Here are some Tips and Tricks for sewing with Minky. What is Minky? Minky is a microfiber fabric or plush fabric, known by several trade names such as Minky, Cuddle or Floofy. It is a ultra-soft synthetic fabric made from 100% polyester fibers that are hypo allergenic. As a single-sided fabric it is extremely soft…
Tips and Tricks for Sewing with Flannel Create Cozy Projects by Sewing with Flannel Flannel is a soft and warm fabric that is perfect for creating comforting quilts, shirts, pajamas and other projects. Its soft and fuzzy texture provides a comfortable feel that is wonderful for snuggling up on a cold winter’s night. Flannel can…
What is a Quilters UFO? No, it’s not a visitor from another planet although they sometimes behave like it! It’s an Unfinished Object – something that was never made into a final project. Sometimes known as PIGS (projects in grocery sacks), this might also be an orphan block. Why does something become a UFO? From…
Quilting with Fibonacci: OK, who or what is Fibonacci? Fibonacci, whose real name might have been Leonardo Bigollo, was a mathematician who lived in Italy about 1170 – 1240. His father was a merchant and it is thought that young Leonardo traveled with him. In his travels, he learned about the Hindu-Arabic number system. This…
(and your machine) Choose the right thread. There are so many different types of thread available! How do you know which one is right for your project? Start with the reason you will be using this thread and go from there. The latest quilt trend is in Fiber Arts, the art of embellishing a textile…
This is the second part of a two part article. The first part is Thread Theory: Choosing the Correct Thread for your Project (and your machine.) Here is a sampling of threads available, including a description of their characteristics and recommended uses. Most of the information below was provided by the manufacturer. General Piecing Thread Aurifil…
Stored wool items such as sweaters and other garments can be damaged by insects, specifically moths. You can tell when you have moth damage instead of fiber breakage (fraying) caused by age or use because the hole has very sharply defined edges. These aren’t the moths you see fluttering around lights. These moths are tiny…
I love old quilts. I love to feel their texture and try to imagine what they have seen. You just have to know that a quilt in ratty condition has lived an exciting life. Where did the fabric come from? Who did the piecing? Who did the quilting? How long did it take them? What…
Organizing quilting and sewing space: If you have lived with the chaos for years and no longer find it inspiring, it’s time to DO something about it. It doesn’t have to be a daunting, overwhelming task. Break it down into small pieces and do it a bit at a time. Start by defining the area…
What is Redwork? Redwork is a form of embroidery which uses red floss or heavy thread to trace simple line drawings. Traditionally, animal themes, children’s themes, nature themes, and kitchen themes. This embroidery can be done in other colors, changing the name to greenwork or bluework, etc. Black Redwork refers to a specific single-thread embroidery…
