Sew Happy Saturday – Some Quilt Related Links

 

In honor of Worldwide Quilting Day, here are some links on quilt-related subjects.  Enjoy!

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Here is a free primer from McCall’s Quilting on how to do foundation piecing (paper piecing).  It is a PDF download.

Here’s a great tutorial on options for sewing curves from the Sometimes Crafter.  I think I might try one of these if I can actually ever convince myself that I should learn to sew curved quilt pieces. :-)

Here’s a recipe for DIY pressing spray.  This could be useful to anyone who sews, but for quilters it might be very useful.  I have not tried this yet, but I really should.  I think that using spray starch might help with some projects, especially ones cut on the diagonal.

This lady shows us an interesting way to use up scrappy bits in a 9-patch.  I like this improvisational method better than some because, although I like the scrappy look of improvising, some of the things I’ve seen look too busy for my tastes.  I like the way this is contained in an orderly block, but still looks improvised and modern. :-)

Here are some interesting pointers on taking care of heirloom quilts.  While I may not agree with all their ideas, there’s a lot of good advice here (though the ads are a bit overwhelming).  Unless it’s something very labor intensive, I prefer that the quilts I make be used and enjoyed.  You may wish to preserve your old quilts for future generations, but don’t feel compelled to store old quilts away just because they are old.  It’s just stuff, and if you enjoy having it out and using it, by all means do so!

Last, but not least, here is a tutorial for some scrappy quilted potholders.  As a side note I should mention that if you don’t have insulating material to use for the “batting”, try using two 100% cotton washcloths – just be sure they are pre-washed or you may have some disappointing shrinkage.  Actually, this is a good way to use old washcloths as long as they are not too thin in the middle.  (And, as long as you are not planning to sell the hot pads.)