I do my binding exactly this way every time.  It is so easy to get things twisted and I never have a problem if I follow this technique.  Only extra tip I can add is that I also fold the edge of the quilt and pin/clip it so that all the bulk of the quilt is out of my way. Then I don't have any pull on the binding when I am test pinning it before stiching the ends together.
--Ann
PS - A big thanks to Member Janice J for sharing this video with us!

I have been thinking of doing something similar to this to tame my overflowing scraps.  The results were pretty fun in this video, and there are lots of options to play with.  Check it out!
​--Ann

Needing this may not come up often, but this is a great tip to get perfect results if you want to do a 1/4 inch border on a quilt.  Give it a try!
PS- This technique also works to piece in a skinny strip in your patchwork too!

Each month, our members can join in a program we call Block Lotto.  A free pattern for a quilt block is provided, and they can make a block to mail in. We do a drawing in one of our Zoom meetings, and the winner gets all of the quilt blocks submitted.
Below is a slide show of the January Blocks submitted by our members:

I have admired the Friendship Quilt block for a long time.  Recently I stumbled across the history of this quilt block, and it is worth sharing.  This block was popular back in stage-coach and wagon days.  Families were making the long trip west, hoping for a better life. 

It was custom for women to make friendship star blocks for their departing quilter friend. Each friend might embroider their name on the center block, and all the blocks could be stitched together for a memory quilt.  What a wonderful custom and gift. 

Hope you enjoy the story, and consider making a Friendship Star quilt yourself.  Keep in mind they look great in a wall hanging and tablerunner too.  It is also another great use for scraps (hint-hint)

--Ann

I happen to love making quilts with Half Square Triangles (HST).  This video and handout shows 20 different layouts,  Here is the download showing all the layouts:

Sometimes you are dealing with a bias edge, and other times your two blocks are slightly different in length.  Here is an easy solution to consider.

Every month we offer a Block Lotto "game."  We provide a free block pattern, and members can mail in a block to be entered in a drawing. Only 1 chance per member and Winner takes all!  The drawing for these blocks will be held at our Zoom meeting on Monday, January 13th at 2:00 pacific time.
This block also makes a very cute quilt if you like making more blocks.
PS - The winner of the Drawing was Pegg S (Arizona), who surprised everyone by gifting the blocks to Pam S (Sonoma, CA).  You just never know how these things work out!

This will be our 4th annual Mystery Quilt!  The pattern is free, and we will have new monthly clues from January to June 2025.  Our pace is leasurely to allow everyone time for other projects.  If you aren't familiar with this program, you will be making a quilt without knowing what it looks like!  Each month clues are released to help you pick fabrics, cut the fabric, and sew the quilt.  PS - Lots of instructions and help to make sure you succeed.

Members can gain access to the clues through the "Member Login" page on this website.  Once you are on that page, click the "Mystery Quilt 2025" button at the top of the page.

If you aren't a member, go to the "Join" page for the free sign up.

If you have questions, contact Ann at [email protected]

I love this little ruler, and use it often.  Check it out on this video:
​--Ann

These cute squares or blocks come up in patterns, and this video is a nice way to see how to make them the easiest way.  

Remember the "Telephone Game" when we were kids? Sit in a circle and send a whispered message once around around.  The last person shares what they heard & the change from the beginning can be quite funny. 

This is the same concept but we start with a photo. Each Team has 4 quilters. Each quilter picks something from the photo that inspires them and creates a mini-quilt.  A photo of that quilt is sent to the next Team member, and so forth.  None of the Team members see each others mini-quilts until the reveal today!
​
PS- Click on any photo to see a larger image.

And the winner this month is Pam S (Sonoma, CA).
Our members have the option of playing Block Lotto each month. We provide a free block pattern, which our members can use to make a quilt, table runner, etc.  There is also an option to mail 1 block to Ann for a drawing at the end of the month.  The winner of the drawing gets all the blocks submitted.
Watch the slide show below to see the entries.

I happen to be a big fan of Jennifer Sampou's ombre fabric line.  I love this color lesson she has on using her ombre fabric to choose colors/fabrics for a quilt. I have done this with some of my ombre stash and it is really fun with wonderful results.  You might want to give it a try.
​--Ann
PS - you can also pick a colorful print and choose fabrics for a project in a similar way.

Dealing with fabric bias is an important consideration is suceeding in assembling your quilt.  This video gives some good suggestions and things to be aware of.  

​Below are some of the brands that were recommended in the video:

Congrats to Renee (Eastern Oregon) for winning all the blocks!
Our members were challenged with a free block pattern for October.  To make it fun, they could mail a single block of this pattern to me and then the drawing winner today will get all the blocks mailed to them.  Once again, I am impressed with the beautiful blocks made.  The lucky winner will certainly be able to make something nice with these blocks!
​--Ann