"CHOOSING THE CORRECT THREAD FOR TATTING"

Hey tatter's this one's for you! Great tips on choosing the correct thread by "Our Mentor and Dear Friend Jennifer". We all know how talented Jennifer is and how beautiful her designs are so here's her secret! When creating your tatting designs choosing the correct thread is extremely important to enhance the quality of your artwork. I always say whether I'm quilting, sewing or crafting any design go that extra step to enhance the quality of your artwork. You want your designs to last a life time to past down from generations to come...so here's Jen's secret to her beautiful tatting embellishments!
Enjoy and keep the tips coming!
visit www.tattingcorner.com for all your tatting supplies & latest trends!

"Blessed Quilting from our Home to Yours"
email tips: cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com

Choosing the correct thread is easy when you know a bit about threads and their qualities. Always consider the thread color and size and the amount of wear the piece will be subject to. Is it a Christmas trim or other piece that will be used only periodically and seldom hand washed? Is it a hanky trim, collar or other wearable that may be hand washed a lot? Is it a table topper, an heirloom-to-be or other decorative piece that may be precious to the next generation? There are threads for each of these projects.
Thread size...refers to the thickness of the threads. The higher or larger number of the thread, the finer it is. A size 50 thread is finer than a size 10. Changing the thread size in a pattern alters the size of the design. A dolly worked in size 70 thread, for example, will be closer to a place mat in size if you tat it in size 10 thread. "True" tatting threads are considered to be sizes 70 and 80 (very fine). All other size threads on the market are referred to as "crochet cotton".
Mercerizing during manufacture makes thread more receptive to dyeing so it accepts and holds color well and is almost colorfast. It also adds strength and shine, so the thread has a lovely luster and can stand up to years, even generations, of wear. Mercerized thread is smooth, easy to work with, and durable-just what you want for your tatting projects. (All cotton thread in our catalog are mercerized) Hold your thread up to a bright light and look at the fuzz along the strand. The less fuzz there is, the more the thread has been gas-singed (which smooth's and strengthens it). Thread will less fuzz will continue to look nice after repeated washings. Use the smoothest threads for your heirlooms!

Coming Soon..."TATTING W/THE CORRECT THREAD"

"CURE FOR 7/8 CUTS/ JITTERS"

Hey quilters....good morning and happy National Quilting Day! This is your weekend for sales...visit our website for this months specials as well. Tip "Cure for 7/8 cuts/jitters" is a fast way to cut your strips without moving your fabric. I know sounds crazy and I'm sure some of you may already be doing this trick. But, I have to say....I am not a fond of a 7/8 cut and my designs require it. Creating designs with "Half Square Triangles" is not only unique but a "time saver" as well. I purchased two 1/4" Seam rulers by "Fons & Porter" a couple yrs. ago and between this tip and their wonderful ruler...'You have it made". Were doing a lot of Pattern uploads on our website so check back often to see the latest "Updates" from Davin. I decided to give him another job....he's responsible for keeping you up to date with all the news. Yes, I know he's only three but I feel if you start them young.......well you know the saying! Anyway, if you have any q's on this tip please email me...always glad to help. We've received tips lately that were repeats...I know it's a New Year but the blogs posts from last year are still available to view on main page. Also, we are designing quilts for you to embellish with Tatting. So send in those "tatting tips"...view www.tattingcorner.com for all your tatting supplies. View our Tatting page on our website below for "Seasonal Quilt Designs".

"Blessed Quilting from Our Home to Yours"
email tips: cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com

Cut fabric strips w/ 7/8 allowance
Lay strips horizontal and make your "first cut your 7/8 seam"
without moving your fabric make your
2nd cut your whole number ( ex 2 7/8 cuts you would count back 2 inches and cut)
3rd cut 2 7/8
4th cut 2 3/4
* Again...you didn't move your fabric and you cured the jitters for a 7/8 cut!

Here's another tip that was emailed that is a repeat must..."start those quilting magazine exchanges".
Especially for the ones that don't have internet accessibility...also, she stated bring some to the elderly...they may not be quilting anymore but remember...their wonderful talent started out quilting traditions to this day. Again...Quilt if forward!!!!

"Update from Davin and Noah"

Davin is three now so he has been promoted to "Final inspection before orders go out". He has also helped Gege design the new 2014 collection of "All Because of Faith". Davin will be updating you with info on new patterns as they are published and coming up with some wonderful sale ideas as well....He's a busy L'L Man these days...oh did I mention how handsome he is :-)

L'l Noah is busy helping Gege with our new 2014 collection "Fun, Fast & Fabulous"...we've learned how valuable time is and this line is full of  Easy Techniques, Time-Saving Tips to create beautiful gifts in a weekend. Noah will keep you posted with the latest from Gege as designs come available. Oh, did I mention how handsome he is :-)

"Blessed Quilting from our Home to Yours"
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
www.hoffmanfabrics.com
email tips: cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com

"THIS IS WHY I ROLL....OUT THE FABRIC"

Hey....hope everyone is doing great. We've been fighting the O' Flu bug but finally over it...and I truly mean over it! We have some exciting news...we have 3 New Pattern Lines coming soon along with a stunning collection of "Seasonal Mini Series" using Hoffman's New Batik line. Also, new pattern lines will incorporate a Table Square spin off for the beginner quilter. Our New Line "Fun, Fast & Fabulous was recently created due to the birth of Noah. Doug's daughter Amber delivered a sweet baby boy last year and needless to say..."this is why I roll...out the fabric". These two grandsons keep Gege busy! We are also offering Custom Quilt Designs/Patterns for you to have a "show stopper" at your next Quilt Show. Oh, did I mention....free pattern downloads...that's right! Sometimes my head gets to spinning with designs so I decided to do some free downloads. I feel it's my way of giving back to a lot of people who've helped me along the way. I truly believe in "Quilting it Forward" and forever grateful to the ones who helped me back in my younger days. Learning to quilt is like learning to cook....once you sample your wonderful work...you never get enough! I appreciate the tips that are being sent in and please keep them coming. Some were repeats but here are some recent great ideas. Please email me if you do not wish to be on our email list.

"Blessed Quilting from our Home to Yours"
email tips....cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com
www.hoffmanfabrics.com

*Great Tip for a fast Easter Quilt....Foam Craft Shapes are great to use for large pattern stencils...she purchased a pkg. ( bunny, chick, rabbit, tulip, butterfly) all at the Dollar Store. Trace on some fabric cut and fuse/applique...
Here's my spin....use the outline of the foam shape as your quilting stencil....get creative and have fun!

*This tip never gets old...."Always cut the corners of your fabric before washing...prevents fraying

Thanks for the tips and will post more soon!

"QUILT IT FORWARD"

Tis the Season everyone....some of us might be scrambling to think of a thoughtful gift for our friends and loved ones. We don't need to go shopping for this one...I say..."Quilt it Forward". Go attack your scraps...cut some "charm squares" or "fat quarters" and put together a "no cost" thoughtful gift! This is when you can get really creative at not cost...just your time. We all love to "pay it forward"...doing something nice for someone especially this time of year. Recently, my neighbor came over and we were in  my quilt/sewing room....she asked if I would teach her to quilt this coming year. Wow, I was so excited just thinking of how special that would be passing on a wonderful tradition. I'm going to start her out slow with a "Puppy Lap Quilt" for her dogs...something fast with easy piecing but fabulous. You can design your own pattern or search a pattern off the web to download with your scraps. Dig into your thread stash and add some coordinating thread or embellishments to your gift. Make your "gift tag" your instruction tag as well and tie with a quilting tool that your not using. This would also be a wonderful way to Craft it Forward, Sew it Forward, Clean it Forward and above all "Pray it Forward". If your kids are looking for a project this Christmas break have them design their own project for helping others. 4-H kids....this would be a wonderful community service and or leadership project as well. So many of us get wrapped up in the holiday shopping spree...myself included....but it's nice to sit back and have fun making those homemade gifts! Hope everyone has a Blessed Christmas and keep those tips coming. Were getting settled in and the blog will be full speed ahead this coming year! I've truly enjoyed everyone's tips and especially thankful for your comments and prayers sent during our moving time to Texas. So Blessed to be back near our family!

Christmas Blessings from our Home to Yours!
email tips: cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com

"ORGANIZE YOUR STASH & SEWING ROOM"

Hey quilters....I've received several tips on organizing a sewing room ( between us I cannot use the term..." clutter" in my sewing room....fabric is not clutter :-) Well...I've saved the tips to make a nice interesting article that you can even print out if needed. I know when I'm working on a project and  need some extra "punch" in a design it's nice to go to my organized stash of fabric. If your sewing room is small like mine these tips will come in handy! Anyway, thanks for sending in your tips!

DESIGN WALL...small, medium and large for your layout of current project and when you get an inspiration of your next.
CORKBOARD SQUARES...adhere to a closet door wall to organize your cutting rulers with pegs for easy accessibility.
CUTTING TABLE...purchase or create one of your own that is "Sturdy" and has storage space underneath for shelves or containers to "stash" your fabrics
CREATE A "L" SHAPE...sewing room to organize your furniture around the perimeter of your room.
ANTIQUE CORNER CABINETS and CHESTS....make adorable storage areas plus gives your room a less industrial feel while being creative
STASH...take a few minutes with scraps and cut immediately into "charm squares"...organize them by size and store/label for future use
CARDBOARD....use extra holders that your fabric store gives away and use them to wrap your pre-washed and ironed fabric on....
ORGANIZE BY COLOR AND SEASON....love this tip....creating that easy "go to" color when needed for projects
CASTERS...purchase/build tables and cabinets on casters for easy accessibility and flexibility of usage of space
PROJECT INSPIRATION WALL...have a "mini" peg wall for your goals of the week or month. I go to the next extreme....I put pics of the grandkids to make me smile when I get frustrated on a project.
2 PK SWEATER STORAGE BAGS....purchase at dollar store are great for temporary storing your projects and great for traveling to your quilt workshops.
UTILIZE THE SPACE ABOVE YOUR WINDOWS...place shelves to store baskets, quilt books etc.
I love this one....I use baskets and pre-cut my strips for projects and loosely hang them over the baskets for easy accessibility
STASH BASKET....hang a basket by your cutting table to discard your scraps in for later cutting
ORGANIZE YOUR THREAD....by color and style ( hand sewing, machine quilting etc)
MINI CUTTING MAT....by your sewing table for easy accessibility to trim while sewing
IRON....I have one by sewing machine to press seams while sewing along with the great tip above!
STORAGE BASKETS....clear storage containers to hold same size cuts of fabric....label outside for easy access
JARS....create a accessory magnetic wall to store pins etc in magnetic tins (cute one)
DOOR STORAGE....utilize the back of doors to use "clear over the door shoe holders" to store your items for easy access and visibility
UNDER WINDOWS....create a storage unit under windows to utilize that space of 18-24" depending on window size
PORTABLE IRON BOARD....on your cutting table for small projects
INDUSTRIAL CABINETS....great for storing plus magnetic holders are easy accessible for items
FLOORING....have low maintenance floors in sewing room for cleaning plus easy movement of cabinets, storage units with casters
COLOR....create color for your inspiration in your sewing room
COFFEE POT...I love this one....have a small 4 cup handy in sewing room
Thanks for the tips....keep them coming!

"Blessed Quilting from our Home to Yours"
email tips....cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com

"CUT FOR THE CURE"

Good morning quilters...recently I was asked what rulers that I like to use. I have to tell you that thanks to my "Mother in Law's" wonderful birthday present last year, I fell in love with these. They are "Cut for the Cure Rulers by Nifty Notions". Mom has a special reason for this gift due to she's a "Breast Cancer Survivor". These rulers are designed by Kaye England and  a portion of sales proceeds go directly to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. The rulers are designed with a Breast Cancer awareness theme. The 12 rulers in the collection consists of 3 squares, 3 rectangles, and 6 specialty rulers. They have bright pink and green lines, allowing them to work on light and dark fabrics. Each ruler have sight lines every sixteenth inch and sight holes at every inch intersection. If you buy the complete package you get a wonderful DVD with Kaye England demonstrating each use of ruler with helpful tips. Quilters.....I have to say...they are wonderful and easy to use plus you are helping a great cause! You can go to Kaye England website for more information.
Keep the tips or q's coming!

"Blessed Quilting from our Home to Yours"
email tips: cmhdesigns2@yahoo.com
www.perfectgift-fromabove.com