Funtastic Fabrics » Quilting tips

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
Auction Ends: Saturday Jul-31-2010 14:49:24 PDT
| Watch this Item

Sewline Fabric Pencil Leads Black NEW
US $5.77
Auction Ends: Monday Aug-02-2010 15:01:11 PDT
| Watch this Item

Sewline Mechanical Fabric Pencil, PINK Leads - NEW!!!
US $11.25
Auction Ends: Monday Aug-02-2010 19:13:23 PDT
| Watch this Item

Sewline Fabric Mechanical Pencil Ceramic Leads Green
US $11.01
Auction Ends: Tuesday Aug-03-2010 12:18:49 PDT
| Watch this Item

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.

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
| Watch this Item

AccuQuilt GO! 3 1/2" Strip Cutter Die Quilting Fabric
US $79.99
Auction Ends: Sunday Aug-01-2010 5:00:47 PDT
| Watch this Item

AccuQuilt GO! Critters Applique Cutter Die Fabric Sew
US $39.99
Auction Ends: Sunday Aug-01-2010 5:04:07 PDT
| Watch this Item

AccuQuilt GO! 1 1/2" Strip Cutter Die Quilting Fabric
US $79.99
Auction Ends: Sunday Aug-01-2010 5:04:10 PDT
| Watch this Item

AccuQuilt GO! 3 1/2" Strip Cutter Die Quilting Fabric
US $79.99
Auction Ends: Sunday Aug-01-2010 5:04:10 PDT
| Watch this Item

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

The Clover Yo Yo Maker for Crafts and Quilts

admin — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:10:07 +0000

Large Shamrock YO-YO MAKER Clover -Finshed Size 1 3/4 "
US $8.29
Auction Ends: Sunday Aug-01-2010 1:58:45 PDT
| Watch this Item

Quick Yo Yo Maker (Extra Large) By Clover Item # CL8703
US $6.25
Auction Ends: Sunday Aug-01-2010 7:22:48 PDT
| Watch this Item

Quick Yo Yo Maker (Round Jumbo) By Clover Item # CL8708
US $8.75
Auction Ends: Sunday Aug-01-2010 7:23:07 PDT
| Watch this Item

Quick Yo Yo Maker (Round Large) By Clover Item # CL8701
US $5.75
Auction Ends: Sunday Aug-01-2010 7:33:29 PDT
| Watch this Item

If you love making yo yo’s this is a must quilting gadget to get. I love it and am addicted to making these. With the yo yo maker I can now make a little over 30 yo yo’s an hour while watching TV or sitting outside. What I love most is now all of my yo yo’s actually come out the same size for the first time ever! Even if you are a novice this is such an easy tool to use!

I have all of the yo yo templates and the jumbo size yo yo maker is probaby my favorite one as I am hoping to eventually do a complete king size quilt. and the larger yoyos will help me accomplish that quicker. Here is a complete product description and dont forget to try and find one on Ebay as that is where you will more then likely find the best price!

Product Description
Quick and easy to make nice shape yo-yos. Simply stitch yo-yo’s together into various kinds of handwork. This template is perfect for embellishments for covers, table runners, bags and more.

If you like making yoyo dolls, pillows, quilts, or any other yoyo craft this is a must.
Happy Quilting!
Jen

Electric Quilt Software

admin — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 19:56:41 +0000

Well I have to admit that designing a quilt on your own can be mind boggling. I have tried it on my own a couple of times and really never had the perfect results I would like. I highly recommend and use the Electric Quilt Software. I have EQ6 and it is absolutely wonderful. Over 4300 different blocks and what I like most is once you pick your block size you can have many different blocks in the same quilt and it gives the look of a sampler.

Probably one of the best features is you can pick a block by difficulty. Therefore if you really need to get a quilt out quickly as a gift you can chose the easier blocks vs the difficult.

Another great feature are the scanned in fabrics, that on top of laying out your quilt you can also see what your quilt will look like. You can search the fabrics by Manufacturer, color, or category. Even if you cant come up with the perfect match you will more then likely find some thing close.

Once you are all finished designing you print out your directions and are ready to go. It will tell you how much yardage you need down to how to rotary cut the quilt blocks.

It is also pre-loaded with some easy quick patterns the you can customize.

I can just go on and on about this software. It is certainly worth every dime and probably the best investment in software a quilter can make!

Happy Quilting,

Jen

No items matching your keywords were found.

How much Fabric to buy for your Quilt Backing

admin — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 19:52:26 +0000

Here is the general rule for buying your quilt backing by quilt size. Keep in mind your quilt may not fall into the official size and you may need adjusted a bit.

The sizes below are the average sizes of finished quilt tops but they can vary. Always measure your finished quilt top first. If you want to buy the backing while buying the fabric for your top. I do suggest getting at the least a 1/2 of a yard more then what your pattern will call for when pre-buying the fabric before finishing the quilt.

Always keep in mind that you should add at least 3″ on all sides of the backing because as you quilt your top the backing will shrink with your quilting.

Another tip to keep in mind is if you are using a long arm quilter to do your quilt and not quilting the top yourself always ask them how many inches around the backing they prefer. Most prefer at least 4″ of extra fabric all around the quilt. Example: finished quilt top is 40″ x 60″ then you would want your backing to be 48″ x 68″.

Here is the chart we used at our shop and it worked out very well. This chart is based on 44/45″ fabrics and piecing them by the length(I will give the horizontal piecing too)

Crib average is 36″ x 45″ and yardage for vertical piecing is 1 3/4 yards by the length, and I do not recommend horizontal piecing. You would want finished backing to be 44″ x 54″

Twin average is 68″ x 86″ and yardage for vertical piecing 5 1/8 yards with the pieces cut in two 2 yard 20.5 inch lengths(if you like your seem down the middle). Piecing the twin horizontally you would need 4 1/4 yards with two pieces being cut at 2 1/8 yard lengths. You would want finished backing to be around 76′ x 94″.

Full size(Double) average is 80″ x 88″ and yardage for verticle piecing is 5 1/3 yards with 2 pieces being cut in 2 2/3 yard increments. Horizontal would be 7.5 yards with three pieces cut in 2.5 yard increments. Piecing horizontal there will be a lot of waste so I only suggest doing it if you are using the backing in the quilt top and can use the extra fabric. Finished backing size should be 88″ x 96″

Queen size average is 86″ x 93″ and yardage for verticle piecing would be 8 yards 15″(I just would get 8 1/2 yards) You would need three pieces cut at 2 yards 29″. For horizontal you would need 7 7/8 yards with three pieces being cut in 2 yard 22″ pieces. You would want finished backing to be 94″ x 101″

King Size average is 104″ x 96″ and yardage for verticle piecing would be 8 yards 24″ with three pieces being cut in 2 yard 32″ lengths. Horizontal piecing you would need 9 yards 12″ with three pieces being cut in 3 yard 4″ pieces. You would want finished backing to be 112″ x 104″

Hope you find this guide helpful!

Happy Quilting,

Jen

QUILT BACKING FABRIC 88x96
US $17.50 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Sunday Aug-01-2010 8:47:41 PDT
| Watch this Item

Muslin Fabric Cotton New 110" x 71" For Quilt Backing
US $8.99 (1 Bid)
Auction Ends: Sunday Aug-01-2010 10:54:06 PDT
| Watch this Item

MODA QUILT BACKING FABRIC 108 INCH WIDE 2+ Yard Piece
US $24.99 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Monday Aug-02-2010 7:07:43 PDT
| Watch this Item

108" Gold Fabric with Tiny Cross Hatch Quilt Backing
US $7.00
Auction Ends: Monday Aug-02-2010 7:07:47 PDT
| Watch this Item

MODA QUILT BACKING FABRIC 108 INCH WIDE 2+ Yard Piece
US $24.99 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Monday Aug-02-2010 7:09:23 PDT
| Watch this Item

Quilting Tips

admin — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 19:47:31 +0000

I thought it would be fun to share some Quilting Tips I have discovered throughout the years, so every time I can think of some good ones I am going to share them on this site. Please feel free to add any of your under comments.

Quilting Tips

1. Before starting a your project pick your thread color for piecing and have at least 5 pre-wound bobbins. Nothing is more aggravating then adding thread to a bobbin while you are piecing! I actually buy the prewound bobbins for my machine.

2. When piecing and the seam ripper must come out- keep a lint brush or duck tape near buy and after ripping your seam out run it over the block pieces and you will be lint free!

Happy Quilting,

Jen

Pre-Wound Intrinsic 4 cord Emb Bobbins "L"Size 20-Black
US $15.00
Auction Ends: Saturday Jul-31-2010 13:15:54 PDT
| Watch this Item

144 Pre-Wound Sewing Bobbins #69 Nylon Thread
US $5.95 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Wednesday Aug-04-2010 6:44:38 PDT
| Watch this Item

Pre- Wound Embroidery sideless Bobbins"L"- Lt. Grey
US $2.50
Auction Ends: Wednesday Aug-04-2010 17:27:33 PDT
| Watch this Item

*CLOSEOUT* Pre-Wound Embroidery Bobbins "L" Maroon T-15
US $5.00
Auction Ends: Wednesday Aug-04-2010 17:31:14 PDT
| Watch this Item

*CLOSEOUT* Pre-Wound Embroidery Bobbins "L" Rust T-15
US $5.00
Auction Ends: Friday Aug-06-2010 7:43:04 PDT
| Watch this Item

Free Quilt Patterns

admin — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 15:58:57 +0000

I had a few emails asking if I knew of some Free Quilt Pattern sites. Well I actually do and figured I would list them in order by my favorites:

1. Free Quilt Patterns Hands down this is my favorite, she really has put together a wonderful site.

2. Quilters Cache Another great site! This site has got me out of trouble a few times when my mind was blank. If you are annoyed by music you may want to turn your speakers off

3.McCalls Quilting They have some awesome blocks! I love this site!!!

Well those are my top three sites for Free Quilting Patterns, I usually will find what I am looking for or need with one of them but the sources are endless for free patterns on the Internet, you just have to search. I believe I had mentioned it before but pretty much all of the fabric manufacturer sites do have a page where free patterns are often offered. Also Ebay is a great source. I usually do a search for “quilt patterns” or quilting pattern lot” and quite often have been able to get great deals to add to my quilting library!

Happy Quilting,

Jen

Quilt Patterns (2)
US $6.99 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Saturday Jul-31-2010 12:58:03 PDT
| Watch this Item

Sunbonnet Sue's Neighborhood Quilts Made Easy Patterns
US $2.30 (4 Bids)
Auction Ends: Saturday Jul-31-2010 12:59:46 PDT
| Watch this Item

QUILT PATTERN ....STRIPES AND BRIGHT STARS
US $0.99 (1 Bid)
Auction Ends: Saturday Jul-31-2010 13:00:04 PDT
| Watch this Item

QUILT PATTERN ....NIGHT & DAY
US $0.99 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Saturday Jul-31-2010 13:00:04 PDT
| Watch this Item

QUILT PATTERN .... MY PERFECT ROSE GARDEN
US $0.99 (0 Bid)
Auction Ends: Saturday Jul-31-2010 13:00:04 PDT
| Watch this Item