Crazy Quilting

Everything is so expensive nowadays. One must really find more practical ways to save money on everything from food to fashion. All of this is possible using a little creative thinking.

One way of saving money on clothes is to update or repair your old ones. Instead of buying a new jacket just because your favorite one is missing a button, you can simply buy a matching button and sew it on using your embroidery needles. There are many designer outfits that supply an extra button anyway.

Cross stitching is a fun and productive way to spend your downtime.  It is a quiet activity that demands creativity above all else. Silently sewing can be quite a good way to de-stress.

Of course, for a more social event, the tradition of forming sewing circles can also be revived. Ladies can chat away as they work on their own colorful creations using fine embroidery thread. Then their finished products can either be put up at an exhibit or even offered for sale.

I am really interested in making quilts. I have one that my grandmother made for me and I love it. I don’t really have any sewing experience, but I would love to learn. I decided to start my quilt-making hobby by signing up for a sewing class. Next, I know I will need to purchase the necessary quilting accessories.

I did a little research and here’s what I found: the most basic quilting supply I would need would be a variety of fabrics. Cotton fabrics are recommended but polyester fabrics are also an option. I also learned I would need a rotary cutter, a cutting mat, needles, thread and a quilting frame.

Beyond the world of quilting, there are a variety of uses for hand dyed silk ribbon. Some of these uses are in the fashion arena.

In particular, they make fantastic and beautiful embellishments for women’s hair. No matter if you have short or long hair, there is a way to utilize hand dyed silk ribbon.

For the woman with short hair, they can be used as simple headbands. And the woman with long hair has even more options. Depending on the length of the ribbon, they can be used as an accent for a ponytail or embellishment in a long braid.

These ribbons also work as a more general fashion accessory. Fashion the ribbons into a basic flower or otherwise interesting shape and pin it to a blouse. Tie the ribbon to the handle of a purse. Even experiment by using the vibrantly colored ribbons as makeshift shoe laces or other shoe accents.

So the next time you’ve completed your latest quilting project, don’t toss those remaining ribbons in the trash. Rather, put them to use as the latest fashion accessory.

Use your creativity to design your own home concept.  The finishing touches in a home that creates that personalized feel are right at your fingertips.  You can embroider your shades and lighting system. 
 
With very simple quilting supplies, you can cost effectively change a rooms feel in a very subtle way.  The color that you can bring out with crazy quilting is incredible.  These small tasteful steps are a great way to spend an afternoon, and the results are fantastic.

Silk is one of the most luxurious fabrics available, and its high quality makes it a favorite choice for dedicated quilters. But there is a tradeoff for the high quality. Silk is also a temperamental fabric, and it can be difficult to wash and care for. The silk ribbon used in quilting is no exception.

Here are a few tips and reminders to keep in mind when working with this type of ribbon.

-Silk can be finicky, but it’s not low quality. Don’t worry excessively about your ribbons snagging or tearing. Take the same precautions you would for any fabric, but you don’t need to be overprotective.

-It would be a good idea to keep silk out of the direct sunlight for extended periods of time. It could potentially fade if overexposed.

-Washing is usually the main concern with silk. This can be a little tricky because it depends on the type of silk ribbon you’re using. Some are machine washable. Some are hand washable. Some take cold water. Some can handle hot. So do your research about the type of material you’ve purchased before you expose anything to water and soap.

You’ve got everything you need for your quilting project. You stocked up on fabric, thread, and yarn. You purchased and planned your pattern. Now all you need is the embroidery needles. But which one should you choose?

Embroidery needles are an absolutely essential part of the quilting process. You must purchase the correct kind if you want the best end results. So before you pick up any old needle, keep the following tips in mind.

-Check the needle’s size. There are a variety of sizes, but it’s good to remember (especially for online purchases) that higher numbers mean finer needles.

-Choose your needle depending on the thread size, not the other way around. The needle should be just larger than your thread, creating an easy hole for the thread.

-Also choose your needle on the type of project. Select a crewel or chenille needle if you need to completely penetrate fabric. If you are doing work near the surface of the fabric, a blunt tapestry needle would be most effective.

Embroidery thread is one of the most basic tools needed for quilting and embroidery projects. But there are so many different kinds of yarn available. It can be a daunting task choosing the kind that will fit your craft project.

In order to alleviate some of the headache, here is a brief breakdown of the different kinds of embroidery thread available:

-Stranded cotton: Sometimes known as embroidery floss, this kind of yarn is marked by loose twists and a glossy appearance. It is most often made of cotton, although silk and rayon versions are available as well. This is ideal for cross-stitch.

-Tapestry yarn: This variety is distinguished from the others for being very tightly twisted.

-Medici: A very fine and light variety of wool, Medici is one of the more luxurious yarn options.

-Pearl cotton: Pearl cotton is an S-twisted, 2-ply yarn, and it contains a high sheen. A versatile product, it comes in various weights and sizes.

There are, of course, many other types available. But you should be armed with enough knowledge to get out there and begin all your needlework and embroidery projects!