Binding Odd Angles

For a long time I have avoided projects with angles that are not the usual 90 degrees because I could not get the binding on the turns to look good.  The good news is that Creative Grids have introduced the 'Non-slip Angle Finder' tool.  Along with an online video, you can learn how to bind all sorts of corners beautifully! 

Here is a tip:  Along the way I learned how to turn a 60 degree corner using continuous binding.  The trick is not to fold the binding as far back as you do when doing a 90degree turn.  When making a 90 degree turn, you stop 1/4" from the end when stitching along a side.  Then you fold the binding away from the quilt at a 45 degree angle and fold it back over itself to continue down the new side.  So when the corner angle is 60 degrees, stop at the seam line that extends to the corner.  Or, mark the seam allowances with a marking tool, and stop where the lines cross.  Fold the binding less than all the way to the edge.  If you have a seam line, follow that.  The binding is folded at a 30 degree angle and doesn't have to touch the outside edge of the quilt.  Fold the binding over the turning fold as you would with a typical corner and continue on your way.  This results in a smooth corner when you turn the binding back to hand stitch. 

The Sensational Sip & Snip

Sometimes it's better to go with the promotional material rather than try to say it yourself.  So here it is:
Stops Spills -- Traps Scraps -- Installs Easily Attaches Easily to most desks and table tops. Powder coated finish won’t rust, chip or peel. Rubber sleeved clamp protects work surface. Holds coffee mugs, soda cans, water bottles, and most drink cups up to thirty-two ounce sizes. Large capacity woven bag holds your scraps (and candy wrappers). Bag frame removes easily for emptying, or for when you only want a drink holder. Carry it anywhere for instant use as a beverage caddy.

To me, the best part about this item is you can't knock over the mug or bottle (voice of experience).  Also, if you can get the snips in the bag you have less sweeping or vacuuming to do. 
We have 2 in stock and the supplier is out of stock so email if you want me to keep one for you.  The price is $26.49.  I can order one but it will be awhile before it comes in.

Highlighter Tape

Highlighter Tape

Every so often a product from the office world enters the quilt world and makes our quilting efforts a little bit easier.  How many times have quilters wandered the halls of an office supply store thinking about how they could use the wonderdful products there?  Who was the quilter that brought Frixion pens to us?
This year a product making the move is highlighter tape.  We have used Omnigrids 'Glow Tape' to help us on rulers in the past.  This tape is wider at 1/2" and come in a variety of colours.  You can use more than one colour on the ruler when cutting multiple piece sizes. 
At the November retreat I was using the 45 degree angle line on my large ruler.  There were many angles to cut and I just realized I would have saved many minutes of cutting time by using one little piece of tape.
Have you ever followed a pattern with lines and lines of cutting instructions at the beginning?  Have you ever cut the same instruction twice?  Have you ever missed a line?  I used the highlighter tape when doing one of 'Among Brenda's Quilts' bags.  The tape highlights 2 or 3 lines at a time so you know where you are.  When you finish those lines, the tape comes off easily and can be moved down to the next few lines.  It makes following the instructions so much easier!!


Swatch Buddies

Welcome to  December ideas for quilters to give or receive.  Print out a copy to share with your family, find an idea for a quilter gift exchange or add it to your shopping list for the next trip to a quilt shop.
New this year are 'Swatch Buddies'.  Gone are the days of fabric snips taped, stapled or glued to paper.  The hard plastic tags are the size of my library card and are on a chain to keep them all in one place.  Double faced tape holds the fabric to one side.  There is an optional label for the other side to record yardage, designer, collection and store of purchase.
It comes in several sizes. The 12 count fan kit ($7.29) would work on a project for which you have some fabric and need more. The 24 count works for scrappier projects. We don't have the 48 count kit or the box of over 100 refills but am sure we can get it for you if you need it!



'Simply Imagine' by Whimsicals

After talking to Terri D, the designer of Whimsical fabrics for Red Rooster, at Quilt Market this spring I came home and ordered the entire line.  She said she has 'gone to the dark side' in creating deeper, darker teals in this line. 
I love fabrics with words, especially words of creativity and inspiration.  Here is the pile of 25 bolts-http://www.redroosterfabrics.com
For some reason it won't let me post photos.  If you go to Red Rooster, choose Current Collections and turn to page 2.  You will find the line there.  I will keep working on adding photos here......

Sitting Pretty

Finally the iPad has a pretty home.  The fabric is 'LaScala' by Robert Kaufman and the pattern is 'Sitting Pretty' by 'Among Brenda's Quilts'.  I used the hardboard by Innovative Craft Products but there a similar product available by Bosal.  Both brands are stiffer than Peltex or Timtex.  You wouldn't be able to use cardboard as you need to sew through it but if you are creative and have a heavy duty machine with fusible thread there are possibilities. 
I thought it is professional looking in the fancier fabrics.  The elastic tablet holders are in two colours because I got a package of hairbands from the dollar store and thought one was enough.  It took two but I like both colours so decided to be colourful rather than make a trip for another package.

Outside front and pattern taken with no flash

 



Full outside cover with flash so the colours are lighter than actual

 



Inside with iPad flat, no flash

 



Inside with iPad standing, with flash

Clearing Out

We have been sorting and marking down old stock.  Today is 50% off old notions like needlefelting tools, fabric markers and the few silk ribbon pieces.
We have been adding to the sale fabric bundles, six half metre cuts for $10.
Ends of fabric fat quarters are 8 for $10.
That means there is tons of new fabric, notions and patterns arriving. 

Swoosh, that was summer flying by.  I can't believe it is almost fall!