August 19, 2011
My uncle Ray was a commercial airline pilot, and uncle Ken was a B52 bomber pilot in the US Air Force.
My dad invented cleaning compounds for airplanes and my kids have always been interested in aviation.
Me, I just love to fly.
Since August 19th is National Aviation Day, I thought I’d share some airplane-themed quilt blocks – including how-to-sew video instructions for one with some simple curves:
http://www.how-to-quilt.com/articles/1307-plane-thinking-quiltblock.php
Happy Quilting!
Penny
May 9, 2011
Three Cheers Quilt Block
I’m back from Chicago and had a great Mother’s Day. I hope you had a wonderful Mother’s Day as well!
Jackson has been a bit skittish today and I can’t figure out why. Hmmm.
Anyway, in this week’s newsletter, Quilter Roberta joins us again with some great ideas for saving money on your quilting without sacrificing quality.
You’ll also find:
http://www.how-to-quilt.com/newsletter/quiltingbargains.php
Happy Quilting!
Penny
May 6, 2011
From time to time, I’ve created my own quilt blocks. They can be inspired by something I see outside my window or an idea that comes from the desire to honor someone I admire.
But, most of the time I use the many great blocks I’ve found in books, magazines or at quilt shows.
In today’s article, I share a chat I had with expert quilter Pepper Cory about how she designs her quilts, and what she does with her chosen block(s) before she starts any quilt:
http://www.how-to-quilt.com/articles/1317-designing-quiltblocks.php
Happy Quilting!
Penny
April 30, 2011
In quilting, as with everything else, you have to start somewhere.
As a beginner quilter, you certainly have the option of starting with the very basics (big squares) and proceeding on at your own pace to more complicated blocks (triangles and curves).
However, you are by no means held to this path if you are attracted to a more complicated pattern or technique. It’s entirely up to you, as Pepper Cory tells us in today’s article:
http://www.how-to-quilt.com/articles/1430-beginner-quilts.php
Happy Quilting!
Penny
February 13, 2011
Hearts are always a popular theme for quilts.
Whether for a new baby, a new (or old) love or, of course, Valentine’s Day, a quilt “with heart” always carries a special meaning.
You’ll find a charming heart quilt pattern, with big curves that would be great for beginners – as well as Pepper Cory’s professional advice on how to sew curves – when you visit:
http://www.how-to-quilt.com/articles/1417-heartquilt.php
Happy Quilting!
Penny
December 17, 2010
My family loves flying and, since today is Wright Brothers Day, I thought I’d share some great airplane-themed quilt blocks.
I’ve included a video demonstration of the Plane Thinking quilt block. It includes a few curves that are pretty easy to sew once you know a couple of tips I learned from quilter Pepper Cory.
http://www.how-to-quilt.com/articles/1307-plane-thinking-quiltblock.php
Happy Quilting!
Penny
May 7, 2010
Professional Quilter Pepper Cory calls it Big Stitch Quilting, but the idea came from a style of centuries-old Japanese embroidery; a running-stitch technique called sashiko (translation – “little stabs”), used by peasants to patch holes in their clothes.
When white cotton thread became available, they decided to use it for patching and creating designs on indigo blue garments. Since the contrast was stunning, they began using the technique for quilts and other decorative pieces.
Because the technique uses large stitches with relatively thick thread and a large needle, it is perfect for beginner quilters, children, and quilters with aging eyes – like me.
Typically sashiko stitches are sewn using a geometric design – squares, diagonals, hexagons, diamonds, and circles are popular. It is getting more common to see intricate sashiko designs like flowers and fans on quilts as well as bags and other garments.
Because the thread is much thicker than quilting thread, these designs are somewhat larger and require less detailed stitching than regular quilting stitches – saving you time!
Quilters have also discovered ways for sewing sashiko on their sewing machines.
Learn the traditional method for hand stitching and machine stitching these beautiful designs by visiting:
http://how-to-quilt.com/articles/5018-sashiko-quilting.php
Happy Quilting!
Penny
February 2, 2010
Ghost Walk Quilt Block
It’s Groundhog Day! And every February 2nd, I think of the movie about Phil, the weatherman, (not to be confused with Punxsutawney Phil, the groundhog) who just kept going in circles.
In the movie “Groundhog Day,” every time Phil woke up it was February 2nd, and he got to re-live the day until he “got it right.”
Phil, the groundhog, of course, got it right the first time and got to go back into his hole.
The movie brings a smile to my face, just thinking about it.
Believe it or not sewing circles and curves for quilt blocks can bring a smile to your face, too. But, it hasn’t always been that way for me.
Early in my quilting days, I avoided all blocks with curves or circles. Although it limited the blocks I could make, my theory was that there were certainly thousands of other blocks that didn’t have curves in them to choose from.
But, one day, I decided to take on the challenge. I found a book written by Pepper Cory about the Drunkard’s Path quilt block and its variations. Just looking at the instructions in the book made me think that I could actually sew curves in blocks.
Once I tried it, I discovered that it was really easy. And it didn’t take re-living the day to get perfect curves in my patches.
You’ll find some tips as well as a video showing how to sew curved patches with perfection:
http://how-to-quilt.com/articles/2213-sewing-curves.php
Happy Quilting!
Penny
April 20, 2009
Drunkard's Path Quilt Block
Progress on all fronts – all of the squares have been added to my 8 pointed star quilt, and I have the next set of diamonds cut and ready to sew.
This week should see those being sewn on and maybe even the center of my quick star quilt will be done.
Then the borders – and, well, you know the story!
As I was sorting through my fabric stash, I came across a wonderful little cat batik that I got years ago.
With the 15th birthday of m. mouse coming up, I thought it would be lovely to make a quilt. Maybe for him – maybe for me. We’ll see.
Of course, he will be lobbying for a quilt for him. It would make a great birthday gift. We’ll see.
Anyway, a quick trip to the fabric store, and I picked up some great batiks to add to the fabric collection for the quilt. Now all I need is a pattern.
Maybe tomorrow I’ll figure that one out.
Since I was in the mood for 8 pointed stars, this week’s quilt block video is Idaho Star, which is an 8 pointed star – very simple star – that can be finished by sewing set in seams.
So, the video (and a weekend article) show you how to sew set in seams. I’ll be gathering some additional tips from other quilters to add to the page.
And now for the help – -
People have been requesting an online class.
I would like to include video (pre-recorded so you get just the best information), and a way for you to talk to me along the way.
I have been thinking about creating a 1 or 2 day project that can be completed in that time, and then doing it in 1 or 2 days – online.
Considering our quilters around the world, I am trying to achieve this at not cost for the technology (there will be a cost for the class); so you won’t need to pay for a long distance phone. It will be all online.
I’m working with my teckkie friends to figure that part out, and in the meantime, if you could tell me:
1. Is it something you would be interested in?
2. Would you prefer it to be during the week or on the weekend?
I’d like to hear what you have to say in terms of those questions as well as a particular quilt preference.
I have a couple in mind – a baby quilt, a photo quilt, a crazy quilt, or a quilt that uses jelly rolls.
Send your ideas to me at: penny@how-to-quilt.com I’ll keep you all posted. I’d like to do one next month!
In the meantime, the weekly news includes:
Eavesdrop on a Telephone Conversation – Scott Murkin, April 26
Block of the Month – Drunkard’s Path
Postcard Quilts for the Troops – 4th of July Roundup
Featured Block in Video – Idaho Star Quilt Block
April Quilt Block Patterns
http://how-to-quilt.com/newsletter/drunkardspath.php
Happy Quilting!
Penny Halgren
March 22, 2009
Whether you are a beginning quilter or a quilter with a little more experience, Pepper Cory had quilting insights that will make your quilting more fun.
Pepper has been a quilter since 1972, and her first love is curves in quilt blocks.
Because her experience is so varied, she had tons of great information to share with us on Saturday morning.
Like most quilters, Pepper collects fabric! To stay organized, she keeps her fabric by color in large Rubbermaid bins that you can see through. Then, when she needs a particular color, she can pull the bin down
from the shelf and find the perfect fabric for her quilt.
When she finds a fabric she loves that has a geometric design – like a stripe or plaid – she buys at least 3 yards. That way, she can use it for a border.
Maybe you are like I am, and use mostly solid fabrics for sashing. Pepper knows that some blocks are best sewn right next to each other because they make a secondary design.
On the other hand, some blocks are best framed with a sashing. To make the quilt more interesting, Pepper uses a print for her sashing.
It’s too late for the quilt I just finished, but maybe the next quilt I make will have a print fabric for the sashing.
There was so much information in this call, it’s hard to cover it all, but I’ve posted a clip of part of the Conversation where Pepper talks about how to “get past” your reluctance to use multiple print fabrics in your
quilts.
www.How-to-Quilt.com/peppercory.php
You may want to get a CD recording of this call for listening in the future. It’s easy to forget some of the Conversation – especially 7 months from now when you are beginning a new quilt and are looking for a great idea.
Happy Quilting!
Penny Halgren
http://www.How-to-Quilt.com
P.S. Pepper also told us about big stitch quilting. This is a great way to hand quilt a quilt while saving time – after all, bigger stitches mean fewer stitches!
www.How-to-Quilt.com/peppercory.php
