Thursday, March 30, 2023

How to Roll & Store Binding

Here is my favorite way to ROLL & STORE quilt binding, using a "Figure 8" technique!


Years ago, I watched a gal at the cutting station in a fabric store rolling lace in this figure 8 manner and asked her to show me how.  That was a fun way to store it, but later on, I realized that when you turn it over and pull the strip from the center, it comes out straight!  Wow, I was amazed!  

How many times have you started to add the binding to a quilt - especially a large quilt - and because the binding has been stored by rolling it into a circle, you have to unroll the entire 450 or so inches of binding down the hall, through the house and down the stairs?   I exaggerate.... a little!  I know you know what I mean.


This trick of "pre-twisting" will fix that!


There are some super-cute binding storage gismos out there, but the binding is usually wrapped around these in a circular fashion as well, causing the same issues.  Cute, yes.  But I am all about finding easy, practical, economical solutions to common issues, and this figure 8 technique doesn't cost any extra!

A figure 8 roll is handy for storage, too.  Sometimes I'll slip one of the loops over a hanger that holds the backing and quilt top, keeping the set together and ready for quilting.


When I'm ready to use the binding, I set the roll on my lap or on the floor by my chair and it simply pulls out from the center, ready to apply without twisting!  

Leftover binding strips can be re-rolled and used for smaller projects, or pieced together for a fun scrappy binding.


Or, just keep them in a large jar to decorate your quilt studio.  It's a beautiful thing.  And, it makes me happy.  And when I sit down to bind a quilt, I have a smile on my face.

Happy Binding!
Deonn

Thursday, January 26, 2023

Tips, Tricks & Tools, Part I: What's in Your Sewing Kit?



This is Part I of a 3-part series of my favorite Tips, Tricks & Tools when it comes to quilting. 

One thing I was advised when I first started quilting:  Always use the best tools and supplies you can find and afford: sewing machine, scissors, rotary cutting equipment, fabric, needles, thread, even good quality pins can make a difference.  

TOOLS 
Here are a few of my favorite tools and toys in my quilting arsenal:

Thursday, December 8, 2022

Log Cabin Tree Runner & Lubkuchen


It's that time of the year, again!  Carol @ Just Let Me Quilt is hosting her annual Virtual Cookie Exchange.  

Monday, December 5, 2022

Virtual "Cookie" Exchange


It's time for Carol's annual Virtual Christmas Cookie Exchange!  These "cookies" might be new recipes, new quilts, fun family traditions - could be anything!  Check in daily to find out.  My turn will be

Monday, November 14, 2022

Those Who Wish to Sing...


I came across this Swedish Proverb a few years ago, and kept that saying in my mind.  When Carla @creatininthesticks put together this "Music" blog hop, I knew it was time to transfer that saying into a little quilt.
"Those who wish to sing always find a song."

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Log Cabin Trees... continued


I feel really honored that the gals from Missouri Star Quilt Company have chosen a couple of my patterns to feature in recent tutorials, including the Log Cabin Tree Skirt pattern (previous post)!  

Tuesday, October 11, 2022

MSQC TUTORIAL: Log Cabin Tree ~ Quilted Tree Skirt!

At Home with Misty:  Log Cabin Tree Skirt Tutorial
Find the printed pattern at Missouri Star Quilt Company
Digital patterns are available at Quiltscapes

How fun is this?!?  Misty Doan has a new tutorial featuring my LOG CABIN TREE SKIRT pattern!  

Friday, September 16, 2022

How to Bind a Quilt by Machine

Teaching my Binding & Alternate Endings Lecture today at Garden of Quilts!  Join me today at noon in the gardens.  But if you can't, here's a quick little binding video I threw together.

Saturday, August 13, 2022

Sewing Table Upgrade!


Many years ago, I purchased this foldaway card table. customized to fit a Singer Featherweight 221 sewing machine.  The table folds up and is lightweight - perfect to carry anywhere.  It also has extendable legs so I can adjust the height.

After 17 years, it was looking a little mangy!  Time for a makeover!

Friday, July 1, 2022

Tsunami (A Giant "Storm at Sea")


Today, Jenny Doan and her daughter, Natalie are sharing a video tutorial to make a scrappy version of the Tsunami Quilt over at Missouri Star Quilt Company.  Have a look! Tsunami Tutorial

Oh, my goodness, they created a template!!  How fun is that?!?  Get your pattern and template HERE.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/193585243/tsunami-a-giant-storm-at-sea-digital
Tsunami (A Giant "Storm at Sea") Lap Quilt  
Printed Pattern and Template available at Missouri Star Quilt Company  
Digital Pattern is available at Quiltscapes