As I’ve learned to quilt, I amassed three or four different tools to help me close bindings. What I found is that, while the tools work fine, less is more.
I attended a course at a local Original Sewing & Quilting expo, titled, “The Simple Binding”. It was hosted by a gentleman who had been judging quilts for years. He showed us a technique to attach and close the binding on your quilt without extra tools or rulers. I love it, and this is how I close my quilts 100% of the time now.
Have you ever found a perfect collection of yardage fabric, fat quarters or other precut and dreaded the process of taking them to the fabric store to find all of the coordinating solids? (That’s me every time!)
I always see questions on quilting forums wondering what fabrics match certain lines. For my latest project, Curve it Up, I decided to try out the Moda Palette Builder site. I am in love! I order most of my fabrics and supplies online as it leaves my spare time outside of work for my real hobby, sewing and quilting (not shopping)! I am color challenged, and can use all the help I can get.
Step 1: Take photos of your print fabrics, either one at a time, or simply copy an image from a seller or manufacturer that shows the fabric or the whole line!
I purchased this line from Missouri Star Quilt Company!
True Colors – Anna Maria Horner Fat Quarter Bundle
by Anna Maria Horner for Free Spirit Fabrics
Step 2: Check out this site and upload your fabric image(s), and follow their directions.
http://blog.modafabrics.com/palette-builder/
Move the white circles around your fabrics to select the colors you are interested in pulling out. I know that I have enough fat quarters to use in two quilts, so I orders enough solids to coordinate as well. (These are not my final color images, so the words are blurred, as this is not exactly what I ordered) I am happy to share what I did order if you are interested.
When working with an entire collection of prints at once, I found it difficult to pick the smaller areas, but zooming in on my browser helped.
You can add additional colors (up to 9) to your selection by clicking the green (+) box. This adds additional circles that you can move around. DO tweak the shade selection until the “Bella Solids Shade” looks like it represents your fabric.
I spent some time doing this, and ordered quite a few 1/2 yard solids. I was very happy with the outcome! What do you think? I will be using these prints and solids for the upcoming quilt along.
Step 3: Order your fabrics with confidence!
I think that the only fabrics that was not quite right was my white background. There are so many shades of white, I wished that I had selected a slightly more off white fabric for this line of fabric. I ordered the Bella Solids – Off White Yardage, and could have gone just slightly more to the cream side. I will have to pick up some fabric color cards one of these days. (one for the wish list). However, I’m going to go with it and see how it turns out!
This quilt pattern, “Curve it Up” by Sew Kind of Wonderful was gifted to me along with the “Quick Curve Ruler” . Over the next year, I plan to post information about the quilt construction and use of the curve it up ruler. Come learn with me!
Here are my plans:
Blog 1 – Curve it Up: Pick your fabrics! – Overview of Moda Palette Builder
Blog 2 – Block 1
Blog 3 – Block 2
etc.
Let me know if there is anything else you want to see! I’m new to blogging and don’t know what others would like to see yet.
I needed something to do with my hands on my trip last week to Bountiful, Utah. After a day of class at Handi Quilter, we visited a quilt shop that I think was called Brooks Fabrics. They stayed open just for us! I especially liked their huge selection of flannels!
I picked up a kit that was assembled by a local. They hemstitched back to back flannels in various prints. Mine was a light turquoise with a “Hey Diddle Diddle” theme. The pattern sample available showed about 7 different crochet edges that could be used to finished the hemstitched flannel.
I found a website where the patterns and kits are found.
http://www.cuddletymehemstitching.com
http://www.cuddletymehemstitching.com/store/products/Cute_N_Cuddly_1_by_Shirley-32-13.html
If you have never crocheted an edge that has been hemstitched, try it! You’ll like it. Without the hemstitching you would need to poke your own hole in the fabric, or cut holes using a specialty cutter. The hemstitching leaves nice even, reinforced holes.
I used a US #7 crochet needle with some variegated nylon thread to complete the #14 design from the pattern, “Doubles, Chain, Doubles”. One of these days I will complete the receiving blanket to complete the set. It will make a pretty shower gift for some future baby!
HAPPY CHAINING!
When I sprung for my first serger, I splurged and purchased a Baby Lock Evolve. It was a great decision and is a workhorse for garment sewing. I have to admit that I also like using the machine for less practical work as well. I love the versatility of chain stitching. I have used it for serger quilting and even this lacy baby bonnet. My daughter was too old by the time I braved this pattern, but I gifted the bonnet to a friend for her new granddaughter.
Don’t be afraid to try this pattern, “Evolve Serger Lace Bonnet” on Baby Lock’s website by Missy Billingsley. With a little planning, you will love using these techniques for other things as well.
http://babylock.com/projects/serging/?p=3&group=3
The gist of the project is creating lace-like fabric by stabilizing tulle with wash away stabilizer and chain stitching the lace pattern. After that is done, your piece could be used in any traditional pattern!
HINT: Do make your tulle larger than the finished size by about an inch. The edges will be rough at entry and exit. You will want to trim these out of your final piece before assembly.
This fabric is what happens when you take a Trekkie fan to the fabric store! I started this quilt on our marriage anniversary and finished on Valentines Day.
I used the Simply-EZ double wedding ring template and filled the centers with large print instead of neutral background fabric.
It started as “The Ugly Quilt” and ended as a fun conversation item. My mother says it reminds her of a comic book.
I also used the new Warm and Plush batting in this. I loved how the thicker batting quilted and draped. It stretched with handling more than Warm and Natural, so it was harder to load and handle on my longarm.
I digitized a special ship for a polo recently and decided a custom label was in order! 
