Search Results - Quilters

1. Quilters Sought for First Annual Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival Quilt Challenge at 59th
April 09, 2018

Are you handy with needle and thread or sewing machine? Then you’re invited to join the Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival Castroville, CA, April 09, 2018 — Are you handy with needle and thread or sewing machine? Then you’re invited to join the Castroville Artichoke Food & Wine Festival Quilt Challenge, which will be awarding first, second and third-place People’s Choice prizes at the June 2-3 festival at the Monterey County Fair & Event Center. The theme is anything you want it to be, but your quilt must depict at least one artichoke on the front. Contestants must also use “... (read more)

Author: John Paul

2. Quilts Honor US National Park Service Centennial
June 11, 2016

To commemorate this year’s 100th anniversary of the U.S. National Park Service, 148 fiber artists have created quilts honoring many of the breathtaking public lands. Members of Quilters Unlimited in northern Virginia recently displayed their contributions, with subjects ranging from Yosemite National Park's giant sequoias to the Grand Canyon's nearly 2-kilometers-deep gorge to the Everglades National Park's wetlands. VOA’s Jessica Berman reports.... (read more)

3. US National Park Centennial Celebrated in Quilts
June 10, 2016

This year marks the 100th birthday of the U.S. National Park Service, which oversees hundreds of breathtaking public lands across the country. They range from the giant sequoia trees of Yosemite National Park in California, to the panoramic views of Arizona's nearly 2 kilometer-deep Grand Canyon, to the wetlands of Everglades National Park in Florida. To commemorate the anniversary, a group of quilters displayed fiber art celebrating each national park. VOA's Jessica Berman reports.... (read more)

4. How Quilting Changed One Student's Life
August 14, 2014

What does the University of Michigan and quilting have in common? Thanks to former graduate student Kyra Hicks, quite a bit. The student happened into an exhibit of African American quilts on display in Cincinnati, Ohio when the quilting bug caught her. At the time, she was taking a course in black women’s feminist thought and her class was delving into the world of African American quilts. Her grad course coupled with what she calls a stunning display instantly made her want to quilt for herself. “This is how I want to tell stories,” she says. Since then, Hicks has created 20 quilts, but... (read more)

Author: Jen Stott

5. Crazy Quilting Records (and How to Break Them)
May 14, 2014

Ready to take your quilting to the next level? There are a number of proud quilting record holders with various titles that include words like “biggest” and “longest”—why aren’t you one of them? For many quilters, it’s not enough to enjoy the endless benefits of quilting, such as stress relief and improved memory, because they also want validated proof that their quilts are worthy of breaking records. Here are a few for inspiration, and maybe even motivation, to take a shot at becoming the next quilting record holder. Start with the Guinness World Records, which has a category for Largest... (read more)

Author: Jen Stott

6. Need to Take Your Business in Ideal?
October 09, 2013

Generally quilters lean toward 100% cotton made fabrics, in light of the fact that cotton is not difficult to handle, mark, press and sew by hand. On account of the focal point cotton has over different fabrics, particular shops offer in larger part unadulterated cotton fabrics, which obviously vary as per the shade and measure. The individuals who have aggregated more experience with knitting may need to manage diverse, more complex material. An uncommon fabric may be challenging to manage, particularly when its the first occasion when you handle it, thusly it is fitting to utilize a tes... (read more)

Author: Rick Wright

7. Things to know about Longarm Quilting Machines
October 01, 2013

Ever tried stitching a quilt using a sewing machine? You might be aware of the problems it causes while sewing a huge quilt such as feeding the fabric through the machine. It is for this reason that long arm quilting machines were made to make quilt making easy, quick and better. There are a variety of long arm quilters but the usual ones have a throat depth range of 32 inches to 40 inches. The design of a quilting tool has made keeping in mind that the material does not slide from the bench. Given the convenience and accuracy it provides, long arm quilting machines are fairly expens... (read more)

Author: Mack Johnson

8. About Top of the Line 18 Long Arm Quilting
August 27, 2013

Long arm quilting machines allow quilters to finished quilting without going through the prolonged process allied with normal machine quilting or hand quilting. Quilting has been an age old tradition that has got generations involved in the business of quilting. Such machines have been developed keeping mind to honor the tradition and the craftsmen of quilt making. Quilting machines come in a variety of sizes that are made as per the requirement of both craftsmen as well as the layman. Though, the basic composition of a quilt machine is same, the difference between a simple and an expert ... (read more)

Author: Mack Johnson

9. Patchwork Quilts Patterns - Designing a Quilt
July 18, 2013

There is such a variety of different quilts to make that it is understandable that some quilters become obsessive – so many patchwork quilts patterns to choose from, so little time! The most basic quilt design would be a whole cloth quilt. This would not necessarily be the easiest pattern to choose because the quilting needs to be well designed in order to cover the entire cloth and quilting can often be the most time consuming step of making a quilt. The most simple patchwork quilts patterns for a beginner quilter would be simple designs of squares sewn together in rows. The squares c... (read more)

Author: Ludlow Quilt and Sew andSew

10. Looking For The Latest Embroidery Designs And Patterns!
May 28, 2013

I stopped by my local fabric store today just for look around. My quilting supplies are more than adequate for my needs, so I usually just go to browse from time to time. Today, instead of just browsing, I got pulled into a conversation about making quilts that I just couldn’t ignore. First, I love quilting. Second, I love teaching quilting. Third, I hate when experienced quilters give new quilters bad advice. As a quilting instructor, I believe that beginners need to know that an anything goes approach can actually work. As they gain more confidence, their skill increases as well. ... (read more)

Author: Oregon PatchWorks

11. Points to Consider when Buying Rotary Cutter
January 25, 2013

The days are numbered when quilters and knitters had to do all their tasks manually. A significant increase in the number of quilters and knitters got them recognition in the society and various tools were developed for their convenience. Today, these professionals have various options in terms of knitting tools and variety available in rotary cutter clearly proves it. Rotary cutter is a useful tool for quilters as they use it largely for cutting fabrics. The tool consists of a circular blade and a handle which makes the task of cutting fabrics easier and faster. Though the size of the ... (read more)

Author: Robert Nelson

12. How To Make A Quilt - Quilt Patterns
January 17, 2013

When quilts were first made they were a means of using up parts of clothing that could no longer be worn to make something useful and warm. What a long way we have come since then! In those times mothers taught their daughters how to make a quilt and they would spend many hours crafting quilts either for immediate use or to be part of their trousseau. The first quilters swapped patchwork quilts patterns amongst themselves and so the same design would become known in a region because people did not travel very far. The advent of newspapers made a big difference because then free quilt patte... (read more)

Author: raye kahnik

13. Choosing a Proper Rotary Cutter
January 16, 2013

Rotary cutters are a great tool to have around the house or shop if you find yourself cutting fabric, photographs, wallpaper, or other similar materials. For quilters, many find them to be an especially valuable tool for their projects. If you're not familiar with this tool, they're similar in concept to a pizza cutter; they consist of a handle with a rotating circular blade on one end. They can be a great companion to scissors for many projects (perhaps even outright replacing them in some cases). With a sharp blade, this tool is capable of cutting nice clean lines, straight or curved, w... (read more)

Author: Alan Reyes

14. Beautiful Quilt Fiber Art Brings All Together
December 18, 2012

Standing in line is something that none of us enjoy. In Greece, it’s a well-known fact that Greeks do not respect the queue! They really don’t. A line, just like a stop sign, is just a suggestion of proper behavior. People in America are not much better, but we don’t accept it as the norm. Still, if a great fabric sale is on, I’ve seen quilters stand in line for hours without a complaint and little to no line cutting; in both countries. So, what’s different? Greeks are in a hurry, always, and don’t respect that others are also in a hurry. And, other than being Greek, each person ha... (read more)

Author: Oregon PatchWorks

15. Long Journey with Machine Embroidery Designs
November 21, 2012

Quilters and embroiderers like to joke that housework is something best left undone. It takes time away from more enjoyable activities like stitching and looking for new embroidery designs. Drooling over new fabrics is much better than cleaning the dog drool off the floor. Now that the packing and cleaning portion of our move home to California to Greece is almost complete, I am swearing off this mindset for good! Instead of enjoying our last few days in this beautiful setting, we are cleaning, cleaning, cleaning. I don’t think my fingernails will ever be the same. When I began m... (read more)

Author: Dede Hallett

16. IDEAS FOR BEGINNER QUILTERS
October 09, 2012

Learning how to make a quilt need not be difficult. The trick is to break the process into small steps. Once you can do this you can begin to take advantage of all the free quilt patterns that are available. Some of them are based on traditional quilt blocks and designs and others are very modern in their design. There can be a substantial overlap between these types of quilts and within each category there are numerous sub categories which make it even easier for you to search the sites giving free quilt patterns to find the one quilt that is perfect for you to make. The basic te... (read more)

Author: raye kahnik

17. Quilting Ideas for Creating Great Home Made Quilts.
October 09, 2012

The wonderful thing about quilters, apart from the quilts that they make obviously, is that they are such a welcoming, generous community. A new arrival at a quilt group is always made welcome and willingly helped with any queries that they may have. With the advent of the internet this has become a global quilting community and patchwork quilts patterns can now be shared across the world. Traditional quilt block patterns can be shared in the same way with many sites offering free quilt patterns showing how these quilt blocks can be used in a quilt. Quilt blocks can be named for what the... (read more)

Author: raye kahnik

18. Making Lovely Heirloom Quilts With Different Types of Stitches to Treasure Forever
August 23, 2012

Heirloom quilts are prized articles that could stand up for generations. If one has a good machine to stitch the different types of stitches, and core sewing abilities, one can create a quilt to use for a gift or use yourself. Listed here are a some quilting points from qualified quilters. 1. Deciding on the Fabric. A reason for the popularity of quilting throughout history is that small pieces of material can often be put to use, as long as one chooses fabrics that are suitable. When one sews together cloth pieces that will wear differently, the project loses a part of its original beauty... (read more)

Author: JoAnn Gagnon

19. Easy Quilting Patterns Are Available
August 14, 2012

You can get easy quilting patterns in numerous sizes and shapes. If you are wanting something for a doll or for a full sized bed, one will find that patterns are available. Books about quilting normally include several different designs. Some quilting magazines are filled with projects from front to back. One design you will certainly see is the Log Cabin. American quilters usually say that the Log Cabin design began in the U.S. in the mid 1800's. Europeans would not have titled the design the same name, but they utilized the same light and dark contrasting squares in weaving and embroidery... (read more)

Author: JoAnn Gagnon

20. Quilt Pattern Selection For The Beginning Quilter
August 07, 2012

Whether you are from a family where several generations before you were experienced quilters, or whether you are the first in your family to take up quilting, you have no doubt seen pictures or patterns of quilts that you would enjoy making. If your goal is to create a quilt for yourself or as a gift for a special person, pattern selection for the beginning quilter is an important step in the process. By the time your project is completed, you will have invested many hours of your precious time. Here are a few steps to follow in selecting your quilt pattern: o Above all, select a patte... (read more)

Author: Nancy Ball

21. The Purpose of Handmade Quilts
August 07, 2012

The purpose of creating a handmade quilt might not make sense to someone who did not come from a family of dedicated quilters. Growing up in a family where my great grandmothers, grandmothers, mother and all of my aunts were quilters, the time and energy that goes into creating a handmade quilt was always appreciated. In making the decision whether to make your own quilt or just go to a store and buy one, here are some things to consider: o If you are a creative person, it is especially satisfying to decorate your home with things you make yourself. Anyone who has a quilt on display in... (read more)

Author: Nancy Ball

22. Give me Something to Do, Give Me Anything: Reasons to Love Quilting
May 03, 2012

Many believe that quilting is a hobby for fed up housewives. In reality, many avid quilters enjoy what they do because of expression and enjoyment. For them, there's something about the process of choosing or designing a project, selecting fabrics, and creating something from scratch quite gratifying and enriching. In olden days, quilting was a common social activity which farm wives like to do together. It provided them an opportunity to retreat from their tiresome physical chores of farm life and to do something that does not require much effort and is useful at the same time. Back then... (read more)

Author: Rocky Delafontaine

23. Quilt with a Sewing Machine Block by Block
April 16, 2012

Quilting is the process of stitching the three layers of a quilt -- pieced top, batting, and backing -- together. Quilting on a regular sewing machine can be frustrating when you end up with a puckered backing, or in pain from wrestling all that fabric around. Some quilters painstakingly piece a quilt top with pride only to send it out to a professional quilter for finishing. Consider quilting your masterpiece block machine by block for more control over the finished quilt and the satisfaction of completing the whole project yourself. There are two parts of the process: quilting th... (read more)

Author: wang julie

24. Art of Needlework - Australasian Quilt Convention and Expo
April 05, 2012

One of the biggest and most prestigious events of its kind the Australasian Quilt Convention and Expo to be held from the 12th to the 15th of April at the historic Melbourne Royal Exhibition Building, brings together quilters from around the country and overseas, retailers of quilting products, quilting instructors, visitors and even museum curators and gallery owners at Australia’s annual event dedicated entirely to quilting. Functional quilting which has been a needlework tradition in Europe with a history going back to 3400 BCE has been morphing into art quilting since the late 20th century... (read more)

Author: Pushpitha Wijesinghe

25. How to Choose a Timeless Design
February 16, 2012

It was 14 years ago, today, that I discovered the world of online quilters! Because of my husband’s work schedule, I had been feeling a bit glum that he wasn’t home the day after Christmas and decided to spend some time on our new computer and the internet, which I wasn’t really familiar with at the time. At first, I just had the idea for a small quilted book cover for the next year’s family gifts. Instead I found a treasure trove of others, like me, who enjoyed nothing more in life than making quilts. It was something I hadn’t expected to find and something that has changed my life. ... (read more)

Author: Oregon PatchWorks