As I look around at my friends and colleagues who are involved in arts and crafts other than quilting, I realize they’re leaving a leaving a legacy for their family and future generations, too.
  What other crafts is your family noted for?  Many arts and crafts are interrelated, as the mixed media ones are today.
What memories do you have of engaging in these activities, including cooking, with family members or teaching them to your children?
I recall sitting with my grandmother making dolls and doll clothes, as well as the quilt we made together.  She also repaired a doll for me.  Harriet had …read more

The bedcoverings we refer to as quilts need not be solely patchwork or applique.  Some quilts are created from needlework panels or squares.  These are easy to tote projects you can work on away from home, while traveling, in a waiting room, in a car, at youngsters’ ball games.
You’ll find a multitude of designs…floral, pictorial, historical, Sunbonnet Sue, animals, state capitals and more…to embroider or do as cross stitch. I was browsing thorough a needlework catalog and came across so many interesting designs for quilts.
 When you’ve finished the desired number, sew them together with sashing, then select a batting and backing.  You …read more

Even though it’s only October, it’s probably time to start making your quilted and patchwork Christmas gifts….if you haven’t already begun them.  I’ve noticed, as I’ve browsed the online quilt fabric stores, many are offering sales on quilting supplies.  Your favorite “brick-and-mortar” store probably has sales, gift ideas, perhaps even classes for making these.
There are many small items, as well as bed quilts to make as gifts.  Some of these include: placemats, potholders, clothing, wall hangings of many sizes and types, small appliance covers, toys, doll quilts, and more.
Do you have something special you’re making for holiday gifts?  I’d enjoy hearing about …read more

Many quilters nowadays are creating smaller projects, like wall hangings, postcards, mini quilts, and framed fabric art.  Fabric and fiber artists often seem to be getting away from the larger bed quilts.
However, as I think about it, the small quilts aren’t entirely new.  My grandmother made quilts for my sister’s and my dolls.  She took the scraps from her larger quilts and other sewing, then created these tiny coverlets for us. 
We loved them and used them.  Unfortunately they wore out, so I didn’t find them with the few dolls’ clothes my mom had saved as memorabilia from our childhood.
However, these could …read more