The Quilt Lovers Blog

Quilting Cruises learn to quilt, take a holiday, relax and have fun

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 21:03:24 GMT

Quilting Cruises learn to quilt, take a holiday, relax and have fun

quilt of the month

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 23:17:21 GMT

See the Quilt of the Month voted for by visitors to my site

I've just posted two "NEW" patterns on my Patterns For Sale page

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 03:54:54 GMT

Go check out the "Twisted Nine Patch" and "Splash of Blues", they are really fantastic and easy enough for beginners!!

Patterns for Sale with support and instruction included

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 03:43:42 GMT

Patterns for Sale that include everything to complete your project, including free support and instruction, you supply the fabric.

CARLA'S QUILT

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 16:22:06 GMT

This is a story of how Carla's quilt came to be! We are originally from the Azores (nine tiny islands off the coast of Portugal). My mother went

Paper pieced quilt

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 00:52:40 GMT

This is a paper pieced mini quilt that I completed February 2008. I started quilting in September 2007 and took a paper pieced class in January. I

How do I get started in Long Arm Quilting?

Mon, 26 May 2008 15:54:47 GMT

Teri asks: I was wondering if you could help me. I googled long arm quilting business and received your website .. the reason I ask, is I am interested in possibly starting one and would like to get some ideas on what I should and should not do. Thanks so much. Jackee responds: There is a lot involved in the machine quilting business, -- training, bookkeeping, work orders/quilt tracking, etc. When I began machine quilting 10 years ago, I took an intensive course by Longarm University in Washington State. It was excellent. You can google Longarm University and can contact them if that would work for you. Issues may be different from person to person, and from area to area, but if you have any specific questions, I'd be happy to try to answer them.

The Tennessee Waltz pattern intrigues me.

Sat, 24 May 2008 02:54:23 GMT

Christine asks: Could you tell me the size of the quilt? Size of the blocks? and is it all rotary cut? I couldn't tell but the project looks so lovely, you have me thinking. I just did not see more information there. Jackee replies: Hello Christine -- thank you for your enquiry. The size has been posted on the "Patterns for Sale page on the website! The quilt is totally rotary cut and machine pieced and it always looks fabulous! It looks more complex than it is, resulting in lots of kudos for you! Block size is 9 1/2". You can order the pattern through the "Patterns for Sale" page on the website.

A New Page with FREE Block Pattern Instructions!!

Mon, 19 May 2008 23:56:46 GMT

I have developed a new page on my site with instructions and graphics on how to assemble popular Blocks. I will be adding more blocks to this page. If you would like to learn about one that is not posted please let me know and I will prioritise putting it up.

Quilter Comments!!

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:21:54 GMT

Barbara comments: Right now I do not have a question or comment except that I am glad I found your site. I am a fairly new quilter and your explanations and instructions seem much easier for me to understand. Thank You and I am sure you will be hearing from me now.

Information on Embroidered Quilt Blocks

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:21:54 GMT

Charlotte asks: I have some embroidered quilt blocks and I want to square them up and I'm not quite sure how to do this. I want to eventually hand quilt them. I was also wondering if they need to be pressed before squaring them. I will wait until I hear from you. I enjoyed your site very much and will probably have more questions as I go along with my project. Thank You Jackee repliesWhen squaring up blocks, it is a good idea to press them first. For an embroidered block, place face down on a towel and press from the center, trying not to stretch it. I like to use my 12" square ruler (there are other sizes of squares depending on the size of block you are making). Because you can see through the ruler, it is easier to center the embroidery on the block. For example, if you were trimming the block down to 10", the center of your block would be at the 5" line both vertically and horizontally. I trim the right hand side and the top, then turn the board around and trim the other two sides. I have some antique blocks on hand which need to be "squared up". We will photograph this process, so check back on the website in a couple of days. Sometimes a visual image is much easier to follow than written instructions. Good luck with your project. Remember, you can post your quilt or quilt top to our Quilter Invitation page! We would love to see it.

Pressing with Steam...yes or no!!

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:21:54 GMT

Lisa asks: Your rule #3 for quilting is confusing. The title says never press with steam and yet the elaboration of the rule sounds like you should press with steam. Which is it? Jackee replies: I know that sounds confusing. The rule about pressing, which you can read in most quilting books states that you NEVER press with steam (I think they are worried that you will stretch your block). I ALWAYS press using steam because that is the only way I can get a crisp flat seam. But my "rules" are tongue-in-cheek because rules are meant to be broken (even in quilting!). In other words, relax and enjoy the process! Thanks for your enquiry, and happy quilting!

Quilting in limited spaces

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 18:21:54 GMT

Sue asks: My husband and I live in a 5th wheel trailer. It is quite large with 4 slideouts. I don't have a quilting frame but would like to be able to quilt inside. Are their any quilting frames (portable) small enough that would allow me to be able to quilt inside? And then roll up. Thanks. Jackee answers:Thank you for your enquiry. Would you consider quilting in a "hoop" -- a 14" one works really well! Or what about a Q-Snap frame -- it is so easy to disassemble and pop your quilt on and off and it stores like a charm! Click the Permalink and click on the Joann's logo -- you can search some options for quilting possibilities. Let me know how you make out --- keep quilting!!

What are "Lock Seams"

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 23:48:31 GMT

Helen asks: I am working on the "Tennessee Waltz" quilt pattern, and am confused about part of the directions. At one point, you are told to "Lock Seams" and "Line up strips with grid". Could you possibly tell me what this means? I don't know what they mean by "Lock Seams" or "line up strips with grid" could you please explain? Thank you. Jackee's response: Boy, sometimes instructions can be confusing! We like to use the opposing (or lock) seam method to sew in order to distribute the bulk. For instance, if you are sewing a 9 patch block together, the top row of seams would all be pressed in one direction, and the second row would be pressed in the opposite direction, creating opposing seams. When you sew those two rows together, one seam allowance is pressed to the right and one seam allowance is pressed to the left, and they actually "lock" together bump to bump. I'm not sure what "line up seams with grid" would mean, without viewing the whole pattern -- is it from a book? If so, which one? At what point are you in the pattern? Have you made all the blocks and are lining up the rows, or? I hope some of this helps, and if you can supply more information perhaps we can sort out the other ambiguous wording.

How Do I Miter Corners?

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 23:48:31 GMT

Georgia asks: I have put a border on and I want to miter the corners??? What do I do? I'm hand quilting. Thanks. Jackee replies: Thank you for your enquiry. It inspires me to add a page to the website for this method and it will be done shortly. Mitered corners look fabulous, especially if you are putting multiple borders on a quilt. In the meantime, let me see if I can describe the method I use to miter corners. All borders must have an extra amount at each end -- if your border is 5" wide, then you need 6" extra at each end, if it is 8" wide, then you need 9" extra at each end, etc. Fold your quilt at the corner, so that the two borders lay one on top of the other, and the quilt folds at a 45 degree angle. Using your rotary cutting ruler, place the 45 degree angle along the seam line where the border joins the main body of the quilt. The edge of the ruler should be at the corner where your two seams meet. Make sure your borders are nice and flat, and then draw a line from the corner of the seams to the outer edge of the borders. Put a pin or two in the borders to keep them in place, then sew on the line. Make sure the borders lay flat, and then trim away the bulk of the extra border fabric. Press the seam open. I will try to get the Mitered Border page up on the website asap, in case you are still having trouble with this method. Please post a picture of your quilt on our Quilters Invitation page when you are finished! We would love to see it!

A Home Based Business that started out as a Hobby

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 22:54:47 GMT

How I Started A Home Based Business By Developing a Web Site For My Wife's Quilting Business

Losing my points when I make a quilt star!!

Sun, 16 Mar 2008 17:38:23 GMT

Emma asks: I'm losing my points when I try to make a quilt star...is there a simple way to "not" lose them? I can make a perfect star but when I go to connect any fabric (ex: border)...I lose the points on the star...h-e-l-p! Jackee replies:Hi Emma, first of all, when you make your star block, are the star points finishing 1/4" away from the edge of the block? If so, then when you add your "border", sew it with the star block ON TOP, and sew only a 1/4" seam. With the star block on top, you can easily see where the points are, and make sure you don't sew over them! I hope this helps! Happy quilting!

Questions on Bowtie Blocks

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 01:37:33 GMT

Jo asks: I teach quilt classes to ladies here in Alabama. Years ago I taught a 3 dimensional bow tie and now cannot remember how to stitch it. Could you either send me or know where I can find illustrated picture of the steps? THanking you in advance. Jackee replies: Hi Jo, -- ok, we have put a 3D Bowtie Pattern on the website. Go to the Block Patterns button then scroll down and click on the 3d Bowtie Block to view........please let us know if you have any suggestions. This was kind of a difficult one to describe! There will be more block patterns coming, and I hope you will tell your students about our website. Take care, and happy quilting

Display your quilt in creative ways in unique locations

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 04:12:37 GMT

Learn creative ways to display your quilt

Questions from a "NEW" Quilter

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 02:19:13 GMT

Janet asks: I am making my first quilt, Baking Days. Probably not an easy one to start with, but that is the one the 3 day class is making, 6 hours total! (I may set this aside and find something easier). I am on the first block and realized I am using Glaced cotton! I will change to 100 quilting machine cotton, is this correct? Should I discard the first block and start over? Also I am using all flannel material on top. What material do you suggest I use on the back? It is for my son and will take a beating. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Jackee replies: Hi Janet, thank you for your enquiry. I'm not sure what "glaced" cotton thread is but if it is cotton, it should be ok. You should use 50 weight sewing cotton for the construction of your quilt, something like Coats or Mettler. Quilting thread is what we use to do the actual quilting of the three layers of our quilt. Your quilt will be nice and cozy made in flannel. I would have recommended cotton rather than flannel for your first quilt because I think it is a little easier to work with, but I think you can make it work. Flannel is just a little bit thicker and sometimes stretches a bit. Because flannel IS so cozy, it would be great to have on the back too. I hope this helps Janet. Maybe you would post a photo on our website when you are finished. Just go to the "share your quilt" button. Good luck with your project!

Fabric!! Glorious Fabric!!!

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 02:48:00 GMT

Wow!!! My fabric order just arrived and it is so exciting. I opened the box and there were all these beautiful colors. It takes my breath away! It is so much fun to order fabric on line, but the best part is when you open the box and actually get to fondle the fabric and drink in its beauty. I do have a special project in mind for these particular fabrics, but usually I just like the pattern or color and order it in for my stash. I use my stash a lot. Just the other day I was at a friends house and we were planning on sewing together. I was beginning a new project and wondered if she would like to make the same quilt but in her colours of choice. She hemmed and hawed, and kind of wanted to but didnt think she would have enough fabrics she needed a minimum of seven each of three different colors. I suggested we check out her stash, and in just minutes we had a stack of fabric to sort through boy, that was fun!!! I said there is another great reason for maintaining a stash!!! And yes, she did end up making a quilt like mine. Isnt it just amazing how the same pattern can look so different just by using different fabrics! We did, however, have a little trouble understanding the sketchy instructions but more on that later!!! And that gave me a new idea for this website maybe we should photograph all the steps whenever I make a quilt from a pattern we all seem to understand pictures easier than words when it comes to instructions for quilts.

Did you know that you can share your Quilting stories and Quilt pictures with others?

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:28:48 GMT

If you click the link below or click the "Share Your Quilts" navigation button to the left, you can tell your story. The frustrations, successes, tears, laughs and smiles!!!! Then let's see a picture of the quilt you are talking about. Lets have some fun!!!!!

Quilter's Comment

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 23:54:08 GMT

Sara writes: I have been curious about t-shirt quilts, and you explained them very well, and with clear photos. You also showed very good photos of diagonal seaming and mitering. Thank you so much. I have your RSS feed on my Yahoo page, and I'll refer to it often. Your knowledge of the topic, informative site, and generous nature are among the things that I love about the web - the ability to interact with great people. Jackee replies: Thank you Sara for your comments -- it is always great to get feedback on our website. I hope you will refer to it often, and recommend it to your quilting friends! And dont forget to post your pictures and stories in the "Share your Quilts" section

Another comment from a Quilter!!

Fri, 04 Jan 2008 05:14:29 GMT

Jessica comments: I just wanted to say thank you for having a very informative and useful site! The t-shirt quilt pages you have answered so many questions I had that I didn't even realize I had! I'm a 30-something beginner quilter. I've had my sewing machine for two years now and have only managed to create one UFO! I do, however, have a 30gal rubbermaid container full of fabrics I couldn't resist getting or collecting. I know there is a stack of old tshirts in there as well, just so they can one day be turned into a quilt. I honestly believe now that I've run across your site, I will actually get something done! Anyhow, before I ramble the day away I just have to say thank you again! I'm sure I'm not the only one out there who feels they missed a chance to learn something wonderful from their grandmother or someone. Your site is very plain and easy to understand, I honestly can't thank you enough for taking the time yall have with this site! May you have a wonderful and blessed new year! Jackee replies: Jessica -- thank you so much for your comments about our website. I am so happy to have helped -- that is the whole purpose behind the website! I hope you will post your UFO (either now or when you finish it) through the Quilter's Invitation page. Please feel free to post anything else you make in the meantime! Please let me know if you need any information not previously provided, as we are constantly adding pages. Happy quilting! To view the "T Shirt Quilt in 7 Days" project click the link below.

My First Quilt

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 15:38:00 GMT

After practically living with Jackee I had always admired her beautiful quilts and had wanted to try making one myself. The opportunity arose when one

Quilting Retreat on the Canadian Sunshine Coast - AWESOME!!!

Tue, 23 Oct 2007 01:13:46 GMT

The Best of Both Worlds, Quilting Retreat and the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia

Tropical Madness

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 19:49:35 GMT

I kind of broke out of my comfort zone making these blocks and then surprised my friends by finding this wild fabric for the

Postcards from Japan

Mon, 22 Oct 2007 19:49:16 GMT

After collecting japanese fabrics for years. I finally had a vision of how to showcase them.

Tree Skirt

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 00:47:38 GMT

I saw a tree skirt at a craft show, and I said "I can make that!" Unfortunately, I had never quilted before, so I was winging it! After asking for

My Personal Invitation to share your stories and pictures of quilts

Sun, 02 Sep 2007 01:00:31 GMT

My Personal Invitation for you to show pictures of your quilts and tell us your quilting stories