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Premium Online Quilt Magazine – Vol. 4 No. 7

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Online Quilt Magazine.com

Premium Issue Vol.4 No.7 – July 2013

NEW Project –

It’s A Star

Quilted

Wallhanging

Piecing

Modern Quilt

Blocks

Learn How to Add

Bead Embroidery to

Your Quilt

Favourite

Tools With

Penny

Quilters and the

Friendship Effect – 7

Ways to Creatively

Cope During

Stressful Times



Online Quilt Magazine Table of Contents

How to Add Bead Embroidery to Your Quilt ………………………………………………………..………………………………………………..…………………………………..………. Page 4

Piecing Modern Quilt Blocks …………………………………………………………………..…..……..………………….……………………………….……………………………………...…. Page 8

PROJECT – It’s A Star Quilted Wallhanging …………………………………………………………………………………….…………………………..……………….……………………..

Some Favourite Tools With Penny …………………………………………………………………..……………..……….………………………..……..…………………………….…………..

Page 11

Page 16

PROJECT – Cog Star Quilt Pattern ……………………………………………………………………………………...………………………………………………………………………….…….

What’s New from The Fat Quarter Shop ……………………………………..…………………………….………………………………………………………………………..……………….

Hints and Tips From Brannie …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….………………………………………….

How To Keep Your Quilts Beautiful ……….………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

PROJECT – Christmas In July …………………..…..……………...………………………………………………………………………….…………………………………………….………………

Page 22

Page 25

Page 29

Page 31

Page 35

Quilters and the Friendship Effect – 7 Ways to Creatively Cope During Stressful Times ………………….……………………………………………………………………

PROJECT – Small Stitched Cards ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Book Review – “Quilting Modern” by Jacquie Gering & Katie Pedersen …………………………………………..………………………………………………………………….

Reader “Show and Tell” …………………………………………………………………………………..…………………………….……………………………….………………………………...…

Recipe – Cauliflower, Potato and Bacon Soup ………………….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Page 39

Page 43

Page 45

Page 47

Page 50

BLOCK OF THE MONTH – Album Block ………………..…..……………….………...................................................................................................................... Page 51

Today's Tips.................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Page 54

YES – We Want To hear From You .............................................................................................................................................................................. Page 55



Letter from the Editor

Jody Anderson

Hi!

It’s finally here – it’s cold, wet and wintry here in Australia, and now I find there’s absolutely no reason

not to stay indoors, sew and drink copious cups of hot tea (or chocolate!).

One of the things we look forward to as well is “Christmas in July”. For those of us who miss out on the

‘traditional’ cold white Christmas in December, this time of year is a perfect excuse for a mid-year big

Christmas meal, complete with roasts, baked vegies and pudding. If you’re so inspired, this issue has a

couple of quick decorations you might like to try out this month.

We also have several more projects in this issue too – Rose has another quilt pattern, we have a quilted

wallhanging and there’s some stitched card ideas. We take a look at adding beading to your quilt tops,

and how quilting can help you cope during stressful times.

Leah’s series continues, and Brannie’s back with more mischief too….

Have a great month!

Jody



One delightful aspect of quilting is the ability to

add bead art to your quilts.

Bead embroidery is a craft where you actually

create a design or picture using beads. It is a step

above adding decorator beads to your quilt. This

part of quilting takes a great deal of patience and

I recommend practice on a small project before

actually adding one to your quilt.

The first step in bead embroidery is to select your

pattern. Choose a design that will match the

theme of your quilt.

For example, if you are doing an angel quilt it

would be best to select an angel picture or

perhaps a small halo depending on the size and

design of your quilt. Make sure that the design

size will fit into the section of the quilt when

making your selection.

Once your design is chosen, it is time to transfer

the pattern onto the quilt section or your practice

fabric.

For transfers you have several options. You can

use chalk to trace your pattern. You can also use

tracing paper or transfer paper.

How To Add Bead Embroidery To Your Quilt

By Jan Myers from http://www.QuiltingResourceCenter.com



Stay away from permanent markers or pens

because these can bleed and ruin your quilt. Keep

a clean copy of your bead embroidery pattern to

follow while you're creating the section.

The majority of bead embroidery designs will

need 11/0 seed beads, 3/0's charlotte beads, and

15/0's tiny beads. It is really up to you which type

of beads you think will look nice in your design.

Select the colors of beads that you will need. It is

recommended to purchase more beads then you

think you'll need for this part of the project since

they can always be added as singles throughout

your quilt later on if you end up with extras.

Take your pattern with you to the store and use it

to determine if the bead sizes will fit nicely across

the design. This will also help you in matching

colors.

One more step is needed before sewing your

beads onto the quilt section. You will need to

back the section with a substrate fabric piece or

with a heavy starch spray. This will keep your

quilt section from puckering later.

Once the fabric is slightly stiffened it is time to

frame it. You can use a traditional embroidery

frame to actually sew the bead embroidery

design together.

The key is to not pull the fabric too tight in the

frame. The material should be pulled enough to

allow the beads to lie side by side but not so



tightly that when removed the piece will cave in

on it.

Now you are ready to attach the beads to the

design to create your bead embroidery picture.

The key is to have the beads lie flat in individual

rows between the pattern lines. You can either

sew the beads individually in rows or you can

load your needle with up to four beads at a time.

Recommended stitches are the lane stitch, for

multiple beads and the back stitch, for single

beads or multiple beads.

Line beads on the pattern, load on to the needle

and attach to your design one row at a time.

Do not try to work your design like paint by

number because you will be switching rows,

which will cause the fabric to pucker or the beads

to not lie flat.

When your bead embroidery is completed, you

will have a gorgeous design or picture for this

section of your quilt.

(Very detailed beading on fabric!)

You can add the additional beads on other areas

of your quilt or set them aside for another bead

project in the future.

Many quilters find that the bead embroidery

sections are great for the centerpiece or one

along each inside edge of the quilt.



They take time and patience but can be a

wonderful addition to your quilts.

About the Author:

Jan Myers is the author of numerous articles and books on

topics from organizational development and leadership to

quilting. It was her avocation, the love of quilting, that

inspired the popular online membership site for quilters

known as the world's largest quilting bee at

http://www.QuiltingResourceCenter.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jan_Myers

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This month we continue our 8-part series from

Leah where she covers 5 different filler quilting

designs before making and quilting a modern

quilt to practice them on. Follow along and enjoy

the fun with us!

It's time for a new Quilt Along and this month

we're NOT free motion quilting!

Instead we're going to start piecing a fun, funky

modern quilt top. Josh has named this quilt the

PoMo Angles Quilt, and that name was just silly

enough for me to fall in love with it!

The first step is to gather your fabric. You will

need:

1. Background fabric: About 1 to 2 yards of one

color of fabric. This could be a solid, this could be

a fabric that reads solid (batik), this could be a

large pile of scraps, this could be an old window

curtain.

Yardage will be easier to work with, but if you're

willing to work harder, a scrap stash could

definitely work!

Piecing Modern Quilt Blocks

By Leah Day from www.FreeMotionQuilt.blogspot.com



Cut this fabric into strips between 2.5 - 4 inches

wide.

2. About 15 - 30 squares of some other color.

You can cut these around 6 to 7 inches, or you

can cut them bigger or smaller, depending on

your mood.

As you can see, this materials list isn't very exact.

The piecing instructions that follow will also not

be exact.

Your finished blocks will not be square or perfect

or exact in any way. That's what trimming and

squaring is for ;-)

Understand going into this project that you are

traveling down the Road of Wonky where

Imperfection is not only your friend, it's your

BEST friend. Let's push our edge to create

something new and fun and without all the

typical rules of ‘matchy matchy’ blocks and

perfect seams!

Of course, the best place to start may be with a

video:

http://youtu.be/vleWh5VEhPk

Here's the basic steps to piecing your modern L

shaped block:

1. Piece a strip of your background fabric to one

side of each square.

2. Press the seam however you like and square

off one side.

3. Piece another strip of the background fabric to

a perpendicular side of each square.

4. Square up the blocks to one single size (i.e: 7

inches, 4 inches, 10 inches, etc). Feel free to play

with the angle of your ruler to make the inside



square super wonky!

That's it! Try not to obsess or over-think this

process. Just sew on the strips and then square

up the blocks to create simple wonky L shaped

blocks like these:

Put your blocks aside, and next month we’ll

assemble them and get started quilting!

See you next month!

About the Author: Leah Day is the author of the Free

Motion Quilting Project, a blog project dedicated to

creating new free motion quilting designs each week and

sharing them all for FREE! Leah is also the author of From

Daisy to Paisley - 50 Beginner Free Motion Quilting Designs,

a spiral bound book featuring 50 designs from the project,

and she now has three Free Motion Quilting classes

available through Craftsy.com. www.daystyledesigns.com



Project – It’s A Star Wallhanging

From www.QuiltBlockoftheMonthClub.com

It’s A Star Quilted Wallhanging

This large quilted wallhanging will make a starry statement in your

home!

With simple piecing, this wallhanging uses creatively pieced sashing

to make the stars, and the off-centre pink one adds a modern splash

of fun.

This is a perfect size for a long thin area like the end of a hallway for

example, or you could reduce the size and make a fab table runner,

or keep this size and add a few more stars for a large bed runner

instead.

This quilt measures 27½ inches wide x 72½ inches long.



You Will Need:

1½ metres / yards plain white fabric for sashing

blocks

1 metre / yard plain stone coloured fabric for

square blocks

1½ metres / yards plain dark brown fabric for

blocks and sashing

Fat Eighth plain salmon pink fabric for star block

Backing fabric measuring at least 31 x 76 inches

Wadding / Batting measuring at least 31 x 76

inches

Cut:

From the plain white fabric, cut 38 strips

measuring 4½ inches x 6½ inches

From the stone fabric, cut 23 squares measuring

6 ½ x 6 ½ inches

From the pink fabric –

cut 25 squares measuring 1½ x 1½ inches

cut 2 strips measuring 2 x 4½ inches

cut 2 strips measuring 1½ x 2 inches


From the dark brown fabric –

cut 1 square measuring 1½ x 1½ inches

cut 50 strips measuring 2 x 4½ inches

cut 50 strips measuring 1½ x 2 inches


Piecing:

First piece the 25 dark brown and one pink

square blocks.



Sew a dark brown 1½ x 2 inch strip to two

opposite sides of one pink 1½ inch square. Press,

and add a 2 x 4½ inch strip to both top and

bottom to finish the brown square with pink

centre.

Press well and repeat to make the remaining 24

dark brown squares and one pink square as

pictured.

Now piece the sashing. In the same way as you

would snowball the corners of a quilt block, the

dark brown 2½ inch squares are added to each

corner and flipped back.

Leave 4 white sashing strips aside.

Lay a dark brown 2½ inch square on one corner of

a white sashing strip, matching top and side

edges. Sew diagonally across the brown square,

so that it folds back on itself to cover the corner

of the sashing with a small brown triangle.

Repeat for the remaining three corners and press

well.

Trim the excess fabric away from the wrong side

of each corner, and make 34 of these white and

brown sashing units in total.

As pictured above, make 4 sashing units with two

dark brown bottom corners, and two pink top

corners, to form the pink star.



Assembly:

On a large flat surface, lay out your quilt as shown

in the top picture. Work in diagonal rows, adding

the sashing units between the pieced brown and

plain stone squares.

Position the pieced pink square towards the

bottom and off-centre.

Make sure the appropriate sashing units are

either side of this block, to form the star shape.

Sew together in rows, then join the rows together

to finish the top.

Finishing:

Once your quilt top is sewn and well pressed, trim

the sides back so they are square, with a point at

the bottom edge.

Lay the backing face down on a large flat surface.

Smooth the batting on top, and then lay your

quilt top on top of that, facing up. Smooth all

layers and pin or thread baste.

We quilted in-the-ditch around each of the star

shapes. Quilt yours as you wish. Trim to square

the quilt again if required.

We used the remaining stone fabric to bind our

wallhanging.

Cut sufficient 2½ inch binding strips and join

together with 45 degree seams.

Press the ¼ inch seams open, then fold the strip

in half, right sides out and press.

Join the binding to the right side of the

wallhanging edge with a quarter inch seam,

mitring each corner and the point as you go.

Turn the folded edge of the binding to the back

and slip stitch it in place with thread that matches

the binding to finish.



Make a rod pocket for the top of your

wallhanging, and a label for the bottom, and

you’re ready to hang it and admire!

For more patterns and to Join the Club, where

members have access to ALL of our 50+ patterns,

go to www.QuiltBlockoftheMonthClub.com

Best Value Bag Patterns!

“Favourite Bag Making Patterns 3”

24 NEW Bag Patterns on Easy-to-Use CD-

Rom. Available Now Only through

www.Quilts-n-Bags.com



Think of your quilt as a construction project –

only instead of stiff hunks of wood, you are using

soft, pliable fabric.

Still, some of the same tools used for wood

projects are equally useful for fabric projects.

One of those is the common awl.

I’ll admit that I had plenty years of experience

quilting before I understood the value of an awl. I

always thought of it as something to punch holes

in wood.

Rest assured, there are many uses for this handy

little tool, it doesn’t take up much space, and it

will give you something in common with the guy

in your life (maybe).

Get your own quilters’ awl, though, don’t use the

dirty one from the tool shed or garage! (You

could easily get one from a hardware store, but –

amazingly – you may pay more).

Amazon.com carries this Clover Tailor’s Awl,

which I especially like because it comes with a

protective shield covering the very sharp point.

Instead of scissors or a pin, use an awl – it is less

likely to rip your fabric, and is sturdy, saving your

scissors and pins for uses more appropriate to

them.

Some Favourite Quilting Tools with Penny

By Penny Halgren from www.How-To-Quilt.com



If you are still wondering what you would do with

this in your quilting world, read below for just a

few ideas.

Guide your sewing through the sewing machine:

This is especially useful if you have a lot of seams

you are stitching through, making it somewhat

challenging to get the material through, and you

want to keep your fingers clear of the needle.

Fold a 1/4 inch seam allowance down as you are

ironing.

This will keep your fingers safely away from the

hot iron.

Guide your fabric through a bias tape maker.

The slot in the top of the bias tape maker is made

so you can poke something in to feed the fabric

through and get it started.

The next tool I love using is simple freezer paper.



Whatever the brand, if you are planning to do any

appliqué, freezer paper can come in handy.

One way to use freezer paper for appliqué, cut

out the freezer paper in the shapes you want for

your quilt.

Trace your pattern on the buff side of the freezer

paper (not the waxy side) right side facing you.

Do not include a seam allowance as you trace -

this will be the finished size of your piece.

Cut out the freezer paper pattern and pin it onto

the fabric you will use. Pin it so the waxy side

faces away from the fabric.

Cut out the fabric 1/4" away around the freezer

paper pattern.

Now, carry the freezer paper and fabric to your

ironing table or board. Fold the seam allowance

down around the sides of the freezer paper

pattern, and iron the seam allowance to the

freezer paper.

This takes a fairly hot iron, and I even use steam.

You want the wax to melt slightly so the fabric

sticks to the freezer paper.

Now you can take the prepared shape and place

it on your quilt top or background. Again, using a

hot iron, press the piece where you will sew it.

I usually will also put one pin in the center of the

piece to be sure it stays put.

Your shape is now ready to be appliquéd. Once

that sewing is complete, turn the quilt top over to

the wrong side, cut a slice in the background

fabric and then remove the freezer paper. Or, you

can cut the background fabric to a 1/4" seam

allowance.



Every hand quilter probably has a favorite tool for

marking the quilting design on their quilt top.

Even when you find something in the quilt shop

that is labeled “perfect for marking your quilt for

quilting,” you can’t assume that it is.

There are a few things to keep in mind as you

make your selection.

Of course, you want something that will show up

on your quilt top. This could be kind of tricky,

depending on the fabric in your quilt. Dark fabrics

require a light line, and light fabrics call for a

relatively dark line.

Many quilters find that having a white marking

device and a yellow one satisfy those needs.

Other quilters prefer white and grey (or silver)

pencils.

Ages ago, those were pretty much the only

choices of things that would reliably come out of

all quilt tops.

Once I used the blue marker only to have it

remain in a quilt top I was quilting for a friend.

Fortunately, she wasn’t too upset when it didn’t

come out. I’m thinking it was a quilt she really

wasn’t that happy with anyway – when she and

her husband got divorced, he got the quilt.

Regardless, I won’t be using the blue marker

again. Since then, I have heard other horror

stories.

In our recent Eavesdrop on a Telephone

Conversation, Pepper Cory said that she uses a #3

pencil, marks just a little bit ahead of her quilting

and then uses an eraser when she has quilted the

area. She’s been quilting for years, so she no

doubt has a system that works.

You can always rely on chalk and soapstone to

either wear off or wash out, and there are several

products that are based in both of those

substances.



Roxanne International has a pencil set that

includes one silver and one white chalk-based

marker. These act like regular pencils in that you

can sharpen them with a regular pencil

sharpener, and they are soft and easy to transfer

your quilting design onto your quilt.

Collins has a soapstone marker that is nice. It

seems to be a little more firm than chalk, and

makes a nice point. I think sharpening this with a

piece of sandpaper is the way to go.

And I still like the Bohin 0chalk mechanical pencil.

Maybe it’s because I like all of the great colors it

comes with. It seems to me that with the variety

of colors, you will certainly find one that will

show up on any fabric, and the sticks are easy to

change.



Although it doesn’t come with directions, all you

do is push down the yellow button at the end of

the pencil. This will cause the yellow pieces that

surround the chalk to open, and you can remove

the stick and replace it with a new one.

There is also a chalk-filled device that will transfer

chalk powder onto your quilt top. Funny, it’s

called the pounce pad, and until recently I

thought you placed a stencil on top of your quilt

and then patted the pounce pad to get your

quilting design transferred.

Turns out you brush it back and forth across the

stencil. To use the pounce pad, you need a stencil

that has the quilting lines cut out so the chalk can

create a line.

With the others, you can draw a line either inside

a stencil or around a stencil.

As with so many other quilting devices, much of

what you use has to do with personal preference

and your quilting style.

Try them out; and be sure that you test your

marker to be sure that it will come out of your

fabric.

My friend was unusual in not caring that her quilt

had blue marks around all of the quilting stitches.

I was devastated.

About the Author: Penny Halgren is a quilter of more

than 27 years, and enjoys sharing her love of quilting

with others. Sign up for her free quilting tips, quilt

patterns, and newsletter at

http://www.How-to-Quilt.com



PROJECT – Cog Star Quilt Pattern

By Rose Smith from www.ludlowquiltandsew.co.uk

I have called this quilt the cog star because it uses a quilt block called

cog and another simply called eight pointed star.

As so often happens with quilt blocks, they have the same design but

just different colour placement. Using the two blocks means that

quite a few secondary designs show up.

The quilt measures 52″ by 64″ and I have used 1.1/4 yard of red fabric, 3/4 yard each of light blue and

dark blue, and 1.1/2 yards of white.

To make the cog star quilt you will need:

3.1/2″ squares: forty dark blue, forty white

3.7/8″ squares: forty each in dark blue/white, twenty each in light blue/red, forty each in light

blue/white, twenty each in dark blue/red

2.1/2″ red strips: cut six strips for the border



Make half square triangles with all the 3.7/8” squares using the pairs of

squares listed above.

Place two squares with right sides together and mark a line along the

diagonal. Sew a 1/4″ seam either side of the marked line and cut along

the line to produce two half square triangles. These are now 3.1/2″

squares. Press the seam towards the darker fabric and trim the corners

where the triangle tips stick out.

Make ten of the cog quilt block. Lay the squares out in four rows of four.

There are four 3.1/2″ blue squares in the corners, four red/light blue half

square triangles in the middle forming a red square and eight dark

blue/white half square triangles around the edges of the block. Sew the

squares together across each row and then sew the rows together.

You also need ten of the alternate quilt block, the eight pointed star. It

has a light blue star but the same red centre.

There are four white 3.1/2″ white squares in the corners, four dark

blue/red half square triangles in the centre forming a red square and

eight light blue/white half square triangles around the edges of the block.

Sew the squares together across each row and then sew the rows

together.



Sew the quilt blocks together in pairs and then

fours. Begin each row with a different quilt block

from the row above.

This gives you five rows of four blocks. Sew the

rows together.

For the border, make four strips of 2.1/2″ red

fabric, two at 48.1/2″ long for the top and bottom

and two at 64.1/2″ long for the sides.

The cog star quilt top is now complete and ready

for layering, quilting and binding.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About the Designer:

Rose Smith was born and brought up in Zambia in Africa. She moved to the UK when she was 18 and now lives in Shropshire,

indulging her passion for quilting and sewing. She has sewn all her life - ‘anything that stood still long enough’ in the words of

her children - but now finds that patchwork and quilting have taken over her life. She indulges this passion by posting

patterns and tutorials on her website for all to share. www.ludlowquiltandsew.co.uk



We're pleased to be able to bring you a selection

each month of the Newest Fabric Releases and

the new season fabric "must haves".

Baby Jane by Eric & Julie Comstock for Moda

Fabrics

There is nothing sweeter than sewing for a baby,

but Baby Jane is versatile enough to work in

nearly any setting.

The traditional 50’s red and aqua color pallet

gives the set a nostalgic feel with bright yellow

adding a happy twist.

These fabrics are hoping to be made into

charming quilts for baby and home, pretty purses

and diaper bags and even nursery and home

decor.

See More at:

http://www.fatquartershop.com/Baby-Jane-Moda-

Fabrics-Eric-Julie-Comstock-Cosmo-Cricket.asp

What's New from The Fat Quarter Shop

From Kimberly Jolly at www.FatQuarterShop.com



Simply Style by V & Co for Moda Fabrics

Simply Style is a great new line for quilting and

more!

It is an extension of Simply Color but different all

at the same time!

This line was created with the thought of making

quilts AND hand bags and skirts that look like you

bought them at a store. Imagine how surprised

everyone will be when you tell them you made

that stylish purse, shirt, skirt, or dress!

In this line you will find great basics to add to any

project on your design wall. Use them as a whole

line, as well as fabrics that are great on their own.

They are perfect for apparel. This line will make

you a hit whether you are making an adorable

quilt to be loved or a stylish outfit to go out with

your friends.

Check out this range at:

http://www.fatquartershop.com/simply-style-v-

and-co-moda-fabrics.asp



Civil War Jubilee by Barbara Brackman for Moda

Fabrics

Civil War Jubilee celebrates the Emancipation

Proclamation’s 150th anniversary with authentic

mid-19th century prints.

Each reproduction calico commemorates the

1863 order that freed America’s slaves.

Colors echo the natural dyes of the mid-

nineteenth century. The prints, drawn from

antique quilts and period swatch books, are

perfect for Civil War quilts and costumes.

See more at: http://www.fatquartershop.com/Civil-

War-Jubilee-Barbara-Brackman-Moda-Fabrics.asp



30’s Playtime by Chloe’s Closet for Moda Fabrics

Classic 1930’s prints are precious and playful in

this latest collection of reproduction prints from

Chloe’s stash!

These new prints are simply sweet - from dainty

daisies to quirky geometrics and cheerful

elephants at play.

The authentic palette of primary red and blue,

soft pastel tones and even bold black will leave

you overflowing with nostalgia.

View this collection at:

http://www.fatquartershop.com/30s-playtime-

chloes-closet-moda-fabrics.asp

Join The Club – 2 New Patterns

EVERY Month for LESS than $10



My Quilty Mum and Dad went away to visit

people and see a Quilt Show and Auntie Em came

to look after me. I hadn't met her before, but she

was a Quilty Lady who did a lot of hand sewing

and knitting, so we got on just fine.

She didn't shut me up at night, so that was a bit

different and she didn't mind me having lots of

"knee time" with her.

I tried to get on Mum's knee at breakfast when

they came back, but she wouldn't let me.

"Auntie Em lets me sit on her lap while she eats!"

I told her. "Too bad," said my Quilty Mum. "I

can't eat with you there."

Auntie Em did knitting and let me help. I could

stop the string for her every now and then and let

it go when she asked. I'm sure that was helpful.

One day I was hiding when she came back from

shopping.

She called for me everywhere round the house,

but I was very comfortable under the quilt in the

other bedroom and she couldn't find me for

ages. She seemed very relieved to see me again,

but I knew I was OK so she needn't have worried.

Auntie Em spoke to my Mum on the phone one

day and said, "She hasn't been yet."

Been where? I thought. I've been all over the

place - in every room, on every chair, under every

quilt. She couldn't have meant something really

Hints and Tips From Brannie

By "Brannie" Mira-Bateman



personal, could she? I mean, really!! Surely

that's not something you need to talk about on

the phone!

"She's OK now," Auntie Em said to Mum when

she got back. I must have misunderstood

something there.

My Dad has finished new shelves for the office.

I've tried out several different heights of them.

Mum put the old shelves in the sewing room, but

she's filled them up straight away and I can hardly

fit on any level now.

The quilty stuff seems to have multiplied to fill all

available surfaces. Funny that. I can still help

from under the tables though, so that's OK isn't

it?

Love Brannie,

the Quilt Block of the Month Club Cat!



Creating a quilt requires much time and effort.

Meant to be cherished and enjoyed, quilts can

end up damaged by improper use, cleaning,

storage and display.

Whether created for everyday use or as

heirlooms, proper care will ensure that they last

to bring the pleasure intended.

Use

When planning a quilt consider the intended use.

What fabrics are used, the type of quilting done,

etc. - are dependent on the intended use of the

quilt.

So decide if the quilt will be used as an everyday

quilt on a bed or is it meant to be an heirloom

and thus displayed but not used.

Keep in mind that a quilt for a cot, child or lap

quilt definitely needs to be of a fabric that is

durable and washable, as it will require more

frequent laundering.

Cleaning

Baby and lap quilts will get soiled and need to be

washed often. It is important that a mild soap is

used and that the quilt is rinsed well.

Quilt shops carry products specially designed for

quilts. "Quilt Wash" is one such product.

All commercial detergents are much too harsh

and will strip colour from quilt fabrics. A great

How To Keep Your Quilts Beautiful

By Pauline Rogers from www.QuiltersWorld.com.au



product for stains, yellowing or other stubborn

marks is "Restoration".

Laundering a quilt may not be necessary. Many

will only require having the dust removed.

The best way to remove dust from a sturdy quilt

is to place a nylon stocking, over the nozzle of a

vacuum and then gently vacuum the quilt--

preferably on both sides. Avoid surface abrasion.

Airing a quilt can also remove odours and dust.

There is no need to beat the quilt, and keep in

mind that sunlight is bad for your quilt.

Dry cleaning a quilt is not recommended. It is not

a gentle method as large tumble machines are

used and harsh chemicals are applied, which can

be quite damaging.

Storage

Light and moisture are a quilt’s worst enemies.

Direct sunlight will not only fade the newest and

highest quality fabric in no time at all, but it also



will cause the fibers to weaken. Moisture can

cause mildew to form, which can be not only

difficult to remove, but sometimes impossible.

Many people use cardboard boxes and plastic

bags with the intention of protecting their

precious quilts.

Both of these gather moisture, causing stains and

encouraging mildew and musty smells. They are

bad choices for storage. The big plastic storage

boxes are not any better, as they do not have

ventilation.

A closet shelf is a much better choice.

Do not use open shelving as this exposes the quilt

to light and you will end up with fading along the

folds.

The storage area should be clean, cool, dry, dark,

and as free as possible from drastic changes in

temperature and humidity. If you have shelf

space, it is a good idea to fold the length of the

quilt and roll, to eliminate creases. The next time,

fold a different way before rolling.

It is also essential that the quilt is clean and dust

free before put it away. Stains can attract insects

while dust particles actually create abrasion,

causing wear.

Avoid storing near an outside wall where

condensation will occur particularly in winter. Be

aware that smoke for cigarettes and fireplaces

can seek out stored textiles leaving an ugly

surprise.

One of the best places to store a quilt is on a bed.

Do you have a guest room? Pile your quilts on the

unused bed, in layers, and then top with a cotton

sheet to block the light.

No matter where you choose to store your quilts,

it is important to inspect them every two to three

months. Take them out to air them for a few

hours and examine, front and back. It is a good

idea to clean the storage area at this time before

putting the quilts back.



Display

Both sunlight and artificial light will cause fading.

Never display a quilt where direct sunlight will

reach it. If you have fluorescent lighting, it is wise

to cover the tubes with a UV shield.

When hanging a quilt, use a method that will

distribute the weight over the entire width of the

quilt.

Sew a four inch wide tube or sleeve of fabric

along the top edge on the back of the quilt and

stitch through all layers of the quilt every inch or

so.

Do not use nails, pins or staples to hang a quilt.

These can tear through fabrics, corrode and cause

staining and cause distortion of heavier quilts.

Cherish your quilts and they will reward you with

years of enjoyment.

About the Author

Pauline Rogers has taught patchwork & quilting for close to

28 years. She travels extensively throughout Australia

helping others learn and perfect the techniques of quilt

making. Pauline's Schoolhouse programme is a popular way

for quilt groups to share in her tool expertise. Visit Quilters

World online at www.quiltersworld.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pauline_Rogers



PROJECT – Christmas In July

By www.QuiltBlockoftheMonthClub.com

Now that we are well into Winter in the

southern hemisphere, it is a good excuse

to make the most of your "Christmas in

July", and try all the traditional

trimmings that we sometimes don't

bother with for our Summer Christmas

in December.

To get you in the mood, this week we

have two quick stitching projects. The

first is a simple star ornament for your

tree, and the second, an enticing plum

pudding which could be hung from the

tree also, or used perhaps as decoration on your Christmas table, or even as a special present for your

guests to take home.



Christmas Star Ornament

You will need:

scraps of 2 different

Christmassy fabrics

gold embroidery floss

small amount of

template plastic

To Make:

Print out the star template and trace the outline

of each section onto the wrong side of your

fabric.

Cut two of each of the eight sections of the star

from your Christmas print fabric, for front and

back, allowing a small seam allowance around

each piece. Refer to the photo for a suggestion

on how your different fabrics may go together, or

you may choose to make your star from a single

print fabric and have all the pieces the same.

You may hand or machine stitch these pieces

together. Join sections 1 & 2 together, then 3 &

4, 5 & 6, and 7 & 8.

As the star is two sided, repeat this for the back

pieces also. Then join the four front sections

together along the cross seam across the middle,

so you have a completed star shape.

Trace the star template onto your template

plastic, and cut out the star shape along the outer

lines. This plastic star is used in the middle of



your fabric layers to give your ornament stability

and shape.

Using the open blade of your scissors, score each

of the long lines on the star from point to point,

and also the lines crossed across the middle. Fold

the plastic back along these lines, so that you

create a more three-dimensional shape for your

star, with the middle of the star pointed up.

Then, with right sides together join the front and

back sides of your fabric star together, stitching

along the outer lines along sections 7-6 and 4-5.

Turn right sides out and slip your shaped plastic

star into place in between your fabric layers. You

need to then tuck in your seam allowances and

slip stitch the remaining seams to complete your

star. (You may need to trim the points of your

plastic star slightly.)

Using 4 strands of your gold embroidery floss,

embroider a gold star on the front ( shown by the

red lines on your template), and make a loop

from the top point, so you can hang your finished

ornament.

Christmas Plum Pudding

You will need:

Brown "plum pudding" fabric

Yellow fabric for custard

Green & red felt scraps for holly on top

Wadding/Batting scraps for stuffing your pudding



To Make:

This is a quick and easy Christmas project to

make.

Firstly, from your brown fabric, cut a circle

measuring approximately 7 inches in diameter.

Trace around a bowl or saucer from your kitchen

for a quick template.

Sew a large running stitch close to the edge, so

you can gather your circle. Gather it, and stuff

the middle with your batting scraps until it is

filled into a nice round pudding shape. (Make

sure you don't fill it too full though.)

Sew the top closed.

Trace the custard template onto your yellow

fabric, remembering to add a seam allowance if

using needleturn appliqué.

Cut it out, and arrange it on top of your filled

plum pudding, so it hides your seam on top.

Applique in place.

To finish, cut three holly berries from the red felt,

and three leaves from the green, and glue or sew

in place on top of the custard on your pudding.

You may wish to add a stitched loop on top too, if

you want to hang your plum pudding ornament.

Enjoy your "Christmas in July"...

Keep up to Date with What’s Happening on our

Facebook Page – Do You Love Quilting Too?

Bonus blocks, hints and tips added all the time!!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Do-

You-Love-Quilting-Too/271888039492644



When you are feeling down quilting can lift you

up again for reasons you might not expect.

The effect of bonding through friendship on a

female's natural response to stress was recently

studied in a prestigious university's landmark

study.

They found that in the female brain different

chemicals are released during stress than in male

brains. Females release oxytocin.

Oxytocin is the natural occurring chemical

released in a woman's brain when she gives birth,

breastfeeds and cares for children. Oxytocin

soothes and buffers the automatic "flight or

fight" response.

Quilters know meaningful conversations and

sharing of feelings happen during a girl's night

out, a quilting retreat or class, meeting for dinner,

or talking on the phone.

Several studies with knitters prove that the

repetition of knitting (quilting would apply too)

enabled mindlessness for a period that was

similar to meditation which has long been shown

to lower blood pressure and reduce many signs of

stress in the body and mind.

The stress buffering effects continued as long as

the mindless periods were practiced regularly.

Another factor found to be important was the

positive effect when women gathered to knit

Quilters and the Friendship Effect - 7 Ways to

Creatively Cope During Stressful Times

By Kimberly Wulfert from http://www.antiquequiltdatingguides.com



with friends. It's easy to compare quilting to

knitting, especially handwork.

Women who are adept at machine work talk

about "the zone" they get into. This is that same

mindless state of relaxation which is also

productive.

As if these weren't reason enough to quilt, other

studies show that when a person gives to a

charity she believes in and knows her donation

will be used right, she experiences physical and

mental benefits that come from that act of doing

good for someone else.

Making donation quilts for children, elders,

soldiers and others in times of need is nothing

new to quilters. They give the gift of quilts as a

symbol of their love in the form of a cozy fabric

hug.

Another tip for helping offset the stress you and

your family might be undergoing in the current

economy is to distract yourself for some period of

time each week by giving to others or a cause, in

a meaningful way completely by choice.

Focusing on someone or something you care

about puts your problems out of your mind or in

a different perspective. When you bring your light

to others, it comes back to you even brighter.

Practicing as a psychologist, dealing with stress

was a common theme, and it is frequently the

topic as I coach creative solo-preneurs today.

Women do so much in one day it baffles the

mind. Sewing and quilting are not always

available when stress is high at work or when

you're tired, or your eyes need a rest from close

work, but paper and pencil are always handy.

Journaling or writing out how you feel about your

situation is another powerful stress reducer.

Writing a detailed narrative of the upsetting

events, past or present, that occurred in your life

and most importantly your feelings about them,

has been shown to be very effective in relieving



depression. Sometimes it can be as effective as

therapy or anti-depressants.

This next tip is easier to follow in some regions

than others. Fifteen minutes of direct sunshine a

day builds vitamin D and other chemicals you

need in your body for sustaining a normal mood.

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of

depression that is dependent on sunlight for

relief. Prevent it by sitting or better yet taking a

walk in the sunlight, while talking with a

girlfriend!

If you can not be in the sun because of climate,

there are special light lamps available to use

during those months.

Naturally you have to deal with issues in a timely

fashion. Break a difficult solution into steps that

you can tackle over time.

Allow yourself to work on it in short periods of

time each day or twice a day. In between, reward

yourself by doing more pleasant activities.

A certain amount of denial in the form of a

distraction or change of focus, can help ease

stress when you have little control over a

situation.

Try shopping at a different grocery store or mall.

Drive a different route to get where you have to

go. Read a different genre of book or watch a

movie that is unusual for you.

Move your furniture around or change the

pillows and what is on the walls. You control

these changes and they distract you while giving

you something new to see, for no cost other than

your time.

If you are reading this and thinking "but my

situation is so bad, none of this will work!"; try

what I suggest above anyway, what do you have

to lose? I think the results will be worthwhile.

Seeking friendships, quilting, giving, tackling

solutions in chunks of time and focusing most of

your thoughts on what is good about your life



and gratitude for it will help to sooth your mind

and body.

Without further effort on your part, chemicals

will be released to help you cope until inevitably

things will turn around and point you in an

exciting new direction.

About the Author: Gather with other women to talk about

quilting and creative arts through Kimberly Wulfert's blog,.

Quilters Spirit. Quilt collectors use Antique Quilt Dating

Guides...by Style, 1775-1900 and 1900-1950, for a portable

& quick way to estimate the date of an antique quilt as you

shop, see photos, inherit, document or see a quilt exhibit at

http://www.antiquequiltdatingguides.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kimberly_Wulfert,_PhD

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all to yourself –share it with your

Quilting Guilds and Friends!

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Subscribe and receive each New Issue

as soon as it's Published!



Here is a quick and fun project to make a couple

of your own Greeting Cards. Friends and loved

ones always appreciate a personal touch, and

what better than a specially stitched card to show

you care!

Use the diagrams below as a guide. You can blow

them up or shrink them to fit the size you need.

Trace the design onto your fabric with a water

erasable pen.

These were stitched on a 3 ½ inch square of plain

white fabric, and each design is about 2 inches

square. (This was to fit the size of the die-cut

cards I bought.)

Each design is stitched in backstitch, using 2

strands of embroidery floss.

Keep an eye out in craft or scrapbooking stores

for tri-fold die-cut cards – this way you can cover

the back of your stitched design with the other

layer of card, and the inside of your card still

looks very neat.

PROJECT – Small Stitched Cards

By www.QuiltBlockoftheMonthClub.com



Also, experiment with the colours you use, and

don't forget to play with the colours of your

fabric too – the patchwork design would look

very striking in bright colours on black!

What other patchwork designs do you have

handy, to use for card designs too?

LUDLOW QUILT AND SEW

Discover new and exciting projects to quilt and sew

each month with clear and easy to follow

instructions.

Visit our website and subscribe to Ludlow Quilt and

Sew’s free monthly newsletter now.

www.ludlowquiltandsew.co.uk



“Quilting Modern” by Jacquie Gering &

Katie Pedersen

"Quilting Modern" Techniques and Projects for

Improvisational Quilts

by Jacquie Gering and Katie Pederson

Suitable for beginner or experienced quilters,

these 15 projects will delight and inspire those

who want to create something different. Jacquie

and Katie will give you the confidence to strike

out and produce projects which are really

modern.

The 4 chapters on Tools and Materials, Quilting

Basics, Colour and Design and Finishing Touches

will explain all you need to know to make any of

these quilted projects through to completion.

Detailed photos show the quilting on placemats,

cushions, wall hangings and bed quilts.

Book Review

By Annette Mira-Bateman from www.QuiltBlockoftheMonthClub.com



The following 5 chapters each demonstrate a new

technique with 3 different projects using that

technique.

Some of the patterns are for wall hangings or for

smaller projects, but you could easily enlarge

them to make large bed quilts if you wish.

Jacquie Gering and Katie Pederson admit to no

artistic qualifications, but their collaboration in

producing the quilts in this book, "Quilting

Modern" will inspire you to step outside the

square with your next quilting projects.

As Katie and Jacquie say - release your inner

artist, embrace serendipity and free yourself. The

book is 'thoroughly modern quilty' with

wonderful fresh colours and great ideas.

"Quilting Modern" is published by Interweave

Press LLC, 201 East Fourth Street, Loveland, CO,

80537 and is available in Australia through Can-

Do Books. www.candobooks.com.au

Using this Easy-to-Follow DVD Mentor,

Your Quilt as You Go Project can be a

Beautiful Family Heirloom.

Working with scraps of fabric and small pieces of

batting is easy when you take it one block at a time.

Using this fine quilting resource, you will know more

than 9 different methods of completing a Quilt as

You Go project.

Choose the one that fits your style and the look you

want for your finished quilt.

http://www.how-to-quilt.com/quiltasyougo.php



This month we continue our regular segment of

“Show and Tell” quilts made by our Online Quilt

Magazine Readers. It’s been another busy month

too!

We will include them as long as you can send

them to us, and that way we can all share in the

wealth of creativity and inspiration abundant

within our quilting community.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“These are a few projects that I have made.”

- Renee C, USA

Reader “Show and Tell”



“Hi! I made this shopping bag with Fasturn, and

the lap quilt too. I have named this quilt

"Reminiscing"...because some of the material I

have used has pictures of old sewing machines &

accessories." There’s thin batting in the Fasturn

Tubes.” - Gwen S. from Buchan,Victoria, Australia



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And since this is “Show and Tell” – this is my

“gypsy Garden” single bed quilt, now happily

living on the bed of Miss 7.

(And the pattern’s now available too at

www.3DollarBOM.com )

Please keep them coming…!!!

Send your photos to me at:

[email protected]



Cauliflower, Potato and Bacon Soup

1 tbs olive oil

1large brown onion, chopped

1 whole small cauliflower, cut into florets

450g (1lb) potatoes, peeled, chopped

500g (1lb) bacon bones

4 cups chicken stock

Heat oil in a large deep saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3-4 minutes or

until soft. Add cauliflower, potato, bacon bones, stock and 5 cups of water. Bring to the

boil.

Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Remove from

heat.

Remove bacon bones from stock and cool slightly. Cut off meat and finely chop. Set aside.

Puree soup using a stick blender or in a food processor. Return to saucepan and stir through

chopped bacon meat. Season with salt and white pepper.

Reheat over a medium heat.

This is delicious served with garlic bread too!



This Month’s Block is a lovely pieced chain style

block and makes both a wonderful feature block,

or block for a repeated layout.

To make this 10 inch block as shown, you will

need 4 different fabrics, and once you have

rotary cut the pieces according to the Cutting

Diagram, you can piece them together as shown.

Block of the Month







Today’s Tips:

*Use different widths of masking tape to

guide you in an easy way to quilt parallel lines

without marking the quilt top.

*Better to buy more fabric than you think you

need for a quilt (or bag!), rather than too

little, as this allows room for mistakes,

shrinkage or making a sample block, and

(equally importantly) for building your stash.

*Clean the bobbin area often because lint

builds up quickly when quilting.

*If your foot pedal keeps sliding out of reach

from the continuous pressure of quilting, put

a non-skid carpet pad under it.

*Use a self-threading hand sewing needle to

embed thread tails into the quilt sandwich

after tying off.

* Choose the quilting design that is best for

your quilt without worrying about how much

time it will take. If you don't you will spend

that much time wishing you had.

Please keep your handy

“quilty” hints and tips coming

too – We’re always on the

lookout for great new ideas to

share!



YES, We Want to Hear From

You!

As our Online Magazine continues to grow each

month, we need your feedback in order for us to

continue to improve our publication for you.

• We want to know how you liked it.

• We want to know the topics you're

interested in.

• We want to know if you have any

suggestions, Hints or Tips of your own that

you'd like included, or if you know anyone

we should include a story on!

Please send me an email with your Testimonial,

Tip, Suggestion, “Show and Tell” Quilt or

Enhancement – I'd love to hear from you!

Send all emails to:

[email protected]

If you'd like to submit an Article, or a Project for

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"Quilt-y" Quote…

* Old Quilters never die ... they just go to

pieces!

* Old seamstresses never go crazy, they

just stay on pins and needles!!

* I Think Sew! (Yep - all the time....)

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