Hobby Stash » Tips & Tricks

Quilt An Adorable Christmas Tree Skirt

Linda — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:10:36 +0000

This looks like a wonderful gift project for next year and it can’t get much simpler.

Breast Cancer Ribbon Quilt Block

Linda — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 10:53:54 +0000

It sounds complicated but once explained, is really quite easy. I definitely plan to try this one out.

Disappearing Nine Patch

Linda — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 14:31:19 +0000

One of my ongoing UFO’s is a red, white, and black disappearing nine-patch quilt. I’m still in the process of making the nine-patch blocks. Here’s a very short but excellent tutorial explaining the technique.

The Perfect Curved Binding

Linda — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 12:22:10 +0000

Sharon’s process for folding the binding fabric before cutting is awesome. I can’t wait to try it. I’ve always used the non-bias binding method. The video is just chock full of interesting techniques. I’ve always used the ruler markings to determine my cutting line and she uses the mat which she states is more accurate. Also starching the inside of the strip before folding in half is a fabulous idea. So many of her tips are applicable for a straight edge binding as well.

I still have a phobia of curves in quilting. I avoid them wherever possible and I shouldn’t. Sharon’s procedure illustrates the importance of taking your time and that going step by step can eliminate most of the puckering that occurs while sewing on any binding. So…where do I find that fine-tip Elmers?

Quilt Labels

Linda — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:17:01 +0000

I watched this Fons and Border video this morning. I love the idea of using a fabric with a coordinating pattern. I definitely plan to try this on my recently finished Blue Bayou as it is to be a gift.

Hoopless Hand Quilting

Linda — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 11:48:02 +0000

I’ve been working on hand quilting my Sampler Quilt for almost 2 years now. It’s one of those projects I keep setting aside. This poor baby is in desperate need of a washing so I’ve decided to move it to the top of my UFO list. I’ve tried traditional hand quilting using a hoop and applied various techniques with varying degrees of failure. Pretty and expensive lap quilt hoop now resides in a closet. For me, the best way to go is hoopless hand quilting. Sharon Schamber’s Hoopless Hand Quilting video is one of the best tutorials available illustrating the technique.

Square-Up Ruler

Linda — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 12:09:52 +0000

I have quite a few rulers with some used more often than others. This baby is used everytime I make half-square triangle blocks and it does a marvelous job of squaring up these blocks. Once I’ve sewn together 2 blocks and cut them apart on the diagonal, I use this ruler to square the block before I press it open…a real time saver! I line up the finished block size indicated on the ruler with the seam allowance and then cut away the excess on the two sides.

Organizing Fabric Tips

Linda — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 12:07:50 +0000

I certainly will give this one a try!

Fussy Cut – Eleanor Burns

Linda — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 12:08:55 +0000

I like the technique of tracing the flower.

Mitered Border Corners

Linda — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:03:50 +0000

What an interesting way to do a mitered border. I’m not sure I would use this procedure with a large quilt but it certainly would work for smaller wall hangings. And I’d sure like to know how she manages to control the glue so well. I would have gotten it all over the square, my iron and the table.

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