(Part 2) Top products from r/quilting

Hi! I have to agree that a scrappy quilt is the way to so. It will give you a lot more freedom design wise and if you happen to make a small mistake here or there, it won't be as liable to stand out. Pattern-wise, I would suggest looking up t-shirt quilts and memory quilts people have made out of their children's clothing. Both styles tend to be scrappy and have a work with what you've got mentality about them pattern wise.

Personally, I've found this book ( http://www.amazon.com/Complete-Guide-Quilting-Better-Gardens/dp/0696218569 ), and youtube to be invaluable in learning how to put a quilt together. The top stitching, as mentioned, can be done by hand, by machine, or with some investigation, you can even send it away to a company to have it quilted professionally. I've never done this before, but some local quilt shops might be able to help you in that direction. You also have the option to tie the quilt, which essentially uses yarn or thread to tie the front and back together at regular intervals. Beginner-wise, I think this is the easier way to finish a quilt but it gives it a more rustic look, in my opinion. As a positive aspect to tieing the quilt, you can have a tieing party and your grandmother might be able to help you if her hands are still strong.

Popped in to mention, the nice thing about rag quilts (of you're still planning to make a rag quilt), is you can make the seams as large as you want and it will just make the ragged bits more fluffy when it's washed, so if you wanted to, you could incorporate the original stitch lines in the seam.

Also, if you plan to make it a rag quilt, I HIGHLY recommend some good scissors. I had a pair of friskars I had bought from Walmart and they fell apart after two or three smallish rag quilts. I really like the Heritage ones and they seem to have stay sharp longer. They cost more to purchase, but oh my gosh, your hands will thank you. Good luck! I'm sure it will be super cute.

You did a great job naming her quilting supplies. You've been paying attention without even knowing it!

Here are a couple of items that make my quilting days much easier:

• A rotating cutting mat like this one https://smile.amazon.com/Fiskars-14x14-Healing-Rotating-Cutting/dp/B001IKIE4K/ref=sxts_k2p_hero1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_p=2668835622&pf_rd_r=11SS71TEAT9HPNFMVVXM&pd_rd_wg=oEcN5&pf_rd_s=desktop-sx-top-slot&pf_rd_t=301&pd_rd_w=nVADC&pf_rd_i=rotating+cutting+mat&pd_rd_r=Y28XP4A40S23GENR0WR1&ie=UTF8&qid=1478199059&sr=1. It helps me square up my blocks because the mat rotates so I don't have to pick up the block and move it around.
  
  
• Quilting gloves. They are kind of like gardening gloves because they have little rubber fingertips and make it much easier when you're doing the actual quilting part. https://smile.amazon.com/Machingers-Sewing-Gloves-Medium-MACHINGERS-S/dp/B00LWHROL8/ref=sr_1_6?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1478199162&sr=1-6&keywords=quilting+gloves These are the ones I have.
  
  
• Wonder clips https://smile.amazon.com/Clover-Wonder-Clips-Red-50-Pack/dp/B004ZKPX8A/ref=sr_1_1?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1478199202&sr=1-1&keywords=clover+wonder+clips that are a HUGE help with binding.
  
  And then of course, I can never have too many extra rotary blades (just check to see how big her cutter is - the standard size is 45mm) or spools of basic thread colors (I use "natural" when piecing) or marking pens / pencils --- the kind that disappear with either heat or water.
  
  The other gift that I ALWAYS love to get is a gift card to my favorite local quilt shop.
  
  Happy birthday to your wife!

What kind of quilting do you do? If you don't do a lot of applique, I'd consider getting this or this. Both are straight stitch only, but have generous harp space and will do a lot of piecing and quilting. Modern Singers have a pretty dubious reputation and both of these brands are generally better thought of.

The other thing I'd suggest is looking around for a used machine. I currently have 2 vintage machines, a Singer 15-91 (another straight stitch only), Singer Rocketeer (does a variety of stitches). If you're mechanically minded there are quite a number of them around and a lot of information about restoring them. If you aren't, there are a number of people who restore and then sell them. Might be worth considering since these machines are practically indestructible and you can do all their maintenance yourself.

I also have a used Janome Horizon MC 7000, which I found on Craigslist for $800. It was scary to buy something that expensive, but the lady selling it taught me how to use it (which helped show me it wasn't a lemon) and there are a couple quilt shops that service Janomes around me. Because I bought used I was able to get a >$2500 machine for a fraction of the cost.

Just some things to think about! Best of luck!

I don't have a dedicated sewing room, so I am looking at this table - it would hold the 2x2 pressing boards I DIY'ed this year, and when I'm mid project we could still eat at the dining room table. This one in particular, because it is height adjustable and having a counter height cutting table is the dream! Lifetime 4428

I go back and forth on the Panasonic 360 iron - love the cordlessness, but if you have to have the base because there's to way to stand it on end, doesn't that undo the perk of being cordless?

I also go back and forth on the accuquilt -I would be excited to get one on super clearance, but don't think I am that excited to actually BUY one. I read on some forum about someone finding them at their local Joann on the clearance rack for something like $20, and so now I always check for them, just in case. :)

I got bobbinis last year, and really like them, and this year I put peels and tulips on my list.

I would suggest finding a machine with a deeper throat space or quilting is gonna be mega frustrating. If you can't find one in your price range, look for a good used machine. You don't need fancy stitches, just straight stitch, a strong motor, and the aforementioned deeper throat space. This Juki is in your range. I had test driven it before I bought my used Pfaff and it was nice. I have never used it for a project though so I can't say much else.

Good luck with this project, it's a really sweet gift to help this woman tick off a bucket list item.

Here is my wish list i saved on amazon... I'm a beginner quilter as well...good luck!

Household Essentials Sewing and Ironing Accesory Pad, 16-Inch by 32-Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002CSPVM0/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_T5rBwb8D6PH94

Simplicity SideWinder Portable Bobbin Winder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CE8JBU/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_47rBwbSTV38SP

Polyester Embroidery Thread - 40 Variety Spools, Beautiful Shiny Colors Perfectly Match to Brother Machines. 1100 Yard Thread Is Heavy Duty and Maintains Their Quality After Many Trips to the Washer and Dryer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K9UESEK/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_K8rBwbE4FRC3R

Clover Mini Iron https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CE73F8/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_q9rBwbZHZXQ08

Little Foot That Purple Thang- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ELBCFG/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_Y9rBwbR5NH5BQ

O'Lipfa 5-Inch-by-24-Inch Lip Edge Ruler https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000WME77I/ref=cm_sw_r_other_awd_t-rBwbZAY6Y7M

How to stop 1/2" thin strips of quilting cotton from fraying?

Here's the deal. I made several quilts and baby blankets for my very-soon-to-be-incoming grandchild. I have leftover 100% cotton print fabric that I would like to use in my DIY mobile that will hang over the crib.

This will only be in use for a few months, the strips of cloth are more for movement/texture to go along with the foam roses I've bound in a hoop, the fabric will be well out of reach. I can't really find anything online that is a good example of what I'm picturing, but something like this dream-catcher on Amazon but without the feathers.

I can't quite figure out how to get narrow strips of fabric and keep the edges from fraying and shedding over the crib. I'm trying to use the fabric I have so it matches, and to save money, so I don't want to go buy adhesive or anything I don't have... if I have to spend money I'd rather save the time and just buy ribbons. I have a machine and plenty of matching thread.

Anyone have any suggestions?

Best Press keeps coming up when we talk starch here and I see it at fabric stores, but I picked up a cheap can at Target and it's been great. Here's a lik to Best Press https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Ellens-Starch-Alternative-Ounces-Scent/dp/B0018N8B0E

The most standard ruler to start with is a 6"x24".

It will do almost all your cutting, and will adapt to a surprising amount of work.

This will be my next one (cause it is just that cool). But honestly, you have to be able to read measurements off of this. Omnigrid makes the easiest to read, but take a look at different ones and see what is good for YOU!

Florescent Green Ruler

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No matter what ruler you get, you can always make them grippier! Try something like these:

Non Slip rings

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This is my favorite mat. It has lasted over 20 years. It is thicker than other brands. (and cheaper!)

Alvin Mat

I have this one: http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-D2030-Auto-Off-Advantage/dp/B0006ZUHR0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371160545&sr=8-1&keywords=iron

I love it. I got mine for $35 at Bed, Bath and Beyond. It seemed like the best iron by far in the <$50 price range. It isn't cordless, though.

Something like this may be helpful. There's a bit of a trick to getting it right, and for the life of me I can't remember it fully. I feel like it requires leaving space and then folding the interfacing so that neat lines can be made. It's supposed to be super lightweight interfacing, so the added bulk shouldn't be too noticeable.

I just replaced an old singer with a new Janome 1000 from Amazon. I read and reread the reviews on Amazon and that one was the best for the price in my price range. So far, so excellent.

We use our sewing machine for all sorts of repairs on clothes as well as some backpacking equipment, so although I've not put this one through its paces, it seems ready to do so when needed.

If you are not sure you will stay with quilting or sewing, you may search for used machines at repair shops or sewing stores. And, of course, a less expensive machine could meet the needs of a beginner, too.

Iron everything. Always. The iron is your friend. Also, so is Mary Ellen's Best Press. Also, make sure you use your ruler correctly, don't measure using the ruler on the cutting mat.

This is weird...I’m no expert but that doesn’t seem like a good design. Mine has a fork that goes around that bar so it can pull down as well as push up. This is the singer one I have.....
I’d see if you can return it somehow

I used this table and will end up supporting it on both sides with 9 cube shelves which gives a lot a storage. I have a 36 x 24 cutting mat. I read about someone using the cube shelves which makes the table about 36" high so I decided to try it, I like the height and I'm pretty short at just barely 5'4"

I got this guy:
https://www.amazon.com/BLACK-DECKER-Advantage-Professional-D2030/dp/B0006ZUHR0/ref=redir_mobile_desktop?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&ref=yo_pop_d_yo_pop_d_pd_t2

Edit: And this is the spray I've been using: Mary Ellen's Best Press, Clear Starch and Sizing Alternative

I use this one and find it works pretty well for me. I don't have experience with any other kinds though.
Here are the blade refills as well-- I found its cheaper going through Amazon than full price at Joanns or Hobby Lobby, etc.

I buy them in bulk on Amazon. 72 sheets for like $11. I'd buy them even if they were full price. They make such a huge difference!

https://www.amazon.com/Shout-Color-Catcher-Trapping-Sheets-Count/dp/B01B0ADMP8/

You'll find various debates about it, but in the end washing vs not washing is a matter of personal opinion. For clothing I prewash, but for quilting I don't. I'd keep going without prewashing to keep everything consistent, and don't wash it before quilting or you'll have fraying all over the place. Once you wash the finished quilt it will crinkle more than if you had prewashed, but it's not necessarily a bad effect.

Definitely use colour catchers when you wash your quilt to prevent dye runs.

I found a great deal on the blades on Amazon... here's the link. 5 blades for $12.59

I use these and I love them. I've never had a problem. I use wet a washcloth and wipe it off when I'm done. Don't get the pink ones, the disappear too fast.

It doesn't come with a walking foot (like this), but you can buy the extra feet. This will help with quilting. Check the manual before ordering one willy-nilly, as it needs to be the right foot for the machine.

Quilts can be (and are) any size you want that suits the pattern and the bed -- and by "suits" I mean covers the mattress with a drop of any size you want as long as it isn't trailing on the ground. Anyone who tells you that a quilt "must" be a certain size is wrong.

Calculating yardage is a big part of the fun for me (but then I've never been normal) but I understand that it can be daunting for most people.

If you can obtain a copy of "Taking the math out of making patchwork quilts" by Bonnie Leman and Judy Martin (there are some available through Amazon and probably other second-hand sellers, too) it will help you enormously. I have also seen various pdf calculators but I never bookmarked or downloaded them (sorry).

Since a nine-patch can be strip-pieced, and since your cutting for the disappearing part is based on an even division of the block, you are not confined to one specific size of block. Adjust it to suit the fabric and the bed.

OK, I'm going to post this and then do some real calculations for you and post them in an hour or so.

As for your actual calculations ... umm ... 5 x 9 = 45 and 4 x 8 = 32. And we generally allow 42" across the fabric width to allow for shrinkage after washing (if you pre-wash) and variations among manufacturers.

Hmmmm.... An intriguing idea. Try practicing on pot holders so you don't have to deal with bulk at first. Also, maybe binding clips would help? These things: http://www.amazon.com/Clover-Wonder-Clips-Per-Pack/dp/B004ZKPX8A/ref=sr_1_1?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1410967023&sr=1-1&keywords=binding+clips

A wavy or zigzag stitch would give you some "play" on stitch accuracy.

Make it easy on yourself.
https://www.amazon.com/Better-Homes-Gardens-Step-Step/dp/0696218569/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1483336921&sr=8-1&keywords=Learn+to+quilt&refinements=p_72%3A2661618011

Okay, so basic shank measurements:

With the presser foot in the down position, measure from the bed of the machine to the center of the thumb screw

Low Shank – measures ½”
High Shank – measures 1”

http://www.amazon.com/SINGER-Quilting-Sewing-Low-Shank-Machines/dp/B00G6TZRUM/ref=sr_1_2?s=arts-crafts&ie=UTF8&qid=1457056601&sr=1-2&keywords=walking+foot

Based on reviews, this one seems okay. I am a bit wary of price though because the ones we sell in store are generally around $40 for the generic ones. Do you, by any chance, live in the Pacific Northwest?

I've never used it. But have heard people rave about it. It sticks on your machine where the thread can pass through, and helps make the thread more manageable.

https://www.amazon.com/GHI-214033-Thread-Magic-Round/dp/B01EJ3TDGK/ref=asc_df_B01EJ3TDGK/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=167137788233&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14023738133683955067&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032137&hvtargid=pla-307376087696&psc=1

I use Leonis pens and have never had a problem with permanent stains. They're really short but seem to hold a lot of ink. They're also much cheaper than other brands.

https://www.amazon.com/LEONIS-Water-Erasable-Marking-78008/dp/B00QTIBOS4/

This is the one that cost too much for it's quality. It's also smaller than this table cloth. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0028U2II2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_H-KpDbB2YN2WD

I'm getting the Panasonic cordless iron when I replace mine.

I’ve been bored at work so I planned out my cutting strategy for these quilt blocks. I made a cut list to make it simpler to me. If you just want to cut out a bunch of squares, go right ahead.

This includes a PDF of the blocks with cut list and layout and images of the same. There is also the Excel file if you want to play around with it.

I’m using a slightly modified Rainy Day Designs method of creating the blocks with fusible grid. She has links to Craftsy where she had posted the pattern but those links are dead. Looks like she also sold a kit on Etsy at one time but no longer.

She uses the 2" Fusible Grid and I’m using 1" Fusible Grid. My blocks finish at 8-inches and there are 24 of them for the front and three bonus blocks that I’m going to put on the back. Those are three characters from the Stampy Cat YouTube channel that my son loves.

Maybe something like this?

Clover Mini Iron https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001CE73F8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_dq-WzbP1KEB3P

I haven't used one but a lot of people swear by them. If it is just a seam on a log cabin block or something I just finger press if I can get away with it.

I bought this one on Amazon. But that's the exact piece I needed! The screw holding the needle. I bought this one, but it fits my machine and was recommended to me by someone else who had the same issue with my specific machine.

It kind of works out because the current screw I had holding the needle in was constantly coming loose. Went through two needles, even after super tightening it. I was about to order a new one anyway because I was worried about the needle falling out damaging my machine.