Quilting Patterns

When cutting out quilt pieces, there are always more than you need.  There are also leftover scraps.  I categorize these in boxes.  (pattern boxes are ideal).  Label size on box.  This way you don't have to dig thru your stash to find the right size.

When you need an activity to occupy children, have
them draw a picture on muslin backed with freezer
paper. Heat set the crayons or markers by pressing
the fabric with a hot, dry iron. Save the pictures to
make a wall hanging or quilt for each child.

When marking a quilt top using the "pounce" method, NEVER use corn starch or powdered sugar.  They both attract bugs!  Always use the chalk type pounce powder sold for this purpose!

Make your own quilting patterns by drawing or tracing onto computer paper and then stack 4 or 5 sheets of computer paper together.   Staple the edges so they don't slip and "Sew" through the traced or drawn top sheet with an unthreaded neede.  Next, use the sewn sheets to "pounce" mark your quilt top!

It has helped alot to write down the quilts I have in mind to do as well as the yardage needed or the fabric that I already have for the project in mind.  I doesn't have to be a journal, just a sturdy small notepad will work. 

Then when seeking something to work on I know what is needed.  When shopping it helps to stay focused on what I actually need.  It also helps tame the desire to make every single pattern that I see!!!  When you see your list, you can then decide which ones you'd rather do now and which to save for later.

If you really want to use up your scraps and try your hand at paper piecing than recycle your old newspapers. instead of having a printed pattern on a paper just use different shapes to fill up the piece of newspaper . you will use your scraps PLUS recycle newspaper. when you get good at figuring out how to do this you will be a pro at printed paper piecing.You will also see you quilt squares which are larger than normal turn in to that crazy quilt or wallhanging you have been wanting to do for a long time now. 

I just made a beautiful quilt for my new grand daughter.  I am making a replica of her quilt for her dolly so that when she is old enough she has one to wrap her "baby" in.

when I am quilting without a quilting pattern I use 1/4 inch masking tape or quilters tape and place it next to a seam and quilt down the side of it. Be sure to use a between quilting needle and a finger cot to pull the needle thru. Use a flat top thimble Bunny Quilter2@webtv.net

I HAVE USED A SHOE HOLDER THAT HANGS IN THE  CLOSET ON A HANGER, THE MATERIAL KIND WITH THE POCKETS  THAT GO FROM SIDE TO SIDE..IN THEM TO PUT ALL MY LONGARM SEWING PATTERENS IN, THE ROLLED UP KIND. I ORGANIZE THEM  IN CATAGORIES AND  THEY HANG FROM THE CEILING ON A HOOK SO I CAN TURN TO EITHER SIDE.  IT HOLDS ALOT.  KEEPS THEM IN ORDER AND I CAN MOVE IT IF I NEED TO.  LEA

My aunt gave me this wonderful tip for marking the many quilting and sewing magazines and books I accumulate to make finding my favorite pattern faster.  She places a large adhesive mailing label on the outside of the book/magazine cover and writes the name and page number of those projects she wants to complete some day!  This is a real time saver when looking for a particular project.