Posts

6 common quilting mistakes that are worth fixing

-
Image
Even experienced quilters can make choices that affect how well a finished quilt wears, lies flat, and keeps its design visible. In this post, I’ll share six common quilting mistakes that are well worth fixing. In this post, you’ll learn why and how you should avoid: choosing fabrics that wear out too quickly in everyday quilts forcing the edges of blocks to match even when your quilt blocks are not of the same size border strips/pieces that are too long sewing a binding on so that you end up with wavy edges quilting your quilt too sparsely making problematic colour-value choices Over the years, I’ve learned that many quilting frustrations do not come from lack of skills but from small decisions that one may make without thinking. So it is not because of any quilting laws but out of self-interest that you should avoid or fix certain mistakes – early. 1. Unsuitable fabrics in a quilt that is meant to be used This is a mistake that you can – and should – correct even before be...
Post a Comment
Read more

Splendid colour tips for quilting: Purple in quilts

-
Image
This post is part of my Splendid colour tips series, where I share helpful information to help you choose fabrics and colours with more confidence. In this post, I share my thoughts and practical tips about the use of purple in quilting and use my own quilts and quilted items as examples. In this post you’ll discover:  how different purples can behave next to blue, red, yellow, green and turquoise common colour-contrast problems when sewing with purple (and how to avoid them) reliable ways to combine purple fabrics successfully in your own quilts  Purple is a colour for queens, kings, and royalty. It represents success and wisdom. It has traditionally been associated with wealth because the colour was difficult and expensive to produce. Only the richest could afford purple garments. In quilts, purple isn’t a symbol – it is a colour that has its own characteristics. What to watch out for when using purple in quilts Certain purples can look brown in the finished quilt, so wa...
Post a Comment
Read more

My top 5 favourite quilts – and one bonus mention

-
Image
Choosing only five quilts out of the nearly 100 that I’ve made was easier than one might think. In this post, I share the chosen top five and one bonus quilt. If you enjoy scrappy quilts and bold colour combinations, you may find ideas and encouragement for your own projects. All of these quilts are examples of how value contrast matters more than colour choices. What makes a quilt become a favourite? My favourite quilts have all evoked a specific feeling in me. Surprise, delight in discovery, satisfaction of applying a gained insight, accomplishment, joy, and pleasure. 1. Empress Ramandu – strange blocks turned into a surprisingly lovely quilt Empress Ramandu quilt is one of my favourites because it surprised me so pleasantly. When I was sewing the blocks for my quilt Empress Ramandu, I honestly began to worry about the result. The fabrics looked strange together, and I thought that I would have to use the eventual quilt as nothing more than a picnic quilt. At the same ti...
9 comments
Read more