Reading Patterns

I always get a lot of questions from my students on how to read a pattern.  Sometimes one page patterns are just as hard to follow then multi page patterns. 

Suggestions:  Always read the entire pattern before cutting any fabric. All the cutting instructions may not be right up front.

I use my highlighter alot to highlight key facts such as your block should finish off at
"---" or press seams in a certain direction or you should have 10 "X" blocks and 12 "Y" blocks.   Sometimes we get busy sewing and so excited about what all the fabric looks like together that we skip over some tiny details in the pattern.

The other suggestion is if you making a block for the first, get out your scrap fabric and make a sample block.  This way you won't waste your fabric esp if you have just enough to do the project. 
Then when you are finished put that scrap block into a box.  Once you have a build up of test blocks, make a scrappy quilt.  What a great way to have a charity quilt ready to donate when someone calls on you to make a quilt. 

Pattern designing isn't as easy as alot may think.  The pattern designers put alot of time into their patterns.  Some put alot of information to be helpful and sometimes they cannot put everything into a pattern because the pattern would go on for days.  We just have to read them thoroughly before starting a project.  I don't know where we would be without all the great designers we have out there.  Remember quilting is for fun.

Love, Laugh and Learn (Beginners Class)

Just finished teaching another beginners class at Patchwork Cottage.  Again another great class and a great group of ladies.  I am always so excited to meet new quilters and teach beginners.  They are always so excited about learning to quilt. 

The first class seems a little intimidating when you learn to measure and cut fabric, how to read a ruler and most scary is how to use the rotary cutter. Then you start to sew and learn about the 1/4 inch seam.  Now you are sewing and your machine messes up and you feel like you want to give up, then comes squaring off those blocks, learning about the sashing and borders.  Don't give up because at the end you will have a beautiful quilt.  It won't be perfect (because after all it is your first quilt) but it is your quilt that you make.  Just remember how far you came in just a few weeks, look at what you have learned.  When you stop and think that when you walked into the class, you didn't know how to properly read a ruler and were scared to make that first cut.  OK, maybe some of your points are off, but in the class you learned why they were off so next time you know what to do different.  Pat yourself on the back, you stuck with it and you have your first quilt.

Remember advanced quilters, we were all there and we all make it through that first quilt. We kept practing and we got better.  One day it clicks and you say I remember that from class. Then we are out shoping for new patterns and new fabric and the quilting bug has you.

I do believe as a beginner you have to relax, have fun and laugh.  When Mita asked me to teach the beginners class at her shop, we wanted to come up with a catchy name.  We
came up with "Love, Laugh and Learn".  We wanted everyone to "love" what they were making "laugh" along the way and "learn" to quilt.  Don't give up, take another class, meet other ladies that quilt and your quilting journey begins.   You will meet so many wonderful people in quilting and will make some everlasting friendship. 

Below are some of the blocks we put on the design board.  Each one is different.  It is fun to see how a block can look so different by your color choices.  They really did a great job.  Once they sew the sashing, corners stones and borders their blocks will pop and they will see all their hard work paid off.

The Next Step

Had a great class at Patchwork Cottage tonight.  The class is called "The Next Step".  In this class, they learned to square up their quilt, measure, cut and sewing on the binding.  They also learned some basic information on labeling your quilt.  I enjoyed meeting some new quilters.  Another fun class tonight.

Christmas Trees

We have had a blast in "The Sassy Stitchers" with this Christmas Tree pattern.  This pattern is called "Trees For Sale" from "Pieces from my Heart".  Below are just a few of the pictures.  They have been creative and made so many different projects with this pattern (pillows, place mats, wall hangings, table runners and lap quilts).  It is so much fun in each class seeing every one's different fabrics and what they are going to make out of the trees.

Website Links

Happy Monday to everyone.  I know I haven't posted lately, but I have been busy making sample quilts for classes and working on the upcoming quilt retreat being held in Blue Ridge, GA in January 2011.  I am so excited about the response and look forward to a great retreat.

Just wanted to tell everyone about something new I have added to my blog and website.
It is called "Websites I Follow". I have been talking to some quilting resources and have received permission to add their website to my blog and website.  I want to share with everyone the products I use and have liked.  I also wanted to add other resources that may be helpful and list quilt shop for you to visit.  Keep checking back.  I have alot more to add in the coming days. 

Georgia Quilt Show

What a day.  This morning we had our Saturday, "Sassy Stichers" at Patchwork Cottage.  Carol is a member of the Kiwanis so she started our morning off with a Pancake Breakfast.  She was kind enough to bring us pancakes, sausage and coffee.  Elaine brought the Halloween dipped pretzels.  After our club it was off to the Georgia Quilt Show.  What a fun time.  You really need a full day.  As Lisa, Elaine and I were talking on our way back, I realized I missed a lot of booths.  I thought for sure we could see it all in 4 hours.  There were so many great things to see.  All the vendors were great.  It was fun just talking to them and seeing all their fun stuff.  The quilts were all beautiful.  I would hate to have to be the judge.  Where do you begin?  They were all so unique in their own way.  I just admire any quilt because as a quilter I know how much love and time goes into each quilt.  Elaine was missing in action for the photo.  Too busy shopping and finding all the deals I missed...  Tomorrow it is Gold Rush Day in Dahlonega, GA.  Another fun day ahead.

Friendship Star

Even though it is fall and I love the fall colors, I still like to work with bright and happy fabric.  In July, I taught a Girls Sew In at Dragonfly Quilt Shop for girls ages 10 and up.  They had a blast and wanted to make another quilt.  We will have another class in December.  This time they are going to learn 1/2 square triangles and make the Friendship Star Quilt.  It makes me so happy to see young girls wanting to learn to sew.   Sewing was lost for awhile, but I think it is making a big come back.  In 2011 we will be starting a club at Dragonfly for the young girls.  We will be doing a make in take project every quarter.  Come join us if you have a daughter, granddaugher, niece or friend that you would like them to learn the wonderful world of quilting and sewing.