Calling all quilters and needlework artists!

Shiner Heritage Quilters Guild are inviting you to participate in the 2011 quilt show, “Spring into Quilting” that will be held on Friday, March 18th (9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.) and Saturday, March 19th (9:30 a.m.– 3:00 p.m.) at the First United Methodist Church Activity Center, 102 West Church St. (off Hwy 90A) in Shiner, Texas.

Please contact Irene Cerny or call (361-594-3185) to receive general instructions and entry forms and to ask any questions about entries.

You may also pick up general instructions and entry forms, in Shiner, at either: Martha’s Quilting Corner, 361-594-8286, or The Square Quilter; 361-594-8022.

The Shiner Heritage Quilters Guild will accept entry forms postmarked on or before Friday, January 28, 2011. This allows members time to make special labels for all entries and to list the entries in keepsake show programs. An entry form must be submitted for each item you display. The general instructions contain information regarding the times and dates that the actual items for display need to be brought for the show.

We hope that all of you will mark the dates of the show, March 18 and 19, on your 2011 calendars. Thank you very much for your support!

Martha's Quilting Tips: Preparing Your Quilt for Machine Quilting

As much thought, time, effort, and expense that goes into creating a quilt, taking time to properly prepare your quilt for the quilter is an area I often see neglected.  The following few steps should help you get the best results from your project!

First, the top should be properly squared, straight on all sides and lay flat. Also, clip all loose threads and press seams flat. If the top and bottom of the quilt are different, be sure to attach a note (with a safety pin) to the top to clearly indicate the top of your quilt.

For backing, I always recommend a 100% cotton fabric. I like to stay away from polyester or poly blends, because of their tendency to be stretchy, which can cause puckers. Also, it's best to avoid using bed sheets for backing, because in many cases the weave is too dense. The backing needs to be 8" longer and wider than the quilt top. The extra 8" will give 4 additional inches on all four sides of the quilt top. For example, if your quilt top is 70" x 80" your backing should measure 78" x 88". This allows the quilt to be loaded properly without stretching the top. When piecing a back use a 1/2" seam allowance, remove any selvage and press the seams flat. To avoid having to piece a back you may want to consider using 108" Wide Back Fabrics.

Lastly the batting should be of good quality, and also be 8" longer and wider than the quilt top.

Happy Quilting!  Martha

Interesting Projects!

Talk about creativity!  Ms. Poulien Wolfswinkel, of Belguim, purchased 3 yards of Airport Cockpit Gauges by Avlyn Creations and created 4 vests for the fraternity of her son.  Poulien's son is an Aerospace Engineering student at the Technical University of Delft, in The Netherlands, Europe.  He is in the board of a fraternity with three other students and the fabrics with the various airplane clocks and meters were used for 4 dress vests (gilets) to be worn under a suit for the 4 board members.  They are thrilled that "Mom" found the design and, of course, the fact that it comes all the way from America is extra special! 

This is a student's fraternity that consists of students which are all glider pilots in their spare time and they celebrate their 80th anniversary.  

The 4 boys in question will be in charge of the organization of all special celebrations due to this special anniversary.  Poulien had all the vests embroidered at the back.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone!

This is my first attempt at writing in my new Blog, so here goes!  As Thanksgiving is approaching, many of us tend to reflect on things to be thankful for.  For me, personally, I am thankful to be a child of a loving God who, through His mercy, loves me.  Of course, I am also thankful to have a wonderful husband without whose support I could have never opened my shop.  Other things I am thankful for include my family, to live in a free country, having the privilege of owning a business and meeting so many wonderful people.  Thanksgiving is a time to count our blessings and uplift those around us.  I am hoping all of you enjoy the holiday and experience a wonderful family time together.  Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! 

25 NEW Essential Dots from Moda Fabrics.

JUST IN! 25 great new colors including many white and cream backgrounds in the expanded Essential Dots Collection from Moda Fabrics.

These tiny dots work great with any project from quilting, crafts wearables and much more!