Our Blog has Moved

Our blog has moved.  Please check out our new blog at beequilted.com

New Tutorials

I've created two new tutorials!

One is for brand new, beginning quilt block piecers.  It's called Basic Cutting Tutorial.  It shows how to use your ruler and mat together to make perfectly sized quilt block pieces.  Basic Cutting Tutorial

The other tutorial teaches how to make Half Triangle Squares.  It's called How to Make a Half Triangle Square.  How to Make a Half Triangle Square  If you've been quilting at all, you know how important it is to know how to make one of these beauties.  Here's what a Half Triangle Square looks like...

The links to these tutorials are on the Tutorials tab :)

Happy quilting!

Debbie

Basic Quilting Supplies

I promised that I would provide a list of the necessary/recommended tools that you would need for making quilts, and it's time to deliver the goods.

If you want to piece your quilt blocks with a sewing machine, as I do, you will definitely want a 1/4" sewing machine foot with an edge guide.  This is going to be your saving grace and keep your block sizes consistent with each other.  You will need to check with your sewing machine owner's manual to verify what 1/4" sewing machine foot will work with your machine, as there are several types.  If you can't find your owner's manual, you can usually find it on the internet.  I have found these to run around $15.00.  Here's what they look like.....

Next, you need cutting tools:  a mat, a long ruler, and a square ruler.

I prefer and use the Omnigrip 6"x24" Neon non-slip ruler...

the Omnigrip 6.5" x 6.5" Neon non-slip square ruler.....

the Olfa 45mm rotary cutter....

 and the Olfa 18x24 self-healing rotary mat.....

I have to admit, though, that I would really like an Olfa 17" square rotating mat for when I'm creating Half Square Triangle blocks.  Instead of turning the blocks, I could just turn the mat.  If you are new to quilting, this will make sense after we've done a couple quilt blocks.

Here are some approximate costs for each of these tools (as seen on joanns.com):
1)  Omnigrip 6"x24" Neon non-slip ruler:     $23.99
2)  Omnigrip 6.5" x 6.5" Neon non-slip square ruler:     $13.99
3)  Olfa 45mm rotary cutter:  $21.99
4)  Olfa 18x24 self-healing rotary mat:  $35.99
5)  Olfa 17" square rotating mat:  $84.99 (someday this will be mine)

I know this sounds expensive, but there are much cheaper options available at Walmart.  They have just about everything you would need in the Fiskars brand, which is much more affordable (it may not be self-healing).  It's a great way to start out if you haven't tried making quilts before.  Once you are sure you love the art of piecing, you may want to move into the higher-line quilting supplies.

I think I should note that there are also ergonomically friendly rotary cutters if you are someone who suffers from joint pain or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. 

Start shopping!  The Block of the Month clubs start October 1st!

Happy quilting!
Debbie

Under Construction

Hi Everyone!  I am working really hard trying to get everything up and running.  Our Website is under construction, and our new logo is almost finalized.  I will be putting together a few tutorials this next weekend so watch for those.  I'm really excited to say that we will be offering fabric, notions, quilting tools, patterns, and quilting services on our new website!

Here's a sneak peak at part of our possible logo....not quite finalized yet...

Part of the potential logo

Design for My New Quilt

This last Fall, I moved into a new house into an upstairs bedroom.  The house has central heat and air conditioning; however, neither work on the upstairs rooms.  So, I've discovered that I freeze in the Winter frozen tundra and bake in the Summer desert that is my bedroom.  Because of this, I realized that one quilt was not going to be enough anymore to keep me warm through these arctic Winter nights.

Since Winter is just around the corner, I've been thinking about what kind of quilt I want to make.  I really want it to go with the colors of the Log Cabin Quilt that I have already, which is done in browns, pinks, and maroon. 

My Log Cabin Quilt

I decided to make the piecing as simple as possible and let the quilting be the focal point of the quilt.  I'm going to take a sheet of white muslin fabric for the front of the quilt, and I have a wonderful piece of a brown floral fabric for the back.  The stitching will be done in a maroon thread.  The quilting will not be very visible on the back, but it should be quite visible and breathtaking on the front of the quilt.

 

Backing and thread for my new quilt

I've already designed the quilting that I will be using, and here's a picture of it.....

Quilting design for my new quilt

It's a little hard to see in the picture because those are just stitches.

I'm looking forward to getting started with the quilt, but first I promised my sister that I would quilt one of her quilts for her.  I should have hers finished by the end of the week, and then I can get started on mine!

Happy Quilting!

Debbie

Quilts, Quilts, Quilts

Only a little more than a month until our Blocks of the Month Clubs start.  So to prepare, I've spent the evening fine-tuning the quilt designs and creating different color palettes to help ignite your creativity.

For the Beginner Block of the Month Quilt Club, I created four different options to give you some ideas (of course, you can use any colors you like).

The first color option is one of my favorites...... Red, Black, and White!

I like this option too.....Purple and Green!

And who doesn't like pastels?

Ok...Maybe I like them all.  Here's a patriotic color option....

I did the same four color options for the Advanced Star Block of the Month Quilt Club!

Red, Black, and White....

Purple and Green....

Pastels....

and Patriotic!

I'm going to be doing one of each block to demonstrate how to piece the blocks together.  I plan on having video tutorials available.  Which color way would you like me to demonstrate?  I would like to use two different color ways (one for each club).

Also, keep an eye out for Bee Quilted the storefront.  We will have a little of everything you need to quilt from fabric to quilting tools.  Also, I will be offering my high-quality quilting service with economical pricing.

Happy Quilting!


Debbie

Learning New Things

I've been working hard this week learning how to make a website.  I've had Dreamweaver 8, a very expensive website software from its time, for about five or six years (I think).  I paid top dollar for it (of course), but I never used it for myself.  My sister got a little use out of it, though.  I've decided that it may be old and possibly out-of-date, but I'm going to make an amazing website with it anyway!  I just finished the tutorial the program came with, and the test website turned out beautiful.  Now that I'm done with the tutorial, I feel like I can fly!!!

I'm excited about getting my new quilt design software tomorrow!  With all of these fun computer programs, I might never leave the computer :)  I need to surround myself with a TV and a mini-fridge so I won't ever have to stop playing.

These are all steps I'm taking towards starting our quilt clubs.  I am so excited...I can't wait to get started!

Happy Quilting!

Debbie