Quilters World

Out of the Past - Show & Tell

Aunt Dinah Quilt Block

The Aunt Dinah quilt block, according to Barbara Brackman's Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns , first appeared in print in 1946 in a magazine called "Successful Farming."

Level: Beginner
Size: 12 1/2" unfinished

This traditional pieced block can be made with just two colours, but in our tutorial we've added a twist by using three colours.

To make this block you will need rotary cutter, mat, acrylic ruler and sewing machine. Fork pins to aid in matching seams and a  small square for squaring up your patches will help you achieve better results by ensuring accuracy.

Fabric Requirements: Colour One - 9" x 21", Colour Two - 8" x 16" and Colour Three - 6" x 6"

Border Tutorial

Adding Borders

When you have completed piecing your quilt, gently press the whole top and trim threads. 

Lay quilt out flat on table or floor.  Using a 3 metre long tape measure, measure the length of the quilt through the centre.  Note this measurement down.  Then measure down each side of your quilt.  Note these measurements down. 

How to calculate:

Out of the Past - Singer Sewing

Many of us may have learnt to sew on a Singer, which is probably why we feel so nostalgic about them.

The first Singer Sewing Machines back in 1853 sold for $100 each. The first practical electric sewing machine was introduced in 1889, with Singer coming out with a Portable Electric model in 1921.

Behind the Scenes with Ruth Bloomfield

Ruth Bloomfield has loved fabric ever since early childhood. She recalls playing with beautiful hair ribbons and cutting up bits of fabric to create décor for her dollhouse. As soon as her feet could reach the pedals of the sewing machine, she learned how to stitch.

Ruth's first patchwork creation was a hexagon quilt. This was years ago, and it took her two and a half years to finish the project. Quite awhile went by before she again attempted patchwork. Although traditional quilt making didn't appeal, her desire to create with fabric was so intense, she continued on with the art of patchwork and quilting. In 1992, she created her first original picture quilt of the rainforest with a confetti forest floor. It was then that Ruth realised she had found her niche.

Out of the Past

The other day I was looking for a particular photo. Here at Quilters World we have stacks of computer disks full of pictures. I never did find the one I wanted but instead ended up distracted by all the  shots of quilters having fun. There were so many great photos I decided that we should share them here. So once a week I'll post a new 'old' photo from Out of the Past. You never know who you might see.

 
If you click on this photo you'll get a larger version that makes it easier to identify the people.

The LPO of Machine Quilting

Becoming a Proficient Machine Quilter is  Like Learning to Drive a Car

You first need to learn the basics (Learners). Then you need lots of practice (P plates) to build the confidence to operate your machine and achieve great quilting results (Open Licence).

I've Just Finished My First Quilt Top & I'm Scared to Quilt It

Yes... if you were to take a car out for a spin without knowing the first thing about driving you might end up with  a few scratches and dents (or worse). Understandably you don't want all your hard work to end up in a wrecked heap and that's why we advise you to take some time to first learn the basics of machine quilting.

Since you wouldn't take a lengthy road trip all by yourself with a Learners permit, we don't recommend that you start your machine quilting journey on your quilt top (even if it isn't your first creation) without practicing how to drive your sewing machine. With the use of samples you train under the watchful eye of an instructor, so you don't need to fear making a mistake while you get in some great practice.

As your instructor, Pauline will guide you through the steps so that you gain the confidence to tackle all those UFOs in your cupboard.

One & Two Day Workshops

The one day workshop covers  free hand straight stitching, stippling and lots more, and at the end of the day you will have useful samples of your work to keep. This workshop can be extended to two days to cover Quilt As You Go techniques.

As the ease of machine quilting can depend on using the correct products, Pauline personally puts together a kit for each student. The kits cost $60 and consists of

cream fabric (pre cut ready for use), fusible wadding (pre cut ready for use), two white bobbinfil, one packet of self threading needles and one packet of machine quilting needles  packed into a quilted project bag. It is essential that each participant have a darning or free form quilting foot on their sewing machine.

For more information on this class and other workshops download our Class Program Brochure

Workshops at Peggy & Bev's Place in Emerald

Back in December Pauline was in Emerald, Queensland at Peggy & Bev's Place teaching a couple of workshops – Double Wedding Ring Quilt and Blossoming Hearts.

Although no one finished what they had started, they all came away from the workshop extremely happy with their accomplishments and eager to keep going.

Bev herself took part in the Double Wedding Ring workshop. She likes the way it's turning out, so is planning to use it on her own bed when it's complete.

Those working on a Double Wedding Ring quilt started with a very carefully cut and sewn and re-cut pile of strips. Towards the end of the second day of the workshop those same strips were taking shape to become something much more interesting.

On the other side of the workroom the ladies were busy creating their Blossoming Hearts quilt. They were having fun learning the many techniques that make up this darling little quilt.

Bev and her fellow workshoppers are hoping to keep each other on track, so that the next time Pauline visits Emerald they can proudly display their finished projects. 

Pauline had a fabulous time with the ladies in Emerald and is looking forward to her return visit.

The Importance of Fabric Grain in Patchwork & Quilting

There's more to fabric than pretty colours and prints

In patchwork and quilting, understanding fabric grain is helpful in achieving the results you want in your finished quilts.

What exactly is fabric grain?

In woven fabric, threads are what comprise the grain.

The Lengthwise Grain - Warp Threads

Long threads form the lengthwise grain in fabric. These threads are the warp threads and run parallel to the selvage. Fabric has the least give on the lengthwise grain.

The Crosswise Grain - Weft Threads

The shorter threads that make up the crosswise in the fabric are the weft threads. These threads run perpendicular to the warp threads and selvage. Fabric has slightly more stretch on the crosswise grain than on the lengthwise grain.