Quilting is a Hot D.I.Y. Craft!

You may have heard the initials D.I.Y. and wondered what they stand for and what all the fuzz is about. D.I.Y. stands for Do It Yourself, and it is a hot trend in the craft world. One of the hottest trends in the world of craft, is an old, old tradition-quilting.

Quilting has it roots in the utilitarian needs of our ancestors. They needed warm quilts to sleep under and they didn't have a lot of materials to work with. So they took whatever fabrics they could salvage or cut from old, worn clothes, and somehow managed to craft these scraps into quilts that were not only warm but beautiful. For a time, the craft of quilting died out. Busy modern women of the fifties wanted no part of piecing together old bits of fabric! But then the craft experienced a resurgence in the eighties. Many believe the burgeoning interest in quilting and other crafts coincided with the development of the computer. High tech, high touch, the saying goes. When we are surrounded with technology all day we long for tactile satisfaction. Fibers such as wool and cotton have become very popular because of this, and also hobbies like knitting and quilting, which have much to do with the sense of touch.

The ironic thing is that technology itself has had much to do with spurring interest in craft and quilting. Technology has created better and easier-to-operate sewing machines, found ways to cheaply produce plastic stencils, and come up with innovations like the rotary cutter and mat that are huge time savers for quilters. The more time-saving ideas craft companies come up with, the more popular quilting becomes. Contemporary quilters have the best of all worlds-access to incredible numbers of patterns, both traditional and modern, and all the best tools the craft world has to offer.

Today's quilter also has access to so much more information than their pioneer ancestors could ever have dreamed of. Books and patterns and websites offer a constant flow of information on the craft. Then there are the television programs. With the advent of cable's dominance, many television channels now focus on the home. And many of these home channels have a large preponderance of shows on craft, including quilting. The information explosion is a huge boon for today's crafters and this has driven the expanding popularity of the D.I.Y. movement.

This movement has made it hip and trendy to love all kinds of craft again, which is wonderful for lovers of craft. Once something is trendy, all kinds of companies offering new products and information are sure to spring up. Becoming hip has also assured that quilts now have a place in the finest of galleries and museums. Quilters are at the forefront of the D.I.Y. movement, constantly improving their craft and delving into its history. Our pioneer ancestors could never have imagined that there would come a day when their utilitarian, functional craft was considered not only trendy and hip, but so beautiful as to be art!

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Discovering RJR Fabrics

Quilters looking for the best in quilting fabrics need look no further than RJR Fabrics, which is a leader in the fabric manufacturing market, with a niche specialty of the craft of quilting. "Creating Fabrics That Reflect Your Lifestyle" is the company's motto, and most quilters would agree that RJR is extremely successful in fulfilling this pledge. RJR makes high quality cotton fabrics with a 100 percent money back guarantee.

It is difficult to find companies who stand firm in their belief systems in today's world, but RJR Fabrics does this. One of the unique things about RJR is the fact that they refuse to sell their products to the large chains stores. RJR believes that the quilting enthusiast is best served through small, local quilting and fabric shops. The company maintains that these small shops hire employees who understand the craft of quilting and the passion that quilters have for it. Many quilting shops are grateful to the support RJR has shown to small businesses.

Another reason for the success of RJR Fabrics is the quality of their designers. Among them is Lynette Jensen, who designs six collections a year for RJR. Lynette Jensen is the owner of Thimbleberries, a Minnesota-based business, which is the highest grossing quilt pattern company in the nation. RJR is also proud to manufacture the designs of renowned quilt designer and authority Jinny Beyer. She was the first to design a line of fabrics solely for quilting and currently designs three collections a year for RJR, as well as a line of solids. Many consider Jinny Beyer to have revolutionized the quilting industry with her amazing, stylish fabric designs and her ability to connect with the needs of quilters.

Other RJR designers include Susan Branch, who presents the Martha's Vineyard Watercolor Collection, based on her popular series of books called The Heart of the Home. Laura Heine is an award-winning quilt artist who has been working in the industry for twenty years and is the owner of a quilt shop in Billings, Montana. She is also the author of several pattern collections and books. RJR recently announced that their design team has gone international with the addition of Canadian designers Cori and Myra of Blue Meadow Designs. The duo has published several top-selling books.

These designers and their successful lines are indicative of the care RJR fabrics takes in every aspect of their business. RJR connects with its quilt shops with special events like a challenge to selected quilt shops to use one of their new fabric lines to design a special quilt. RJR emphasizes customer service in every aspect of its business, striving to stay connected to quilt shops, designers, and quilters alike. Because they limit their sales to the small shops, RJR truly understands their customer. Combining top-notch customer service with leading-edge design has enabled RJR Fabrics to maintain an enviable reputation for quality in the quilting industry. Contemporary quilters know to look to RJR Fabrics for the best in quality and design.

A Notion About Notions

When you take up quilting, there are many notions, or items that will make your task easier and more fun. These specialty items are available online, in craft shops, department stores and quilt shops. While not all are necessary, they really do come in handy.

Metal-edged rulers are used when creating templates and when cutting cardboard and fabric with a rotary cutter or knife.

Metre rules are used with set squares to cut lengths of fabric.
Set squares are used to measure accurate right angles and are used with metre rules to cut lengths of fabric.

Tape measures are flexible measuring tools used for measuring lengths of fabric.
Pair of compasses are used for drawing circles.
Vanishing markers crate special marks that will fade n contact with water.
Dressmaker's wheels and chalk are used to directly mark fabric. The chalk will brush off.
Dressmaker's scissors and shears are used for cutting fabric only.
Paper scissors are used for cutting paper.

Embroidery scissors are small, sharp and often decorative scissors that are used in quilting to cut thread and trim fabric.
Pinking shears have serrated blades. They are used to create decorative edges and prevent fraying.

Rotary cutters are used with a cutting mat. They are great for cutting multiple pieces that are exactly the same, at the same time. Rotary cutters are available in different sizes. Small cutters work best for cutting curves and a few layers of fabric. Large cutters cut many layers at a time and are ideal for cutting long straight lines.

Cutting mats are made especially for use with rotary cutters. They protect both the tabletop and the blade. Mats with printed grids are useful for cutting right angles.
Quilter's needles are used for hand sewing appliqué and patchwork. Betweens are used for making smaller stitches.

Crewel needles are used for working embroidery stitches.
Quilting pins are longer than dressmaker's pins and pass through several layers of fabric easily.
Safety pins are sometimes used in basting quilt blocks together.
Beeswax is applied to quilting thread before stitching so that the thread passes smoothly through the fabric.

Thimbles are essential for hand quilting. They are used to push the needle through several layers of fabric at once. Many styles are available. Some quilters and sewers collect thimbles.
Unpickers-or rippers are used to remove stitches.

Irons are used for pressing patchwork seams and to remove wrinkles from fabric.
Embroidery hoops are used while quilting. Wooden frames are usually used for hand quilting. Plastic frames with metal spring closures are used for machine quilting.
Ribbon may be used to embellish appliqué or crazy patchwork. It may also be used to edge a border. Ribbon may be velvet, satin or manmade material.

Trimmings such as fringing, pompon tape; tassels and flat ribbon tape may be used to make unusual edgings or to embellish a patchwork piece.
Lace can be used to embellish appliqués.

Quilters' gloves offer protection when using rotary cutters and needles.
Needle threaders make threading needles a breeze.
Any of the notions listed above would make a great gift for your favorite quilter.

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My name is Tony and I started my own sewing machine business 25 years ago. At that time, I had little knowledge of repairing sewing machines. I can well remember looking around for someone to teach me all the ins and outs, all the tricks of sewing machine repair.
But unfortunately no books were available! After 21 years in this business, I have decided to write down all my hard-earned knowledge and tricks-of-the-trade in this step-by-step book.

I want to teach other people how to do their own sewing machine repairs at home for themselves or as a business. As we all know, sewing-machine repair is one of the fastest growing businesses in the world today.
Newspapers, women’s magazines, dry-goods stores, high schools and colleges are all encouraging millions of American women to do their own sewing, not only to make their own slacks, suits, shirts, sweaters, etc, clothes, but also to make nice clothes for their husbands, sons, or boyfriends. Statistics now show the tremendous growth in the number of women who make their own family wardrobe. The latest figures show that over 89 million American women, because of the high costs of ready-to-wear garments or the undesirable workmanship of store-bought clothes, are now making almost all of the clothing for their families. Now is the time when a sewing machine specialist can write his or her own ticket. Never before has the money-making opportunity been so great in this field, if you know what you're doing. And this is not to mention, it is also a very prestigious occupation.But that’s not all.
Most of these women find true enjoyment and satisfaction making the family wardrobe on their own sewing machine. So it is only natural that the demand for excellent service on sewing machines is on the upswing and growing by leaps and bounds. Think of it! Eighty-nine million or more sewing machines, not including another 10 million sewing machines in schools of all sorts, (such as grade schools, high schools, colleges, schools for the deaf, the handicapped, all across the land, just to name a few). And what about the sewing machines in hospitals, prisons, homes of correction, tailor shops, women’s shops, children’s homes and old folks’ homes … the list could go on and on!All these sewing machines need service at least once a year and quite possibly four or more times each year.
I'm well aware that some women are forced to return their sewing machines to repairmen time after time trying to get it fixed properly. Not all, by any means, but many so-called sewing-machine specialists, simply do not have the knowledge or the know-how to correctly set up, adjust and retime the modern sewing machine. I've seen sewing machines come out of repair shops in worse shape than they were when they went in, and I am sure that thousands of women could say "Amen" to that statement. So for the above reasons, I decided to write a complete guide to sewing-machine repair and teach people how to repair their own sewing machines at home. On the very first day, you will find that our simple training method is amazing.
I assume that you have had no previous experience with the repair of sewing machines. However, if you have had experience, you will learn how to use your knowledge to the best advantage. Your training will be practical from first page to the end of the book. It is based on the proven methods of the top sewing-machine technicians.I will teach you everything you need to know.
Admittedly, the book is predominantly about sewing machines with just four of the 70 pages pertaining to. have gone to great lengths to include sharp and clear pictures along with the copy, so there is no need to flip pages back and forth in order to find the picture that goes with the text. There will be pictures of many different sewing machines, as well as illustrations of sewing-machine pails, proper adjustments, cleaning, and timing, etc. It's clear, and it's simple.

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Moda

Moda may not be a household name for the average person, but for the quilter it is well-known indeed. Since 1975, Moda has been producing quality fabrics for quilting projects and specialty notions as well. Moda fabrics and notions are available at your local fabric store, quilting shop, or online retailer and its well worth seeking out this special line of quilting products.

Moda distinguishes itself with a long roster of designers, both in-house and independents and one glance at their line of quilting fabrics and its clear Moda hires only the best. You'll find well-known designers such as American Jane, April Cornell, Sandy Gervais, and Urban Chicks among the Moda stable of designers. Other Moda designers are Amy Bradley, Erin Michael, Jackie Musso, and Cheri Strole. Moda also features fabric basics as well as seasonal, batiks and many other choices in their selections for quilters.

Moda has won the heart of many quilters nation-wide and internationally with their consistent understanding of the kinds of designs quilters want to use for their projects. Many of the Moda designs have a uniquely American look and feel to them, which is only fitting since quilting is a craft which has its roots deep in American history. Moda also distributes a huge list of books and a wide variety of quilting notions from their Dallas warehouse. The company reveres its retailers and only sells wholesale. You can investigate Moda designs online and find many online retailers that will sell you Moda products.

While customers appreciate the line of notions that Moda distributes, it is the quilting fabrics that have made Moda's name in the industry. Most of the Moda line is given over to traditional cotton fabrics, but they also produce a line of vibrant wools. Browsing through their design line, you'll enjoy clever designs like Building Blocks or Building Blocks ABCs with its all-over sprinkling of letters. Or how about the Moda design line of Serendipity with its striped and plaid fabrics on muted colors? Take a look at Tropical Camouflage with its bright colors that will make you feel you are on a Caribbean vacation every time you work on your quilting project. Moda excels at designs like Bound to the Prairie with its earthy feel, or fun fabrics like Oodles of Poodles, another cheerful selection. The Moda line also includes such fun designs as Nell's Flower Shop, a gorgeous collection of florals, and Funky Monkey, with pictures of, you guessed it, sock monkeys all over. You might also enjoy investigating Sunflowers of Provence or Flamingo Run or Critter Camp for your quilting projects. (Not only are the Moda fabrics beautiful, their names are delightful also.)

For the very best of quality in fabric and design, you'll want to look to Moda for your quilting design needs first. You're sure to find something in the Moda line that will capture your heart and make your next quilting project an absolute joy to work on. With a Moda product, the next quilt you make will be your favorite and most satisfying yet.

How to Use Templates in Quilting

With the recent increased interest in quilting and other crafts, manufacturers are constantly searching for new products to make quilting easier for busy modern crafters. One of the innovations that has become a necessity is quilting templates. Usually made from sturdy clear acrylic, and designed to be used over and over again, templates make marking and cutting pieces for a quilt block a breeze.

Templates generally have seam line and other markings on them for the convenience of quilters. The best templates are laser cut to ensure exact precision for measurement.

With quilting templates, a rotary cutter, and a mat, you can cut the pieces for numerous blocks at one time.

Before templates and the use of rotary cutters, a quilter used paper patterns and cut block pieces with scissors, in much the same way that dressmakers cut patterns.

For quilters who are often cutting small pieces for blocks, cutting in this manner meant precision in measuring was very difficult. In quilting, accuracy is crucial.

One of the frustrations of quilting was making sure the pieces of the quilt block fit together, and with the old-fashioned style of cutting, it was a constant problem. But with templates all such worries are a thing of the past.

Quilting templates are available in every size and shape imaginable. Every geometric shape is represented, and you can buy a set of basic templates for squares and circles and rectangles so you always have them on hand. You can also buy sets of templates for a specific quilt block.

For instance, if your daughter is getting married and you want to make her a Double Wedding Ring quilt, you can buy a set of templates for that pattern. Or perhaps your best friend is having her first baby, a son. You want to make a quilt for him, and so you choose a set of templates for a square that looks like an airplane. The options are truly unlimited.

Beginning quilters will want to start with simple shapes such as rectangles, squares and circles. The process is simple-lay your neatly ironed fabric on the rotary mat, place the acrylic template atop it, hold it firmly and use the rotary cutter to trim around the edges. Once you get the hang of it, you can cut several layers of fabric at once. Using templates, you can spend an hour or two cutting pieces for quilt blocks, and get to the actual sewing and quilting so much faster.

Quilters may also want to take the time to browse the web or go to the library or local bookstore for books. Many quilting sites and books contain useful information about using templates, with tips and techniques listed that will make the process even easier. The quilting sites contain are often also laden with photos showing the use of templates in a step-by-step manner, which can be very helpful. Although the process of using templates is simple, there are always trade secrets that can make it even easier.

Investigate the use of templates in quilting today, and you'll find renewed pleasure in your craft.