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