jayamaeG asked:
http://www.spiritquilts.net - Spirit Quilts, a non-profit organization dedicated to piecemaking, chronicles their first project from beginning to end.
Technorati Tags: First Project, Hearts, Spirit
Date Published: Nov 23, 2009 - 7:54 am
MachizTV asked:
QNNtv's Jodie Davis and Ivan Machiz get a rare close up look at some century old quilts and more, carefully preserved at Williamsburg.
Technorati Tags: Ivan, Jodie Davis, Quilts
Date Published: Nov 21, 2009 - 2:21 am
'Delilah' asked: I recently purchased a quilt, and I'm unsure about whether to get a cotton or satin quilt cover. I want something comfortable and smooth, that hopefully doesn't get too hot during summer.
Any suggestions?
Technorati Tags: Quilt Cover, Quilt Covers, Satin
Date Published: Nov 18, 2009 - 11:16 pm
lollyp0p123 asked: Well i'm trying to get this quilt cover and i just want to know if is the same as the duvet so i don't go there and waste my time. thanks :]
Technorati Tags: Duvet Covers, Quilt Covers, Time Thanks
Date Published: Nov 16, 2009 - 7:13 pm
CrazyShortcutQuilts asked:
Crazy Shortcut Quilts Book: Fat quarter crazy quilts that use the decorative stitches to quilt-as-you-go! Easy weekend quilts of every size. http://www.crazyshortcuts.com
Technorati Tags: Crazy Quilts, Decorative Stitches, Demo
Date Published: Nov 14, 2009 - 3:48 pm
If you are looking to purchase a bedspread set, you will be surprised to find that the contents of a bedspread set tend to vary. You can choose bedspread sets which contain from three pieces to as many as 16 pieces. Considering the number of choices available, you are sure to find the bedspread set that is right for you.A typical bedspread set contains three pieces: the bedspread or quilt and two pillow shams to match. A pillow sham is a pillow case that matches the bedspread. A three piece set is the minimum level of pieces for a bedspread set. Many people choose a three piece set if they are choosing a bedspread to match sheets they already have.There are other optional pieces that are included in some bedspread sets, and these often include:
Bed SkirtA bed skirt is a sheet of fabric that has a skirt to match the quilt set. It goes underneath the mattress and serves the purpose of hiding the box spring and the bed frame. Fit properly, the bed skirt should come to just above the floor or just touching the floor. They can add a lot of ambience to a room and really finish off the décor by hiding the less-desirable and un-matching box spring part of your mattress set.
Extra PillowsExtra pillows are also sometimes included in a bedspread set. These are decorative pillows that come in many shapes and sizes. Most often they are roll pillows, which are pillows that look like a tube or roll.Also included are large “euro” pillow shams. A euro pillow is a large pillow that is usually 26 inches by 26 inches square. These are also usually used as decorative pillows to help increase the décor of your bedroom set.
Sheet SetsIn some cases, a bedspread set will also include a matching sheet set. The sheet set is usually in a solid color that matches the bedspread set. The sheet set will include a fitted mattress sheet, a top sheet and two pillow cases.
CurtainsSome bedspread sets will also include curtains that match. Usually these are plain hanging, tie back curtains in a size that can be altered to fit your windows with an iron-on hemming strip. The curtain may also contain a swag top to hide the top of the curtains in a decorative fashion.Bedspread sets come in the same sizes as mattresses: twin, double, queen and king sized bed. There are also bedspread sets for daybeds. Daybeds are smaller than a twin size bed and look like a decorative couch.When you are choosing a bedspread set for your room, or any room in your home, there are a few things you need to consider. Take the size of the bed into consideration. Make sure you know what size your mattress is before you purchase a bedspread set.Some important questions to ask are: Do you have a box spring mattress? And, if so, how high off the floor does it sit? You can easily shorten a bed skirt (by tucking it up inside between the box spring and mattress) but it is very difficult to lengthen one. If you have a high bed, you may need to measure the distance between the floor and the bed to ensure the bed skirt will fit your bed properly.The color and décor of your room is another important factor to consider. There are thousands of designs for bedspreads, so you will want to make sure that the one you choose complements the color scheme and theme of your room. There are plenty of themed bedspread sets from princesses for little girls and cars for boys, to safari themes and tropical themes for adults. If your room has a specific theme, a matching themed bedspread set can really finish off the décor in your bedroom.You will also have to decide about extra pillows. If you choose to have extra, decorative pillows on your bed to finish off the look of the décor, then you should consider where you will store them when you are sleeping. You do not want to put them on the floor necessarily, so you may need to look at a storage solution, such as an end of the bed cabinet that doubles as a seat, where you can store the decorative pillows at night.You should also consider the other sheets you own. If you are purchasing a bedspread set that does not come with sheets for the bed, you will want to match the sheets you most regularly use with your bedspread set, or purchase new ones to match.Many people love the look of a finished bedroom, complete with a bedspread set. A bedspread set is perfect for spare rooms, kid’s rooms, or master suites, to finish off the décor and look of the room.
By: Stephanie LarkinAbout the Author:
Stephanie Larkin is a freelance writer who writes about comfortable furniture, fabrics and home decorating, often focusing on specific items such as bedspreads.
Technorati Tags: Bedspread, Optional Pieces, Pillow Cases
Date Published: Nov 12, 2009 - 12:24 pm
Seven Quilting Shortcuts
By Maybelle Maddison
Do you love quilting, but it doesn't seem like you can find the time to have fun with your favorite hobby? Here are some shortcuts to get you quilting and finishing your projects.
1. Reduce the size of your quilt
If you are someone who quilts queen-size quilts, try quilting a lap-size one for your next project. If you are a lap-size quilter, how about quilting a baby quilt? Baby quilt person? Then try finishing a miniature quilt. This will reduce your quilting time while also getting in your fix. And before you say that you don't like miniature quilts, they make wonderful cubicle art for your favorite office worker. They can be hung with thumb tacks.
2. Use Fusible Batting
Instead of basting your quilt sandwich together with needle and thread, try some other options. I love using fusible batting. As long as you have an iron, you are in business. The heat from the iron will fuse the three pieces together. You'll have to check the manufacturer's instructions, but the glue comes out when it is washed. Other basting choices are to use quilt basting spray or safety pins.
3. Go back to Tried n True Patterns
Patterns you have pieced before are like old friends. There are no blips in the pattern. There is no stopping to re-read the directions. You'll be able to piece these quilt tops easily and quickly. If you want something different, try using different types of fabric for the quilt pattern or a different layout of the blocks.
4. Take Advantage of Strip-Piecing Techniques
Stick to projects where you can use strip piecing techniques. These allow you to chain stitch assembly-line style. It is also easier to cut out the pieces for these projects because you can just use a rotary cutter and mat. You'll save time cutting your fabric and piecing your quilt top.
5. Use Purchased Binding
You either have time or money. When you want to save time, try purchased quilt binding instead of making your own. This tactic will only work if you can find binding that will match your project. This shortcut works best on with baby quilting projects that call for vibrant colors.
6. Finish your quilt with mock binding
Mock binding is using the quilt's backing as part of the binding. It looks nice and makes finishing quilt a snap. Also, if you don't secure the edges, you have a built in sleeve to hang your quilts.
7. Plan your quilting in 15 minute increments.
Set your timer and go. You can get some serious chain stitching done in 15 minutes and you can surely find 15 minutes in your schedule for your favorite hobby.
Well, there you go. Using these tips will make it easier for you to finish your projects.
Maybelle Maddison is a true Southern Belle and dedicated quilter. She has made it her mission in life to spread the joy of quilting! Visit her site at http://www.joannfabrics.org for quilting information, pattern reviews and suggestions on how to start and keep quilting!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maybelle_Maddison
http://EzineArticles.com/?Seven-Quilting-Shortcuts&id=1063516
Date Published: Nov 08, 2009 - 6:59 am
nt to start a quilting business but don't want to make actual quilts, how about selling quilted accessories?Quilted accessories include a wide range of products: home d?r, clothing, pet accessories... and more!In the home d?r category, your business could make and sell quilted potholders and matching aprons with pockets that coordinate with the potholder pattern. You could make and sell quilted oven mitts.Table runners and mantel drapes are also popular quilted items for the home. Quilted placemats and coasters are also ideas.For a living room, den, bedroom, dining room or kitchen quilted wall hangings are popular. These can be custom made to coordinate with your client's own interior colors and style.For a guest room or bathroom, why not quilt covers for a tissue box or photo or mirror frame? Quilted pillowcases are also good sellers.Take the idea of home d?r to a smaller scale and perhaps your quilting business could be making quilted items for doll houses. Many collectors will pay top dollar to have their dollhouse beds accented with tiny little quilts. Such quilts would also be a niche business for baby dolls. Little girls love their dolls and many parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles would pay good money to have a special quilt made for a special doll!Holidays open up a wide range of options for home d?r as well. Keep that in mind if your quilting business will focus on home d?r. Your quilting business could actually focus on holiday items.Christmas ornaments, stockings, wall hangings, table decorations...the possibilities for that one holiday alone are endless! Imagine if your quilting business focused on all holidays.For January, quilted d?r featuring snowmen and snowflakes would be popular for the winter theme. February is Valentine's Day. Focus for that holiday would be on quilted items with hearts, cupids, etc. March brings St. Patricks' Day and Spring.April is Easter, and brings another slew of quilted holiday items to mind. Baskets made from quilted strips of fabric would be gorgeous. Patchwork eggs stuffed to perfection would also be fun items.May and June bring graduations along with Mother's and Father's days. These months are great for quilted photo frames or scrapbooks with a quilted cover.July's patriotic theme would be great inspiration for quilted home de'cor as well. August and September sends children (and teachers) back to school. Quilted notebooks, tote bags, pencil cases would be great accessories for those months. Halloween and Thanksgiving also offer endless possibilities for home décor, too. Use your imagination!Quilted apparel could include a number of items as well. Belts and headbands are popular accessories. Quilted jackets are a higher ticket item you could make and sell. You could add small quilt blocks to simple cardigans as pockets. Combine your jackets with a matching quilted cap or tote bag and increase your price accordingly!Other quilted accessories you could make include cell phone holders, lip gloss pouches, and eye glass cases. Coin purses and wallets are other ideas for quilted accessories. Purses and tote bags are also very popular items that translate nicely into quilted products.The pet niche can be so much fun. People of all ages love to buy things for their pets. For cats and dogs, quilted carrying cases are good sellers. Pet beds are another top item.Pet clothing is also very popular. Small dogs generally need the added warmth of a coat in the winter. Quilted coats, jackets and shawls are good sellers for pet clothing. Create a package by including the quilted coat or jacket along with a matching quilted hat.No matter which niche you choose, any of these areas would offer great sales opportunities for your own quilting business.
By: Penny HalgrenAbout the Author:
Penny Halgren
http://www.TheQuiltingCoach.com
Penny has been a quilter for more than 27 years. She enjoys exploring all aspects of quilting and sharing her knowledge with all quilters. If you are looking for an Internet quilting club with a wide variety of resources for all level quilters, check out http://www.TheQuiltingCoach.com .
Technorati Tags: Niche Business, Quilted Placemats, Quilted Wall Hangings
Date Published: Nov 06, 2009 - 3:28 am
Single Girl King Quilt in Olive by Denyse SchmidtThe art of quilting gone cozy! The Single Girl Quilt by Denyse Schmidtis one of our FAVORITES. This charming take on the traditional weddingquilt is adorable. Available here in standard king size. Also sold in twin and full/queen sizes. KING QUILT SIZE: 108" x 94"(price includes quilt only) **Add: A Standard sham(s) (shown with matchingdesign) for $63 ea. size 20"x26" or; A Euro sham(s) in matching quilted solid for $74 ea. size 26" x 26" or; A King sham(s) in (shown with matching design) for $74 ea. size 20" x 36" or: A quilted accent pillow size 16" x 16" All pillows are sold separately at check out and/or visit our Accent Pillows and Shams section in Bedding 100 % cotton each quilt has been expertly hand-crafted by Sarita Handa Exports, a woman-owned company and one of the leading manufacturers in India today. Two quilts in one! As if the fronts of these quilts weren't fabulous enough, Denyse has designed most of the quilts to feature a beautifully modern patchwork reverse. Turned back, it creates a compelling contrast accent. Flip it over you've got yourself another quilt. More about modern quilt designer Denyse Schmidt
Check Prices at Burke Decor LLCDate Published: Oct 28, 2009 - 8:19 pm
Quilt vs. Comforter: A Bedding Dilemma
By Melissa Sands
When faced with the multitude of bedding options in today's marketplace, how do we know what is the best choice? Comforters, quilts, duvets, blankets, bedspreads, deep pockets- what's a shopper to do? It's enough to give you an anxiety attack at the local bedding superstore. It may sound like a trivial matter, but when you consider the amount of time spent in bed and the price of bedding these days, it is an issue which deserves consideration. Clearly the topic is large and deep, so for the purpose of this article we will focus on the top layer only. The question in question is, "What is better, a comforter or a quilt?"
In my personal experience, most people these days are using comforters on their beds. They are widely available in every price range and color, along with matching accessories as well. They are fluffy and warm and darn it, people like them. There is nothing wrong with a good comforter, and I have personally been sold on them for years. In fact, my linen closet is filled with old models, wadded up and crammed into the tiny space. However, I have made a new bedding discovery which has jazzed up my decor and even inspired me to write this article. This discovery is the modern quilt, which offers some pretty unique features.
Unlike comforters, a quality quilt is filled with cotton. This results in a much more substantial bedcovering. When you compare a comforter and a cotton-filled quilt of the same size, you will find that the quilt weighs quite a bit more. The quilt is heavier, but it takes up less space. Therefore, you get all of the warmth of a comforter, without the bulk. And because the batting is cotton and not polyester, you won't wake up sweaty in the morning. Quilts are also much easier to store when not in use, and they can double as a picnic blanket! When was the last time you took your comforter to the park?
Comfort and ease of use is not the only reason to choose a quilt. For beauty and style quilts are simply the best choice. Modern quilts use thousands of pieces of fabric intricately sewn together in detailed patterns. Many of these quilts are artwork as well as bedding. Plaid, floral, stripe, check and solid fabrics are combined into rich patchwork designs, using today's popular colors and patterns. So don't be fooled by the word quilt-it's is no longer synonymous with country decor. Styles offered these days include every decor from sophisticated to rustic. Most high-end quilt manufacturers also make all of the necessary accessories, such as bedskirts, toss pillows, pillow shams, Euro pillows and window treatments. The result will be an eclectic decorator look which is a snap to achieve.
Quilts are a classic bedding choice that is here to stay. Choose wisely and your quilt will be around for generations. Avoid the cheaper versions that are filled with polyester, they are quite thin and best for decorative uses only. You should expect to pay at least $200 to $300 for a good cotton-filled, king-sized quilt. Shop around because prices vary quite a bit for the same products. We sell quality quilts because we love them and the instant beauty they provide to our home. If you would like to see some examples of quality cotton quilts, visit our website. I would be happy to help you find the right quilt for your home. You won't go wrong with a quality quilt!
Melissa Sands is a shopkeeper and new author of country decorating information.
Visit us for beautiful quilts, baby bedding, and country decor.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Melissa_Sands
http://EzineArticles.com/?Quilt-vs.-Comforter:-A-Bedding-Dilemma&id=309608
Date Published: Oct 26, 2009 - 6:09 pm
