When I was a young mom with lots on my plate I didn’t spend much time quilting or learning new quilting techniques. I knew how to sew a straight line and machine applique. Then, my mom started taking a quilting class at a local adult school. She kept encouraging me and my sister to take this class with her. It was offered in the evenings for the fall semester by a brilliant woman named Nancy Freeley. 

I was new to quilting and all I could picture was a bunch of ladies sitting around gossiping. My sister and I did sign up and I’ll always have fond memories of taking that class with them. I learned things from all the many women there and it was one of the funnest things I’ve ever done. I learned many useful sewing and quilting techniques from this wonderful instructor who inspired me to keep learning as much as I could.

I’ve since moved away from that area and have never found anything that equaled that experience. 

What are Your Favorite Quilting Techniques?

Over the years, I’ve learned many different quilting techniques, most of which were taught in that first class I took. They include: Traditional Piecing, Foundation Paper Piecing, Applique, Crazy quilting, Civil War quilting, English Paper Piecing, Art Quilts, and Rag Quilts. I’m looking forward to finding a class that teaches Hawaiian quilts. If you know of any in Utah County, let me know in the comments below.

Traditional Piecing

Traditional piecing can also be known as patchwork. It’s done by taking triangles, rectangles and squares, to create shapes, blocks or larger pieces. It all gets sewn together in ways specifically to create designs inside of designs. It can range from a very simple pattern to very difficult. 

Foundation Paper Piecing

Foundation Paper Piecing was something I tried very early in my quilting experience. Immediately, I was deeply in love with it. I used this technique to create quilts with words and in landscapes. There are still a few Christmas patterns for paper piecing ,hanging in my quilt room, that I’d love to make one of these days. 

The process is done by using a special foundation paper (can be found at Joann’s) and the pattern is printed with numbers to indicate exactly where to stitch your fabric on. You build on each number as you sew and after you’ve trimmed your entire finished piece and remove the paper, you have a perfectly created block to add to your quilt top. It goes fairly quickly and yields nearly perfect results but this method does waste a little more fabric. 

Applique

I love applique!! This is the first quilt technique I learned how to do. I was invited to join a group exchange and absolutely loved it! I’ve done many quilts using applique and love the outcome every time. It can be done by hand or by machine. They both produce beautiful results but it’s really up to the quilter to decide which way they want to go. When I have downtime and want to relax on the couch it is a perfect time to stitch by hand (usually the turn under method). When I’m in more of a hurry then a machine blanket stitch works for me.

Crazy Quilting

This fun technique is a perfect way to use up all of your funny shaped scraps. The idea is to start with attaching two pieces of fabric together – each of unique shapes. Then you can trim one side creating a straight line and attach another odd piece of fabric. You start somewhat small and build on it. You can stop anytime, square it up and start a new block. By the end you can have several blocks to create a very unique and scrappy quilt top. 

At one point in life I decided that I would take all the scraps from every quilt I made and use this method. I thought that I would put a giant quilt together and remember every quilt I ever made just by the fabrics. This plan was quickly forgotten.

Civil War

I have created only one Civil War quilt. I really enjoyed it and have thought about making another one, especially since I gave it away without taking any pictures of it first (it was for a great cause).

The idea behind this type of quilt is to create an historic quilt. The fabrics used should all be reproduction fabrics to make it more authentic, learn more about reproduction fabrics here. You combine that fabric using quilt patterns that have historically been used in helping slaves know what route to take to freedom. People would hang quilts out pointing them in the right and safe directions to travel.

English Paper Piecing

English paper piecing (aka EPP) is another technique that is so rewarding! It is also done by hand. Starting with small hexagon shapes (other shapes are available but hexi’s are most common) you fold your fabric over the hexi form – usually done with an iron and spray starch. Then using a needle and thread, tack the fabric into place. You can then remove the hexi form and press your perfect shape. When you combine these all together you can create dozens of patterns that will tickle any quilter’s fancy!

Art Quilting Techniques

Art quilts could be a label for every type of quilt since quilting is a form of art! But I’m referring to quilts that are more artistic in that they don’t have a specific pattern or shape. This type of quilting can be a picture of your child’s face turned into fabric. Or maybe a picture of an octopus or your dog. Maybe this kind of quilt can use several different techniques to create it but came from the artist’s imagination instead of a traditional pattern. 

I was asked to be a part of a quilt group several years ago and one of the ladies asked that each member create a self portrait out of fabric and send it to her so that she could put a face to the name of the gals that were in our group! Such a cute idea! It was very difficult to create something that was even close to accurate. My red hair and freckles made it fun to search for appropriate fabrics though.

Rag Quilts

A very good friend is a master at making rag quilts. She can whip those out in a very short amount of time. They’re usually baby quilts made from flannel and soft colors. Using this technique takes away the need for finished quilting. 

You start with your top squares – cotton or flannel, layered with muslin and backed with flannel. You can then stitch a pattern into these little fabric “sandwiches” on your machine or simply sew a big X. Then, you stitch all of your squares together with the raw edges all facing the quilt top. Next, stitch the edges together or bind it. Using special scissors you can snip the raw edges about every ¼ inch, being careful to not cut through the seams. The washed and dried quilt then looks like rags all sewn together and it’s such a soft and cozy feel. 

Never Stop Learning New Things!

There are many ways to use all of these techniques in one quilt or use them individually but be sure to try a little of everything to find the one or ones that are a perfect fit for you. If you don’t know how to do something, find a class at a local quilt shop and go for it. My love for quilting was something that came from simply taking a class. And remember that when you want help finishing your quilt, contact me.

I would love to know what quilting techniques you enjoy using and to see what you’ve created. Use the comments section below to share what you’ve done! Quilters love to sing praises for a job well done and to be inspired by others. 

Happy sewing,

Melissa

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Do you have a favorite color to use in your quilts? I do! Mine is definitely the color purple in all shades from light lavender to deep, dark purple.

There are some fascinating tidbits that I’ve learned about the color purple and I want to share them with you. (Feel free to listen to Purple Rain by Prince while you read this. )

Color is a Way of Communicating

Did you know that color is a non-verbal way of communicating? Wearing a specific color can convey your feelings about your mood, what kind of day you’re having or even what you’re thinking about. 

In marketing, you can attract a specific audience simply by using colors that appeal to different genders. Colors can grab the attention of a consumer and make them want to click on a button and learn more – simply because appealing colors are used! 

Purple in History

Wikipedia provides some interesting information about the color purple in history: 

“Purple has long been associated with royalty, originally because Tyrian purple dye, made from the mucus secretion of a species of snail, was extremely expensive … Purple was the color worn by Roman magistrates; it became the imperial color worn by the rulers of the Byzantine Empire and the Holy Roman Empire, and later by Roman Catholic bishops. Similarly in Japan, the color is traditionally associated with the emperor and aristocracy.”

Colorology is a type of therapy that began anciently and is still being used today. You can learn more about this fascinating topic here.

The Spiritual Meaning of Purple

According to VeryWell Mind “different shades of purple have different spiritual meanings. For instance, light purples are associated with light-hearted, romantic energies while darker shades can represent sadness and frustration. In some parts of Europe, purple is associated with death and mourning.

In the U.S., the Purple Heart is one of the highest honors for bravery in military service. The award, originally called the Badge of Military Merit, was created in 1782 by George Washington to give to soldiers for commendable action. The color represents courage and bravery.”

There is so much more psychology behind colors that I could just keep reading on and on. But instead, let’s talk about some applications of the color purple in day to day life.

Purple Paint 

As I was thinking about colors a fun memory popped into my head taking me back to my teenage years. I painted my bedroom light lavender when I was 17. That thought has not crossed my mind in many years and I’m happy that my mom gave me the freedom to choose the color and do the work myself! I loved that bedroom! Maybe, if I paint my laundry room that same color I would discover that I love spending time doing laundry in there. It would certainly be worth a try. 

Perfect Purple Pansies

Last week we had a divinely beautiful spring day here in Utah and I took a dive to American Fork. I found myself admiring some professionally designed flower beds complete with tulips in bright happy colors that stole all of my attention. As I got closer to the flower beds and inspected the master gardening I was delighted to see the carpet of tiny, purple flowers growing close to the ground offering the stunning backdrop for the showy tulips above. 

This was so thrilling to me that I took pictures and couldn’t wait to share them. I also went straight to my local Lowes nursery and brought home some deep, purple pansies to put into my own garden. 

Purple in My Quilts

There will always be flowers that impress me and cause me to want to grow them in my own yard, but they are usually just temporary because of the season or the type of flower. When I think back to my room being painted lavender it wasn’t so temporary. I like having that color around me more than just on a temporary basis.

Looking around my house for quilts that I’d made in the past, and wondered if they had purple hiding in them. Sure enough! There are small amounts of it in several of my quilts and it wasn’t even intentional. I love that it sneaks itself into my quilts in the form of flowers and backgrounds. 

I use clear, plastic containers to store my quilt fabrics and the purple container is the fullest (right behind the container with Blue fabrics). Quilts are displayed in my home much longer than cut flowers are and I can switch out a quilt when I get tired of it. Does that mean that quilts are  perfect for home decorating? Maybe!!

Purple is a Halloween Color, Too!

A few months ago I went to a local, small town quilt show and boutique with a friend and found THE cutest Halloween fabric. It was a bundle of fat quarters in non-traditional colors of lavender, pink, orange & gray called Spookey ‘n Sweeter by AGF Studios. It was love at first sight and I couldn’t wait to find just the right time to use it. I wanted to showcase it and not lose the adorable prints. I’ve incorporated different shades of purple in this quilt. I’ve also chosen a very simple pattern called Diamond Pavers by Missouri Star and I am delighted with the progress so far.  Below is a picture of the stage it’s at right now. 

I love the color combinations and I’m excited to get it finished and quilted with a fun and playful quilting design called “Along Came a Spider” by UrbanElementz. I’ll post a picture when it’s all finished.

There are so many ways to think about color and how it can be applied to every aspect of our lives. I would love to hear how color affects you – so leave your thoughts in the comments section (you don’t even have to make it about purple).

Have a great day and happy quilting!

Melissa

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Indoor Winter Project

Inside winter projects can vary greatly for me. This year one huge one that’s been lingering since we moved into this house is to paint the interior. I committed to having it done before the end of May so that I can focus on outdoor summer projects. I’m partially there. Every time I look at these wall colors I cringe at the enormity of this project. But I decided to take it slowly and paint one wall at a time.

What a Difference a Fresh Coat of Paint Makes

It took me months to decide on a paint color and finally chose Agreeable Gray from Sherwin Williams. One solid day spent so far and this winter project is underway. There is a huge difference in how it looks and feels. I’m so excited to eventually have the whole house done…one step at a time.

Taking a Break from my Winter Projects

There are times when I really need a break from my winter projects. A little getaway to Bryce Canyon National Park was just the ticket too. We had a short drive and quickly started checking out all the view points and snapped all the vital pictures. Mostly though, I just enjoyed the fact that there wasn’t a ton of snow everywhere and I didn’t have to do any winter projects that included shoveling the fluffy white stuff for a few days.

Look at that Hoodoo!

We hiked up and down the canyons and had the best time looking at all the different rock formations known as “Hoodoos”. (I love saying that word!) The natural colors were breath-taking and I even enjoyed the contrast that the snow made with everything. Don’t get me wrong…to see the snow and to play in the snow is great, but shoveling snow isn’t my favorite. I love to shovel dirt in my garden much more, so that makes me excited for the summer projects to get underway.

Time for a Selfie – This is a Good Winter Activity

Boy oh boy – I love hiking with this hubby of mine. With him it is always an adventure and I LOVE that he insists on carrying the snacks in his backpack. We have a great time together whatever we are doing. Including when we are observing these Hoodoos from down below.

Can You Find the Scarecrow Head?

I decided that they look like a red version of the wet sand castles that I love to make when I’m at the beach. We used our imaginations to find faces and a variety of things in the rock formations. This trip was a welcome break from my winter projects at home, but alas… They say all good things come to an end.

Back on the Job – Clearing that Winter-y white stuff

How excited I was when we got home that day and it was raining. Yay! We need the moisture so badly! Shortly though, that beautiful rain turned into snow and within a few hours and we ended up with 6+ inches! So we put on the snow boots and cleared the driveway once again. In the mean time, I will continue my indoor winter projects.

More Than One Winter Project at a time!

You didn’t think that I’d limit myself to only one winter project did you? Just like I would never limit myself to one summer project. I have started this adorable wall hanging called Ada Mae’s Garden by Lori Smith – From My Heart To Your Hands. So far, I’m loving the detailed handwork and really looking forward to being able to hang it on a freshly painted wall in the near future.

The Projects Will Never End (I Hope)

I read in a book recently that winter is quilting season. Isn’t that cute? I’m going to call it that starting with the first snowfall of next winter. Out of all the projects that I work on over the winter and summer, quilting projects are a favorite. Just can’t find enough time to to get everything done. Can you? There may or may not be a backlog of quilt projects hanging out in my closet just waiting to be started but I always need just one more. Who knows how many projects I have but I’ll keep knocking them out one project a time…It’s a fun and endless cycle that I’m pretty happy about. Besides how boring would life be if I didn’t always have something to do?

I’d love to hear about your winter projects AND your summer projects. Feel free to tell me all about them in the comments below.

Happy Quilting!

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What Distances Will You Travel to Find It?

In February this year, my sister and I decided to travel to Virginia together. I learned about a quilt show in Hampton, Virginia and we both needed a creative boost and little break from our day to day lives.

We love learning about new things together and finding creative quilting inspiration in everything around us. I’ve decided that one example of this kind of inspiration was found in this airplane suspended in the “C” terminal at the Denver airport. It was something I could have studied for a long time. Wait…I did! Some things that interested me were – how it was being held in place, how big the cables were and how strong they must be. I had to wonder what it was made of and how heavy it was. I was curious about how long it’s been hanging there. Also, why is this particular plane significant? So many questions running through my head and I love reading and finding answers, if they’re available. I couldn’t find any information on this plane though and it made me sad.

This isn’t unlike when I look at other people’s quilts. I ask myself how heavy is it? What kind of batting did they use to make it that weight? What form of quilting is holding it together? Is there a significance in the quilt pattern that holds a special meaning to the maker?

Can You Find Creative Inspiration in the World Around you?

There are so many opportunities to receive inspiration & quilt creativity. My sister and I found it all around us this weekend. We visited Fort Story, an active military base, and toured the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse. I can say that we energetically climbed to the top of this first government building in the US, the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse. As we took a moment to catch our breaths, we were thrilled with the view of the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay as well as the fascinating New Cape Henry Lighthouse (built in 1881, seen in the background) and we were both awe inspired! It makes me very proud of the early US settlers. There is so much history here, I couldn’t get enough!

Perhaps Creative Inspiration is Hiding in the Details

There were 191 stairs to climb inside the Old Cape Henry Lighthouse and I even found them inspiring. I learned that these wrought iron steps replaced the old wooden ones back in 1867. Aren’t they interesting? The masonry work was cool because of its age and the cracks and old layers of paint. The window openings showed the depth of the walls. I am so motivated by this picture that I’m going to use this somehow (someday) to create a quilt to look like this. There are dozens of different quilting techniques that I could use to create a quilt to resemble this photo. Perhaps it will be a wall hanging but it will forever remind me of this awesome adventure I had. When that someday finally arrives I will be sure to share pictures of it.

Finding Quilting Inspiration is Easy at Quilt Shows and Festivals!

My main reason for going to Virginia is for the Mid Atlantic Quilt Festival (MAQF). This is a serious delight for your senses when you attend. There were quilts to make and quilts to be inspired by. They had classes taught by well known artists who taught everything from basics to advanced quilting. Everything you need to be creative right in one place.

I loved studying all of the the display quilts that people have created and there were hundreds of them!!! They truly made me ponder all the many techniques that I’ve learned over the years and how I can find creative ways to implement them.

When I think of putting a quilt together that looks like the stairs photo above, my mind goes crazy with ideas of how to create it and MAQF had everything I’d need to make it happen! I can’t wait to go to another quilt festival like this once I’ve finished a project or two. If you ever get a chance to go let me know – maybe I will see you there! Click here to get more information about MAQF for 2023.

This quilt is called Jacuzzi Jazz #2 made by Caryl Bryer Fallert in Gentry Port Townsend, WA. She won a 1st place award at MAQF. Hopefully she feels honored to have been the inspiration to so many people this weekend. I absolutely loved the spiral effect and the gradient colors. It makes me feel happy just to look at it. As I study it, I have such an appreciation of her artistic abilities and makes me want to work harder to develop those same talents.

Creative Inspiration is Found!

Going to shows like this helps me realize that there is creativity, of some sort, in all of us. We have some pretty awesome people designing and creating some beautiful works of art. I like keeping my eyes open to recognize the beauty that has been created. Then, I want to create works of art of my own – usually in the way of sewing fabric together and adding details through thread and space. I don’t have nearly as much time as I’d love to have to dedicate to doing this but I will surely enjoy the time that I have to the fullest of my ability. It is my hope that you will do the same and recognize your creative talent, find a way to express it and inspire others to do the same. We can all use some creative inspiration in our lives.

Happy Sewing!

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Do you embark on a tedious search for the perfect fabric or choose something from your stash? You have to decide how wide you want the binding to be. You need to be sure that the finished binding will enhance the overall look of your quilt. These are all factors that you must consider when you’re ready to bind your quilt. 

Binding a quilt can be like finding a Picture Frame

Have you ever had a photograph that you absolutely fell in love with and were determined to find the perfect frame for it? Sometimes it takes several trips to different stores before you find it. Maybe a custom frame is more your style. When you finally find it, placing the picture of your loved ones in the perfect frame has the most satisfying feeling. Sometimes it’s a lot of work but in the end, it’s worth it. Binding a quilt is often the same type of process.

Choose a coordinating or contrasting fabric

You need to decide if you want the binding to blend in and disappear or if you want it to frame your quilt. I like having it frame my quilt and use fabric that makes the rest of the quilt pop! My preference is to use fabric that has a floral print to it or has diagonal stripes. I tend to stay away from fabrics that have obvious directional patterns (other than diagonal). The reason is that if the binding or the pattern are not straight it is not visibly appealing.

Once you have found that perfect fabric for your quilt it’s time to create your binding and apply it to your quilt.

Cutting and preparing your binding fabric

Over the years I’ve applied binding in different widths. I have applied different types of fabric binding as well. For example, I used a pre packaged satin binding for a baby blanket. I’ve applied flannel in a very wide, 3 inch binding on another quilt, a very narrow, ¼ inch binding on a mini quilt. My favorite and the most useful is applying ½ inch cotton fabric binding. 

If you prefer ½ inch binding like I do, you’ll need to cut your fabric into 2 ½ inch strips. You’ll need to know how many inches the total length of your quilt measures and cut the number of strips to give you that number of inches plus 10 extra inches. 

If you have chosen patterned fabric for your binding that you want to keep the direction and it runs the width of the fabric you can cut your strips along the width of the fabric. But if you prefer to cut your fabric on the bias it can have a couple of added benefits, strength or durability being one of them. That will require the same amount of fabric as the width of the fabric. 

You’ll then need to stitch the fabric into one long strip. I prefer to stitch each piece together diagonally instead of straight. The benefit of this is to remove some of the bulk when you attach the binding strip to your quilt edge. Once you have all the strips sewn together and it measures 10 inches longer than your quilt’s linear length, you need to fold it in half and press the whole length of it. 

Attach the binding to your quilt

Once you’re ready to attach your beautiful binding strip, you need to make sure that you have a walking foot on your sewing machine. It makes it so much easier to feed all the thicknesses through and your stitches will be more even. It is possible to attach your binding using your regular foot but a walking foot will give you better results.

You will need to trim your batting and backing fabric even with your quilt top.  

Next, choose one of the sides (not the top) of your quilt to begin your binding. I like to start about half way down the right side. Align the binding with the raw edge of your quilt top. Leave a 10 inch tail and start sewing on your binding using a ¼ inch seam allowance. 

Once you get to a corner you need to stop a ¼ inch from the edge of your quilt top. Clip the threads here. Turn your quilt 45 degrees. Then fold your binding up vertically straight in line with the edge of your quilt top. Next you will fold your binding down again straight along the quilt edge. The fold that you created at the top of that edge will be a 90 degree angle with the binding that you’ve just sewn on.

Now, you can start sewing from the top edge of the binding attaching it as you were before using the same ¼ inch seam allowance. Do this same thing to all four corners. 

Stop sewing when you get about 10 inches away from the place where you began. Clip your threads here. You should have close to 20 inches of excess binding that overlap each other. 

Now you need to overlap your excess binding, mark the center, then measure and mark ½ inch away from the center on both the top and the bottom binding. Unfold the binding and with the right sides together pin and then stitch together at the ½ inch mark.  Make sure that your binding will lay flat along your quilt without excess and without being too short. Now is the time to cut off the extra length and press your seam open. Once you are happy with this step you can finish sewing the binding to your quilt.  

Stitching the binding down on the back of your quilt can be done in 2 ways – Hand stitching or machine stitching. I have used both and it’s truly a personal preference. The finished look of hand stitching is always a better look but takes longer. I use a blind hem stitch. It turns out beautifully and as long as I wear a thimble, my fingers don’t mind the work.

You can use your sewing machine to stitch down your binding, keep in mind that the stitching will be seen on the front of your quilt and may or may not be perfectly straight. This option is much faster and may be just the look you’re hoping for. Whichever method you choose, be sure to add a little stitch to secure the corners.

That’s it! That’s all there is to it! It sounds like lots of steps but overall it’s so satisfying to look at your completed quilt and have the binding that you just applied be the frame around your work of art.  

Now you need to show off that quilt to all of your friends and enjoy the ooooo’s and ahhhhh’s.

• Do you have questions? Contact me here if you need help.
• Happy Quilting!

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