New Gadgets and an online Shop Hop

I am constantly amazed by the number of sewing/quilting gadgets and think, "How can someone come up with something else?" ...when they do!

I have so many bobbins with thread that it is often hard to keep up with them all.

I think this latest gadget that I have found is so cool!! I want some!

And...if you have not yet discovered this online shop hop, check it out! I find new goodies almost every month! September's is winding down, but October's Shop Hop will start soon!!!

Click here: Fab Shop Hop

It's National Sewing Month

September is National Sewing Month!!!!

What are you sewing this month?

Scrap Blocks

Do you have tons of scraps and need some ideas on how to use them up?

Pat Sloan is a great quilter to follow. Her blog is loaded with lots of freebies and fantastic ideas!

If you are a Facebook user, you can follow her on Facebook for even more ideas and giveaways!

Visit this site to see a tutorial on how to make a scrappy star block and get to using up those scraps!

Time to think about officers and programs for next year! At our July meeting we will be voting for officers, planning programs and signing up for door prizes!

I hope everyone can make it!

Quick Points Ruler Tutorial--making a tea towel

Want a cute project that could be adapted to just about anything?

Watch this YouTube video by Fat Quarter Shop. They show how to make scallops using the Quick Points 1 1/2 in Scallop Ruler. There is also a ruler for prairie points.

They then added them to the bottom of a tea towel/kitchen towel.

These would be cute on the bottom of little girls tights, capris or jeans! How about adding them to the bottom of a t-shirt?

Check this out when you have the time!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIsfxZjL-ZQ

Binding a Quilt

Do you struggle with binding your quilt? Is it something that you dread?

Watch this video from Fat Quarter Shop:

How to Bind a Quilt Using the Binding Tool

for tips trips and just one awesome way to put that binding on your quilt!

If you are interested in purchasing the binding tool in the video, you can find it at the links below:

Fat Quarter Shop Binding Tool

or 

Amazon

Information Overload!

The Internet is full of free information! There is so much available that sometimes it is hard to know where to start.

One of the best places I have found is the Superior Thread website. If you are sewing or quilting with the right thread, it can make all of the difference in the world.

When you have time, check out the following videos to learn about thread, needles, tension and so much more: Thread Therapy with Dr. Bob.

They also have an 'Education Index' that features information about tension, bobbins, specific types of thread, apps for Smartphones and Tables, and more!

To find out how to make your quilting and sewing less stressful, visit these sites soon!

 

Happy quilting!!

Year of Machine Quilting

Have you always wanted to learn how to quilt by machine? 

Maybe you already know how, but want to improve your machine quilting skills?

Quiltmaker magazine is featuring a year of machine quilting on their website. Click here to check it out. They are featuring free monthly quilting motifs and lots of great information and tips to help you in the journey to learn this skill.

Another great source of free motion tutorials from some industry experts can be found on Sew Cal Gal's blog. She started it as a 2012 Free Motion Quilting Challenge, but lots of the tutorials are still available.

Awesome Blog Hop

Do you love pincushions? You need to check out Sew We Quilt...a blog by Madame Sam. She is hosting a Blog Hop and the participants are making pincushions! One of today's pincushions is the cutest cowboy boot! I can't wait to see the rest!

Our own member Doris Rice is a participant. She will be hopping to the blog on February 6...that is in 3 days! Be sure to visit the Don't let the Door Stop You hop to see what Doris has created this time!!!

Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt

Have you ever wanted to make a Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt? Does the thought intimidate you? Would it be better if you had friends or someone to help you?

Well, Yahoo has a group doing just that you! And you can request membership. They have tons of great tips and other members ready, willing and able to share their fun and frustrations!

 

So...what are you waiting for?

Buy the book

Select your fabric (or any great fabric shop)

Join the Farmer's Wife Sampler Quilt Along

...and just get started!

Sew Day

We had such a great time sewing this past Saturday! I hope you can join us next time.

Doris did a great job showing us a method of applique using Wonder Under/Stitch Witchery/Heat n Bond or some other type of adhesive to iron the fabric pieces to a background.  Then, you use either a blanket stitch, zig-zag stitch or satin stitch to secure the applique to the background fabric.

It was fun seeing everyone's personality come through in their color choices.

All Day Sew

Don't forget ladies, this Saturday is our all day sew in!

Doris Rice is going to be teaching a class on applique, so pack up those machines and other necessities and meet us for a fun day of sewing, food and fellowship.

The project looks like loads of fun...a perfect project for a beginner or even a seasoned applique person because it looks like we can finish it in a day!

Below is the supply list for the class!

From Ann, our secretary:

Below is the list of supplies you will need for our sew day.  Doris and I decided the she would provide the fusible web and the club would pay her back (so don't worry about the text in yellow).  I will bring enough plain white paper for all.

 

 

You will need a background square of fabric 18" square

1 yard of fusible web (such as SEWABLE heat n bond, steam a seam 2 lite, or wonder under)

scraps of pink and red for the applique (or whatever color you want to applique the hearts with), 

Matching thread ( it doesn't have to be embroidery thread.  One of my favorites is plain old Coats & Clarks all purpose thread you buy at Walmart.)

Basic sewing supplies (scissors, pins, iron, etc)

A sewing machine in working order that will zig-zag or buttonhole/blanket stitch

Plain white copy paper (about 6-10 sheets)

Season Block of the Month on the Quilting Queen Blog

Doris has a new block of the month post on her blog!

It is a cute snowman block with all the instructions on how to make it.

Want a cool project with a specialist at your fingertips to answer your questions? Join Doris as she features this on her blog.

Check it out here: Quilting Queen Seasonal Block of the Month

Free Quilt Class

Do you struggle with putting colors in your quilt together?

I have a deal for you! How about a free quilting class that will help you "choose and combine colors with confidence?"

If you have not discovered Craftsy, then you need to check it out now! They offer several free classes and this one is just one of those available now:

Craftsy's 2014 Block of the Month Class is finally here!

Conquer color theory in this FREE mini class sponsored by Michael Miller Fabrics. Choose and combine colors with confidence for harmonious blocks and eye-candy quilts. You'll never miss a beat as you create six different blocks that become a vivid, modern quilt!

Enroll today for FREE! Click Here-----> http://bit.ly/1lW9yXT

November Show and Share

We had so many great items that our members shared that I needed to create another post!! LOL

Great job ladies!

Carol made the door prize!! Pam won them!

Donna's Vintage Texas Star

Donna's Applique

Doris's Halloween Quilt

Doris made this for her son for Christmas

Tree skirt made by Doris