Kelly Hanson, Author at National Quilters Circle

What is Lutradur, and How Do I Use It?

February 12, 2018 By Kelly Hanson & filed under Projects.

I had never heard of Lutradur before today. True, I am more of a traditional quilter, but I would love to begin doing more art quilts. I saw something today that really got me excited. This video about Lutradur, presented by Heather Thomas of Wild Heather Designs, really got my mind racing and my psyche…

Caring for Your Self-Healing Cutting Mat

November 2, 2017 By Kelly Hanson & filed under Blog, Quilt Supplies.

I love my self-healing cutting mat. Probably one of my best friends, in the sewing room anyway. But did you know that your mat needs some regular care in order to keep it in tip top shape? Otherwise it will begin to look like my old mat here. (Eek!) Caring for your self-healing cutting mat…

Beginner’s Guide to Quilting: Essential Tools & Supplies

August 12, 2017 By Kelly Hanson & filed under Blog, Quilt Supplies.

I am often asked about tips for beginning quilters. “How do I even get started?” is a more common question than you might think! Not only are there lots of new techniques and terminology to learn, but the laundry list of supplies needed for quilting is a bit long and sometimes confusing for those new…

Organizing Your Sewing Room Part 2: Fabric

May 7, 2017 By Kelly Hanson & filed under Blog, Quilt Supplies.

Have you ever looked around your sewing area and thought, “There has to be a better way!” Personally, I’ve been struggling with a bit of fabric disorganization as of late. I’m always so busy finishing a quilt or cutting out the next project that I often start piling up fabric on the side of my…

Why You Should Use a Walking Foot for Quilting

February 22, 2017 By Kelly Hanson & filed under Blog, Quilt Supplies.

There are so many makes and models of sewing machines today, a far stretch from the machines of yesteryear. A recent arrival in machines is the dual feed system which enables the feed dogs and machine foot to work together to move the multiple layers of fabric through the machine. Bernina calls it their innovative…

Tips for Preparing Your Quilt Binding

June 8, 2015 By Kelly Hanson & filed under Blog, Tips & Ideas.

How many times have you had a friend or your long arm quilter make you a binding for your quilt? Being a long arm quilter myself, I have had the honor of doing this task more times than I’d like to admit. For some reason this last step in your quilt leaves many quilters in…

My 10 Favorite Things About the 2015 International Quilt Market

May 27, 2015 By Kelly Hanson & filed under Blog.

I always get so excited when I know a quilt show is approaching. Imagine my excitement when I learned this year’s spring International Quilt Market was taking place in my home state of Minnesota! Needless to say, I was thrilled to find myself in Minneapolis last weekend, attending one of the biggest (and in my…

Seeing Red with Sew Red Glasses

April 10, 2015 By Kelly Hanson & filed under Blog, Quilt Supplies.

Walking around the booths at any quilt show can be overwhelming. Our senses are set on overload and we often overlook many of the new quilting products on the floor, unintentionally, because there are so many to view. I recently came upon a new product that would give me the ability to give every quilt…

Quilt Fabric Swapping Fun

April 1, 2015 By Kelly Hanson & filed under Blog, Tips & Ideas.

I have recently caught the fabric swapping bug. A friend of mine from my local guild posted some photos on her Facebook page of some of the fabrics her swap buddy sent her. After drooling a bit over these fabulous fabric finds, I immediately went online and started researching fabric swaps and signed up for…

Pressing Quilt Seams: Open or to the Side?

March 16, 2015 By Kelly Hanson & filed under Blog, Tips & Ideas.

Pressing quilt seams is a crucial step of any quilt-making process – not only will it make it easier to join your blocks, it will also make your finished creation lie flatter and look so much more polished. Some quilters might prefer to finger-press, but pressing quilt seams with an iron is really your best…