“Exercise!”

After reading Kendra’s post, The Winter Season Affects Blood Pressure, at A Hearty Life, you may want to take a look at your exercise routine (or lack of) and your diet during the colder months.  (Even if you’re in the southern hemisphere this time of year, you may want to consider what she has to say.)

She mentions that studies have found people often have higher blood pressure, as well as higher incidence of heart attacks and strokes, in winter when they may be exercising less and eating more. 

Exercise also helps relieve stress, so when you’re meeting deadlines or trying to juggle quilting/fabric art with all your other commitments, you may want to see about squeezing in a walk if it isn’t too cold.  Or get an exercise video…and use it.  You may be able to get some of your family to join you, too, and make it a joint activity.

Does anyone have a favorite exercise video/CD? 

How do you squeeze exercise in with your daily routine?  I know it’s difficult for me…or I think it is. 

I try to find exercises I can do along with my daily routines when I don’t have time for a walk or workout.

Post from: Blisstree

Quilters – Are You Getting Enough Exercise?

“The exhibit is made of large panels crafted by individuals, including some with dementia, and organizations across America.” 

More than 350 individuals and organizations committed to contribute panels for this large scale quilt.  It’s a tribute to those affected with Alzheimer’s, their caregivers and families.

Check to see if its tour will come anywhere near you

Post from: Blisstree

[Alzheimer's] “Quilt to Remember” National Tour in Progress

The article appropriately is, Machine Quilting in Sections.

Here are some other resources about machine quilting:

Post from: Blisstree

Tips for Machine Quilting in Sections

What is meant by tying a quilt? 

Tying, or tufting as some quilters refer to it, is an effective way to hold the layers of a quilt together.  You thread a long needle with double strand of thread or crochet cotton.  Push the needle through the three layers (top, batting, and backing), leaving abut 2 inches of thread on the tip.  Then push the needle back up to the top, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the starting place.  Next you secure the thread by tying it in a double knot and cut the ends the desired length.

Why tie one instead of stitching with a quilting design?

Tying doesn’t take so much time as quilting with stitches.  It’s also a good method to use when you have an especially thick batting.  

I also used this method on many of the quilts I made.  Because tying didn’t take so much time as quilting, this enabled me to keep the price more affordable for my customers.   

Post from: Blisstree

Q & A – Why Tie a Quilt?