Fabric Selection

Stabilize Flannel

To help stabilize flannel, use a bit of spray starch or sizing as needed before cutting.

This isn't just for beginners, but for anyone.   I created my own by using solid fabric and bleach in a spray bottle. Place a piece of dry fabric in an enamel sink or bathtub, and spray with bleach. Let it sit for 3­5 minutes-the longer the bleach is on the fabric, the lighter the fabric becomes. When you have the desired effect, rinse in cold running water to remove all the bleach. Wash if desired and dry.

For bigger pieces of fabric, use a piece of thick plastic or clear shower curtain liner outside in a covered area.

I stumbled onto a tip.  Sometimes when making a quilt, you want to see how the fabric placement will work ahead of time.  You can make sample blocks, but then you might run the risk of running out of fabric if  you have just enough fabric for the quilt and aren't happy with that placement.  When making a quilt in which I needed two yards each of four fabrics, I got the idea to scan each fabric and use my computer to preview the blocks.  I scanned each fabric in the finished size of the piece I would need to do each version of the block.  For instance, one piece was 3"X9", one was a 3" square, and one piece was a 1.5" square (for four patches).  I scanned each fabric in each of these sizes.  (You want to use the finished size so you don't distort the size of your print relative to the others.)  I took those "pieces" into Corel Printhouse (or of course, the graphics program of your choice), and arranged them until I had different arrangements of the same blocks.  Then I put four blocks of each version together to see how it worked.  When I saw the four block versions, I found that the block I probably would have chosen was just too busy and actually hid the pattern I was going for.

When I purchase a new piece of material, I fold it so that it is easy to unroll on my cutting table.  I then cut a 3 x 5 index card in half.  On both cards I record the date of purchase, the amount, the store and the price/yard.  If available, I record the ID numbers.  As material is used, I record that information also.  A swatch of the material is attached to one card and the other card is attached the the material.  If I purchase coordinating pieces, I can staple or clip those samples together.  The cards are easy to pick out and carry along if I need to match material.  If a friend needs material, the cards are easy to look through and we know exactly how much material is available as well as the cost if that is needed.

Cut a 2 1/2 inch block of each fabric in your stash. They will fit perfectly in the 35 mm photographic slide holders that you can purchase at office supply stores. Each sheet holds 18 squares (9 on each side), and if you insert a piece of paper behind each fabric square, you can also record the amount of fabric you have of that pattern. Put the sheets into a loose leaf notebook arranged by color, theme, or some other organization. Take it with you when you shop to get the best match and no duplications.

Before I go to select fabric for a project, I photocopy my pattern in black and white. It makes it easier to color match if you are are not confusing it with the original colors.

Hello Ladies,

I have found that when I have left over material such as strips, squares etc. I lable gallon size zipp lock baggies and put my pieces in there also if you have two pieces of fabric that are right side in and you have to make a cut. I sew my 1/4" seam then follow by another 1/2" seam and cut down the middle now I already have two pieces sewn together for a later project. I then place it in one of my marked baggies according to size and or shape. 

This works great when you need to make a quilt in a hurry!

Instead of throwing away old tshirts with the kids favorite team or action figure... I sew the sleeve ends shut, sew the waist shut, and then stuff with poly fill.  Finish it off by sewing up the neck.  What you are left with is a memory pillow that hugs you back, and the kids don't get upset that they have lost that favorite tshirt!

Enjoy:)

How many of you have boxes, or bags full of fabric scraps that you just can't throw away?  Well, start by separating all your fabrics into colors, then cut 4 or 5 inch squares out of them (then toss the little leftovers, hard for some I know :) ) and play... You can put lights and darks together, cut into triangles, make pinwheels, or just start sewing things together and let the quilt evolve!  It is nice to see all your gorgeous fabrics (past and present) melding together into a quilt that may surprise you and also gives you a pleasant walk down memory lane.

Have fun ladies.. I know I did. Now I have some fun quilts, and all the extra space for new fabric!!

Natalie

Before washing new fabric, clip the corners and that will help keep it from raveling. Also remember to throw a dye catcher in there to catch any colors that may run.