What a marvelous idea!  One of my readers let me know she’s getting married soon and has a great idea for the guest book.  I’ll let her tell your herself:
“I’m getting married in 1 1/2 weeks.  We are going to have our guests sign quilt squares, instead of the traditional “guest book”!  I am so excited – I think it will make a great heirloom!”
I agree.  I think this will make a lovely heirloom wedding quilt, and I’m pleased Jenny shared her idea with us.
Perhaps you’d like to see the post,  A Wedding Quilt in Australia, that inspired Jenny to …read more

Redwork, a popular type of quilting in the mid to late 1800s, consisted of creating designs by embroidering with red floss on muslin background.  Since pre-printed squares, as well as a skein of  floss often could be purchased for one cent each, redwork also was referred to as “penny squares.” 
This type of quiltmaking is gaining in popularity again.  Quilters can do the embroidery work by hand or by machine these days.
At QuiltedParadise.com, you’ll discover a great deal of information about Redwork…its history along with instructions on how to do it by hand and by machine.
Also, there are a number of books available with …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

An American Quilt hanging on the wall of an American Studies classroom caught my attention when I was substitute teaching the other day.  A former student had made it, using patterns with a connection with American history.
She had titled it “An American Quilt” and used 6 x 6-inch squares to form a wall hanging.  Some of the patterns were Log Cabin, Ohio Star, 9-Patch, Dutchman’s Puzzle, Monkey Wrench, Churn Dash, Clay’s Choice, and Rail Fence. 
These are traditional patterns developed and made by the early American quilters.  Sometimes a particular pattern will have more than one name.  Or the same name may have …read more

As I travel around the Internet, I discover many interesting quilting sites.  The most recent one is the World Wide Quilting Page at www.quilt.com.  It’s described as “serving the World’s Quilters since May 4, 1994.
Within its pages, you’ll find many things of interest for the quilter including:
*How to’s
*Glossary of terms
*Quilt Blocks with free patterns
*Mystery Quilts
*Beginning Guide to Quilting
Browse around and you’ll find a treasure trove of quilting information.

Quilters generally are fascinated with collecting quilts, old and new, and of various sizes.  It seems like a treasure when we find quilts in the family made by relatives years ago.  Or perhaps we’ll discover old quilts in thrift shops and antique shops, online and at shows.
However, single quilt blocks and groups of blocks make fascinating collecting, too.  Also, these will be easier on your budget if you’re purchasing.
Quilt blocks can have borders added and finished as a quilt.  However, they can be utilized in other ways.  They’re ideal for hangings or placed in picture frames. 
I found some old quilt …read more