You Can Avoid the "Bends" when Cutting Your Fabric Cross-grain
Rotary cutters have greatly improved the speed at which we can complete our quilt tops. However, in our haste we sometimes end up with long fabric strips that have a bend or unusual sharp point at the midpoint. To avoid this mishap, you must take the time to fold your fabric correctly before wielding your rotary cutter.
Press your fabric to remove the influence of the bolt fold, and then fold it so that the selvages are together. Then pick up the selvages in both hands and slide the selvages from side to side along each other until the fabric's fold is flat. Lay the fabric back down on your work surface and fold the fabric in half again, bringing the fold to the selvage edges so that they line up.
Now you have one edge that is a fold and two selvage edges. Those must all align with each other. When you are confident that the edges are straight, align your rotary cutting ruler with the fold of the fabric, and slice away!
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Business Builders Day
You are cordially invited to a Business Builders Day with 1st Choice Business Partners of BNI. This is an opportunity to market your business to other professionals. Don’t miss this opportunity to get your business in front of others!
BNI is a business and professional organization whose primary purpose is to exchange qualified business referrals. The organization presently has over 5,500 chapters throughout every populated continent in the world. In 2009, members of BNI in 43 countries passed over 6.2 million referrals which generate over $2.6 billion (U.S.) worth of business for each other.
If you would like to increase the volume of your business or just want to do "better" business through personal referrals, then BNI is for you. Remember - people who GIVE business referrals, GET business referrals. We at the BNI 1st Choice Business Partners invite only one person from each professional classification to join our chapter. LOCK OUT your competition now and ensure they don't receive the business you should have.......
So join us for our special Business Builders Day and learn first-hand about our organization, particularly if you are interested in generating a steady source of referral business for yourself.
WHEN: Thursday, May 27, 2010 / 7:30 A.M. to 9:00 A.M.
WHAT: Business Builders Day with 1st Choice Business Partners of BNI
WHERE: Wheat Ridge Rec Center / 4005 Kipling Street, Wheat Ridge, CO, 80033
WHY: GET business referrals from your own Sales Group
HOW: RSVP by Friday, May 21st for Registration
A continental breakfast will be provided. Please RSVP by calling me at 303.503-7638; or call me with any questions.
Remember to bring plenty of business cards to pass around, as you will meet many local business professionals. Please feel free to bring a business associate with you who may also be interested in finding out how to generate more business through "word-of-mouth" marketing.
This organization is exciting, friendly and energetic in making business referrals for you. I look forward to seeing you on Thursday, May 27th at 7:30 am.
Kind Regards,
1st Choice Business Partners / BNI
Bonnie Keown
303-503-7638
BNI is a business and professional organization whose primary purpose is to exchange qualified business referrals. The organization presently has over 5,500 chapters throughout every populated continent in the world. In 2009, members of BNI in 43 countries passed over 6.2 million referrals which generate over $2.6 billion (U.S.) worth of business for each other.
If you would like to increase the volume of your business or just want to do "better" business through personal referrals, then BNI is for you. Remember - people who GIVE business referrals, GET business referrals. We at the BNI 1st Choice Business Partners invite only one person from each professional classification to join our chapter. LOCK OUT your competition now and ensure they don't receive the business you should have.......
So join us for our special Business Builders Day and learn first-hand about our organization, particularly if you are interested in generating a steady source of referral business for yourself.
WHEN: Thursday, May 27, 2010 / 7:30 A.M. to 9:00 A.M.
WHAT: Business Builders Day with 1st Choice Business Partners of BNI
WHERE: Wheat Ridge Rec Center / 4005 Kipling Street, Wheat Ridge, CO, 80033
WHY: GET business referrals from your own Sales Group
HOW: RSVP by Friday, May 21st for Registration
A continental breakfast will be provided. Please RSVP by calling me at 303.503-7638; or call me with any questions.
Remember to bring plenty of business cards to pass around, as you will meet many local business professionals. Please feel free to bring a business associate with you who may also be interested in finding out how to generate more business through "word-of-mouth" marketing.
This organization is exciting, friendly and energetic in making business referrals for you. I look forward to seeing you on Thursday, May 27th at 7:30 am.
Kind Regards,
1st Choice Business Partners / BNI
Bonnie Keown
303-503-7638
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Stitch in the Ditch with Longarm Quilting
Accurate Stitching in the Ditch Depends on Ruler Placement
Domestic machine quilters have an advantage over longarm quilters when it comes to stitching in the ditch. When using a domestic machine, one can use both hands to gently pull the seam apart. This allows the needle to place stitches on the "low side" of the seam, which become hidden when the fabric is released and the top fabric gently folds over the stitching.
However, longarm quilters must use guiding rulers to help them stay on target stitching next to seams and fabric folds. One hand must drive the machine while the other must hold the guiding ruler in position. To increase your success rate with a longarm machine, think about where you place your ruler before you begin to stitch.
If you place the guiding ruler on top of the seam allowance (the high side of the seam), then your hand's pressure causes the top fabric layer to fold over slightly and hide the space where you want your stitches to fall. You may think you're doing an excellent job of "staying in the ditch" until you remove your hand and ruler. Once the top fabric layer relaxes back into position, your stitches will appear to be too far away from the seam, even when they looked perfect just moments before!
Whenever possible, position your ruler on the low side of any seam (the side without the seam allowances underneath). Use invisible thread to also boost your confidence for those occasional misses we all suffer!
Domestic machine quilters have an advantage over longarm quilters when it comes to stitching in the ditch. When using a domestic machine, one can use both hands to gently pull the seam apart. This allows the needle to place stitches on the "low side" of the seam, which become hidden when the fabric is released and the top fabric gently folds over the stitching.
However, longarm quilters must use guiding rulers to help them stay on target stitching next to seams and fabric folds. One hand must drive the machine while the other must hold the guiding ruler in position. To increase your success rate with a longarm machine, think about where you place your ruler before you begin to stitch.
If you place the guiding ruler on top of the seam allowance (the high side of the seam), then your hand's pressure causes the top fabric layer to fold over slightly and hide the space where you want your stitches to fall. You may think you're doing an excellent job of "staying in the ditch" until you remove your hand and ruler. Once the top fabric layer relaxes back into position, your stitches will appear to be too far away from the seam, even when they looked perfect just moments before!
Whenever possible, position your ruler on the low side of any seam (the side without the seam allowances underneath). Use invisible thread to also boost your confidence for those occasional misses we all suffer!
Long Arm Ruler Placement
Accurate Stitching in the Ditch Depends on Ruler Placement
Domestic machine quilters have an advantage over longarm quilters when it comes to stitching in the ditch. When using a domestic machine, one can use both hands to gently pull the seam apart. This allows the needle to place stitches on the "low side" of the seam, which become hidden when the fabric is released and the top fabric gently folds over the stitching.
However, longarm quilters must use guiding rulers to help them stay on target stitching next to seams and fabric folds. One hand must drive the machine while the other must hold the guiding ruler in position. To increase your success rate with a longarm machine, think about where you place your ruler before you begin to stitch.
If you place the guiding ruler on top of the seam allowance (the high side of the seam), then your hand's pressure causes the top fabric layer to fold over slightly and hide the space where you want your stitches to fall. You may think you're doing an excellent job of "staying in the ditch" until you remove your hand and ruler. Once the top fabric layer relaxes back into position, your stitches will appear to be too far away from the seam, even when they looked perfect just moments before!
Whenever possible, position your ruler on the low side of any seam (the side without the seam allowances underneath). Use invisible thread to also boost your confidence for those occasional misses we all suffer!
Domestic machine quilters have an advantage over longarm quilters when it comes to stitching in the ditch. When using a domestic machine, one can use both hands to gently pull the seam apart. This allows the needle to place stitches on the "low side" of the seam, which become hidden when the fabric is released and the top fabric gently folds over the stitching.
However, longarm quilters must use guiding rulers to help them stay on target stitching next to seams and fabric folds. One hand must drive the machine while the other must hold the guiding ruler in position. To increase your success rate with a longarm machine, think about where you place your ruler before you begin to stitch.
If you place the guiding ruler on top of the seam allowance (the high side of the seam), then your hand's pressure causes the top fabric layer to fold over slightly and hide the space where you want your stitches to fall. You may think you're doing an excellent job of "staying in the ditch" until you remove your hand and ruler. Once the top fabric layer relaxes back into position, your stitches will appear to be too far away from the seam, even when they looked perfect just moments before!
Whenever possible, position your ruler on the low side of any seam (the side without the seam allowances underneath). Use invisible thread to also boost your confidence for those occasional misses we all suffer!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Taking Photos of Quilts
Turn off your flash for great quilt detail photos.
The quilt show season is in full swing, and quilters everywhere will be sharing "oohs" and "aahs" as they ogle each of the quilts hanging proudly in the shows. We are inevitably struck with the beauty and originality of each work, and try to capture the essence of those which inspire us most with photographs.
Here are some tips to getting the most from your digital camera. You've discovered the first hint in the last sentence...get a digital camera! You'll find many inexpensive types on the market today; look for a model that allows you to turn off the flash, has a "macro" feature to get close up photos, and has at least 3 megapixels of memory. Digital cameras give you instant feedback; you are able to tell right away whether your photo illustrates what you want it to.
If you find the quilt's complete layout and design pleasing, stand back away from the quilt, and frame it inside your view screen. Depending on the venue's lighting, you may want to try a photo with flash first, and then turn the flash off. However, if you are more interested in the quilting stitches and design, you'll want to take close-up photos.
For these shots, you want to use the room's typical ceiling and side lights to your advantage. The shadows this lighting direction creates will define the quilting stitches and make them very dynamic in your photos. Turn your flash off. Move in to your close up area and try one photo, using your camera's zoom lens and automatic focus feature. If that photo is not crisp, use the macro feature of your camera. This special feature allows your camera to focus more clearly with very close objects.
Finally, consider taking photos of the quilts you DON'T like as well as those you do. Make notes about what you thought did and didn't work in each of the quilts, including color combinations, design layouts, and quilt density. Be sure to transfer your photos to your computer, or visit your nearest photo center if you need help getting them off your memory device. Store your photos in special folders on your computer labeled according to your categories to find them easily for your future design work.
Happy Quilt Show shooting.
The quilt show season is in full swing, and quilters everywhere will be sharing "oohs" and "aahs" as they ogle each of the quilts hanging proudly in the shows. We are inevitably struck with the beauty and originality of each work, and try to capture the essence of those which inspire us most with photographs.
Here are some tips to getting the most from your digital camera. You've discovered the first hint in the last sentence...get a digital camera! You'll find many inexpensive types on the market today; look for a model that allows you to turn off the flash, has a "macro" feature to get close up photos, and has at least 3 megapixels of memory. Digital cameras give you instant feedback; you are able to tell right away whether your photo illustrates what you want it to.
If you find the quilt's complete layout and design pleasing, stand back away from the quilt, and frame it inside your view screen. Depending on the venue's lighting, you may want to try a photo with flash first, and then turn the flash off. However, if you are more interested in the quilting stitches and design, you'll want to take close-up photos.
For these shots, you want to use the room's typical ceiling and side lights to your advantage. The shadows this lighting direction creates will define the quilting stitches and make them very dynamic in your photos. Turn your flash off. Move in to your close up area and try one photo, using your camera's zoom lens and automatic focus feature. If that photo is not crisp, use the macro feature of your camera. This special feature allows your camera to focus more clearly with very close objects.
Finally, consider taking photos of the quilts you DON'T like as well as those you do. Make notes about what you thought did and didn't work in each of the quilts, including color combinations, design layouts, and quilt density. Be sure to transfer your photos to your computer, or visit your nearest photo center if you need help getting them off your memory device. Store your photos in special folders on your computer labeled according to your categories to find them easily for your future design work.
Happy Quilt Show shooting.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Quilt Backing
The seam direction of your backing depends on the quilt's use.
If you are lucky enough to have a well-stocked quilt shop near you, you may be able to purchase wide quilt backing fabric and avoid having seams altogether. However, not all wide backings maintain the same quality. Check carefully before investing in this fabric. Pay special attention to "white on white" backing fabric where part of the design appears to be painted on to the fabric. Longarm needles will perforate and crumble the paint, causing tension issues, more thread breakage, and needle holes that may not recover.
When you are forced to piece fabric strips to create backing large enough for your quilt top, choose the seam direction based on the quilt's use in addition to ease of loading on your frame. Generally, horizontal backing seams are much easier to handle than vertical seams, since the seam will lay parallel to the roller instead of creating bulk as it wraps around the roller.
However, if the quilt will hang on a wall, then situating the backing fabric so that the lengthwise grain runs "top to bottom" will reduce stress on the quilt and prevent sagging and stretching. In this instance vertical seams may be more appropriate.
When you sew backing pieces together, be sure to remove the selvage edges along the seam line. You can decrease the bulk in the seam even further by pressing the seam open instead of to one side. Select a stitch length of 11-12 stitches per inch to secure the open seam better.
If you are lucky enough to have a well-stocked quilt shop near you, you may be able to purchase wide quilt backing fabric and avoid having seams altogether. However, not all wide backings maintain the same quality. Check carefully before investing in this fabric. Pay special attention to "white on white" backing fabric where part of the design appears to be painted on to the fabric. Longarm needles will perforate and crumble the paint, causing tension issues, more thread breakage, and needle holes that may not recover.
When you are forced to piece fabric strips to create backing large enough for your quilt top, choose the seam direction based on the quilt's use in addition to ease of loading on your frame. Generally, horizontal backing seams are much easier to handle than vertical seams, since the seam will lay parallel to the roller instead of creating bulk as it wraps around the roller.
However, if the quilt will hang on a wall, then situating the backing fabric so that the lengthwise grain runs "top to bottom" will reduce stress on the quilt and prevent sagging and stretching. In this instance vertical seams may be more appropriate.
When you sew backing pieces together, be sure to remove the selvage edges along the seam line. You can decrease the bulk in the seam even further by pressing the seam open instead of to one side. Select a stitch length of 11-12 stitches per inch to secure the open seam better.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Quilts and Feedsacks
Quilters scour estate sales and antique shops for feedsacks, hoping to score big and find a special bag to add to their stash.
Feedsack interest faded in the 1950's as yard goods became readily available, though some feedsacks were produces as late as the 1960's in the Southwest.
Today's collectors help preserve some of the nostalgia surrounding the feedsack era when curtains, dresses, handbags, men's shirts and even bathing suits were made from brightly printed feedsacks.
In their heyday, feedsacks prompted the National Cotton Council to sponsor a feedsack wardrobe campaign. The genre was so popular that 30 million yards of printed cotton material were converted into feedsacks annually in the U.S., according to a 1944 Business Week report.
Today quilters pay as much as $15 for a single intact vintage feedsack!
Feedsack interest faded in the 1950's as yard goods became readily available, though some feedsacks were produces as late as the 1960's in the Southwest.
Today's collectors help preserve some of the nostalgia surrounding the feedsack era when curtains, dresses, handbags, men's shirts and even bathing suits were made from brightly printed feedsacks.
In their heyday, feedsacks prompted the National Cotton Council to sponsor a feedsack wardrobe campaign. The genre was so popular that 30 million yards of printed cotton material were converted into feedsacks annually in the U.S., according to a 1944 Business Week report.
Today quilters pay as much as $15 for a single intact vintage feedsack!
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