Generation Q Magazine online today!
Posted by Wendy Breakstone Ladd | Filed under Blogs to Watch, Modern Quilts, Sewing Fun, Tips & Techniques
The crazy women of Quilter’s Home didn’t stop just because the publishers of that magazine decided to stop.
Today Jake Finch, Melissa Thompson Maher, and Megan Dougherty (of The Bitchy Stitcher) launched:
Good luck fabulous women, and man (Scott Hansen of Blue Nickel Studios).
I can hardly wait to see what you clever folks are up to!
Sew on!
~WendyB
Tags: GenQ Mag, modern quilting
Reclaim your Pattern Stash
Posted by Wendy Breakstone Ladd | Filed under Quilting for Beginners
[Note: I originally published this post on my former blog, The Fabric Quarter, on March 24, 2011. I've edited it slightly.]
In recent months I’ve seen lots of bloggers showing their fabric stashes, and talking about ideas for fabric organization. When you look at your fabric stash, organize and fold your fabrics, you can get a great
“fabric fix” that will often lead to ideas and inspiration.
I have to admit that my husband has caught me several times just standing and staring in front of my fabric cabinet, day-dreaming of project after project. [Nowadays I call it "fabric meditation" and believe it really has a relaxing effect on my mind.]
But for me… without my Patterns Stash, its just alot of dreaming and looking and not alot of “doing/sewing.”
For many people [like myself] that aren’t great improv piecers, a pattern is part of the inspirational process. I will often see a pattern and immediately get a visual of what fabric I think will be perfect with it.
But when my pattern stash, like my fabric stash, got out of control one day, I decided it was time to organize.
I went to the store and bought a bright orange 3-ring binder, a good 3-hole punch, and got started.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3-ring binder that has at least 2-3″ rings [trust me, you'll need a big one]
- 3-hole punch
- Tabbed 3-ring Dividers
- Stapler
- Optional: plastic sleeve protectors
Sections for your Pattern Binder:
I organize my patterns into sections:
1. Purchased Patterns: I buy a ton of patterns! Even though I have a great selection from my shop, I am constantly seeing patterns I love – so I buy them knowing that the inspiration they bring me is well worth it.
– Take them out of the plastic bags [don't throw the bags out - they are great for organizing small projects, applique pieces, selvage scraps, buttons, extra binding strips, etc.]
– Flatten out the pattern, and punch the holes. Be sure to put the color quilt design image on top.
– I also staple my patterns because when I use them, I don’t like loose pages.
2. Free Patterns:
– The next section is Free Patterns. These are patterns you receive from a manufacturer showing a fabric collection, patterns you download off the Internet from places like your favorite blogger, and manufacturer websites like Moda or Robert Kaufman. When you print them out, be sure to use both sides of the paper.
3. Magazine Patterns:
Are you a magazine junkie? I AM! But really, how many patterns do usually find in one magazine that you’d consider making? Generally, I’d say two -maybe three patterns [if you're lucky]! For a while I was using Post-It notes sticking out of the magazines with short description of the project. But the stacks kept growing and growing, and I certainly wasn’t inspired.
So now I keep a magazine for about one month. I read it frequently during that time to really see if any of the patterns are resonating with me. Then I tear out the patterns I want to keep, put them in my binder, add any notes on the pattern, and discard the rest. [Isn't this penguin cute?]
Other Sections in your binder:
- Purse patterns
- Kitchen related projects and table runner patterns
- Longer tutorials on techniques [that could be its own binder]
Ideas for Discarding the Magazines when You’re Done:
I don’t throw my magazines out or put them in recycling. I have two Re-use options:
1. If I haven’t pulled out too many patterns, I’ll put them on the free table at my local guild.
2. I bring the magazines to my son’s preschool. They use them for collaging art. Think about all the lovely, fun images and words in your quilt magazines. The kids love them, and so do the teachers!
Other Pattern Organizing Tips:
If you have more than one hobby or keep a collection quilt patterns and other types of patterns, like handbags, home decor or baby clothes, it would be a good idea to get separate binders for each craft/hobby. [I keep a separate binder for my crochet patterns.]
If your patterns require templates, you can store the templates in larger plastic bags or bins. Make sure to number the bins, and mark the bin number on the patterns so you can easily find the template pieces. [Plastic sleeves can work for this too.]
Finally, look through your binder frequently. Clean it out, add to it, give yourself a challenge to make a quilt using a pattern from your binder. You’ll be inspired!
Sew on!
~ Wendy
Tags: fabric stash, quilt patterns, sewing patterns
Undust & Lube Up [Sewing Machine Hygiene]
Posted by Wendy Breakstone Ladd | Filed under Quilting for Beginners, Tips & Techniques
I was piecing, piecing, piecing yesterday when I realized that I should probably try my straight stitch plate. So I started to make the change when I then realized that I haven’t given my sewing machine the love that it deserves.
I remember my sewing machine maintenance guy telling me that I should put a drop of oil into the bobbin case mechanism after every few hours of sewing [actual machine on, needle moving up and down hours]. I had already done this step, but realized that I basically added oil to dust. So out came my brush and Q-Tips and out came the dirt and dust.
Fortunately, this isn’t alot – at all! But still, its pretty gross. Try it and see what comes out of your machine.
Then get a good bottle of sewing machine oil from your local machine shop and lube up! [You can easily take the left protector plate off the machine and add a drop or two to the mechanics that moves the needle up and down.]
It takes all of 5 minutes and will save you tons of time in the long run!
Sew on!
~ WendyB
p.s. I did put the straight stitch plate on but see/feel no real difference… Input anyone?
Off Track for Lil’ D
Posted by Wendy Breakstone Ladd | Filed under Blocks & Patterns, Modern Quilts, Quilting for Beginners
Hi – I’m back! I’ve spent the last 1.5 years owning a fabric shop, collecting fabric, spending time with my family, and generally NOT sewing. What I found is that owning a fabric had alot of pros and cons: You meet amazing friends and talented people, you get to form a community that works for you, and you have a hell-of-alot of fabric. AND NO TIME to enjoy any of it.
So between the time and financial constraints, combined with my family commitments, I thought it better to get out of the “business of quilting” and get back into the “love of quilting.” Enough said.
I started a new project yesterday for a very good friend how has the sweetest little baby. I call her “lil” D.
This is going to be a modern scrappy quilt with a hint of vintage thrown in. I’m using Allison Harris’ Off Track pattern [Allison writes Cluck. Cluck. Sew. and she is my favorite pattern designer!].
I got through the first phase of piecing and I think that I’ve worked it out so that there will no two blocks alike!
Wish me luck – I think this one will be adorable – just like Lil’ D!
Sew on!
~ WendyB
Quilt Guild 2.0 – Reviving Your Guild Using Web-Based Techniques
Posted by Wendy Breakstone Ladd | Filed under Quilting for Beginners
(Republished from The Fabric Quarter blog)
This is is a high-level lecture on the subject of using the Internet to attract new members and revive a Quilt Guild. This lecture was given to the SCCQG on October 9, 2010.
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“Quilt Guild 2.0”
Using the Internet to Enhance Your Guild & Membership
What does Quilt Guild 2.0 mean?
“Quilt Guild 2.0” basically means using the Internet, and everything that goes along with it (i.e. website, social media networking, blogging, and email) and offline marketing to create new growth opportunities.
Four Main Challenges that using the Internet, your website, and email marketing can help you with:
1. Reaching new/potential members
2. Reinvigorate existing/veteran members for involvement
3. Raising more money during fundraisers
4. Increasing Event participation
1. REACHING POTENTIAL MEMBERS
- Button/ Link Exchange
** Local Independent Quilt Shop / Sewing Shop / Long-Arm Quilters
** Ask Guest speakers to post info on their site with a link to your site
– Enhance your Events PAGE
** Add more detail to gain higher Search Engine results (use keywords, etc.)
- Start a blog
2. REINVOGORATE EXISTING/VETERAN MEMBERS
- Start a “GUESS THE MEMBER” game on your website and do a spotlight on that member before each meeting. (Unveil the member at the meeting.)
- Create a Tip of the Week section on your website and ask a veteran member to write it.
- Start an “Ask A Question” column on the website 10 member each month and post their response
** What book are you reading right now?
** Who’s your favorite movie star?
- Acknowledge years of membership to the Guild.
- Start a Photo Gallery online for members
OFFLINE ACTIONS:
- Start a Big Sister Quilter’s program
** Pair a Veteran with a new quilter to teach them quilting.
** Show a gallery on the website for work created by the pairs.
- Assign a person to reach out by phone to elderly or ill members.
3. GAIN BROADER MONETARY SUPPORT FOR FUNDRAISING
! Use your website to MAKE MONEY for your guild. !
- Add a “DONATE Now” button to your site
** paypal, JustGive.org
- Add a TELL A FRIEND button to your site
- Post Fundraisers on your Facebook page
4. INCREASING EVENT PARTICIPATION
- Cross-promote events
- Use your blog
- Use a web-based calendar program in your website
- Post your events on your FACEBOOK page
Stay tuned for more information on Quilt Guild 2.0.
(written by Wendy Breakstone Ladd for SCCQG. For more information, please contact Wendy at shop
Fall Quilt Classes at The Fabric Quarter Quilt Shop
Posted by Wendy Breakstone Ladd | Filed under Quilting for Beginners
The end of Summer and Fall are packed with classes at The Fabric Quarter.
Two local favorite instructors, Kristin Otte and Carol Fay teach their unique versions of fun, versatile quilting techniques. Drop in the Shop to see examples, sign up at the shop to reserve your space! The walls are filled with colorful lively quilts! (And feel free to make an appointment with your instructor to select fabrics for your class – they are happy to help.)
FALL SCHEDULE INCLUDES:
Double Irish Chain – August 28th
One-Block Wonders – Labor Day Weekend Workshop
Modern String Quilts - September 11th
Log Cabin Twist - Topsy-Turvy Triangles, September 18th
Bargello Beautiful, Weekend Workshop - October 2nd and 3rd
The schedule through the end of the year is posted on The Fabric Quarter’s website.
Gotta go sew!
