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

I Must Be Crazy!!

Okay...It's official!  I'm certifiably insane!!  Who in their right mind would think that they could get everything done that needs to be done in setting up one online quilt block club in less than a month let alone two?

I'm completely frazzled!   I wish I looked like Zooey Deschanel in my frazzled state.....

But I'm pretty sure that this picture is a better representation of what I look like.....

I'm pulling my hair out, and I realize that I need a little more time.   So, I have to beg for your forgiveness, but I would be doing you all a disservice if I didn't get completely ready for go time.  I'm thinking we should plan on an October 1st start date rather than September like I had originally thought.  I think it will actually be a wonderful time to start the clubs because we'll be seeing the beginning of cold weather and needing something to do while we're cooped up inside.

Fun! Fun! Fun!

I had an absolute blast today creating quilt patterns!  I am currently using Quilt-Pro V6, but I have ordered EQ7 from Electric Quilts.  I was too cheap to pay for quick shipping so I'm going to have to wait about 6-8 days before I get to play with it :(

By request, I made a quilt block and quilt pattern with a ZigZag pattern.  It looks adorable!  See for yourself...

The fabrics I used when creating this quilt are from Moda's Fresh Cottons line.  I love Moda fabrics!  Don't you?

I've been thinking hard about the color schemes for our block of the month clubs that are starting September 1st, but I haven't narrowed them down yet.  I'm getting excited about all of the things that I have to get prepared before the clubs start.  I need to make a list of supplies that you will need to be successful at making quilts.  I am also going to make some video tutorials on quilting basics, such as how to cut accurately sized blocks, how to make triangle-squares, and how to speed up the process of piecing.

Watch for the list of supplies you will need to be successful at making quilts in a couple of days!

Happy quilting!

Debbie

Block of the Month Clubs

Hello Everyone!

I am very excited to announce that I will be starting a couple different Block of the Month Clubs:  One for beginning quilters and one for our quilters who want a little extra challenge.  

The Beginner's Sampler Quilt Block of the Month Club will be working towards making this quilt:

By the time we are done making this quilt, you will know how to piece like a professional!  Included in my patterns you will find time saving techniques, which make quilting even more fun.

The Advanced Star Sampler Quilt Block of the Month Club will be making this quilt:  

This quilt has some very difficult but fun blocks, most of which require the use of templates.

You can choose and buy your own fabric and color schemes for either club, or you can purchase the fabric from me.  I'm even thinking of creating kits with the pieces all cut for you, since I know there are many people who love to piece but aren't able to do the cutting.  I will post later what color schemes will be available.  If you purchase the fabric from me, I will have a finishing kit available for purchase after we quilt the blocks.  To make this project as cost effective as possible for you, if you follow through either of these clubs with me, I will gladly quilt your project at a 50% discount.

Do you have any particular color schemes you'd like to work with?

Join me!  Let's have some fun :)  Again, watch for those first blocks on September 1st!

Debbie

Baby Blankets Can be Fun!

I had a wonderful time piecing a baby blanket for my niece. I was given some fabric that my niece wanted to showcase and was given free will to design the quilt as I pleased. First of all, I must say that half the fun was spending time with my good friend who spent the day with me in a quilt marathon. She was able to finish two quilt tops to my one. 

In designing the quilt, I made sure that the focal point was the fabric that my niece cherished most, which you see in the center of the quilt.  

I then fussy cut the main animals and created individual blocks for them:  the Lion, Hippo, Zebra, and Elephant.

The other individual blocks highlighted a brown and blue polka-dot Minky fabric that my niece wanted included in the quilt.  I will be machine quilting this quilt so I had to be sure to position the Minky all the same direction.  I absolutely cannot load the Minky into the machine in the position that is stretchable.  That would be a mess waiting to happen.

After piecing the main square and the individual blocks together, I added a thin brown border before adding a blue with brown polka-dot flannel border.  I love all of the textures found on this quilt.  I hope my niece likes it.  

I will be creating a pattern for this quilt to share with my readers.  Also, I will be finding a better way to photograph quilts!!

Happy Quilting!

Debbie

Satin Baby Blanket Binding is my Nemesis!

I have developed an intense dislike of satin baby blanket binding.  It works wonderfully if the blanket that you're binding is as thin as paper...ok...maybe a thick cardstock.  Give the blanket any thickness whatsoever, and the binding has a mind of it's own.  I have gotten to the point that I just blur my eyes so that the blankets that I'm making for my niece look good.  By the way, that's my cure for all flawed things.  It's amazing how wonderful something appears when it isn't in focus.  New resolution.....if ever I'm asked to use this horrible product, I will answer with a resounding NO!

I have found that the binding looks much better if you look at it from a distance....

As opposed to being up close and personal....

4th of July

I woke up to a beautiful 4th of July.  Today will be quilting free and filled with family and friends.  Tomorrow I will be back to finishing up 7- baby quilts for a client (otherwise known as my niece).  This project started out as just a couple of quilts, but it keeps expanding due to fun and exciting new fabric that keeps popping up.  I have to admit that this is the first time I've tried satin baby blanket binding.  It's quick, but it isn't easy.

On a side note, I'm going to start taking photos to add some excitement to this blog.  I'm going to have to dust off the camera and remember how to use it.

Have a great July 4th!

Debbie

Starting Out

I’m working diligently to get this blog up and running, and I’m so excited to see where it leads me.  Please hang with me as I work out all of the kinks.  For a start, I plan on blogging about my past, present, and future quilting adventures, sharing my personally created quilt patterns, and running a quilt block of the month.  Check back often for updates as I proceed in this journey.