Another way for Half Square triangles

Nice tutorial from The Blue Chair on Half-Square triangles.

You can visit it HERE.

Enjoy!

“New to me” binding technique

Enjoy this 6 minute video and maybe learn something new about binding a quilt.  The method she shares for joining the ends was “new to me” and I plan to use it on my next small quilt.  The traditional angled miter is OK on large projects, but very difficult on small ones.  This might also be a good “trick” for you.

http://www.quilt-video.com/2012/04/10/binding-by-machine-heirloom-quiltings-method/

Fat Quarter Idea

If you have a lot of fat quarters just sitting around wondering what to do, cut them into standard size scrap and be ready to use and enjoy any of the number of patterns and tutorials designed for pre-cut fabrics.

Check out this diagram with directions on how to cut a fat quarter with no waste: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dreamthinkergal/7057136651

PS–If you find that your fabric is a bit narrow, start with the 10″ & 5″ charms & if there’s not enough for the full 2″ strip it can go in your string bin!

Thanks to Crystal for sharing her ideas!

End Zipper Fear

Many sewers, beginning and advanced, have zipper fear.  Here are a few tutorials that might help you get over that phobia and discover a whole new world of sewing happiness.

This one is a video tutorial from Riley Blake.

Or this one from the lovely people at Sew Mama Sew.

And, this one from Sew Serendipity (she writes a great book too, which we have in the shop).

So, just get out there and zipper.  You’ll be glad you did!

Perfect Pinwheel Points

Do you love pinwheels but need a little help getting those points perfect?  Check out this video tutorial full of helpful tips: http://tinyurl.com/6k5wqvn

 

 

Crafty Weekend: Pumpkins

There are so many cute pumpkin ideas out there, that we just had to share a few of them.

How about this one?

And this one?

And this one?

Oh, give one a try! Use scraps or check out some of our beautiful fall-theme fabric in the shop.

How to: Binding

If you want to learn quilt binding or just gather a tip or two, check out this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=buCKs-Fgvb4

Fussy Cut

Have you heard the term “fussy cut?” Here is an explanation of what it means.

Good video with an explanation of what fussy cutting is and  how to do it successfully: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rND1ix_xl0

We have a lot of terrific novelty prints that lend themselves to fussy cutting.  Choose carefully and get perfect results.

Crafty Weekend: Food

We all like to eat, and lovely fabric accessories make it even nicer.

Try these mitered corner napkins.

Or bowl covers,

Or, a picnic accessory or two.

Crafty Weekend: Flowers

Here is a free pattern from Carina Gardner, charming flowers to use alone or as embellishments:

We’d love to see your version.  Stop by the shop or e-mail us pictures.  You might just be featured in a future Show and Tell post.