Quilters sometimes are in a quandry whether to use straight or bias binding on their projects. 

• Is one easier to make?
• Is one easier to use?
• Is one better to use than the other?

Here’s some useful information at Quilted Paradise – Bias Binding vs. Straight Binding.  It should help you decide which you want to use, and when it might be better to use one than the other.  Have fun!

Do you have a preference yourself?

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Quilting Tips – Should You Use Straight or Bias Binding?

I’ve heard about mystery quilting and the fact you don’t know what the results will be when you start.  However, I’d never participated in one of these projects. I came across a very complete description of mystery quilting, as well as how to conduct a session in your group, at Quilted Paradise. 

A mystery quilt is just that — a mystery. You do not know at the beginning what the quilt top will look like except for the amount of fabric needed and the finished size

Here you learn about the various types of mystery quilting and how they can be done individually, in a group, and even online.  There also are warnings about acquiring mystery quilt directions sight unseen or from unknown sources.  It does sound as though the mystery quilting experience can be a fun one.

 Have you ever done a mystery quilt?  I’d love to hear about your experience.  

(Amazon image;click on pic for details) 

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Taking the Mystery Out of Mystery Quilting

Have trouble binding your quilt or fabric art pieces?  I’ve generally find other ways to finish my work other than doing a separate binding. 

Shelly Q, at Quilted Paradise, has written an excellent tutorial, The Finishing Touch, about bindings.  It’s complete with phots that explain the process.  Take a look.

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Great Tutorial on Binding a Quilt

 Using the correct tools for a job usually makes it go faster and seem easier.  Finding the quilting tools that help you is important.

At Quilted Paradise, you’ll find a really good list of suggested quilting tools with the where’s and when’s of using them.  This is great information for the beginning quilter, as well as someone who has a number of tools but could learn more about what’s out there.

The quilting tools also are grouped into categories which makes it really nice:

*Marking Tools
*Cutting Tools
*Other Tools
*Safety Tools
*Needles and Pins

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Tools for Quilters – a Suggested List

Old quilts are treasures, if not in monetary value, than as family keepsakes.  However, many of them are well worn, so need repairs…perhaps minor, but sometimes major to keep from deteriorating further.

At the Quilted Paradise site, we learn Some Easy Steps for Repairing Your Quilt and Tips on Storing Your Quilt.  You may find handy hints and instructions for rejuvenating the old quilt(s) in your life.

Here’s also a book with some quilt restoration/repair tips.

What’s been your experience with restoring old quilts?

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Tips on Repairing & Storing Your Quilts

Rag quilts, those interesting patchwork pieces with frayed edges around each patch, really are attractive and very popular.  When my daughter began making one and showed me what she was doing, I wondered, “That won’t look good.  It goes against all the rules of sewing, leaving those frayed edges.”

However, her quilt of muted blues and beiges, with a dash of green, is lovely.  It’s very serviceable, too, and brings warmth to whoever snuggles under it on the couch.

Instructions for a Rag Quilt

If you’re interested in making a rag quilt, you’ll find instructions at the Quilted Paradise site.

These instructions call for using batting in the squares.  My daughter made hers without batting, but used a heavier, denim weight fabric.  Your choice depends on the effect you want to achieve.

Share your thoughts about rag quilts!

(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Rag Quilts Are All the Rage