Do you have a hot tip or trick?? Found a sweet new quilting tool or gadget?? Let everyone know about it by submitting it to the website and earn a free chance for a door prize at the next meeting.
(Go to the bottom of this page to submit your own tip or trick)
GRIP TIP
Sometimes when we are using your long 24” ruler to cut strips the ruler slips as we cut to the top with our rotary cutter. Tip – using painters tape (blue masking tape) cut a strip about 6 to 8 inches long (1 inch wide) and tape it to the underside of your ruler the long way. You might want to put on two strips running parallel to each other going the long way on your ruler. This tape keeps the ruler from slipping as you make the long cut up the 24” side of the ruler.
Submitted by Kim Hazlett
NOW HERE IS A CLEVER TIP Use these handy closet organizers for more than hanging pants.
Use pant hangers to store starched and ironed fabric. (Be aware that in some parts of the country, starched fabrics may attract unwanted little critters!)
Use a multiple pant hanger (pictured at right) to store the larger pieces of fabric in your stash.
Store finished table runners and other small wall hangings on pant hangers to avoid wrinkles and creases.
Use clip-type pant/skirt hangers to sort and hold fabric strips for a WIP (Work in Progress).
Hang large completed blocks (e.g., Baltimore album blocks) so they don't get wrinkled (or lost!) before your quilt top is assembled.
ANOTHER PANTS HANGER TRICK Are your cutting mats falling over or being warped or damaged because you are leaning them against a wall or table? Simply clamp the mats in a pants hanger and hang them in a closet. Again, the items are off the floor and yet easily accessible.
REPURPOSING/RECYCLING/REUSING
I keep my smaller pieces of fabric (1/2yds & fat quarters)arranged by color in the clear plastic zipper bags that sheets and comforters come in. They are durable and you can see what you have without always having to dig them all out. They are useful for storing all the pieces of a work in progress so they don't collect too much dust before you get back to project.
Submitted by Addie Boyett
Free Motion Quilting Video
I enjoyed the bag workshop today very much, even though I didn't actually finish the bag, it is 90% done.Someone I was talking with inquired about free motion quilting and I told her about awebsite I have been enjoying but I didn't have the info with me.
Perhaps it would be appropriate for the tips and tricks portion of the newsletter.It is at http://www.freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/ . The person puts up a new free motion quilting video everyday, small in size...6-12" square, but it is enough to get anyone interested....Ihave started doing a few potholders.
Submitted byJudy Sawin-Stahnke
DON'T WASTE THOSE PIECES OF BATTING
Join pieces of batting by cutting iron-on interfacing into 1-1.5 strips and just iron batting together. Butt the batting together, lay the interfacing on top, and holding the batting together iron on the interfacing. The bottom will follow the top! Holds great and is not detectable when the quilt is done. Lots easier & quicker than whip stitching.
Submitted by: Lois Morin
Organizing Your Machine Needles Keeping track of sewing machine needles can be challenging, especially when there are so many types of needles to organize. An inexpensive bead box (available at most craft stores) serves as the perfect solution for keeping your various needles segregated by size and function. When you change a needle, put a little antique button into the compartment so you'll remember what's in the machine.
Submitted by: Ellen Nadeau
Grip n Grip Mat
I am not one for buying new gadgets if I can avoid it, but after trying to use some Shiva Paintstiks without the Grip n Grip mat I thought I would give it a try. What a difference! Minimal slipping, even with silk! The mat is 12 1/2" x 17", just big enough to use with the rubbing plates from Cedar Canyon. $14.95 - 5 star rating *****
Submitted by: Leigh Griffith
(Editor's Note) This has many other uses as described on the product package. Click on the image to enlarge to read.
Frustrated by your rotary ruler wandering when you are cutting fabric?
Keep that tool where it needs to stay using two items you probably already have handy in your house. Add a dab of clear nail polish on each cornerand at each end of the ruler. Sprinkle with salt and allow to dry. No more slips!
Submitted by: Ellen Nadeau
Pesky pins hiding under the table?
In the automotive department they sell lighted telescoping magnets that are designed for picking up dropped screws etc - they are terrific for tracking down those pesky pins we keep seem to drop no matter how hard we try to keep track of them all. When collapsed they are about the size of an ink pen, when extended they reach 18-24" depending on the manufacturer. Submitted by: Sue Young
Use a Dowel to Keep Quilt Straight for Hanging
"An easy way to make a hanger for a quilt is to fold 5" squares into triangles and sew to corners before adding the binding. You can then insert a dowel and hang your quilt. This technique also works well if you need a little weight at the bottom of your quilt (or the sides) so it will hang evenly."
Submitted by: Mary Ann Stewart
Spring means nest building time!!
I found a great use for all those tiny strips of fabric we have after cutting. Strips approx 1" wide by 6" long can be set outside in trees, baskets, suet cages etc. Birds readily use these thin strips of cotton fabric to augment their nests.
