Build a Craft Website

Build a craft website

build a craft websiteHave you ever wanted to build a craft website? You’ve landed on my site probably by doing a Google search, or via some social media. I built this site myself, from having no knowledge a year ago to what you see today. Even I’m impressed and it’s my own site!

Do you want to know how I did it? I’ll rewind and give you a bit of history. After losing my hubby last year, I found myself in need of an occupation. Not only to keep me busy but to give me an income. After some extensive online research, I came across a training program called Wealthy Affiliate

I’ve seen many free blogging sites, like Blogger or Weebly, I’ve used them myself in the past. This time,  I wanted a “proper” website, one that not only helps people but also gives me an income.

If you’re a crafter, there are more ways of using your website than selling your handmade crafts. This is where the training program at Wealthy Affiliate comes in. The training teaches you to create a solid online business.

Keep reading and I’ll explain!

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Sewing Table for Quilting

Sewing Table for Quilting

Sewing Table for QuiltingDo you need a sewing table for quilting? So you’ve got your awesome sewing machine for quilting, your tools and notions and a project in mind.

Your fat quarters are spread out over the dining room table, (which is covered with a cutting mat), along with your quilting rulers, rotary cutter and all your other tools!

You start your cutting and piecing, look at the clock, OH NO, dinner time, time to clear the table….

Solution? a dedicated sewing table for quilting! There are many different types, sizes and prices, choosing one depends on your space and budget.

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Quilt Design Software Programs

Cushion made by the Janome Artistic Digitizer Software

You’ve mastered the basics of quilting and browsed through all the different quilting patterns available so what’s next? Creating  your own patterns with quilt design software programs!

Let’s have a look first at what quilt design software programs can do compared to a graphic design software or paint program for example.

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Using Stencils for Quilting

Using Stencils for Quilting

Scroll Motif Quilting StencilIf you’re fairly new to quilting you might not have heard of using stencils for quilting. I’m sure you’ll remember stencils from when you were a kid. I couldn’t draw or write neatly, so using stencils helped me get good marks for “neatness of work!”

The same principle applies when using stencils for quilting, the aim is to get a neat finish. A quilting stencil is used to trace designs onto a quilt top and there are thousands of different design templates. Grooves are cut into the templates forming patterns and designs, these guide you when you come to quilting your project.

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How to Teach Children to Quilt

How to Teach Children to Quilt

Teaching a child to quiltHow many times have you tried to get on with a project only to be stopped by your children demanding attention!?  There is a solution, get them to join you. In this article, I’ll go through the basics of how to teach children to quilt.

You can start them at quite an early age, my own Granddaughter (Eve) was just 5 yrs old when I introduced her to sewing and 8 when I started teaching her how to quilt.  She’s 21 now and at the moment is mainly interested in Ed Sheeran and filling in her eyebrows, quilting is low on her priority list!

 

How to Teach Children to Quilt

Children sewingYoung children will want to do what the grown-ups are doing and it’s best to get them involved right at the start of a project. They also like to do things with their friends so get them to invite a friend round to join in.

Firstly, if you haven’t already done so you need to teach them to use a sewing machine. I was lucky enough to have a Singer Featherweight for Eve to practice on, it was a perfect size for her small hands.  Put a bit of tape on the 1/4″ mark, it’s much easier for a child to follow this guide rather than the etched in one on the plate.

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Quilting Terms Definitions

quilting terms definitions

quilting terms definitionsQuilting comes in all different styles and depends on the traditions and history of the country of origin. Simply put, quilting is made up of a “sandwich” of fabrics, the top layer which is the pattern part and can be made up of  quilt blocks, the middle which is called the batting (padding) and the back which is usually a complimentary colour to the top pattern.
I’ve put together a list of the commonly used terms in quilting in this quilting terms definitions article so you have a quick reference guide.

 

Quilting Terms Definitions

Accent quilts – This is a pattern that follows different lines but works with your patchwork pattern.
Achromatic – Black, white and grey color schemes.
Album quilts – These are quilts made for a specific event and made up of different blocks. These are personal to the recipient or maker of the quilt and are sometimes given as gifts to mark a special occasion. 

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How to Quilt Books

how to quilt books

sewing bookI believe most of us crafters can’t resist a good book, they are a great source of new ideas and I just love adding how to quilt books to my collection!

Things have come a long way since the book in the image was published in 1921. Thousands have been published since then and I’ve put together a list of my top 5 favorite quilting books.

 

 

 

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Quilting Materials Supplies

Wrist Cushion Wonder Clips

Wrist Cushion Wonder ClipsI’ve written reviews on some of the larger items we use as quilters but there are lots of other tools and notions that can be useful. Here are commonly used tools for quilting and the best place to purchase them

 

 

Quilting Materials Supplies

clover wonder clips being usedClover Wonder Clips 

Wonder Clips are particularly good for holding binding in place while sewing and have 1/4″ and 1/2″ seam markings.

They can be used in place of pins for all sewing related tasks. They can also be used for card craft and knitting tasks where you need to hold pieces together.

They’re easy to see if you drop one and it’s also easy to see them on your project.

Even if you have arthritis in your hands they are easy to operate, easier that pins.

I LOVE CLOVER WONDER CLIPS!

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Long Arm Quilting Machines

long arm quilting machines

long arm quilting machinesRising in popularity at the moment, the long arm quilting machines trend looks set to continue. Designed so you can complete fabulous quilts more easily, they can save you LOTS of time. You’ll be able to produce more quality quilts in a shorter space of time with a long arm machine.

As opposed to a regular quilting machine a long arm machine will allow pieces up to 18 inches on a side. The long arm quilting table can be 10 to 14 feet wide making it easy to create a very large quilt. Long stitches and large patterns become simple when the piece is being sewn. It’s the machine that moves, the fabric remains in one place. You do need a dedicated space to set up one of these machines; they are not fold up and put away items!

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Fons Porter Free Patterns

Fons Porter free patterns

fons porter free patternsUPDATED – no longer free but still some great patterns

If you’ve been quilting even for a short time then you’ve probably heard of Fons and Porter and their fab quilting magazine. They also have a website chock full of information and today I’m going to have a look at the selection of Fons Porter Patterns.  First though, let’s have  a brief look at the Fons Porter history and how they got to where they are today.

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