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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
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… Read more »
So you’ve cleaned and maintained your sewing machine but you’re still having trouble? There are times when cleaning simply does not fix the problem and you will need to take your machine into your dealer or a certified service shop. Before you do that though, make sure to ask yourself these 5 questions to help… Read more »
One of the very first books I bought when I began my free motion quilting journey several years ago was Mastering the Art of McTavishing. Needless to say, I was excited to learn that author Karen McTavish, the creator and namesake of this style of free motion quilting, had written a second edition in 2014!… Read more »
If you’re anything like me, you’ve had your fair share of frantic, last-minute quilting and crafting around the holiday season. A gift that isn’t done in time, a forgotten someone on your list, or a last-minute party invite that requires a hostess gift. You can’t always plan ahead on these things! What I’ve been doing… Read more »