Penny Halgren asked:


ou have never made a quilt, you can start a quilting business.

We’ve been taught all our lives to share – share toys, share money, share food. Why not share your quilting knowledge? You can start a quilting business by sharing what you know about quilting.

You don’t have to be a veteran quilter with 50 years of sewing experience to have sound advice to share, either. If you have quilted for a month, you know more about quilting than someone picking up a needle and thread for the first time. Start a quilting business that teaches basic skills.

Your most basic quilting information could teach some important skills. A lot of wannabe quilters won’t even start a quilting project because the chore of selecting appropriate fabrics seems like such a daunting task. Perhaps you start a membership based website that offers quilting tips to beginners about how to start a quilt. You could also start your quilting business with an old-fashioned paper printed newsletter that you mail out monthly or quarterly to beginning quilters. Some of your topics could be how to select a quilt pattern, how to select fabrics, which threads to use, etc.

Of course, the longer you quilt, the more information you can share with your subscribers. But you sharing information is not the only kind of quilting business you can start.

If you are like most quilters or crafters, you have a lot of leftover fabrics taking up storage space! You could start a quilting business that concentrates on selling your fabric leftovers (and just think how much fun it would be to spend the money you make on new fabric)!

Maybe you could start a quilting business by developing a quilters consignment store online. People could pay you to sell their leftover fabrics, threads and other notions.

If you love quilts, but haven’t ever quilted and are afraid to try, you can still start a quilting business. You could coordinate quilters retreats for others. You can make arrangements at a local hotel or bed and breakfast to get great room rates for any overnight guests. Reserve a location, plan a few games, prepare snacks, whatever the quilters need you to do. They’ll benefit because they got a retreat without having to do a lot of the work and you will benefit by being around quilters and quilting. Maybe you’ll even be encouraged to start your own quilt project!

The two ideas that usually come to mind when people think about starting a quilting business are to sell quilts or to provide a quilting service for tops that have already been pieced. Both are good ideas.

If you choose to sell quilts, you have a lot of options. You could sell only appliqu?uilts (like pieced quilts, baby quilts, etc.). You could sell them online, through a small newspaper ad (or word of mouth since that’s free), or at area craft shows. If selling quilts at a show, take a project along to work on between customers. When shoppers see you working on a project, it draws their interest more keenly to your work which will hopefully lead to a sell.

Don’t let lack of experience be an obstacle between you and your quilting business. Your quilting business can grow right along with your quilting skill level. All you really need to start a quilting business is a love for the art and a desire to succeed – you don’t even need a lot of money. If you’ve been thinking about starting a quilting business, decide today to do it. You’ll be glad you did!



Wesley

Sue’sMom asked:


I love to quilt, but fabric is getting so expensive. Most places are charging $8 to $10 per yard. I need a source for quilting fabric that is inexpensive enough to make my quilts without taking out a loan ;-D thanks.

Sally

Penny Halgren asked:


With applique and piece quilting, Sue Garman quilt patterns really do offer something for everyone.

Sue Garman quilt patterns often make use of appliqu?Applique is a sewing technique in which a design is stitched on top of another piece of fabric, usually using an appliqu?titch, blanket stitch, zig zag or satin stitch. Garman says that appliqu?s her favorite technique, but she also likes intricate piece quilting.

One of the Sue Garman quilt patterns that immediately comes to mind is “The Monster Quilt.” It would be a great gift for a child who is afraide of monsters hiding under the bed because this Sue Garman quilt pattern brings those monstors to the top of the bed…as colorful designs on the quilt top. In addition to the monsters that are appliqu?to the top of the quilt, Garman quilted a fun verse into the quilt’s border.

Another of the beautiful Sue Garman quilt patterns is “Mama Said.” Each block features a design and a special thought of all the ideals your own mother probably instilled in you: share, care, learn, play, love, hope, believe, dream and laugh. Once again, Garman has done an incredible job of capturing a segment of every day life and memorializing it for generations to come in the form of a quilt.

Sue Garman quilt patterns are not all whimsical. Some have a very traditional feel. “Floating Stars” and “Cotton Candy” are examples of quilts that recall the quilt patterns from long ago. “Floating Stars” is actually one of the Sue Garman quilt patterns that is a replica of a Civil War era quilt.

There are several free downloadable Sue Garman quilt patterns available online. Use your favorite search engine to see what’s out there. Sue Garman quilt patterns are also available in most quilt shops and in bookstores that carry her books.

One of the free Sue Garman quilt patterns posted on the Internet is called “Mother Goose and Friends.” Garman’s design features Mary with her little lamb, a very nimble Jack jumping over a candlestick, a likewise nimble cow jumping over the moon, and a frightened Little Miss Muffet, among other Mother Goose classic characters. This quilt would be the perfect addition to any nursery and would become a family heirloom.

When you want to learn more about the world of Sue Garman quilt patterns, consider reading words from Garman herself. Garman has a blog in which she shares her thoughts, tips and details about her latest projects.

Garman, who was taught to quilt by her grandmother, has entered her quilted creations in a number of shows. Sue Garman quilt patterns have been winners in various quilting competitions. Garman has won honors from the International Quilt Association and has won “Best of Show” at the Houston, Texas, livestock show and rodeo. Sue Garman quilt patterns have also been published in books authored by the quilting designer herself.

Garman is retired and taking more time to enjoy her appliqu?nd quilting hobbies. In her previous work life, Garman was a CPA and a former associate director of Johnson Space Center in Houston. She also served as a former deputy chief of staff of NASA. Now, in retirment, Garman is making time to design more quilt patterns and enjoys sharing her knowledge with other quilters. Retirement is giving Garman the opportunity to share her quilting knowledge by presenting more lectures about quilting and to create more Sue Garman quilt designs.



Steven

Whit asked:


I’m new to sewing and need a few good quilting ideas. My step mom sews and loves it, she makes wedding dresses, clothes and quilts well just about anything she can sew. she helps teach me how to do this beautiful trade. but i just need some new ideas of quilt patterns.

Steve

momwanda asked:


I have finally found time to take up my favorite hobby of making
quilts. I would love to find a website about quilting and quilting
patterns.

Diane

Jennifer Walter asked:


Quilting – this is something you can have fun with and use it too. Fun, well don’t we all like to stay warm in extreme conditions, sit in a warm quilt and watch television.

Add some really true blue colors to that quilt and fabric that makes you feel extra comfy. With heart felt trueness – there’s no better feeling than to be able to utilize one’s own self created product.

Today machines have overpowered our lives beyond imagination and yet if you were able to have something that you can claim to be handmade wouldn’t express be an achievement of sort.

Quilters like us can have that distinction, yeah almost handmade, as we would require a sewing machine. If the craft of quilt making is to be kept alive then the responsibility will have to be shouldered by some of us thus a start to finish education in very essential for that.

Quilts can be either the simple ones or the more elaborative designed ones, the latter being for the more experienced quilters. Starters always have a query as to what’s the simplest form of quilt making and it is – a basic block quilt.

But what they forget to inquire “How to make block quilt for starters?” Sorry if you are looking for an as easy answer, there can be a whole think fat book written on this matter and I can talk about it for ages. Right now though no lengthy explanations, here is a primary guidance for those looking to start and finish a hassle free project.

List of tolls and supplies required :

* Customary sewing machine

* Spray starch

* Rotary cuter

* Embroidery needles – general size 12

* Iron

* Needles

* Cutting mat

* Quilt batting

* Fabric in 4 colors or 4 shades.

* Pins- beaded head

* Design for block quilt

* Rotary ruler

ASSEMBLING A BLOCK QUILT:

Block quilt is nothing but a quilt that is simply designed. In simple terms, one design on a selected block in sewed on after the other in similar fashion till the desired size is accomplished.

A block can be called as the unit for the quilt. Here below are some steps that could make your block quilt making experience much easier.

1) Get the fabric ready: washing the fabric separately is a prerequisite. That is if you want to ensure that there is no color loss or shrinking fabric dilemmas later. Let it dry dey and then proceed to iron the material once you have sprayed starch to it. Make sure that the material is entirely dry and hard sans wrinkle.

2) Cutting of fabric: Take the fabric and put over a place mat in the form of a heap one over the other. Then take a measurement scale and slash 2 inches X 2 inches pieces using a rotary cutter. Create as many pieces of out the fabric depending on the dimension of the quilt that you’d like o make.

3) Assembling a Block: Once you have the pieces stitch them all to make a bid square or a simple block. Carry on sewing to make multiples of identical blocks.

4) Piecing: This process will see you create the wanted dimension of the quilt once all the blocks have been stitched together.

5) Batting: The batting material should be placed above on the piecing. The upper side of your piecing should face the mat while the sewed portion along the batting. Take the lining material above it.

6) Quilting: take the help of a sewing machine to stitch all 3 layers with one another. For first time learners its recommended that stitching take place on and around a primary block while those who have prior knowledge may select extravagant patterns.

7) Binding: All sides of your fabric should be binded.



Nicholas

Penny Halgren asked:


le love crafting and are drawn toward quilting, but don’t feel like they have enough talent to sell the quilts they make. They sometimes don’t feel comfortable basing their quilting business around sharing their quilting knowledge. If you are one of those people, there is still a place for you in the quilting market!

All quilters need accessories. Your quilting business could be selling those accessories or niche products geared specifically toward quilters.

There are common accessories that come to mind immediately: scissors, threads, fabrics, etc. You could sell those items on an Internet auction site or start your own online store. With a little research, even someone with very little computer experience can get an online store up and running.

Maybe you would choose to offer only one accessory in your quilting business. You could start a quilting business that focuses on selling fabric fat quarters. You could also start a quilting business that sells nothing but threads.

Advertise this type of business on other websites, such as quilting how-to sites, and quilting newsletters.

Another niche idea to help you start a quilting business is to sell a novelty product that quilters would love. For instance, sell custom pin cushions. Sale online and at craft shows.

You could also sell patterns for dolls or toys that are quilted. If you have sewing skills, you could sew and sell the toys and dolls. A small classified ad in a craft or sewing magazine or newsletter should get the results you need for your quilting business. Also, think about advertising online with quilting and sewing newsletters. If you are sewing the toys yourself, try selling them at craft shows.

If the only thing you love more than quilting is a particular holiday, try combining your two passions into a quilting business. If you love Christmas, start a quilting business in which you sell quilted Christmas d?r. Quilted ornaments, tree skirts, stockings and other decor are very popular.

No matter what your favorite holiday, you can create quilted decorations to sell. Advertise in quilting and sewing newsletters online and buy a small classified line ad in a magazine. These are also great craft show items or sell them from your own website.

Advertising your quilting business does not have to be expensive. After all, the idea is to start a quilting business on a shoestring.

Plenty of newspapers offer free classified advertising. Give those a try. Don’t overlook free online classifieds, too.

Another idea is to join free online groups. Look for groups that relate to your particular quilting business. For instance, if your business is selling patterns for quilted toys, you will undoubtedly think about joining a group for quilters. But, don’t forget other groups like stay-at-home or work-at-home moms, etc. Think about the people who would likely use your product/service.

Be sure to follow the group’s rules. Some specifically state that products cannot be sold on their group sites. Usually, those sites do allow a “signature” in which your name is followed by your business website. Having your name followed by your website is good free advertising!

If you subscribe to a quilting or sewing newsletter, send them a press release when you start your quilting business. Press releases generate free publicity. Even if the newsletter does not use your information in its entirety, you could get a little mention somewhere. Always include your contact information — a phone number, email address or website.

You can also contact your favorite newsletters to see if they accept advertising. Getting a link on your favorite site will undoubtedly reach other subscribers who share your interests!



Frederick

Penny Halgren asked:


Did you know that more than 6 million beginner quilters decided to learn how to quilt during the last 3 years?

That brings the total number of quilters to about 27 million – that’s just in the United States. And most of those quilters, just like me, are presented with limited drawing and painting abilities.

Quilting is a fantastic way to create a work of art with fabric. It is well understood that the “painting” will not be perfect, and that colors and patterns are limited to what’s available in a quilt shop or hand dyed fabric.

Here Are My Top Tips to Help You Get Started in Making Quilts for You, Your Children & Grandchildren:

Combine blocks of fabric to create your quilts. By changing the shapes of the pieces within a block such as substituting triangles for squares and switching light fabric for dark fabric you can create a whole new quilt design. And, you will still keep the construction of your quilt the same.

Simple is the name of the game for many quilters. As a beginning quilter, focus on learning and practicing basic quilt making techniques that you will need to develop your craft.

Use one or two shapes for all of the quilt patches. This makes it easy to sew a quilt together. Squares and triangles offer many advantages in terms of simplicity.

Remember, interesting variations in quilt blocks are achieved just by where you place the fabrics in your quilt block, in addition to how each patch is divided in the quilt block pattern.

8 Easy Quilting Patterns to Get You Started

Quilt Pattern 1: A simple nine-patch quilt block can be used as an example of how different a block can look just by changing the placement of colors within the nine parts of one block. Using only two colors of fabric in alternating squares creates a checkerboard design.

Quilt Pattern 2: With the same nine-patch of two colors of fabric, using only square patches in each block, you can create a quilt pattern that looks like a big X.

Quilt Patterns 3 and 4: Want more of a challenge? Take some of the square patches in the blocks and divide them in half from corner to corner (commonly called half-square triangles in the quilting world), and create an Ohio Star or Pinwheel quilt block.

Quilt Patterns 5,6,7,and 8: Change the placement of your fabrics once again, and your block turns into a May Basket Quilt Block, a Maple Leaf Quilt Block, a Bow Tie block, or even a series of diamonds, called Slanted Diamonds.

Increase the number of colors in your quilt, and your design changes once again. And, by using only two basic shapes (squares and triangles) you can create all of your design changes.

Quilts are amazing works of art that have survived the test of time, and will continue to do so as long as there is fabric and quilting imagination.

Happy Quilting!

This article courtesy of theQuiltingCoach.com.

You may freely reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter provided this courtesy notice and the author name and URL remain intact.



Paula

Shruti Gupta asked:


 

Besides being a blanket to keep you warm, comfortable and cuddly during those bitterly cold winter months when nothing but a warm quilt and a hot cup of coffee would be the most looked forward to thing in life, the quilt also qualifies as an important contributing element in bedroom décor. The reason for this is that quilts come in a range of bright stimulating colors that can greatly brighten and thereby liven up the ambience of your bedroom. For instance, there are bright red quilts with floral of blue and yellow or there are multi-colored square patched designs that give the appearance of an appliqué blanket and there are also baby and children quilts with cartoon animals in bright backgrounds.

 

Quilt coverings come in basically two types of covers – cotton and silk. Cotton covered quilts, while displaying bright stimulating colors, lack the subtle gloss and shine that silk covered quilts can give. However, both kinds of quilts are popular and preference over one another is solely due to the personality and inclination of the buyer. In order to provide that warm comfortable feeling, quilts are filled with cotton or foam and this makes them really cuddly – even dogs and cats love to bury themselves under the quilt along with their owners.

 

Quilts are truly home décor items in themselves as it adds to the richness of the best rooms. Of course there are also sober colored quilts for those wish to give their rooms a regal splendor, but by and large quilts are noted for their bright stimulating colors. .

 

Check out the amazing variety of genuine branded quilts on our website and choose the ones that would best gel with the décor of your house. You can also avail of the fabulous discounts that go along with the purchases.

Discount Quilt Fabric is an online store of Discount Quilt Fabric focusing on Discount Quilt Fabric Quilt Fabric and all other designers Quilt Fabric.



Anita

Tima.ashar asked:


From the time quilt making came into existence, a well-accomplished hand quilting stitches have been adored and envied. There is a feeling of veneration among quilters when they see a good hand made quilt. Many of the quilters don’t use hand-quilting techniques because they are not sure and not confident about the results that they will produce.

If you are not good quilting with your hands then you may leave visible knots or stitches or may be your art work wont look nice. Also, there is a possibility that you might leave some uneven stitches, which hold on to only few threads on the back of the cloth and very easily come out, this may lead to larger areas and your fabric might get torn.

People who have mastered this art of hand quilting, when they stitch a fabric, the length of the thread on both the sides of the quilt is the same and so is the gap between the stitches. Its true that the smaller stitches has good quality. The stitches are more even and consistent, which is more important that the size of the stitch.

For many of us the problem starts when we try to search for a quilting book. Getting a quilting book is not so easy. Here at Quilting-book.info we offer you quilting books that will help you start with your quilt work. You will get a lot of new ideas and in-depth knowledge about quilting with the help of these quilting books that we have on offer.

Quilting Tips

It is learnt that if you cut a tiny piece of rubber from your jar opener rubber and keep it next to you when hand quilting. This will provide you better grip for holding a needle. It also helps in pulling desired amount of fabric thickness.

A very common problem that you come across when hand quilting is that the needle slips off the thimble, especially when you try to pull it through the fabric. To overcome this, wrap about 1/4″ masking tape around the thimble and you are free from slipping and sliding off the thimble.

For more information on quilts and quilt making, visit – Quilting Book



Javier