Hobby Stash » Quilting

How to Make Easy Quilted Fabric Postcards

Linda — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 09:07:48 +0000

This is one of those projects I’ve been wanting to try. This tutorial demonstrates just how easy it is.

Quilt An Adorable Christmas Tree Skirt

Linda — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:10:36 +0000

This looks like a wonderful gift project for next year and it can’t get much simpler.

Delonghi Iron

Linda — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:04:06 +0000

I can’t believe I have never reviewed my iron. Last year my 10-year-old Braun started leaking and was no longer useful as a steam iron. So my search began for a replacement. Let me start by saying that, like so many appliances these days, they don’t appear to be making them like they used to. I was surprised by how many reviews were made stating the iron in question barely lasted past its warranty. Then I found this baby.

As a quilter, I’m in heaven. Plenty of steam is available when I need it. The steam is set independent of the iron heat. There is a huge tank so I’m not continuing to refill during an afternoon of piecing. The grip and weight feel great. It has a built-in stand for setting the iron down on while ironing. And man does this baby generate steam. You can shoot it three feet across a room when you hold it up. It is absolutely fabulous for getting those darn folds out of new drapes.

Now for the cons. It’s big and takes an incredible amount of space on the ironing board. I have a Rolenta ironing board with a separate attachment to hold the iron so that’s not a factor for me. Because of the size of the water tank, it takes a good 10 minutes for the iron to warm up enough to generate steam. The chords are cumbersome and dedicated storage space must be found for it when not in use.

But for all those cons, I absolutely love it. Once it’s set up and ready to go, ironing anything is a breeze. My sisters-in-law volunteer to do all my ironing when they are visiting just to play with it (best benefit of all).

Rating: ★★★★☆

Iron Quilter

Linda — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 12:00:16 +0000

Even though there is no possible way I can add another project to my pile this time of year, I just had to post this creative video.

Free Motion Quilting Project

Linda — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 13:39:26 +0000

I recently discovered Leah Day’s Free Motion Quilting Project website and I’m excited to try out her techniques. I’ve already ordered some of her suggested items and I’ll post a review once I’ve tried them out.

Breast Cancer Ribbon Quilt Block

Linda — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 10:53:54 +0000

It sounds complicated but once explained, is really quite easy. I definitely plan to try this one out.

Disappearing Nine Patch

Linda — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 14:31:19 +0000

One of my ongoing UFO’s is a red, white, and black disappearing nine-patch quilt. I’m still in the process of making the nine-patch blocks. Here’s a very short but excellent tutorial explaining the technique.

The Perfect Curved Binding

Linda — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 12:22:10 +0000

Sharon’s process for folding the binding fabric before cutting is awesome. I can’t wait to try it. I’ve always used the non-bias binding method. The video is just chock full of interesting techniques. I’ve always used the ruler markings to determine my cutting line and she uses the mat which she states is more accurate. Also starching the inside of the strip before folding in half is a fabulous idea. So many of her tips are applicable for a straight edge binding as well.

I still have a phobia of curves in quilting. I avoid them wherever possible and I shouldn’t. Sharon’s procedure illustrates the importance of taking your time and that going step by step can eliminate most of the puckering that occurs while sewing on any binding. So…where do I find that fine-tip Elmers?

Quilt Labels

Linda — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:17:01 +0000

I watched this Fons and Border video this morning. I love the idea of using a fabric with a coordinating pattern. I definitely plan to try this on my recently finished Blue Bayou as it is to be a gift.

Finally!

Linda — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 10:51:34 +0000

Finally! I’ve finished hand quilting my sampler quilt. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve set it aside but I do know it’s been a couple of years since I started it. Feels good.