Good morning quilters! First I have to say "Thank you" for sending in tips. I love to look at the "stats" especially sense this is a new quilt blog. I was so amazed to see the hits from other countries! It brought back so many memories. I remember growing up in Germany as a child seeing quilts hanging from windows on Saturday mornings. I asked my dad why they hung "blankets" out of their windows. I remember dad saying..."Don't know"....hmm....dad was always had a "short and sweet comment" :-) I remember asking him if I could hang my blankets out of my bedroom window....his reply was 'No"...again, that did not work for a little six year old red-head! We lived off base and the homes were so amazing....to this day they have inspired me as a designer. Anyway...I went across the street...knocked on the door....and this sweet German lady answered....I asked her why her blankets are hanging out of her windows....she replied....well, honestly to this day I am not sure :-)...I left and walked down the street to the next house and finally got an answer I could sort of understand. Another sweet German lady replied...."They are Quilts and they are hung to freshen them"....well...I asked WHY?....I bet my parents were so glad when I got out of the "why stage"....anyway, she told me "why" and asked "don't you have a quilt? Well...no I didn't!!! She said everyone should have a quilt they are made with love. Hmmm....I remember going home and trying to open the shutters and finally hanging my "blanket" out the window. It was fun while it lasted....Dad came home and needless to say I had to bring my blanket back in! To this day I love to air my quilts on the clothes line. Some memories are triggered for a reason. As they say "Quilts are Ties that Bind People Together."
Well, today's tip is a funny one. When I read this one I couldn't help but laugh. But on the serious note these tips will help to prevent you from sitting for a long time while sewing/quilting.
*Have your ironing board on the other side of the room of your sewing machine so you have to "get up" to press your seams. Just think if you have a lot of seams in your design you should average a half-mile to a mile walk daily!
*If you accidently drop a few scraps of fabric on the floor, just think of them as "stomach crunches" as you get them. And if you're like me I tend to do that a lot :-)
*While fabric shopping...don't pick up those "Fat Quarter's" find the "heavy bolt of fabric" and carry that to the cutting table. That's right ladies....you just worked out your "upper arms". Make several trips and you worked out your calves as well :-)
Well....you know me....here's the best tip that I am going to share that works for me...."Always have your candy jar full of your favorite chocolates adjacent to your sewing machine and your ironing board and you will definitely get a "full workout"...works for me anyway!
As always....thanks for sharing your tips!
"Blessed Quilting from our Home to Yours"
Email tips: cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
"AN INSPIRATION TO US ALL"
Hey quilters....received this email and it's the most amazing story of a woman who quilts and she is blind. She is so talented and blessed of how God has given her a different avenue in her life. She is truly and amazing woman and an inspiration to us all!!! She will make you laugh, cry and definitely make you realize you can handle any obstacles in your life with the " Grace of God".
Thanks so much for emailing this one!
view @...Blind Quilter (Texas Country Reporter) YouTube
"Blessings from our Home to Yours",
email tips: cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
Thanks so much for emailing this one!
view @...Blind Quilter (Texas Country Reporter) YouTube
"Blessings from our Home to Yours",
email tips: cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
Monday, May 27, 2013
"Quilt Terms vs Medical Terms"
Good morning...I know that sounds weird and believe me of how shocked I was when asked these questions at my recent doctor's visit. We think a lot of how our Grandmother's quilted when we hear the term "Family History". I often wonder who taught them to quilt or some even just "tied" the blankets together to get them finished faster due to the weather. I came from a line of knitters and started sewing at seven but didn't learn to quilt until my twenties. The term "Back in the Day" I always thought of how those special memories of when your grandparents told you sweet stories of how they sacrificed to get where they are today....how phones are different now "Party lines vs Cell Phones" :-)...when jeans were worn at the waist not at the knees (oops that will be my conversation with my grandsons :-)
Now you can just imagine my confused face leaving the doctor's office of how my life changed in a ten minute doctors visit. Just because I'm approaching the "5" area in my life now "Family History" refers to medical history of who had what and when. He didn't even care that my Aunt knitted until she passed away or that my Grandmother was still playing the piano on her 100th birthday! The term "Back in the Day" now means the "food" you used to eat when and where you wanted and how much! Due to this, I decided to finally start my own quilt...it will be from scraps....it won't matter if the sewing lines are crooked (like my back) and it won't matter how much it weighs due to the width and height of the quilt..(.I hate that chart doc's use) and it will be soft and comfy and maybe even a little bit tattered...just like me! :-) Yes it stinks getting older but I still am going to associate these terms with Quilting. Just seems to make life more pleasant! Anyway, here are some tips from a recent quilt meeting. As always, keep the tips coming!
Have a Blessed Memorial Day!!!
"Blessed Quilting from our Home to Yours"
email tips: cmhdesigns2@Yahoo.com
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
FOLDING QUILTS ON THE BIAS "AGAINST THE GRAIN"
This is a great tip if you are storing your quilts or especially if you are traveling to a quilt show and need a space saving tip. This helps to get rid of the center crease when folding quilts plus helps preserve the integrity of both the batting fibers and the fabric.
1. Lay quilt flat
2. Fold the corners one at a time towards the center of the quilt
3. Keep folding in the corners until the quilt is the desired size for storing
Great tip! Thanks for sharing!!!
I like to display Moms quilts. I rotate them around so they don't hang a certain way for a length of time. It's hard for me to not have them displayed. I walk by them and always wonder what stories were told while making them.
Now you can just imagine my confused face leaving the doctor's office of how my life changed in a ten minute doctors visit. Just because I'm approaching the "5" area in my life now "Family History" refers to medical history of who had what and when. He didn't even care that my Aunt knitted until she passed away or that my Grandmother was still playing the piano on her 100th birthday! The term "Back in the Day" now means the "food" you used to eat when and where you wanted and how much! Due to this, I decided to finally start my own quilt...it will be from scraps....it won't matter if the sewing lines are crooked (like my back) and it won't matter how much it weighs due to the width and height of the quilt..(.I hate that chart doc's use) and it will be soft and comfy and maybe even a little bit tattered...just like me! :-) Yes it stinks getting older but I still am going to associate these terms with Quilting. Just seems to make life more pleasant! Anyway, here are some tips from a recent quilt meeting. As always, keep the tips coming!
Have a Blessed Memorial Day!!!
"Blessed Quilting from our Home to Yours"
email tips: cmhdesigns2@Yahoo.com
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
FOLDING QUILTS ON THE BIAS "AGAINST THE GRAIN"
This is a great tip if you are storing your quilts or especially if you are traveling to a quilt show and need a space saving tip. This helps to get rid of the center crease when folding quilts plus helps preserve the integrity of both the batting fibers and the fabric.
1. Lay quilt flat
2. Fold the corners one at a time towards the center of the quilt
3. Keep folding in the corners until the quilt is the desired size for storing
Great tip! Thanks for sharing!!!
I like to display Moms quilts. I rotate them around so they don't hang a certain way for a length of time. It's hard for me to not have them displayed. I walk by them and always wonder what stories were told while making them.
Monday, May 20, 2013
"WHY WE QUILT"
Good morning....recently had a magazine exchange through our church quilt club and came across this "old quilt magazine" and loved this story. I know a lot of us all have the same reasons for quilting...gifts for our special loved ones....quilts from scraps to pass down for generations,.entering quilt shows,.charity quilts and maybe even one for ourselves (when we have time)....but here it is ladies....the best reason I think anyway and I didn't even realize it myself...."POWER"!!!!!!!
Have you noticed how the majority of entities in our lives offer us little input or even a chance to make suggestions? We get told what to do...when to do it and how. But when making a Quilt rules change. From choosing the pattern or design until the last stitch is in place, my quilt is mine. I made the choices. The design, quality of work in its actual construction is mine. From choosing the fabric to the time evolved in it's actual finish is under my control. "Power at your fingertips" :-)
I love this lady!!! Now I know why when I get frustrated... I grab a cup of coffee....head to my quilt room and shut the door!!!! :-)
Blessed Quilting from our Home to Yours!
email tips: cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
NOTE: If you have a story or an article that you would like to share email them to me as well. We all can use a laugh while quilting!!!!
Have you noticed how the majority of entities in our lives offer us little input or even a chance to make suggestions? We get told what to do...when to do it and how. But when making a Quilt rules change. From choosing the pattern or design until the last stitch is in place, my quilt is mine. I made the choices. The design, quality of work in its actual construction is mine. From choosing the fabric to the time evolved in it's actual finish is under my control. "Power at your fingertips" :-)
I love this lady!!! Now I know why when I get frustrated... I grab a cup of coffee....head to my quilt room and shut the door!!!! :-)
Blessed Quilting from our Home to Yours!
email tips: cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
NOTE: If you have a story or an article that you would like to share email them to me as well. We all can use a laugh while quilting!!!!
Finally...High Speed Internet!!!
Yes....we finally have it...."high speed internet"
Sorry for the delay of posting your tips but it has been difficult on our old dial up. Will be getting your tips caught up. Keep them coming!
Blessed Quilting,
Cat
Sorry for the delay of posting your tips but it has been difficult on our old dial up. Will be getting your tips caught up. Keep them coming!
Blessed Quilting,
Cat
Monday, January 14, 2013
Squares in a Fat Quarter & Cutting Formula
Hey everyone...hope you are enjoying the sun this morning! I had an email requesting this and I have to admit I carry this formula with me when choosing fat quarters. Please keep in mind that it's based off a yard of 44" wide fabric. Below is also a tip on cutting half-square triangles using a Fat Quarter. Also, if you are planning on fussy cutting a design you should take the extra step and buy a little more fabric due to the repeats on patterns. Thanks for the emails and hope these "Tips" help!
*Formula based off a 18x44" width of fabric and using a rotary cutter for precise measuring...
99- 2" sq
56- 2 1/2"
42- 3"
30- 3 1/2"
20- 4"
16- 4 1/2"
12- 5 1/2 "
9- 6"
6- 6 1/2'
*HINT: when cutting odd sizes (3/8, 7/8) etc. I cut larger and then square up after...this is especially helpful when rotary cutting...less stress :-)
*Fast Grid method using a Fat Quarter (Cat's favorite)
Determine your finished size of your half-square triangles and add 7/8 to measurement.
Cut a rectangle that is a multiple of both fabrics you choose (one light and one dark for contrast) EX: if your square is 3" then 3 7/8 x 4= 15 1/2" and 3 7/8 x 5= 19 3/8. From a 18x22" Fat Quarter you can have a grid that is 4 x 5 squares...
Here's how...mark diagonal lines across all squares in one direction. With right sides together pin each corner to prevent slipping. Now sew a 1/4 seam off each line...don't sew across lines :-)...pivot to next angled line and continue until all sides have a 1/4" seam...cut squares apart on drawn lines then cut again between each diaonal 1/4" seam forming two half-square triangles. Press triangles towards your darker side of fabric.
*HINT: (F&P) has a wonderful 1/4" ruler to use when doing this method if your machine doesn't have an exact 1/4 seam line. Enjoy!
Conversion Table when figuring cuts of fabric:
1/8= .125
1/4= .25
3/8= .375
1/2= .5
5/8= .625
3/4= .75
7/8= .875
Hope these tips help and I always say...Shop Local...Jennifer with Zig Zag has events and hours posted on her website...www.tattingcorner.com. She has new die cutting tools for designs and you can evan schedule a time at her shop to use them. Money saving tip!!!! :-)
Blessed Quilting from our Home to Yours!
email tips: cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
*Formula based off a 18x44" width of fabric and using a rotary cutter for precise measuring...
99- 2" sq
56- 2 1/2"
42- 3"
30- 3 1/2"
20- 4"
16- 4 1/2"
12- 5 1/2 "
9- 6"
6- 6 1/2'
*HINT: when cutting odd sizes (3/8, 7/8) etc. I cut larger and then square up after...this is especially helpful when rotary cutting...less stress :-)
*Fast Grid method using a Fat Quarter (Cat's favorite)
Determine your finished size of your half-square triangles and add 7/8 to measurement.
Cut a rectangle that is a multiple of both fabrics you choose (one light and one dark for contrast) EX: if your square is 3" then 3 7/8 x 4= 15 1/2" and 3 7/8 x 5= 19 3/8. From a 18x22" Fat Quarter you can have a grid that is 4 x 5 squares...
Here's how...mark diagonal lines across all squares in one direction. With right sides together pin each corner to prevent slipping. Now sew a 1/4 seam off each line...don't sew across lines :-)...pivot to next angled line and continue until all sides have a 1/4" seam...cut squares apart on drawn lines then cut again between each diaonal 1/4" seam forming two half-square triangles. Press triangles towards your darker side of fabric.
*HINT: (F&P) has a wonderful 1/4" ruler to use when doing this method if your machine doesn't have an exact 1/4 seam line. Enjoy!
Conversion Table when figuring cuts of fabric:
1/8= .125
1/4= .25
3/8= .375
1/2= .5
5/8= .625
3/4= .75
7/8= .875
Hope these tips help and I always say...Shop Local...Jennifer with Zig Zag has events and hours posted on her website...www.tattingcorner.com. She has new die cutting tools for designs and you can evan schedule a time at her shop to use them. Money saving tip!!!! :-)
Blessed Quilting from our Home to Yours!
email tips: cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
HAPPY QUILT-YEAR!
Hey...hope everyone is ready for an exciting "New Quilt-Year". I've recieved several "tips" on cutting half-square triangles. I do apologize for just now posting them but our internet has been extremely slow due to the weather. I will combine the tips and add a few of my own. Recently read on article on "Cures for Tri-Anxiety...calming your HST jitters" :-) Hope these tips make your projects go a little easier! Thanks for sharing!
*These tips are wonderful to use up some of your "stash" fabrics and works best with contrasting fabrics...
Cut 7/8" larger than your finished square triangle-square from each fabric.
Place right sides together and mark on the light side of the fabric a diaganol line from corner to corner...sew a 1/4 inch seam on each side and cut down the middle of stitching rows forming two half square triangles.
NOTE: I purchased a quarter inch seam marker by (F&P) which makes this method a breeze...inexpensive tool and usually you can catch it on sale!
* Press to the darker side of the fabric after piecing
* Cutting a square on the diagonal can cause stretching due to cutting on the bias
* I like to finger press as I'm quilting...saves time!
* Always have chocolate in your sewing room...I agree!!!
Take the time to invest in rulers...you've worked hard on picking out the right fabric for your quilt so I know you want it to be as accurate as possible. Hope these tips help.
"Blessed Quilting from our Home to Yours"
email tips: cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
*These tips are wonderful to use up some of your "stash" fabrics and works best with contrasting fabrics...
Cut 7/8" larger than your finished square triangle-square from each fabric.
Place right sides together and mark on the light side of the fabric a diaganol line from corner to corner...sew a 1/4 inch seam on each side and cut down the middle of stitching rows forming two half square triangles.
NOTE: I purchased a quarter inch seam marker by (F&P) which makes this method a breeze...inexpensive tool and usually you can catch it on sale!
* Press to the darker side of the fabric after piecing
* Cutting a square on the diagonal can cause stretching due to cutting on the bias
* I like to finger press as I'm quilting...saves time!
* Always have chocolate in your sewing room...I agree!!!
Take the time to invest in rulers...you've worked hard on picking out the right fabric for your quilt so I know you want it to be as accurate as possible. Hope these tips help.
"Blessed Quilting from our Home to Yours"
email tips: cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)