quilting | Page 3 | National Quilters Circle

Can I Mix Old and New Fabrics?

October 25, 2016 By Editor & filed under Ask a Quilting Expert, Blog.

I have inherited some hand piecing work from my mom. They were probably pieced during the 1920s or 30s. I’m thinking of making borders from new fabric (with an older, heirloom look), but I am a little concerned about incorporating old and new because of strength, durability, etc. What do you think? Submitted via email…

Quilting Makes Me Feel…

October 10, 2016 By Editor & filed under Blog, Just for Fun.

We all have unique experiences when we’re quilting and we often find ourselves feeling certain emotions as we work. Each day is different and we quilt for many different reasons, but most of us can agree that quilting brings out the best in us! Everyone has a different reason for quilting. Some of us quilt…

Where Should I Place My Ruler?

September 14, 2016 By Editor & filed under Ask a Quilting Expert.

In terms of measuring, I have often wondered whether the line on a ruler should sit ON the edge or BESIDE the edge of the fabric? I know it might only be a whisker difference but should I only see fabric beneath the measurement line? Submitted by Denise What a good question! I personally prefer…

Quilting in Sections

August 17, 2016 By Editor & filed under Ask a Quilting Expert.

Would you advise quilting in sections on a single bed quilt with border for a beginner with an old sewing machine?

Quilters We Love: Norma Riehm

August 2, 2016 By Editor & filed under Blog, Quilters We Love.

Meet Norma Riehm, an accomplished quilt artist and professional quilter. Norma is also a member of the National Quilters Circle Ambassador program! We sat down with Norma and asked her to share a little about herself and her quilting. How long have you been quilting, and who taught you how to quilt? I taught myself…

Quilters We Love: Fran Gurka

July 5, 2016 By Editor & filed under Blog, Quilters We Love.

Meet Fran Gurka, a long-time quilter with a passion for learning and sharing her craft with others. Fran is also a member of the National Quilters Circle Ambassador program! We sat down with Fran and asked her to share a little about herself and her quilting. How long have you been quilting, and who taught…

Starting in the Center or at the Sides: What’s the Scoop?

June 17, 2016 By Editor & filed under Ask a Quilting Expert.

I was always taught to start quilting in the center of my quilt and work my way out and down, then return to the center of the quilt and repeat in the other in direction. Lately, I’ve come across many ideas that seem to start on the side or mention stabilizing the quilt at key points and then doing what I want, where I want to do it. What’s the scoop?

What to Look for in a Rotary Cutter

May 20, 2016 By Jamie Stone & filed under Blog, Quilt Supplies.

Part of achieving precision and beauty in quilt-making is using the right tool for the right job. A rotary cutter is composed of a wheeled blade and a handle, just like a pizza cutter. Because your hand doesn’t nudge the cloth or otherwise get in the way, it’s easier to cut in a straight line…

Thread Color for Machine Quilting

May 19, 2016 By Editor & filed under Ask a Quilting Expert.

I’m learning to use your quilting methods on my longarm machine. They are very clear and well done, thank you so much. My question is: You suggest always using the same thread on the bobbin as well as the top to eliminate the bottom thread showing up at any time on the top, and as well you suggest changing threads on top with the different color changes of the piecing. It all looks great, but does that mean we change the bottom thread each time we change the top thread?

Selecting the Right Quilting Ruler for the Job

April 28, 2016 By Editor & filed under Blog, Quilt Supplies.

Precisely pieced historic quilts make it hard to believe that quilters from times past could achieve such accuracy with only cardboard templates and scissors. Since the invention of the rotary cutter in 1979, modern quilters have come to rely on special quilting rulers in their quest for piecing perfection. Rulers are available for every imaginable…