The Neatest Quilt Site

I needed to calculate fabric for an odd pattern I was trying to create. I found this site on Google. I have had more fun playing with this fabric calculator. There's no signing in or signing up. Do yourself a favor and check it out. http://www.vrya.net/quilt/index.php  Click on "Flash Quilt Calculator". I bookmarked this one as I know I'll be using it often.
Enjoy the day.
Joan

Sharing My Quilting Adventures

I'd like to introduce you to my newest pattern on the market, "Native Trails". I like that I only had to choose two colors for this one. Anything over five colors and I have a hard time. Not that I haven't done it. It just takes me forever.
We're still working on my book. Most of the editing is done. Now the pictures are being taken. I'm worse than a kid at christmas time. So excited and finding it hard to be patient.
I'm working on a new southwestern, table runner, design. I live in a snowbird area and this is my time of year, the summer, to create. I use the remainder of the year, when the snowbirds (friends) return to promote, teach, and present lectures. Busy as ever and loving it.
Thanks for visiting.
Joan

How to Make a Quilt Label

 I start with plastic coated freezer paper. This can be purchased at most grocery stores.

Step 1: Lets start with a 6" x 8" piece of freezer paper. Using a black Sharpie marker and ruler, draw lines on the paper side of the freezer paper, 3/8" to a 1/2" apart. Next cut a piece of muslin or choice of fabric used for the label a little larger than the paper.

Step 2: Layer the wrong side of fabric on top of the plastic side of the freezer paper. Using a cotton setting on the iron and the fabric on top press the two together. Note: Be sure that no paper is sticking out from under the fabric. You don't want to get a plastic coating on the iron.

  

                                                      

Step 3: Don't seperate the paper and fabric yet. Using a permanent fabric marker write your information on the label.

A point of interest. I was just told by a woman that helps at a childrens theatre that a Sharpie, fine point, permanent, felt tip marker as shown in the photo above works great and won't wash out. This is the first time I've used it and I haven't tried to wash it. It might be worth experimenting with.

Peel the paper and fabric apart. Hold a hot iron briefly on the writting to help seal it.

                                           

Step 4: Using a rotary cutter and acrylic ruler trim the label. We trim about 1" from the writting on all sides.

                                                

Step 5: It's hard to see in the photo but fold the top and right side of the label to the back about 3/8" and press.

Step 6: Set the label in the bottom left hand corner of the quilt alligning the left and bottom edges of the label with the with the raw edges of the quilt. Pin in place. As shown in the photo above when the binding is turned to the back it covers the raw edges of the label. After sewing the binding to the back and using an applique stitch sew the folded edges of the label to the quilt back. ~

Thats all there is to it. Hoping this makes label making a little easier for you.

Till next time.

Joan

Christmas Tree Napkins

I found this pattern on Lyn Browns blogspot. She doesn't know the origin of it and neither do I.

If you can't print this pattern from here go to http://www.lynbrown.com/ and in her search box type Decorative Tree Napkin. It should come up.

I've decided to make this as christmas gifts for my children, that have families of their own, along with a cookbook with old family recipes. I've seen these made up. They are soooo cute. It's a good way to use up the christmas fabric stash I've been hanging on to.

Enjoy,

Joan

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Sharing My New Web Site and Quilt Pattern

I just had a new web site designed. The woman did a great job as she filled in the bee wings with one of my designs. If you have a chance check it out at http://www.quiltersfun.com/
This is my newest pattern. "Feather Dance". It's a 15-1/2" x 39-1/2" table runner. I had fun with this one. Although I must admit I have fun with most of them.

We're into our typical Arizona summer heat. Yesterday was 110 degrees. Needless to say I'm thrilled that my hobby keeps me indoors.
Thanks for visiting.
Till next time,
Joan

Quilting Strip Piecing and Cutting

In the quilting world strip piecing is where you sew strips of fabric together to create a strata. It can be from two to a number of strips. Then you crosscut the pieced strip into sections of units needed. The picture below shows how I cut a pieced strip. Square up the edge. Set the acrylic ruler at the size you need to cut. In my picture it's 2-1/2". Line up the seams of the pieced strip with horizontal lines on the ruler. Don't use the edges of the strip pieced to line up the ruler. At times the edges are not straight due to pressing, stretching, as you can see in my picture. Using the seam lines as a guide keeps it squared. When the units are sewn to a block or another unit the edges seem to square up just fine. Give it a try. It works.




Thanks for visiting.
~Joan~

Great Quilting Tips

The following tips are some that I've collected over the years. These are from many sources such as books, the internet, or my quilting buddies. I would like to thank all that share their tips with others.
1- Take your favorite quilt book to an office supply store, like Staples, and have them put a
spiral binding on it. It's great to be able to open it flat or fold it back. Last time I did it the cost
was less than $3.00.
2- If you have to remove stitches and some holes remain dampen a Q-tip with warm water and
rub it over the holes. Watch them disappear.
3- To keep thread from tangling around pins while appliquing pin from the wrong side of your
work.
4- Cut and piece one practice block before cutting fabric for the entire pattern.
5- Use the color code on fabric selvedges to coordinate your colors.
6- Store glue sticks in the refrigerater. This keeps them firm and they last longer.
7- Instead of cliping curves use Pinking Shears to trim them.
8- Use a music stand to hold your instructions. I found one at a garage sale.
9- Attach a towel rack behind a bedroom door. Fold your quilt over it when not in use. I must
confess this works better with smaller sizes such as twins. I use my rack to hold my queen
size chenille bedspread. It's not as bulky as a quilt.
I've ran out of tips so I'll close for now. If you would like to share some of your tips contact me at www.jaybeehive@yahoo.com. I promise not to put you on a list or keep your email on file.
Till next time,
Joan