hire employees who understand the craft of quilting and the passion that quilters have for it. Many quilting shops are grateful to the support RJR has shown to small businesses.
Another reason for the success of RJR Fabrics is the quality of their designers. Among them is Lynette Jensen, who designs six collections a year for RJR. Lynette Jensen is the owner of Thimbleberries, a Minnesota-based business, which is the highest grossing quilt pattern company in the nation. RJR is also proud to manufacture the designs of renowned quilt designer and authority Jinny Beyer. She was the first to design a line of fabrics solely for quilting and currently designs three collections a year for RJR, as well as a line of solids. Many consider Jinny Beyer to have revolutionized the quilting industry with her amazing, stylish fabric designs and her ability to connect with the needs of quilters.
Other RJR designers include Susan Branch, who presents the Martha's Vineyard Watercolor Collection, based on her popular series of books called The Heart of the Home. Laura Heine is an award-winning quilt artist who has been working in the industry for twenty years and is the owner of a quilt shop in Billings, Montana. She is also the author of several pattern collections and books. RJR recently announced that their design team has gone international with the addition of Canadian designers Cori and Myra of Blue Meadow Designs. The duo has published several top-selling books.
These designers and their successful lines are indicative of the care RJR fabrics takes in every aspect of their business. RJR connects with its quilt shops with special events like a challenge to selected quilt shops to use one of their new fabric lines to design a special quilt. RJR emphasizes customer service in every aspect of its business, striving to stay connected to quilt shops, designers, and quilters alike. Because they limit their sales to the small shops, RJR truly understands their customer. Combining top-notch customer service with leading-edge design has enabled RJR Fabrics to maintain an enviable reputation for quality in the quilting industry. Contemporary quilters know to look to RJR Fabrics for the best in quality and design.
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Advanced Quilting Techniques : Trimming and Sewing Fabrics for a Quilt
By admin | November 11, 2008
Techniques for joining quilt fabrics. Learn tips for trimming and sawing quilts in this free quilting lesson from a crafts expert.
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All About Hoffman Fabrics
By fthomas | November 10, 2008
For the quilting enthusiast, one of the most important considerations is the choice of fabric. Let's face it; a quilt's beauty is totally dependent on what fabric the quilter chooses. If a quilt is unattractive and doesn't beg you to reach out and touch it, it probably has a lot to do with the fabric chosen to create it. Quilters in the know solve such potential problems by choosing fabrics from companies that they trust. Based in California, Hoffman Fabrics is a company who has proven their value to quilters over many years, since 1924, in fact.
Visit any quilting website that sells fabric and the name Hoffman will pop up. They specialize in high-quality screen-printed cottons and blends. Hoffman also produces hand-painted and dyed fabrics. Every year the company introduces two new lines of fabric, which they call "colorful prints and luscious Balis." They call their fabrics "inspiring" and that is not marketing hype. One look at the abundant richness of the color and designs of Hoffman Fabrics and you will see why they have been adopted by quilters as a must-have cloth. In return, Hoffman has shown incredible support to quilters. This is evident in the Hoffman Challenge, a contest which started in 1987.
Every year, the talents at Hoffman Fabrics choose one of their upcoming fabric designs to feature in the Challenge. Quilt-makers, clothing and accessory designers and doll-makers are then challenged to use the fabric to design an original item. The winning entries are then featured in a traveling show which stops at galleries, museums, shops, and quilting guilds. The first year of the Hoffman Challenge, 94 quilters entered. Since then, up to 700 entries a year have been received. The traveling show itself is so popular that 12 collections now travel nationwide, with some stops in Canada as well.
Besides the Challenge, Hoffman actively promotes the art of quilting in other ways. The company has paired with designer McKenna Ryan of Pine Needles Designs to create patterns based on Hoffman fabrics. Ryan says she likes to use Hoffman batik fabric for appliqu
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What Are Quilts?
By fthomas | November 9, 2008
Quilts are bed coverings made up of three layers: a quilt top, a layer of batting, and a layer of material for backing. The layers are usually combined using the technique of quilting. Quilting is the process of using a needle and thread to combine two or more layers of cloth. This step may be only functional, or if more elaborate, for decoration and design.
Tying is another method of connecting the layers in quilts together. This method is usually chosen when a quilt is needed quickly for functional purposes. The three layers still need to be prepared and basted. Thread or yarn is used for the process. Square knots are used to finish off the ties, which are placed 3-5" apart all over the quilt. A quilt that is tied is sometimes called a comforter.
Once upon a time quilts were created for necessity. Today creating quilts has become an art form. Gifted quilter's are called fabric artists instead of the outdated seamstress or quilter. Not only are bed quilts popular, but quilted clothing and wall hangings as well. Handmade quilts may sell for hundreds of dollars and hang on museum walls, not just bed frames. Amish quilts from Pennsylvania and Ohio are especially sought after, as are vintage and antique quilts.
If you are lucky enough to have inherited or purchased such an heirloom, taking proper care of it will maintain and perhaps increase its value. Quilts should never be stored in plastic bags, cardboard boxes or wooden trunks. Quilts should be aired at least twice a year, but not in direct sunlight. Very old quilts should be aired flat to avoid stressing the stitches. There is always a risk in washing antique fabric. Spot test it first. If you are using a machine, wash in cold water with a mild detergent and a gentle cycle. Dry your quilt on a flat surface. Using a fan and rotating it will speed up the drying process.
Quilts throughout history tell the stories of their times and makers. This is especially true during the depression when fabric was scarce. Some historians even believe secret messages and codes were hidden in handmade quilts at different times throughout history. One such story relates to the Underground Railroad. A certain quilt pattern would mean it was safe for escaping slaves to continue on their journey. Not all historians believe this theory, however it is true that signature quilts were a popular method of raising funds both before and after the Civil War. Signatures were added after a donation was made. These quilts were also known as friendship quilts.
While not all historians agree on this usage in the past, it is becoming increasingly popular today. Memory quilts and t-shirt quilts are popular and treasured gifts. Technology has even made it possible to add photos to fabric. Quilts are still used to raise money at raffles and charity events. Quilt guilds are being created and growing at a rapid rate, preserving and passing on treasured patterns and techniques.
Topics: Quilting | No Comments »
Advanced Quilting Techniques : Sewing Quilt Pieces on Sewing Machine
By admin | November 7, 2008
Tips for sewing your quilt. Learn how to sew pieces of quilt fabrics together on a sewing machine in this free quilting lesson from a crafts expert.
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How to Use Templates in Quilting
By fthomas | November 6, 2008
With the recent increased interest in quilting and other crafts, manufacturers are constantly searching for new products to make quilting easier for busy modern crafters. One of the innovations that has become a necessity is quilting templates. Usually made from sturdy clear acrylic, and designed to be used over and over again, templates make marking and cutting pieces for a quilt block a breeze.
Templates generally have seam line and other markings on them for the convenience of quilters. The best templates are laser cut to ensure exact precision for measurement. With quilting templates, a rotary cutter, and a mat, you can cut the pieces for numerous blocks at one time. Before templates and the use of rotary cutters, a quilter used paper patterns and cut block pieces with scissors, in much the same way that dressmakers cut patterns. For quilters who are often cutting small pieces for blocks, cutting in this manner meant precision in measuring was very difficult. In quilting, accuracy is crucial. One of the frustrations of quilting was making sure the pieces of the quilt block fit together, and with the old-fashioned style of cutting, it was a constant problem. But with templates all such worries are a thing of the past.
Quilting templates are available in every size and shape imaginable. Every geometric shape is represented, and you can buy a set of basic templates for squares and circles and rectangles so you always have them on hand. You can also buy sets of templates for a specific quilt block. For instance, if your daughter is getting married and you want to make her a Double Wedding Ring quilt, you can buy a set of templates for that pattern. Or perhaps your best friend is having her first baby, a son. You want to make a quilt for him, and so you choose a set of templates for a square that looks like an airplane. The options are truly unlimited.
Beginning quilters will want to start with simple shapes such as rectangles, squares and circles. The process is simple-lay your neatly ironed fabric on the rotary mat, place the acrylic template atop it, hold it firmly and use the rotary cutter to trim around the edges. Once you get the hang of it, you can cut several layers of fabric at once. Using templates, you can spend an hour or two cutting pieces for quilt blocks, and get to the actual sewing and quilting so much faster.
Quilters may also want to take the time to browse the web or go to the library or local bookstore for books. Many quilting sites and books contain useful information about using templates, with tips and techniques listed that will make the process even easier. The quilting sites contain are often also laden with photos showing the use of templates in a step-by-step manner, which can be very helpful. Although the process of using templates is simple, there are always trade secrets that can make it even easier.
Investigate the use of templates in quilting today, and you'll find renewed pleasure in your craft.
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080300-1 Home Washi Paper Quilting from Hanko Designs
By admin | November 4, 2008
WPQ009 Home Washi Kit from hankodesigns.com Learn how to make beautiful 3D cards using Washi Paper Quilting technique from Hanko Designs. Other kits, washi paper, and accessories available.
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Choosing And Preparing Fabric
By fthomas | November 3, 2008
Choosing fabric for a quilting project can be as much fun as doing the project itself. Even if to quilters choose the same quilt pattern, different choices of fabric will make each quilt unique. Most quilter's prefer using fabric that is 100 % cotton because they are easier to sew, mark, press and hand quilt. If you are shopping for fabric in a quilt shop you will rarely find fabric that is not pure cotton. Fabrics will also probably be arranged according to colors and print types.
With more experience fabrics other than cotton may be added for variety. Not all fabrics are suitable however. If you are using an unusual fabric for the first time, or want to use different types of fabrics together, try a small test block first. Fabrics of a medium density, with an even weave work well. Loosely woven fabrics are prone to distortion, as are stretch fabrics. Silk, lightweight wool and some plastics may be used with experience.
Both the color and tone of the fabric you choose will influence the overall effect of the pattern that you choose. Tone may be used to create depth and interest with greater effect than when using color alone. Good planning is necessary to achieve the desired look.
Color is greatly affected by the colors around it. Using contrasting colors will make pieces of a quilt block stand out from each other. Combing certain warm colors such as reds, yellows and oranges, in the same quilt block as cool colors like blues, greens or violets, will make them look more vivid.
Combining fabrics with various print scales and styles can add visual texture to your quilt. Interesting visual effects may also be achieved by using colors of graduated values. Printed cotton fabrics are available in many designs and styles including batiks, homespun plaids and florals, tiny-grained prints that look like solids, reproduction prints, and soft flannels. Solid-color fabrics come in just about every color, shade and tint that you can imagine.
Quilt blocks made from fabrics of the same or various shades of one color, but of contrasting textures can create pleasing results. Fabrics with a nap such as velvet, or fabrics with sheen like taffeta also provide interest.
Whatever fabric you choose for your quilting project, you must prepare it properly before you begin. Most cotton fabrics shrink when they are washed and dried. If you do not preshrink your fabric before you make your quilt, the fabrics may pucker at the stitching lines and the finished product may shrink in size the first time it is washed.
To prevent this wash all fabrics first in a washing machine on a short gentle cycle. Use cool or warm but never hot water. You may use a mild detergent, but it is not necessary unless the fabric is soiled. Wash like colors together in case they are not colorfast. Machine dry the fabric and press it with an iron. You are now ready to begin your project.
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