Sunday, November 29, 2015

Do You Label?

Hi all!

Question for you all - do you label your quilts?  

It really is a quick and easy step to do and it servers a few purposes!  You really need to answer the 5 W's on each label:  who, what, when, where, why - and possibly how.


1.  It let's future generations know who made the quilt.  Maybe the quilt was a collaborative effort?  Each person who worked on the quilt should be mentioned.  And, yes, this means the long armer as well.  It doesn't matter if you paid for the work - the long armer should be given credit.  It is often said "the quilting makes the quilt" so give credit for it ;-)  {not to get into this huge debate LOL!}

2.  It lets future generations (as well as my own forgetful self) know when the quilt was made!!!  Oh ya, you think you'll remember but I can guarantee that I won't in a few years!

3.  It's lets future generations know where the quilt was made!  'Nuff said!

4. Maybe you have a why?  Did you make the quilt for someone special?  Is it for a charity?  Did the quilt have a special inspiration?  Sometimes you don't have a why - that's all good - we quilt for no reason other than joy sometimes ;-)

5.  What is the name of the quilt?  Mine are usually simple names - The pattern of the quilt is the Take 5 pattern and I used Christmas fabrics.  Hence, Take 5 for Christmas.

6.  The how part can be less obvious.  Maybe you got the block in a draw?  Maybe it was a Tinners program?  This can be listed as well along with the names of the people who contributed.

The label I did on this quilt is the simplest of the labels that I put on my quilts.  A square of muslin folded in half and machine stitched into a corner and then hand stitched down across the angle.  It only takes a few minutes to do.  I promise.

I used a Zig pen to write the information so it can go through the wash; but, you can also use a fine tip Sharpie pen.

I also used a decorative stitch to sew down the binding instead of hand sewing.  I do this on all of my charity quilts and baby quilts.  It is stronger and faster to do.

If you would like to see my tutorial for how I sew on my labels you can find it here!

So, let me know - what is your go to binding technique?

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Christmas Charity Quilt

Hi all!

Wow it's been a while!  Why you ask?  Well I have had some ups and downs with the quilting world and I frankly got out of the habit to blog.  It's part of my reasons anyways.  I will probably write more about that another day.

But, I do have something to show!  I was asked to paint a chair to be auctioned for the hospital.  I didn't get the chair done (no time and no paint!); but, I asked if I could donate a quilt instead since they are also doing a silent auction of used quilts.  The organizer quickly said yes!

I had a Christmas Take 5 quilt top already completed so I thought this would be a good one!  I used the Accuquilt Take 5 die (for the studio) and it went together so quickly - it was wonderful and it won't be the last time I use this die!!


Here is a close-up of the quilting.  I used the loricles grooved board on the back of my long arm, called Egyptian Eye, but I had it run down the length of the quilt instead of across the width.


I used 40 weight Glide thread in Sand.  I am absolutely in love with the way that this turned out and the texture and dimension it adds!  What I was trying to achieve was the effect of hanging ornaments and I think I achieved it :-)

I hope that the quilt raises a lot of money for the hospital and that someone will love it!

Are you doing any Christmas charity work?

Binding Update

Hello my friend! I'm motoring right along with my St. Patrick's Day T-Shirt quilt.  I took it off the frame a couple days ago and st...