Quilts do more than just keep you warm.  They are works of art.  They are featured in art galleries and museums.  Quilters from all backgrounds and experience levels enter quilt shows and contests throughout the world.  Even more aficionados show up to view these pieces of art and be inspired.

Quilts are found in various forms from the traditional bed covering to wall hangings or throws.  They can also be in the form of a purse, jacket, table runner, or placemats.  Vases and bowls can even be made using quilt techniques.  The possibilities are endless.

If you love art and love quilts even more then take advantage of the quilt shows, art galleries, and museums in your area to view the local talent and their work.  It can prove to be very inspiring to the quilter inside of you.  Contact your local quilt guild or quilt shop for local events.

September 2, 2008

You too can be a quilter

Have you ever looked at a quilt and thought I could never do that?  Well you can.  Can you follow directions?  Do you have an engaging eye for colors and patterns?  If not, can you ask others for advice?  If you answered yes to any of these questions then you can make a quilt.  Just follow these few simple steps to get started.

Locate a pattern

Visit your local bookstore, library, or the Internet to browse quilt patterns that catch your eye.  Most are categorized as beginner, intermediate, or experienced.  There are tons of basic blocks and patterns that someone who’s never picked up a needle and thread or used a sewing machine can do.

Pick out your fabric and materials

Find a local quilt shop or fabric store.  Browse the cotton fabrics and quilting fabric sections for the fabrics you wish to use in your quilt.  Your pattern that you found lists the total number of fabrics you need plus the yardage needed for each fabric.  Remember to follow the directions carefully as they have already done the work of calculating the amount of fabric you will need to create the quilt.  You will also be able to find the supplies that you will need such as thread, needles, batting, and scissors or rotary cutters.

If you are uncertain about the colors and prints that you wish to use ask the salesperson for suggestions or their opinion.  Many are quilters themselves and can offer great advice to steer you in the right direction.

Prep your fabric

Once you have purchased your fabric then it needs to be prepped for cutting.  There are two schools of thought about this next step.  Some quilters feel that no prepping needs to be done to the fabric and that you can skip this step and start cutting away.  Still there are many others who feel that this is a no-no and that the fabric needs to be prepped.

To prep your fabric you should wash it according to the manufacturers instructions listed on the end of the bolt of fabric at the shop.  Once you have washed and dried it then it should be ironed flat and folded nicely until ready for cutting.  Washing the fabric during this prep step allows for the potential bleeding of dyes used in the fabric to happen before you have constructed your quilt.  You’d much rather have the fabrics bleed while still in the original state than after you have created a beautiful quilt.  For some fabrics this bleeding is not even an issue but for some of the bolder fabrics you will want to test a piece of the fabric.

Construct your quilt

Gather all of your supplies and fabrics and follow the pattern instructions.  Be sure to read through the directions carefully and completely before you start cutting your fabric.  You want to be very sure that you understand the steps that you are going to be taking.  If you have any questions ask another quilter.  If you don’t know one personally then search the Internet.  There are quite a few quilting communities online with people who love to share their knowledge for free.

Show off your quilt

You did it!  You completed your quilt.  You thought you couldn’t do it but you did.  Don’t be discouraged if it your seams don’t line up perfectly or if your stitching is crooked.  Everything gets better with practice.  So now that you’ve finished your first quilt…when are you getting started on the next one?

Search the web for free patterns.  Here are two of my favorite sites.

http://www.freequiltpatterns.info/

http://www.quilterscache.com/QuiltBlocksGalore.html