Funtastic Fabrics » How to Quilt

Mark a Quilt with pencils and chalk? Quilting Tips

admin — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:10:16 +0000

Wanted to touch on this subject real quick. I was talking to some quilting friends and we were discussing quilting bo bo’s. I was reminded of one that had happened to one of our customers back when we had our store. It was her first quilt she had ever made and boy was she proud of it. The quilt entered the stage where she was marking out her quilting lines had decided to mark her quilt with a #2 lead pencil rather then pay the extra money for a fabric pencil…well to this day she still can not get the #2 pencil washed out of her quilt. So I figured I would talk about what you should use.

Fabric Pencils, This is what I like to use. If sewing or quilting on dark fabrics you use a light colored one and if sewing or quilting on light fabrics you can use a darker colored one. I personally like using the Sewline fabric pencils, they are a little more pricey but worth it. Remember the fabric pencils are water soluble so therefore a better pick!

Sewline Fabric Pencil Replacement Erasers NEW
US $5.77
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Sewline Fabric Pencil Leads Black NEW
US $5.77
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Sewline Mechanical Fabric Pencil, PINK Leads - NEW!!!
US $11.25
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Sewline Fabric Mechanical Pencil Ceramic Leads Green
US $11.01
Auction Ends: Tuesday Aug-03-2010 12:18:49 PDT
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Fabric Chalk, I have used this a couple of times and it is a great SAFE way to mark your quilt, Chalk just really washes out easy. The mane reason I do not use it is the fact that it does come off easy- seems like I always have to remark the quilt or project I am working on and I hate doing things twice! Clover has some great Chalk options.

Fabric Markers, Unless they say washable I would not suggest using them to mark a quilt, I personally like to use the Fineline permanent ones to draw faces and fun stuff on appliqué work but other then that no parkers for marking quilts.

How to Make Quilt Binding, How to cut Quilt Binding

admin — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 15:18:20 +0000

I have had quite a few emails about making quilting binding and which way do I cut the fabric for the binding. Well for me it really just depends…If I am in a huge hurry(or feeling extremely lazy) to get the project done I go lengthwise with my cuts(the width of the fabric) It does cause more wear and tear on the bindings, especially if it is a well loved quilt that gets thrown in the washer a lot. I personally have never had an issue with any of my quilts but I have seen it happen to others. I suppose one way to avoid this is to wash the quilts on gentle cycle.

The best way is to cut Crosswise grain( These are the threads that run across the fabric between the two selvages, perpendicular to the lengthwise threads or ribs. Fabric stretches more on the crosswise than on the lengthwise grain.) So the theory is with that extra stretch you will get more durability and If you have a thread break down(just imagine when a thread breaks down in your underwear elastic and it just keeps going and going and going) it will stop and cause less damage to the entire side of the quilt.

The third way is to just buy the binding, Moda and Michael Miller have a great selection of bindings. I keep some of Moda’s polka dot binding on hand at all times, especially the black and white- seems to look great in all of the bright quilts. Then of course a pastel binding. I am going to post some videos I enjoy…really a great way to learn binding rathern then trying to learn it typed.

Happy Quilting,
Jen

Moda Kashmir 2 quilt kit top borders binding 9 yards
US $76.50
Auction Ends: Saturday Aug-07-2010 9:09:37 PDT
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Fast Tube by Casper

Also wanted to add a fun free Halloween Wall hanging Pattern I found! Cute and easy. Click Here for free Halloween quilt pattern

Bought the best quilters tool ever- ACCUQUILT GO Fabric Cutter MACHINE

admin — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:11:56 +0000

Accuquilt GO Fabric Cutter Cutting Die Machine HUGE LOT
US $385.00 (22 Bids)
Auction Ends: Saturday Jul-31-2010 20:22:53 PDT
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AccuQuilt GO! 3 1/2" Strip Cutter Die Quilting Fabric
US $79.99
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AccuQuilt GO! Critters Applique Cutter Die Fabric Sew
US $39.99
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AccuQuilt GO! 1 1/2" Strip Cutter Die Quilting Fabric
US $79.99
Auction Ends: Sunday Aug-01-2010 5:04:10 PDT
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AccuQuilt GO! 3 1/2" Strip Cutter Die Quilting Fabric
US $79.99
Auction Ends: Sunday Aug-01-2010 5:04:10 PDT
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Have not had time to update the blog, was out of town Monday and Tuesday..then came home Wednesday to a package I had been waiting for, for awhile….my Accuquilt Go Fabric Cutter. I have wanted one forever but just had a hard time buying one since I kept telling myself I have two good hands that can cut for free! Well… I opened my package I have been playing with it ever since. It is amazing, I cut out over 200 5 1/2′ squares in a little under an hour! One of the things I probably dislike most about quilting is cutting out my quilt…it seems so tedious and I am sure to make at least one cutting mistake and waste fabric. I as usual bought mine on Ebay for about $260.00..which is a steal being they retail for $350.00. It came with three die cutters. I will add the product info below, but I love this machine…I can see many possibilities with many projects plus maybe making some money selling precut squares and such…..I definitely give this machine two thimbles up, this is the best toy for any quilter!!!
Product Info
Features:
*Accuquilt Go dimensions are 17″W x 5″D x 15 1/2″H

* Consistent, accurate cuts;

*Lightweight (only 15 lbs.)

* Portable

* Easy-lift carrying handle ; Comfortable roller handle grip–easy on the hands

* Double roller design for clean cuts

* Magnetic latch

* Rubber feet to grip and hold cutter in place

* Easy-clean, high gloss surface.

Dies: 17 Additional dies are available
What I got with my machine
Die with 3 shapes: square-4 1/2″, square 2 1/2″
half square-2″ finished triangle
cutting mat -10″x 10″
Just ordered the 2 1/2 strip cutter
I will add a store for everyone to view all of the products.
Happy Quilting,
Jen

Clover Puff Quilting Clip Set Review

admin — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:31:26 +0000

CLOVER - PUFF QUILTING/Craft Tool - Sewing - Lge Set
US $5.88 (0 Bid)
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CLOVER - PUFF QUILTING/Craft Tool - Sewing - Sml Set
US $5.88 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Saturday Jul-31-2010 20:59:44 PDT
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CLOVER - PUFF QUILTING/Craft Tool - Sewing - Lge Set
US $5.88 (0 Bid)
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Puff Quilting Clip SetHave you ever wanted to make a puff quilt and find it to seem overwhelming? Well clover has come out with a great new tool that makes it so much simpler to do. I love this simple tool that helps me whip up a puff quilt in half the time it used to. Create 5 different dimensional designs for your projects with Puff Quilting Clips Sets. This “starter set” includes 4 clips, 2 templates (base and top), 1 syringe, and 1 bar. The syringe and bar are used for stuffing and turning fabrics inside out.
You will be able to make wonderful dimensional quilts, here are some of the blocks you will be able to do along with the average puff block.
Product Features
Cross motif
Rose motif
Fluffy puff or biscuit
Clockwise-counter clockwise motif
I do recommend this product! Give the gift of a fun and comfy puff quilt.
Happy Quilting, Jen

The Quilter’s Ultimate Visual Guide by Rodale Ellen Pahl Review

admin — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:16:50 +0000

**NEW**The Quilter's Ultimate Visual Guide ( Hardcover)
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Rodale Quilt Book Quilter's Ultimate Visual Guide A ~ Z
US $24.99
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The Quilters Ultimate Visual Guide by Ellen Pahl Editor
US $10.00
Auction Ends: Wednesday Aug-04-2010 8:19:31 PDT
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The Quilters Ultimate Visual Guide: From A to Z– Hundreds of Tips and Techniques for Successful Quiltmaking
This is a wonderful book! Just picked one up today and I HIGHLY recommend it. If you are anything like me and really need visuals to learn then this book is for you! It covers everything from A to Z by top notch teachers. I see this sitting by my sewing machine and not on the shelf. If you are new, intermediate, or even an advanced quilter this book is still going to be very useful! Pick one up inexpensive on Ebay!
From the Back Cover
Everything you ever wanted to know about quilting!

You’ve hit the jackpot with this quilter’s ultimate answer book. From A to Z you’ll find combined wisdom from a star-studded cast of 60 expert quilters. Lavishly illustrated, this fun “look-and-learn” reference book covers every aspect of quiltmaking:

* Basic quiltmaking techniques
* Hard-to-find information on specialized techniques
* Reviews of tolls and supplies
* Basic quilt types explained and illustrated
* Definitions of terms every quiltmaker should know
* Creativity and inspiration

“This comprehensive book will delight quiltmakers. Don’t even file it on the bookshelf– keep it out somewhere handy because you’ll want to reach for it again and again.”–Pepper Cory, author, designer, and internationally known quilting teacher

“Reading this impressive encyclopedic reference for quilt lovers is like taking classes from 60 top-notch teachers, each offering different areas of expertise. The excellent illustrations make it remarkably easy to understand the many quiltmaking techniques described. The book is an invaluable resource for every quiltmaker!”–Bonnie Leman, founder of Quilter’s Newsletter Magazine and Quiltmaker magazine

About the Author
Ellen Pahl has had a lifelong interest in quilting and sewing. She has been a quilt books editor at Rodale Press for the past six years and lives in Coopersburg, Pennsylvania. Contributors include Debbie Mumm, Lynette Jensen, Marsha McCloskey, Roberta Horton, Jean Wells, Debra Wagner, and Carol Doak.

Charm Packs, What are they?

admin — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:11:28 +0000

Charm Packs are great pre-cut 5″ squares that usually come in packs by collection. They are just so fun and so many different things can be done with them. You really can have a fast quilt top in a day. Although I recommend buying more then 1 pack. I usually get at least three of them and that will get a pretty decent size quilt with adding borders. Possibly the best thing about charm packs are they are cut so precisely that you rarely have to worry about your seams matching up.
Here are some links to some really great Free charm Pack Patterns:
Charm Quilt
Table Runner I love this one!!
Tote Bag

Happy Quilting,

Jen

3 Moda Tweet Tweet Charm Packs 126 Quilt Fabric Squares
US $18.95 (0 Bid)
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Moda Luna Notte Charm Pack 42 5" Quilt Fabric Squares
US $3.28 (7 Bids)
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Fairy Frost Fabric Charms Pack 50 NEW COLORS~ Gift Idea
US $9.95
Auction Ends: Saturday Jul-31-2010 13:32:03 PDT
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3 Moda Woodland Holiday Charm Packs 126 Fabric Squares
US $18.95 (0 Bid)
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Moda Makin' New Friends Charm Pack 42 Fabric Squares
US $4.25 (4 Bids)
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How to Make a Rag Quilt

admin — Fri, 29 May 2009 19:01:52 +0000

I absolutely love Rag Quilting! It is such an easy and unique way to put a quilt together fast! The one in the picture to the left is a twin quilt I finished in one weekend using 7″ squares.

Here is how to start.

1. Chose the size blocks you would to begin with…of course the larger the blocks the quicker the quilt will go. For sanity sake, I suggest going with a minimum of 5″ blocks.

2. Chose your fabrics. You will want to chose fabrics that fray nicely. Cotton Fabrics work well with using a color coordinated flannel middle, but ultimately flannel is the best fraying fabric. Another great choice is to toss some denim in, denim looks great in any rag quilt.

I personally like using at least five different fabrics to get a nice diagonal pattern going, but you can use as little as two or as many as 50. (these do make great scrap quilts to clean up the stash) The quilt above has seven different prints and just for fun I threw in a textured corduroy. For the backing you can pick anything to mixed up squares or the same fabric. I am pretty conservative and usually go with the same backing through out the quilt.

3. Chose your middle fabric or batting(if any at all). If you are using two cottons for the front and back; you really do want to consider a middle(or a sandwich fabric as I like to call it). With cottons I usually go with Quilters Dream Request, which is a low loft batting. You may also decide to go with a color matching flannel middle.

If you are using a cotton front and flannel back….unless you want a puffy quilt you can forgo the middle. If the top is flannel and back is flannel you definitely will not need anything in the middle.

My best advise is to make a couple of blocks and decide for yourself.

4. After you have made all of these important decisions…step four is to simply cut all of your blocks the size you want them(front, back, and middle(if needed). All blocks need to be cut the same size.

5. Now it is time to start putting it all together. What I do is line up the blocks in the order I want and start making a sandwich with all the fabrics I plan on using.

6. Then you need to quilt the squares one by one. You can chose whatever pattern you like. I usually do a simple X pattern but you can chose anything. Hearts are cute but need to be chalked out. Try to leave a 1″ seam allowance around the edges while doing this. If you do not you will want to pick it out with a seam ripper prior to putting the squares together.

7. Next comes the fun part…putting it all together. Here is where I organize before starting…I lay the quilt out on the floor in the design I want, then stack them in rows in the order they are going to be sewn. As I stack I label the rows with post-it notes.

Throughout the whole quilt you will want to use a 1″ seam allowance, this is very important to get the optimal fray. I pick up two blocks from row one and with the backing together and the front of the quilt facing the ceiling and the other front facing the bottom of the sewing machine I start assembling my rows. After I have sewn all the rows together I again lay the quilt out to make sure everything looks good.

Then I take each row over to the ironing board and iron the seams open. and set the rows back on the floor.

Then I pin the rows at the seams two rows at a time. Again you will want to make sure you are putting the backing sides together as you want the frayed look on the front of your quilt. After I have assembled all of the rows in twos, I start the process over by pinning the rows of twos. It is very important to pin as you will find these quilts can get very heavy quick.

8. After all of the rows are assembled and all of the seems pressed open, you will want to sew a 1 inch seam around the entire quilt.

9. Now comes the fraying and probably the most time consuming part of the process. I really suggest using spring loaded scissors. It really will be a lot easier and less stress on your hand. You will want to start fraying the quilt by cutting in 1/4″ to 3/8″ lines as close to your seam as possible, but be careful not to snip past the seam. Don’t forget to do the outer edges.

10. After you have finished cutting the entire quilt go ahead and toss it in the washing machine. This will be a little messy for your machine and you will want to wipe it out with a paper towel afterwards as you will have clumps of fabric in the machine. Then toss it in the dryer. After the dryer you will have a nice warm and fluffy rag quilt. The more you wash it the more it will fray and look gorgeous!

Rag Quilt tip: After removing from the dryer if you are using dark or light fabrics you may see lint all over the quilt. My magic cure is duck tape. I take pieces of duck tape and use it as a lint remover….works like magic!

EARLY SPRING! 36 - 4" COTTON Fabric Squares Quilting
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32 Musical Inspiration 4" Fabric Quilting Squares
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40 ~SHADES OF RED~ 5" FABRIC QUILTING SQUARES #511
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~BRIGHT-046~ 4" Quilt Quilting Fabric Squares
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SOLID SOLIDs Quilt Fabric Quilting Squares Charm Pack
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~BRIGHT-064~ 4" Quilt Quilting Fabric Squares
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~BRIGHT-063~ 4" Quilt Quilting Fabric Squares
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~PEACH-008~ 4" Quilt Quilting Fabric Squares
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~PEACH-013~ 4" Quilt Quilting Fabric Squares
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~PEACH-003~ 5-inch Quilt Quilting Fabric Squares
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Learn how to Quilt

admin — Fri, 29 May 2009 17:44:44 +0000

WARNING…learning to quilt can cause fabric addiction beyond belief!

If you have never even sewn on a machine in your life believe it or not quilting can be accomplished easily. No home-ec skills needed! Quilting to me is just so soothing. I can be stressed beyond belief and sit in front of my cutting table and machine and for whatever reason get lost in my fabric or project.

You really must have a good foundation and the correct supplies. In our quilt shop we offered a beginners quilting class that lasted six weeks and we had our students purchase the Start Quilting with Alex Anderson book. This is a wonderful book, she walks you through everything step by step. From choosing colors to buying the correct supplies. The sampler quilt project in the book is perfect for beginners. Teaches some nice basic blocks with step by step instructions.

I would recommend starting with this book if you do not have a quilt shop near you or if you like learning at your own pace by yourself. It is a very easy simple to follow method.

If you like learning with hands on guidance- Yank out the phone book and look up your nearest quilt shop. Most quilt shops have running classes for beginnersand better yet most quilt shop owners if they do not have a class running aty the time will work with you one on one. I used to love to work one on one with my customers!

Either way whether learning by yourself or at a quilt shop, once you make the commitment you need to find a decent sewing machine with a 1/4 inch quilting foot. Learn your machine before you start any class. Practice on scrap fabric, old clothing anything. Learn to thread the bobbin, learn how to sew a straight line, and just get comfortable with your machine. This will make your experience with your first class or project so much easier.

Happy Quilting,

Jen

Machine Quilting With Alex Anderson NEW!!! Book WE92039
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Fatale Series Kangaroo Dunny-by Alex Anderson NWB
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AccuQuilt GO! 4" Quarter Sq Triangle Alex Anderson Die
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AccuQuilt GO! Bountiful Baskets Fabric Alex Anderson
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Super Simple Quilts 2 with Alex Anderson & Liz Aneloski
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Astro City Local Heroes #1-5 Busiek Alex Ross Anderson
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Alex Anderson Alexandra Quilt Fabric 164B FQ
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Astro City #2 Kurt Busiek Alex Ross Brent Anderson NM
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Astro City #6 Kurt Busiek Alex Ross Brent Anderson NM
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Astro City #1 Kurt Busiek Alex Ross Brent Anderson NM
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Alex Anderson Alexandra Quilt Fabric 163B FQ
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ALEX ANDERSON BEGINNER'S KIT QUILTING KIT
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Rotary Cutting With Alex Anderson
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Neutral Essentials with Alex Anderson
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Beautifully Quilted with Alex Anderson: How to Choose..
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Alex Anderson Alexandra Quilt Fabric 167B FQ
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Alex Anderson's Hand & Machine Applique Quilting Book
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"Cottage Rose" Fabric by Alex Anderson 100% cotton *NEW
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Hand & Machine Applique - Alex Anderson - 2009
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Start Quilting with Alex Anderson 2nd Edition WE30489
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