The rotary cutter has truly revolutionized quilting. Its ability to cut fabric so quickly and accurately has made it an absolute must-have for every quilter. While a rotary cutter is much more efficient for quilting than scissors, it is also more likely to cause injury if not used properly, or used with appropriate caution.

I personally have had two trips to the emergency room for stitches on my left pointer finger. My accidents were the result of skipping my rotary cutter off of the edge of my ruler and up over my finger that was helping to secure the ruler in place. I was being too casual and careless with my cutting, and not taking the time to make sure I had my hands and body properly placed before I cut. Read more »

Posted by Lisa Blair as Quilting, Quilting Tips at 1:00 PM EDT

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One of the favorite quilts I’ve ever given as a gift is the photo memory quilt I made for my husband’s grandparents, Frell and Cleda. Last year they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Such an amazing mile-stone called for a very special gift, so with the help of my father-in-law who collected all of the photos, we began putting together a quilt that would portray some of the most important events and people that have made up their 70 years together.

I wanted the quilt to have a vintage look and I found some wonderful vintage-look fabrics at my neighborhood fabric store, joann.com. The photos, of course, needed to be the focal point of the quilt, but I wanted to add some flair as well. I decided to take my cute vintage fabrics and make pinwheels to put together to make a sashing which added life, feeling and movement to the quilt. Many of the photos were black and white which looked great with the vintage fabrics. The classic pinwheel design in the sashing really brought the whole look of the quilt together. It truly turned out lovely!

Presenting the quilt to Frell and Cleda was full of emotion and very rewarding. We all shed tears as they looked at the pictures representing their 70 years together. They loved their quilt and keep it on the end of their bed as a display piece. To this day they show everyone who enters their home this beautiful photo memory quilt.

Posted by Lisa Blair as Quilting at 12:32 PM EST

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While I was in the fabric store today I saw two great quilting books “Nickel Quilts”, and “More Nickel Quilts”, both by Pat Speth. I have seen these books before, but was instantly drawn to them because of my recent discovery of Moda’s “Promo Packs” of fabric – a pack of 48 different 5 inch squares of fabric already cut and ready to use. The quilts in these books are designed to be made specifically with 5 inch squares of fabric. I was amazed at the beautiful quilts that can be so easily made with an array of 5 inch squares and a little imagination. Read more »

Posted by Lisa Blair as Quilting at 2:27 PM EST

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I was in one of my favorite quilting stores (The Stitching Corner) today and saw for the first time what is called a “promo pack” of fabric . There were several different promo packs, all from the same fabric company, Moda Fabrics. I was particularly taken with a pack from the line “Faded Memories” by the designers 3 Sisters. Read more »

Posted by Lisa Blair as Quilting, Fabric at 12:40 PM EST

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Here’s a quick, easy, and inexpensive homemade baby gift idea. To make this receiving blanket and burp cloths you will need:
• 1 and 1/3 yd printed flannel
• 1 and 1/3 yd solid color flannel
• 1 spool complimentary thread
• time needed: approximately 1 hour
Lay both cuts of fabric down on your cutting mat, one on top of the other. Trim edges on one side and measure about 35 inches and cut again. Trim selvedge edges off the fabrics. You should now have two large rectangles measuring approx. 35 x 40 inches.

Take remaining fabrics, still stacked on top of each other, and cut 12 x 16 inches. You will now have four 12 x 16 inch rectangles. Take the large rectangles and sew right sides together with a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Leave 4 or 5 inches at the end to turn the blanket right side out. Close the opening and press the edges. Repeat with the small rectangles, making two burp cloths.

Choose a decorative stitch on your machine and stitch around the perimeter of the blanket about one inch from the edge. Repeat with the burp cloths. I like to trace a square or circle about twelve inches wide in the center of the blanket and stitch the decorative stitch on top of it to keep the blanket from shifting when it’s washed.

This is a great baby gift! I’ve given this gift many times and it’s always a hit! Consider giving a more elaborate baby keepsake blanket if you feel you have more time to prepare an extra special baby gift.

Note: Be conscious of the decorative stitch you choose, as some stitches are quick and others take a very long time to stitch out. It will greatly add to the time it takes to complete this project if you choose a stitch that is very intricate or thread dense.

Posted by Lisa Blair as Quilting, Baby Blankets at 2:13 AM EST

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No matter what kind of quilts you choose to make, there are some basics you will need to know before you begin. You will need some basic tools, a few skills and the time and inclination to carry your quilt to completion.

Whether you are a real beginner or a seasoned quilter, these tips can help you. It won’t matter if you create every project by hand or if your sewing machine is your best friend; most quilt patterns can be adapted to either method. Have fun being creative as you begin quilt making.

Before purchasing tools or fabrics, take an inventory of what you already have.
Find a portable storage container for necessary items. Ideas include plastic storage containers, zippered bank bags, jewelry bags and more.
Survey friends and fellow quilters for recommendations. Try out their tools first.

Posted by Lisa Blair as Quilting at 5:48 PM EDT

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