I stumbled across this video recently, and enjoyed watching it so much.  I am normally drawn to bold and bright quilts, so I found it rather ironic how much I loved these quilts limited to just 2 colors.
It is a display from the 2019 Houston Quilt Festival, greatly beloved by most quilters and missed so much by us during the pandemic.
​Enjoy, Ann

These tips are some solid information to handling your sewing machine and getting the best performance.  Even though I have sewn my whole life, I learned a few things too!  What did you learn?
​ ---Ann

There are many ways to make a half-square triangle (HST) but the most common way is to make two at a time.  This video does a great job of showing how to make them, chain piecing them to save time, and how to square them up so they are the perfect size.  Good info for the first time you make one, as well as a reminder for those more experienced.

I love this beautiful baby quilt using a free pattern designed by Christina Cameli.  In additional there is a video below where Missouri Star Quilt Company shows the simple steps to make the pattern, with suggestions for if you would like to make the same pattern in a larger size.
   By the way, I have been taking free motion quilting classes with Christina on Craftsy. I have also recently taken a couple of on-demand classes on her website www.ChristinaCameli.com about free motion quilting, and a terrific scrappy quilt. If you are looking for something like that, I highly recommend her classes and books.
​--Ann

I love buying Jelly Rolls, but then sometimes struggle to find a cute pattern to make a quilt.  Both of these patterns are free, and I love how they look.  I thought some of you might want to use them too!
​-Ann

DIAMOND TRIP PATTERN
​The first one from Jordan Fabrics can be made with scraps too.  Here is a link to their website and the free download with the pattern instructions and details: ​https://jordanfabrics.com/pages/diamond-trip

SUMMER CAMP PATTERN
​The second jelly roll pattern is from Jenny Doan at Missouri Star Quilt Company.  The video instructions are clear enough to make the quilt with just that, but if you prefer a written pattern, they do sell one for a small cost.
​Link to Download pattern:
https://www.missouriquiltco.com/products/digital-download-summer-camp-quilt-pattern-by-missouri-star

I have struggled most of my life with being unable to keeping my home and  my arts & crafts organized, including sewing and quilting! A couple of years ago, I found my solution, and that is to understand my organizing personality style and approaching things with that in mind.  This is the You Tube channel that opened my eyes to that idea.  I am far from perfect now, but I enjoy my quilting and art room so much with the changes.  I hope it helps those of you that it will help also
--Ann
PS - If you haven't guessed it after watching the video, I am a total "Butterfly" type!

Some times finding an easy way to do something crosses your path in unexpected ways.  That happened to me with this tip.  I'll be honest, I don't bother to bury my threads when I quilt.  I don't enter competitions and I am still in the learning stages.  So, I just clip those threads and move on.
Recently I was watching a live video from one of my favorite online quilt teachers, Helen Godden of Australia, and she mentioned she clips her threads except when she is quilting for a competition. Then she uses the Lasso method since it is much easier and faster.  Wait, she had my attention.  She stopped and quickly showed us and it was brilliant.
So I searched You Tube and found this short video that shares the method and I wanted to pass this along in case any of you don't know about it.
Thanks, Ann

A big thanks to one of our members, Susan K, for sharing this video.  It is detailed instructions for sewing a flange binding and getting good results.  

There are actually some great tips in the video, but I have to admit that it is just fun to watch the interaction and laughing as these two family members discuss the topic.  Fun!

A big thanks to Chris (my hubby) for suggesting this video to share.  Chris has always loved finding a bargain, so it makes sense that he brought it to my attention.  This just happens to be a You Tube channel that I also love.
Karen Brown from Just Get It Done Quilts lives in Canada, so some items at the Dollar Store might be a little different.  Watch for some great tips for quilters.
Enjoy!
Ann

Quilter and teacher, Krista Moser, recently had an article on her blog about solutions for storing your finished quilts in your home.. Ideas from hanging with specialty gear, rolling them, to even tips on how to fold them properly for long term storage in a cabinet.  You just might find a new idea for your home.  Read on...

A quick tip on how to store your safety pins, if you use them for basting in your quilts.  Also how to close the the pins to protect your fingers.  

Helen Godden is a teacher in Australia that I have learned a lot from in her online classes.  She is also makes learning fun!  This is one of her techniques to make quilting simpler, and it a brilliant tool when working on a quilt.  Enjoy!
​--Ann

Helen's Panda marking pencil she sells on her website is a great tool, but shipping from Australia might be expensive if you live in the US.  Another brand is the Ultimate Marking Pencil you can find at www.FullLineStencil.com in California.
To continue with the Roadmap technique, here is another video by Helen that shows some other stitches.

One of our members, Janice J, wanted to share this quick and cute last minute holiday gift to make.  Her friend sent her the information, and plans to make a tin of cookies to combine with these as a holiday gift.  What a nice idea!

What a great idea.  I tried it, and I misunderstood the instructions and it didn't come out the size I expected.  Oh well, it looked cute and it just will be used for something different than I planned.   The bottom line is that it turned out cute and I will make more of them!
​--Ann

"You can make a fabric box with any size square! Check out how easy it is. Makes a great quick and easy gift. The formula would be as follows:
To determine the starting square size:  Step 1: The box height + the square size Step 2: Multiply Step 1 by 1.5. The answer is your starting square size (and includes your seam allowance).
To determine the corner length to sew: The box height is always the length of the sewn corner. Example: If you want a 4"-high and 6"-square box, then: The starting square size is: Step 1: 4" + 6" = 10" Step 2: 10" x 1.5 = 15" starting square size. The corner length is 4" (the same as the height of the box) **

I came across this beautiful quilt pattern on You Tube.  Designed by Anna Maria Horner for Janome Sewing Machines.  When I looked for the free pattern, the links no longer worked since this was published in 2012.  With a little ingenuity, I was able to find the pdf pattern and also share that here. See the file download below. The pattern includes templates to print and full instructions.  I can't wait to try this one myself!  

I originally watched this video, and then signed up for the complete class to see the rest.  Loved what I learned and am enjoying using it for smaller projects, community quilts, and quilts that straight lines look fantastic.
    Like always, I seem to go on my own quilting adventure in a random nature.  Fell in love with Free Motion quilting first, and then Walking Foot quilting after.   In the end, it has worked out anyway!
​   --Ann

Many years ago, I worked at the Sonoma County Museum as an accountant.  It was totally amazing to me the amount of preparation and work that it took to put on an exhibition. This video shows the first exhibition of Ken Burns quilt collection at the International Quilt Study and Museum.  I hope you enjoy this  wonderful video.
​ --Ann