We were joined today by Kathleen who loves to free machine embroidery using chiffon and gauze and water soluable stuff to create 3D flowers as well as cut-work. Amazing work and you will be able to enjoy workshops with her soon here on the site. For more information about Kathleen visit her own website: www.kathleenlaurelsage.com
Interview Today we meet Christine Porter who started off her [...]
Valerie made this quilt as a gift for friends, with two Ruby Red charm packs from Oakshott and a co-ordinate for the background. The inspiration for the quilt was the modern charm workshop -which you can see by clicking here.
This is where we are today filming; what you may ask? well a great exhibition from the textile artists E.A.S.T. “Between the Lines” is the title of the latest exhibition by E.A.S.T., East Anglian Stitch Textiles. The exhibition is based on the groups’ response to the centenary of the First World War and will run here at the museum until 19th April if you want to visit in person; Corinium Museum, Cirencester for more details about this and other exhibitions running throughout the year.
Out & About Are you a fan of the current [...]
A quick note to say how much I enjoyed the Midsummer Mystery Quilt ... and although it's taken me a little while to finish it, here is a picture of the end result. I am thrilled with it. I'm going to do another one to fit my double bed because I like it so much. This is still available for you to work on - you just need to get a large bundle of 2 1/2" strips, and/or a jelly roll handy and you are ready to start.
Here are a couple of tips which I hope you will find useful: You do need to make sure that when you have two pieces of fabric being sewn together that they start and top together - don't assume that the machine will do that for you because the way the machine works is the top fabric is being pushed towards you and the bottom fabric being pulled away from you; this 'drag' varies on the machine and on the fabrics you are using and a little with the foot you are using. So always hold onto the fabric with a pin or with your hands until you have sewn right to the bottom and if you are using a thread catcher, this will encourage you to do this.
Ann Hill is a tireless supporter and fundraiser for Alzheimer Scotland; one of her recent projects was to arrange to cover the Hampden Park Football stadium turf with quilts -which she did!!!! (and we suggested a really quick and easy pattern for you to make: click here to enjoy: ) Another of her projects has been to produce this book of patterns entitled 'Scottish Quilt Patterns - which contains a wide variety of projects and patterns for you to follow.
Modern waddings do not need to be as densely quilted as vintage quilts used to be - that's why the older quilts are quilted approx every 1"; check with the paperwork/washing instructions that come with your wadding but usually today's option is approx 7-10" apart. Question: I have quilted each (log cabin) block on the diagonal to make squares with the quilting line (does that make sense?).
great use of the selvedges for this handy bookcover. thank you Lyn. If you want other ideas for selvedges you can check out the workshop video with Valerie where selvedges are used in the border: click here:
You need to start with the fabric: some for the top, wadding for the middle and backing fabric; The wadding and backing fabric should be the same size as each other AND they should be larger than the top fabric, by approx 4" all the way round. Layer together with pins or tacking ready for quilting. see layer quilt and bind Click here: You need to quilt the sandwich either by hand or machine: if you plan to work by machine you have two options: free motion: Jennie has a couple of workshops on the website - the first is free motion embroidery - but don't be put off by the title - it will help
and then the second is about free motion quilting: or using the walking foot.: this is really easy to use as it is just another foot and just sews, but fitting it can be a bit of a trick, so here is some help:click here and then you can sew in straight lines or use simple wavy stitching as suggested by Valerie.
Variety is the spice of life and today’s viewing seems [...]
Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed Paula Doyle's video on hand quilting. I was transfixed throughout, her advice and tips so useful, a pleasure to watch and learn.
Thank you Paula and Justhands-on.tv
Yes of course you can - BUT you need to be aware that you need more fabric at the corners to work with than you think you might - so not one to be attempted if you are short of fabric! You can also use more than one fabric - so a double or triple border with a mitre is also possible.