My projects-in-progress are usually stored in zippered plastic bags. However, the other day I found these awesome plastic boxes at Walmart for under $4.00 a piece. A bargain! At 15" x 11 1/2" x 3 1/4", they are the right size for storing fabrics, patterns, and everything else for your project, as well as for temporary storage of sewing items you will be using during a retreat. I bought three of them, but am going back for more, as they stack well. Oh... my studio is getting so … [Read more...] about Storage for Projects
Paper Piecing Tutorial
This Paper-piecing tutorial is so easy to follow! With paper piecing, you can create amazing blocks or borders for your quilts! [Updated 01/08/2024] I LOVE Carol Doak's 300 Paper-Pieced Quilt Blocks (I found it here)! It has tons of wonderful blocks, and the possibilities are infinite. The book comes with a CD so you can print the blocks you like when you are ready to start your project. I usually print a few blocks, then cut and paste them onto a page so I can get as many blocks as … [Read more...] about Paper Piecing Tutorial
Chatting with our Quilting Idols
As I read patterns, collect quilt books, thumb through quilt magazines, and go hunting for the newest fabric collection, I often wonder about the lives of the authors, designers, and quilt store owners. What prompted them to start quilting? How did they go from quilters to entrepreneurs? So, I decided to find out by interviewing them. The result is the newest page on this blog, Meet Leading Quilters [I renamed it Meet the Masters recently!]. It takes a little bit of time to be able to complete … [Read more...] about Chatting with our Quilting Idols
Inspired by Nature
I took this picture during my last trip to San Diego. This seal was posing for me for a very long time... He is destined to become the subject of one of my upcoming art quilts. After dinner and dessert, I sort of feel (and probably look) like him right now. Should I call the art quilt 'self-portrait'??? … [Read more...] about Inspired by Nature
Easter Bunny
Easter is just around the corner. As I was wondering what Easter-related project I would do this year, I came across the picture of this bunny I made last year, based on a pattern I purchased at the Handmaiden in Sandy, Utah, across the street from Quilts, Etc. My mother loved it, so it now lives in Brazil with her. I am tempted to make more bunnies for this Easter - perhaps a decoration for the front door or a banner. Whatever I decide to do, I will share a picture with you. What are you … [Read more...] about Easter Bunny
Ruler Bag
During our last quilt guild meeting I learned how to make a cool bag to carry quilting rulers (thanks, Diana!). The perfect item for our upcoming retreat. The bag folds totally flat when empty (the rulers give the bag its shape), a welcome bonus for those of us with limited storage space in our sewing rooms. There are enough pockets for different size rulers, as well as smaller pockets for rotary cutters, scissors, and other notions. It was easy to make, and I used a decorative stitch … [Read more...] about Ruler Bag