If your quilting interests have taken you into the quilting and mixed media arts world, you’ll find these ideas (may complete with instructions) a bonanza for you.

(The same company that publishes Cloth Paper Scissors also puts out Quilting Arts magazine, another innovative resource in the quilting and fabric art world.)

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Great Ideas for Quilters & Mixed Media Artists

Nowadays, many quilters have taken up machine quilting, for their own use and as a business.  In a recent Quilted Paradise Newsletter, you’ll find considerable information about machine quilting, from doing it yourself to having someone do it for you.

*What to look for when someone is quilting for you.

*Pricing

*Preparing your top for a professional quilter

*Styles of quilting

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Considerations When Having Someone Do Your Quilting

Those who read Quilting Arts Magazine and/or Cloth Paper Scissors are familiar with Patricia and the work she inspires in the quilting arts world. 

  Some of you also may be familiar with the recently published 1000 Artist Trading Cards book, edited by Patricia Bolton.  (My daughter, Beth Mastin, had one of her trading cards published in this book.)

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Quilting Arts to Appear on TV

Paper quilts! you say. These often involve a collage effect and include the use of paper, fibers, expandable paint, netting, and other embellishments.  Quilters also include items such as angelina fibers, chiffon scarves and silk handkerchiefs. 

(My daughter looks for chiffon scarves at the local second hand shop to create various effects in her fabric and paper art.)

 What have you tried in the field of paper quilts, as well as mixed media quilts and fabric art?

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Have You Considered Paper Quilts?

 Sure enough, when we received a copy of the book by Art Quilting magazine and edited by Patricia Bolton, there was an ATC by Beth Mastin (along with other quilters and  fabric artists).  Beth’s card also appeared in the magazine some time ago.

Chloe, who blogs at Tangled Thread, mentioned this book and is excited about it, too.  It will be a “must see” book for those who are involved in making and trading ATCs.

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1000 ATCs in a New Book

“Now that quilting, sewing, knitting and other handcrafts are “cool” again, a younger crowd is starting to stitch again, and adding their own twists to “new” techniques.”  She admitted that these crafts/arts fell out of favor for awhile, but feels they are coming back into fashion and are being picked up by a younger generation.

This definitely is an encouraging viewpoint.

(Emily’s e-mail newsletter originates at the Village Quilt Shoppe.

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A Different Thought on Quilting & Sewing

You can read about this exciting event at Patricia Bolton’s blog and her story behind her successful magazine and company that started in her in-laws’ sheep barn. 

I also find it exciting when I learn of a small home business that has evolved into a very successful one that has worldwide recognition in their field. 

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Quilting Arts Joins Interweave Press Family

These decorative shirred circles can be used by themselves…with loop of yarn or trim attached…as decorations for your tree.  They can be sewn together in a chain.  Or they can be stitched to other items…such as pillows, tote bags, vests (see Noreen’s ideas), scarves, hats, headbands for decorative effect.

They also can be sewn together, as quilters in the 1920s and ’30s did, to make quilts, spreads, and table cloths.

To make a Yo-Yo:  Cut a circle from cotton or cotton-blend fabric, 4, 5 or 6-inches in diameter, depending on the size you want your decorations.  Some quilters make mini yo-yo’s and cut even smaller circles.  I find the 6-inch circle is a convenient size, especially if you’re making yo-yo’s with your children.

Turn under a tiny hem, just slightly less than 1/4 inch, to the wrong side.  Children will need this pinned down before they start sewing.  Adults usually can turn as they sew. You also can press the hem, if you find that works best.

Take a double thread with knot in the end.  Then make basting size stitches around the hem.  Gather the fabric as you go. 

When you’ve finished sewing and gathering, you’ve gathered your circle into a double circle with small hole in the center of the front.  Take a few stitches to secure your thread.  For decorative effect on Christmas decorations, sew a pretty button or sequin in the center over the hole.

One hint:  Do not gather with tiny quilting stitches.  This will leave a large hole in the center.  Basting stitches will gather the circle tighter so there’s only a small hole left.

This is a good way to use up scraps of fabric.  For Christmas decorations, use Christmas fabrics and colors.

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Making Yo-Yo Quilts & Decorations for the Holidays

However, others companies produce calendars that appeal to quilters.  Some are derived from paintings of quilting scenes.  Others have quilting designs.  Some even may contain patterns for the quilt designs.

You also can make your own quilting calendars with photos of your fabric art and quilts.  With the printing programs now available for computers, producing calendars to give as gifts and even to sell is becoming common.

These calendars that quilters and fabric artists collect aren’t ones they throw away at the end of the year.  They become collectible items that are saved like their books and patterns.

Below is a calendar as well as a book for making various pieces of patchwork throughout the year that might capture your interest or give you ideas.

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Collecting Quilting Calendars