To celebrate the release of our new book
Simply Charming: Small Scrap Quilts of Yesteryear
Simply Charming: Small Scrap Quilts of Yesteryear
We are going to have a give away! By answering one little question for us, we will put your name in the drawing for one copy of the book (and if you have already purchased the book through us - we will either refund the cost of the book to you and also send you the other two goodies or you have the choice of receiving another book and passing it on to a friend etc. - so join in!) and also one each of the following:
A 42 - piece charm pack of Primitive Muslin designed by Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gatherings and
and this 48 piece charm pack that we have assembled. There are 24 different fabrics - 2 of each print.
So - what I am curious to find out ----- what is the biggest or best tip you would give another quilter? Think of something valuable that you have learned along the way and would like to pass on to other quilters - new or advance!
We will do the drawing this coming Saturday morning, January 29th, 2011. (and don't worry or think we are ignoring you if we do not respond to each comment - it's kind of crazy around here right now packing the book orders up!)
Enjoy and good luck!
Also - we are including our newsletter below that we sent out earlier today. If you are not on our email newsletter list, please feel free to join either here on our blog in the upper right hand corner of the screen or on our opening page of our website - just scroll down the page a little bit. www.sewuniquecreations.com
Here is today's newsletter - read no further if you already received it!
We are proud to announce:
Simply Charming: Scrap Quilts of Yesteryear
Simply Charming: Scrap Quilts of Yesteryear
our new book - has arrived! We are ever so in love with it and happy to share it with you! This book has 20 scrappy style projects included for your quilting pleasure.
All 20 projects can be viewed on our website! Come see!
We also welcome the following new fabric lines:
The Cocheco Mills II collection by Judie Rothermel
This pretty collection is full of the most amazing blues and reds in the perfect shades for your reproduction projects!
All 20 projects can be viewed on our website! Come see!
We also welcome the following new fabric lines:
The Cocheco Mills II collection by Judie Rothermel
This pretty collection is full of the most amazing blues and reds in the perfect shades for your reproduction projects!
Bonnie Blue Basics III by Paula Barnes of Bonnie Blue Quilts
Great group of fabrics to use as "blenders" and "stash enhancement" pieces. Lovely small prints.
Devon Shirtings by Nancy Gere
Great small prints on these fabrics and excellent shirtings!
Also just in:
Prairie Women's Sewing Circle: Journey #2
Friendship Strips & Scraps by Edyta Sitar
Jo's Little Women Club #10
(we currently have 4 more club member packs in stock - we will order more if their is interest! - Just let us know!)
We also have re-stocked our shelves with the following fabric collections:
Ember Reds & Evergreens
Attic Shirtings
Spice Chest
Indigo Berries
Ravenwood
Cocoa Express
Complements
Toast
Toast II
Stafford County
Hurrah
Annandale
Cinnamon & Spice
Fairfax County
Crimson & Clover
Jo's Chintz
(some of the above mentioned fabric lines we have the entire collection of - other's we ordered certain pieces!)
And last but not least, Barbara Brackman's new line due to be released next month is now available for Pre-Order!
Civil War Reunion Fabric Collection
Now, it's back to work for us! We have two extra sets of hands on board today - helping us to pack up all the pre-orders for our book! If you have already placed your order for our new book, we will have every order packed and shipped by February 1st! We promise!
Also, if you are "in the area" all the quilt models from our new book, Simply Charming will be delivered to Robert's Sewing Center in Joliet/Crest Hill, Illinois, this coming Friday (January 28th, 2011) plus the books (we will be dropping them off Friday afternoon)! So stop by there and see the models and pick up your copy of the book soon! They are taking phone reservations for the books also! You may call them at 1-815-729-1600
The models for the book will be on display there at Roberts Sewing Center for the entire month of February! Feel free to stop in and browse!
We will also be having a book signing event with demos on:
February 26th from 10 am to Noon at Roberts Sewing Center in Joliet/Crest Hill, Illinois
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96 comments:
I am so proud of you Tara!!! The one bit of advise I could give another quilter is to have fun, find your 1/4 inch on your machine and don't take it so serious.It's supposed to be fun!!
I'm a new quilter & I learned GOOD bright lighting and nice sharp scissers are my friend. Plus using the Accuquilt Go helps me cut more & cut precisely so I can quilt MORE using less time. The hardest part so far is the cutting...I havent even gotten to the binding yet lol. So much to learn & a BIG vast quiltyplayground to learn it woo hoo! That material & book will come in quite handy dandy lol.
As a beginning quilter, my advise is find a good mentor, and love what you do.
Here is my tip: ALWAYS, ALWAYS measure more than once. Precision (or lack of precision)in measurement can make or more importantly break a beautiful quilt!
But first and foremost...HAVE FUN!!!!
I am very persnickety when my corners don't meet. I've combined two tips i.e. use the finest pins when sewing the intersection. In my case it's the Clover Patchwork Pins (Fine). I leave my pins pinned when I sew. And using 2 pins that is to say one pin before and one pin after where the seam allowances match up.
It absolutely works and I get great corners meeting up almost everytime.
I am one who breaks the rules, so my advice is to have fun and enjoy the process of quilting. I find that if I try to be perfect, I make more mistakes;)
Congratulations on the new book!
Debbie
Well, I'm pretty new to this, so haven't acquired much quilting wisdom yet, but I'd say HAVE FUN! Thanks for the giveaway chance!
Oh, it all looks so enticing - the new lines, the new book!
My advice, which I wish I would follow more closely myself, is to find your style and be true to yourself. Don't worry about what other people are making, or be tempted to jump on a bandwagon.
My advice to a new quilter - well, here it is. Use what you have first to learn with (old clothing or fabric you have on hand). Read the instructions all the way through once, measure twice and cut once. Don't worry about all the fancy tools, gadgets and machines - focus on the simple pleasure of creating something with your own hands and pass it along with love. ♥
Oh, I L♥V charms and this book looks Fantastic! It would be such a wonderful win!
My advice? Be brave enough to abandon projects that just aren't working for you. TIME is the most valuable asset we have - learn and move on and spend your time on projects that give you real joy.
Change is my advise. Change your sewing machine needle and rotary cutter blade often
Hi Tara, I have been waiting for this book! I've been sewing since I was 8, taught by my grandmother. The best thing I did when I decided to start quilting five years ago was to take a beginning quilting class at a great quilt shop. The lessons I learned have been invaluable! Also, use good quality fabric and let it speak to you!
I have seen the pictures from the book. it is breathtaking! I hope, we can get it here in Europe too.
My advise? If possible, square up your blocks before sewing them together.
Congratulations, Tara! I'm really excited about your new book.
Cutting can be a very tedious process - help yourself by replacing a bad blade in your rotary cutting. A new blade cuts like 'buttah' and much easier on your hand and wrist.
My bit of advice is to find the kind of quilts that you love - and make them. They can be scrap quilts, primitive quilts, retro quilts, baby quilts, art quilts, bright quilts, or any other kind you can possibly think of. If you're doing what you love, and working with colors and fabrics that you love, you're going to have a BLAST!
Your new book looks fabulous - can't wait to get a copy. Lots of good tips about quilting posted already (measure twice-cut once, good lighting, precise cutting and using enough pins, etc.) My advice would be don't skimp on the quality of your fabric. Cheaper isn't always better.
I agree with the first comment. A 1/4" seam makes everything so much easier in piecing quilts. Another important step is learning to 'press' not 'iron' your seams.
My advice to a new quilter - well, here it is. Use what you have first to learn with (old clothing or fabric you have on hand). Read the instructions all the way through once, measure twice and cut once. Don't worry about all the fancy tools, gadgets and machines - focus on the simple pleasure of creating something with your own hands and pass it along with love. ♥
Oh, I L♥V charms and this book looks Fantastic! It would be such a wonderful win!
Congratulations on your new book!!!
An advice I give is be very precise when you cut your fabric. All the rest depends on that! So adding the invisigrip plastic thing under your ruler is very helpful! And have fun!
I think the best tip I got as a new quilter was to join a local quilt guild. You make new friends and benefit from all their experience and advice.
I am fairly new to quilting so have welcomed any advice. One would be get as much information as you can,and join a blogging community. I have so much help and support from my bloggy friends. Don't beat yourself up if your points aren't quite right or your stitching isn't perfect - you may find only you notices. Lastly when cutting, check check then check again...I don't need to tell anyone why!!! Thanks for the change to win. Linda
Measure twice-cut once. Thanks for the giveaway!
Don't be afraid to throw in some ugly fabrics. You may be amazed at the results.
Just keep things simple & RELAX!
~Ann
Take your time- Its not a race and when your fellow quilter is looking for that elusive bit of fabric to finish their quilt and you have it -be generous.
My advice is to find other quilters, in your area or online. Learn from them, enjoy quilting with them, and make friends as you do what you love. Look at lots of quilts, in books or at shows, and discover what appeals to you. Find your Inner Quilter, and don't worry about the Quilt Police!
As a "hand quilter" I find it very important to pin your quilt sandwich well and baste it together.
As a quilter are you tried of fabric getting stuck in your ZigZag Throat Plate? If so then find out if you machine manufacturer makes a Single Hole Throat Plate. It has saved me time and aggravation.
keep the bobbin area of your machine clean. every time you sew take a brush and clean all lint out of the case
My advice would be to start on a small project first, like a baby blanket or table runner. Save the quilt for when you are more confident. Also, if you feel overwhelmed or frustrated, take a break. Get a cup of coffee, or take a walk. When you come back to it, the problem doesn't seem as bad. Never rush a project, thats when mistakes are made the most.
Can't wait to get your book! I love your patterns so I'm sure the book is just as great as your patterns. I love making big and small repro quilts. The best thing I did was take a precision piecing class from Sally Collins. I learned how important it is to measure the small blocks and HST. Probably the most important thing is to enjoy the process. I have met so many wonderful people thru my quilting.
The most recent really helpful tip I picked up was to spray starch on the wrong side of the fabric when I press bias binding strips in half. This temporarily "glues" the two layers together so that they don't slip while sewing the binding onto the quilt!
That book looks so great. My best tip would be to make your HST just a trifle larger and cut them down. Like instead of cutting the squares 3 7/8 go ahead and cut them at 4" then trim it down after you've sewn it together. It allows you room to mess up and how wonderful is that!
I am rug hooker that wants to learn quilting....would love the book to give the inspiration I need to start! I have done wool applique but never a quilt!
Laura
Got 3 Bags Wool
The best tool I have ever bought/used is the needle threader by Clover. It is a must for all hand quilters.
The new book is exciting for the quilty world. How coo!!
One tip... it's ok to pin.
Relax and enjoy sewing....it doesn't have to be perfect!
When I started, I did not know you matched seams and not edges. I thought you squared up by sewing so all the edges matched. NOT SO!
So my tip is to match your seams, then square up the blocks when you are happy with the sewing.
My best advise regards attaching borders. Measure across the center of the quilt to find the correct measurement for your first border, but don't measure with a ruler, measure with the border strip itself. Mark it but don't cut it until it's sewn, squaring it with your ruler.
Congrats on your book! Of course I would like to win and have my copy autographed please.
Advise for another quilter is quilting is to be FUN! The general rule is that perfect 1/4" however move that needle over just one bit shy of that 1/4" to allow for pressing take up; especially when blocks have numerous pieces. Other than....over the years quilters have broken all the rules so go with it!
Oh...can I add...use your fabric stash while you LOVE it. Sometimes we collect and pet it until we find a new love and the next thing we know our taste change and we aren't as in love with the first purchases as we thought.
Advice ... lots of great things already said!
I'll chime in with the have fun part! And try EVERY method! I'm a long time needleturner, but am going to try machine applique this year. I love to hand quilt but also love to machine quilt. Try it all!
If nothing else, always prewash your reds and batiks!
And every quilt looks better with a touch of yellow!
Sorry, I kn ow you only asked for one piece of advice!!
Thanks for the giveaway - I'll get this book one way or the other, but am hoping to win it!
Hi Tara! I'm so excited for you and your new book!!
As to tips for any new quilters.. I would have to say make sure you are sewing with that SCANT 1/4" seam. So so very important! And Pin Pin Pin. Taking the extra seconds to pin will make your efforts pay when you see all your points in place and your corners matching.
Hi, I've ordered the book and it's on it's way, can't wait to get it!
My advice: Take a beginner quilt class - that was the best decision I made. Also I agree with the others, measure twice or even three times before cutting, and re-read the directions. Takes more time to start, but saves time in the long run, not to mention not having to go buy more material.
Congratulations on your book. New quilters take advantage of the knowledge at your local quilt shop. Take lessons and ask questions - it will make your quilting journey much more enjoyable.
My advice to a new quilter, do the stuff you like and hire out the rest. For example, use pre cuts if you hate cutting. Send out your quilts to be quilted if that is not your thing. Life is short so enjoy it!
Congratulations Tara!! Your book is beautiful. My tip is to run your thread through some beeswax when hand stitching to prevent those pesky little knots from forming. It really does make a difference.
Hmmm...my advice is to be persistent. If you don't get it the first time, keep trying! Several years ago I could not get the rhythm of hand quilting, but I was determined I would figure it out. It finally happened - and now I love hand quilting!
If you want to learn how to quilt, take a class and have fun! That's my advice.
What great fabric you have in!! I'm drooling!
Congratulations on the new book Tara!! My advice is to run your thread through some beeswax when hand stitching. It really does help to stop those pesky little knots from forming!!
Thanks for the opportunity to take part in draw for your fabulous book.
Congrats on the book! My advise is to read the entire pattern instructions first, then take it one step at a time.
b.
Congratulations Tara, I remember you when we were all doll making. I'd say use a 1/4" foot, pin and press. I never thought pressing makes a difference but oh it does. But most of all have fun with it, nothing is perfect.
I have to say that the books looks great. I just love this site and your fabrics. The tip I have is don't be afraid to make friends with your seam ripper! It is better to rip out a seam then to keep sewing with a crooked seam.
patience and practice. Try to work on your quilting at least 30 minutes per day, if you can.
Although my sister could sew a bit, I got her quilting about a year ago. The first thing that we did was mark her machine with a 1/4" line and I bought her a cutting mat and rotary cutter. Great start for a beginner.
PS She sents me quilts in batches of 3 or 4 to quilt for her. I created a monster!
Have fun. Don't get wrapped up in I can't get this right.. If you set your needle to 1/4 " and its a little off. Thats OKAY. There are no QUILT POLICE OUT THERE!!
Whatever you sew it will come out just fine. Thanks for the generous giveaway.
Always read through the pattern and get familure with the directions. Work it out mentally in your mind before starting any cutting.
Read through the pattern before you begin cutting, organize your fabrics, measure twice, cut once and enjoy the process!
Don't be afraid to make a mistake! (of course don't cut off your finger with the rotary cutter--but you know what I mean)
Finished is SO much better than "perfect"!
For me reading this on a sign was an epiphany!!! I have SO many UFO's sittin' around because I feel they just aren't good enough! Or maybe it's that if they aren't finished they aren't "wrong"... Either way, I need to keep telling myself that finished really IS better than perfect!!!
Finished is SO much better than "perfect"!
For me reading this on a sign was an epiphany!!! I have SO many UFO's sittin' around because I feel they just aren't good enough! Or maybe it's that if they aren't finished they aren't "wrong"... Either way, I need to keep telling myself that finished really IS better than perfect!!!
Finished is SO much better than "perfect"!
For me reading this on a sign was an epiphany!!! I have SO many UFO's sittin' around because I feel they just aren't good enough! Or maybe it's that if they aren't finished they aren't "wrong"... Either way, I need to keep telling myself that finished really IS better than perfect!!!
My advise is not to listen to the quilt police, there is more than one way to do everything. Just have fun, enjoy the process and laugh at your mistakes. And never never point out a mistakes, your the only one that knows it there and it gives the quilt character. I love little quilt, I can't wait to get my hands on this one.
I would tell a new quilter to learn the teacher taught proper way to do something, then experiment and figure out what works for you. I know that I'm supposed to cut away from me while using the rotary cutter,but I cut towards me because that is how I have the most control.
Take a beginners class at a local quilt shop or from a local quilt teacher.
I have been sewing since my mom forced us girls to sew ourselves a pair of "jogging" shorts with the bias tape...back in the 70's (when jogging was a new thing). I was probably 9 or 10 years old. I am relatively new to the quilting side of sewing though, but I have one tip that works for both: make sure you read the entire pattern construction before you start. The book looks wonderful, thanks for the opportunity to enter:)
My tip would be to enjoy the process, because finished is good. We are all always (hopefully) improving, whether it's color selection, piecing, or the quilting part. Don't beat yourself up or compare to others. Do YOUR best.
That sounds like more than one tip!!
Congratulations on the FABULOUS new book! My advice is to slow down and enjoy the process. In the busy, hurried days we live in, it is good for the soul to stitch and enjoy!
Take classes. No matter how much you think you know you can always learn more. Classes help you expand your horizons. And always enjoy what you are doing.
CONGRATS TO YOU TARA!
THIS IS NOTHING NEW, BUT CHANGING TO A NEW NEEDLE IS SO IMPORTANT-I HAD TO LEARN TO DO IT!
THANKS SO FOR SHARING SUCH GENEROUS+NEAT GIVEAWAYS !
My advice is to join a local guild. You'll be exposed to lots of people who love quilts and love to pass on the enthusiasm. You'll never be at a loss for ideas and fun. Kathie L in Allentown
Congratulations with your new book. It looks great!
Well, lots of good advices has been wirtten allready. But I think, it is very important to have fun and remember, there is NO quilt-police - you can do exactly what you want and what you find is right. Don't be afriad of using a fabric, you don't like. That might be THAT fabric, that gives life to the quilt.
Have a nice weekend.
There is no quilt police! Every quilter is her own worst critic, so please, enjoy every stitch you make either by hand or by machine. No matter what technique you use, enjoy enjoy enjoy!!! Not only the finished quilt but also the process getting there!! Have lots of fun quilting!!
I learned to sew when I was young. I made doll clothes, stuffed animals and some clothing for myself. The "rules" for quilting are very different. I would also encourage everyone to take a beginners class. I thought you needed to pin everything, I believed in the 5/8" seam allowance and that you pressed seams open. Wrong, wrong, wrong. You would not believe the unbelievable joy I experienced when I learned how to chain piece!
The advice I give most often is "IT'S YOUR QUILT!" It doesn't have to match the picture, you can change anything in the quilt you want...there are no quilt police who will arrest you if you don't make the quilt to match the pattern. Make the quilt so that you love it and forget every else's taste...it is your quilt!
My advice would be not to take yourself so seriously. You are going to make a mistake and you will learn and your quilt will still be beautiful. It is not supposed to be perfect, there is no such thing. We spend a lifetime learning this craft.
For the 1/2 square triangles make bigger and cut to size.
I would tell a new quilter to make sure to iron your fabric. You do not want wrinkles in your fabric when you cut out your strips.
I love your small quilts, Tara.
I would advise other quilters to label their quilts so the history of the quilts can be followed in the future.
Congratulations on your new book! It looks wonderful.
My advice to new quilters is to take a picture and write down every quilt project you make. I wish I had done this when I started. As you quilt more and more, you'd be amazed at what you forget you've done, especially if you give things away. It would be nice to have a picture of each item.
Wow! Your book looks "charming"! I hand piece and hand quilt - not many do it this way any more. My advice is to slow down and enjoy the journey AND you will never make all the quilts you see and want to make - even machine quilters will attest to this.
Happy Stitching!!!
gale
galew417@comcast.net
When I first started quilting I was always so worried I'd make a mistake, so the process was very stressful to me. I finally realized that quilting is supposed to be fun! And after all, it is just fabric.
Awesome new book!
It didn't take me long to realize just how important an EXACT 1/4" seam is. If you don't have a 1/4" foot, get one! Also, I love making half-square triangles and have learned to make them slightly larger, and trim them down.
I would have to say the best piece of advice I have received is to have fun. My second favorite piece of advice came from a good friend who said to alway square up your blocks. It seems like a lot of work, but is so worth it in the end when your blocks line up without haveing to "fudge" them to make them fit together nicely.
I'm off to check out your new book.
Becky
'
I have no advice really since I'm working on my first ever baby quilt right now. However I will say don't be afraid to make mistakes!
disintegratingstarr@hotmail.com
My tip is don't be afraid to ask for help. And remember that this is your quilt your project - there is no wrong way to do it - just your way! Just think - you might be creating a new process!!
The book looks like a winner. Something to be proud of.
My tip would be to take lots of classes and don't be afraid of trying a new to you technique. It helps make you a well rounded and knowledgeable quilter.
I have learned so many different techniques from so many quilters. My advice would be to learn from everyone from beginner to advanced. We all have so much advice/info./techniques to share, and we all have so much to learn!!
Find a quilting buddy. Someone who will be there to listen and to bounce off ideas. Someone who will let you shop in your stash.
Love your new book! My advise is to make the quilts that matter most to you...follow your bliss...and use a "scant" 1/4"...it pays in the end!
Your book looks great! I think the 1/4" foot is a must...Love it! Also, pin, pin, pin
My best tip to a new quilter - there are no quilt police. :) It's much more important to have fun with the process than to obsess with the technicalities. It took me a long time to understand that and quilting became a joy when I did. blessings, marlene
My best tip to a new quilter - there are no quilt police. :) It's much more important to have fun with the process than to obsess with the technicalities. It took me a long time to understand that and quilting became a joy when I did. blessings, marlene
My best advice would be to purchase a 1/4 inch foot. I have an Elna Quilter's Dream and the 1/4 inch foot came with it. It has a nice little edge on it that you can butt your fabric up against and I always get a perfect 1/4 inch seam. Also I would recommend to a new quilter that you use only 100 percent cotton. Congrats on your new book.
I would suggest that quilters practice and get good at 1/4" seams. This is a real blessing for BOMs, so the block winner has an easier time of putting blocks together without modification.
I would love to win a copy of your new book! My best advise to a beginner is to find that accurate 1/4" sean allowance, and square up your blocks as you go. Makes fitting your blocks together so much easier.
Recently I learned that when measuring fabric the line on the ruler should be ON the fabric. Also that the patches you're sewing together should be UNDER the needle. Those 2 tips have made a big difference in my quilting. My favorite tip was in a magazine some years ago. When starting a new quilt, make your binding. You will be so glad you did when you get to binding your quilt.
My favorite tips are recent and have improved my quilting so much. When measuring fabric, the line on the ruler should be ON the fabric. When sewing two patches together the fabric should be placed far enough under the presser foot so that the needle enters the edge of the fabric. This will avoid that nasty shifting. A third tip I found in a magazine some years ago, cut, sew, iron and roll binding when starting a new quilt. You'll be glad you did when you get ready to bind the quilt.
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