Quilters World

Dumbleyung Quilt As You Go Workshop

Pauline was in Dumbleyung Western Australia in early May for a workshop with the local ladies. This charming wheatbelt town is located in the "Golden Outback" some 275km south east of Perth near Dumbleyung Lake - the largest natural body of inland water in West Australia.

It was a terrific day with the Dumbleyung quilters. They had opted for a Quilt As You Go workshop to learn Pauline's easy way to construct quilts. They did a fabulous job!

Pauline demonstrates at the sewing machine.

Jill Nalder displays her two meticulously finished gorgeous samplers from the workshop. Well done Jill!

Margie Holme's beautiful sampler is the perfect example of what you can do with four quilt blocks when you know Quilt As You Go. Well done Margie!

 

 

Disappearing Nine Patch Tutorial

A traditional nine patch quilt block contains nine equal squares (also called patches). The squares are arranged three rows across and three down. The Disappearing Nine Patch is a simple twist on the classic nine patch block. It’s a super easy quilt making method, which gives an impressive result.

It’s simple enough for beginner quilters and fun enough for more advanced quilters who are looking for a fast and fabulously quick quilt design.

To save even more time, you can use Charm Packs (pre-cut 5” fabric squares). Or make use of your fabric stash and cut your own patches. This technique is versatile, so you’re not limited to the size of the square you begin with - you can do it with any size square.  Try it with a 6” or 7” square to create a larger block.

Directions are given for making one nine patch block that will yield four blocks. The size of your quilt will depend on the number and size of the blocks you make. Once your blocks are made you can add a border (or two if desired), then quilt and bind for a finished masterpiece that looks so remarkable, no one will guess how simple it was.

Take nine patches and group them into three rows each of three squares. You can use any prints you like (or solids) but generally you want a variety of lights and darks for a nice contrast. Arrange them however you want - the most traditional way is in a checkerboard fashion alternating lights and darks.

Choose the first two squares in the first row, place them right sides together (RST) and sew them on together using  a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Then add the third square.

Sew rows two and three together the same way.

  

Don’t forget to press your seams.

Take your first row and pin it to your second row, right sides together, carefully matching the seams. Then sew the two rows together.

Add the third row to the other two. You now have a traditional nine patch block.

Don't forget to press the seams toward the centre of the block.

Next is the fun part! You’re going to take that block that you just stitched together and cut it into four equal pieces.  

Using your ruler measure and cut the block vertically.

 

Take each of these pieces and cut them in half again!

You now have four blocks that will each be the same size, but look totally different.

Repeat these steps, sewing nine patch blocks and slicing them into four new blocks – until you have the number of blocks you need to make your quilt.

Now for even more fun!

Take all the blocks you’ve made and rearrange them to create your desired layout. Set them out and experiment to discover the endless layouts possible.

When you’ve decided on a layout, stitch your blocks together. If you’re a beginner you may wonder where to start sewing. It’s simple - sew your blocks together in rows, much as you did the patches for the nine patch block, then sew your rows together. 

When you’re done admire your handiwork! 

 

Pauline's Birthday Sale

It's Pauline's birthday and you're invited... to one big sale!

We can't give you cake or a glass of bubbly to celebrate with us but we can give you some fabulous savings storewide, so you can buy something you've been longing for.

Last year on her birthday, Pauline and Rob were travelling across the Nullarbor but this year she'll be home taking a bit of a break by chasing the grandkids around the house. Just now she's putting the wee ones down for a nap (they might have other ideas though!) In the middle of all the commotion we asked her what she wanted to do in the way of a celebration sale and apparently getting a year older she's feeling extremely generous, although she may have been distracted but here goes...

We're taking 25% off everything online... tools, threads, notions, rulers. And yes, that includes anything in our Specials section and even off the books in the Dutch Auction.
If you spend over $250 we'll take an additional 5% off your total.

To save time  we're not changing the prices online but we will refund you the discounted amount on the same day as you make your purchase. We know this is a bit of a hassle but if we have to pay our webmaster Jane to change the prices then we wouldn't be able to offer you such a fabulous discount.

We're going to spread the festivities over a few days - until Midnight April 6th 2012. As always, it's only while stock lasts, so if we sell out you miss out. 

 

 

All Pauline's Digital Downloads

 When you purchase a digital download you receive an email with the link to download your item giving you instant access so you can get started right away, and because it's a digital download there's no postage & handling charge.

Choose from Pauline's selection of videos including Quilt As You Go and Making Bias Strips or check out Susie's Bag or Hearts Abound Quilt from the tutorial ebook selection. Downloads must be purchased online to receive the discounted price. The price shown on the website is the regular price, but the purchase price of 50% off will show when you complete your purchase.



 

Marching Along - Gerry's Gab

Another month gone by, the baby quilt is finished and delivered to the owner, who by all accounts loved the bunnies!! 



I have also been busy making a bag for my lovely iPad – what a great little invention they are – which I plan to use for my trip to England later this year. It was another of the By Annie patterns using Texture Magic  - quite complicated to make but I must say the instructions were pretty comphrensive.

As well as finishing the baby quilt and the bag, I whipped up a pink chenille Teddy from a Quilters World tutorial. I haven't decided yet whether to turn it into a wall hanging or a cushion.

My sister Marcia and husband Dale have moved up from Victoria and are now residents of Highfields.  Since arriving, we have had rain, fog or showers everyday and this is supposed to be sunny Queensland!!  Not the best weather for settling into a new home, but they are pleased to be away from the hustle and bustle of Melbourne and look forward to enjoying their retirement.

Marcia has already put in a request for a quilted tablecloth for their dining table, and as she has just had a birthday, how can I refuse!  As all quilters know, it is always lovely to have a new project to think about, especially something that we know will be really appreciated.

Happy quilting till next time, with more news of the tablecloth project.

Gerry

Machine Quilting with Hobb's Heirloom Double Sided Fusible Wadding

Once Upon A Time
When preparing our quilt sandwich we once used safety pins. In putting a queen sized quilt together we'd use 300-400 pins. The backing needed to be secured down with bulldog clips or sticky tape, then we'd add the wadding and quilt top, then pin. It’s was a chore which took hours of time.

Once the pinning task was complete it was time to start machine quilting. Unfortunately all those safety pins added a lot of extra weight, tended to catch on things and stopped the quilt from moving freely. And all those safety pins that were put in, now have to come out as you quilt your quilt.

The Newer, Smarter, Easier Way!
That is all in the past because a wonderful product has come along, that makes it possible to temporarily attach top and bottom fabric to the wadding just by ironing, eliminating the need for basting. Hobbs has taken their best selling batting, Heirloom Cotton (80% cotton / 20% polyester) and added the convenience of making it fusible. With Hobbs fusible wadding you don’t have to waste time pinning your quilt sandwich together. Your hands and back will thank you. And this wadding quilts like a dream.

Hobbs uses state of the art technology to apply a light fusible to the surface of the batt. The fusible is light enough to re-position and re-fuse, should you need to, but heavy enough to allow you to fuse your layers, thereby reducing the time consuming task of basting. The fusible layer washes out when the quilt is laundered. It is receommended that the first wash be done in cold water only with no added detergents.

How To Use Hobbs Fusible Wadding
When you purchase the wadding, you'll notice that it's folded. Just get your hands between the layers and split the layers. Lay it out flat and let it rest for a few hours before you actually do anything with it.

To make your quilt sandwich, lay the backing on a table, no stretching or taping is needed. Then lay the wadding on top of the backing and smooth it out, then lay the quilt top on top of that.  With your iron set on a dry cotton setting, start from the middle and iron to the outside edge. Use an even circular motion and keep the iron moving to avoid scorching the quilt. Once the right side is finished, flip it over, straighten the backing if necessary and iron the other side. You are now ready to quilt.

Helpful Tips
If it doesn't stick, it means that you're ironing across the surface too fast.

If you have to reposition everything on the table make sure to keep everything flattened out. 

As you've been ironing the front, some of your backing may have stuck to the wadding. If you find it has and you've got any little puckers in it, just get your hand in between the layers and split them apart and flatten out the backing. The fusible is light enough to reposition and refuse if you need to. When you've done that, if it's a really big quilt, put a few safety pins around the outside edge. Then just pick it up and go straight to the machine.

First, anchor down all your sashings and borders by machine stitching-in-the-ditch. Then you can move anywhere over the quilt surface.

Why Would We Use Anything Else?
This soft and flexible wadding won't pill through your fabric, quilts up beautifully and you'll find it's warm in the winter and cool in the summer. You save time because you don't have to pin and with no safety pins there is a lot less bulk to move about while quilting. It can be repositioned and ironed again and again.

Fusible Wadding Vs Fusible Sprays
When we discovered Hobbs Fusible Wadding we got rid of those cans of smelly, sticky sprays which we never quite came to like anyhow. Recently we read some new research about the long term effects fusible products may have on fabric art work, such as quilts which has made us very glad we don't use the sprays.

Experiments were conducted at the University of Nebraska – Lincoln to find out what effect fusible sprays, webs and battings will have on quilts over time.  Using various methods to accelerate aging they looked for occurrences of discoloration, yellowing, strength loss, bleed through, stiffening and color changes. Major brands of fusible products were studied including Hobb's fusible wadding.

It was very reassuring to read in the report that fusible batting products did not deteriorate or cause deterioration in quilts and it was concluded that they were safe for even heirloom quilts that you expect to be passed down through generations. The results for fusible sprays and fusible webs were rather disturbing. The fusible sprays were deemed unacceptable while the fusible webs that were evaluated were said to be okay for quilts intended to last for 10 to 20 years, but could not be recommended for quilts intended to be handed down from generation to generation or for studio art quilts intended for sale.

You can read the full report here.

 

What Size of Quilt Do You Need?

Deciding what size quilt to make is the first step in planning a quilt project. Wallhangings can be any size you desire but if the quilt is to be use on a bed you'll want to figure out the ideal size. The length and width of the mattress aren't the only things to be considered though.

Not All Beds Are Created Equal

Some of the newer mattresses have gotten deeper, especially if they have a cushioned top pad. Does the bed have a footboard? If it does have a footboard you will want to adjust the size as you won't need the same size of drop as on the sides. Do you want the quilt to cover the pillows? If you do, you will need an allowance for a pillow tuck which could be anywhere from 10" to 18" depending on the size of the pillows. You also need to consider if the bed has a regular or low profile boxspring, if it has a boxspring at all. To avoid disappointment it is best to measure the specific bed you're intending the quilt for. 

How Do You Want Your Quilt to Hang?

Decide what kind of drop (overhang) you'd like the quilt to have. What you choose is a matter of taste and in some instances practicality. The most common drop choices are: Coverlet (drops to 3" below mattress), Blanket (drops to 3/4" below box spring) and Full Length (drops to 1/2" from the floor).  

Calculating Quilt Size  

To determine a quilt size, measure the bed fully made.

For the quilt length measure the bed length + drop + pillow tuck (if required).

For the width, measure the bed width + the (2x) drop. 

 

 

Allow For Shrinkage

If you haven't pre-shrunk your fabric you should allow for some shrinkage in the wash. Do keep in mind that your quilt will also 'shrink' some when it is quilted. If you are planning very dense quilting you will want to take this into consideration when determining the size of your quilt.

Clover Self-Threading Needles

Self-threading needles, have a slot for the thread, rather than an eye to make threading easier. Sometimes called 'cheater' needles, the Clover Self Threading Needles are threaded simply by placing the thread above the eye of the needle and pulling down.

Wonderful Tool for Machine Quilting
Self threading needles are handy for people who have difficulty threading a needle but they’re also a wonderful tool for quilters and should be in every machine quilters tool kit.

What Should You Do With Thread Tails?
Many quilters anchor their starting and stopping stitches by sewing several stitches in one place or backstitching, then clipping off the thread tails. These methods of starting and finishing your quilting will leave a noticeable bump that can be unsightly.

It's preferable to resist sewing those anchoring stitches, and instead tie off and bury the threads.  Hiding your quilting threads can be an annoying task but self-threading needles will speed up the process and the result is much more professional looking.

Tie Off Those Threads
When you begin your quilting draw the bobbin thread to the top by hand winding your needle down and as it comes back up put a little pressure on the thread and your bobbin thread will pop through. Lay at least 6" of  both threads under the foot and start quilting.  When you want to finish a line of quilting, cut your threads so they both are at least 6". Then pull on the top thread and the bobbin thread will pop to the top. IMPORTANT: If your last stitch is a very small stitch you will not be able to pull it to the top so be sure the last stitch is normal .

Using a self threading needle , twist the two threads together and hold them firm, push the split of the needle onto the thread -  make a loop and put the end of the needle through from the outside to the inside of the loop, then pull the thread so the loop pulls down close to your fabric and forms a small knot. Put the needle in where the threads come out and pull the knot in to bury it. If you've started and stopped your quilting in the same spot you'll have four threads to tie off all together.  This method gives a very neat finish as no starts or stops show.

The Clover Self-Threading Needles are available in a package of five assorted sizes at Quilters World.

Rabbits in a Row - Gerry's Gab

It’s hard to believe that we are already into the second month of 2012!  Christmas is over, the New Year has passed by and we are well underway with a new quilting year. 

Spent part of the holidays down in Melbourne, catching up with our son David and my sister Marcia and her husband,  as well as daughter Gail and son-in-law, so it was a real family reunion.  Marcia has retired and will be moving up to the Toowoomba area soon so I am looking forward to having them in close proximity and hoping to convince her to take up quilting!



Currently I am working on a baby quilt for my friend’s granddaughter and have used some gorgeous Peter Rabbit fabric, purchased on a shop hop with the Mt Isa girls some time ago.  Yes my stash cupboard nearly always yields something I can use!  I am up to the quilting stage so have included some pictures of the work in progress.  I have quilted bunnies across the sashings (with the help of quilt & tear paper) and plan to do carrots on the vertical sashings.



As you are no doubt aware, Queensland is getting lots more rain in many parts and some towns in the west of the state are experiencing their third flooding in as many years.  This time Toowoomba has been spared the worst of the weather, and in fact many parts are quite dry.  In spite of this we have had a great show of zinnias in our garden which have grown into a veritable forest, with flowers as big as dahlias! In Pauline’s garden we also noticed this rather special rose!

Well, more next time, with hopefully the finished baby quilt! Gerry

Who stole January?

I'm sitting here wondering where it went. Last year we were back on the road mid-January. This year we took a bit more time at home but I'm still surprised that it's February already. Over the last month we've visited with family and friends, and got to enjoy time with our grandkids, Lannah and Dean. They're growing so fast.

I had a lovely time being able to sew in my sewing room, it's much different to life in a caravan. I'd had some ideas that I was able to take from inspiration to finished project. One quilt is Butterfly Blossoms and it's full of fun techniques for texturising and manipulating fabric. Another quilt I designed, Dresden Gone Crazy turned out gorgeous.

These quilts have been added as choices to my hands on workshops. They'll also be turned into tutorials for the Academy later on (where did January go?). Now it's time to pack up the caravan as we'll be heading back out on the road soon. How time flies!  

Pauline

Special Offers

This week we have five fabulous offers. Specials are available Feb 6 - 12 2012.

 

Two Cool Tools
The Binding Tool may be just what you need to finish off your quilt, while the Ruching Edge makes adding a bit of interest to your projects an easy task. Both these tools sell elsewhere for $20 each (our reg price is $15) but we've bundled them up this week and took an additional $5 off the price. You can get both for just $25. For a lesson on binding visit here. Visit Quilters World for this special.

Time Savers
Don't you hate stopping to change needles and fill bobbins? Superior Needles are titanium-coated to stay sharper longer than any other brand, while pre-wound bobbins hold more thread than a bobbin you wind yourself. Save time and money with our Time Savers bundle - You get two packages of the Superior Topstitch Needle Assortment and a dozen bobbins ( 4 each of parchment, granite & canvas) . A $39.10 value Only $25.00 Visit Quilters World for this special.

Squaring Blocks Video Demo

If you struggle with getting your quilt blocks perfectly square this lesson is for you. In this 5 minute demo Pauline shares her tips for successful squaring of blocks. File: MP4 File size: 79MB
Regular Price $3.95 Special $1.95

	Quilted Scissor Case & Pincushion Pattern This downloadable pattern gives you instructions for making a Quilted Scissor Case and a Heart Shape Pincushion -  the perfect little projects  to practice your quilting skills.When you'’re done you'’ll have something that is both pretty and handy. Regular Price $3.95 Now $1.95
	Chenille Heart Tutorial eBook The Chenille Heart ebook is a step-by-step tutorial that you download straight to your computer, so you can start learning right now. Mastering the design used in this applique project will open up many creative possibilities. Regular Price $9.95 Special $4.95

Superior Needles

Having a good needle in your sewing machine is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to improve your sewing projects. You can have the most expensive machine available but if you’re using a cheap or worn out needle you’re not likely to get a great result.

Due to it's strength and resistance to corrosion titanium is used in aircraft, naval ships and spacecraft. It's also used in Superior Topstitch Needles giving quilters a sewing machine needle that will stay sharp far beyond other brands.

For years titanium coated needles have been available for industrial machines and now home sewers can enjoy the benefits of a needle that will last on average, 5 to 8 times longer than a standard needle.

And since they cost a mere fraction more than  regular needles you'll actually be saving money and changing your needle less often.

You can pick up an assortment pack of Superior Needles Topstitch needles (#70/10 (1), #80/12 (1), #90/14 (2), #100/16 (1) online at Quilters World.  

For more information on Superior Titanium-Coated Topstitch Needles watch this video.