Quilts of Comfort: Stitching Love for NICU Babies

Quilts of Comfort: Stitching Love for NICU Babies

Support premature infants with handmade love! Learn why NICU quilts are vital for baby comfort, temperature regulation, and parent-baby bonding. Discover how the Tree City Quilt Guild helps Shands NICU and how you can volunteer to create these special baby quilts. Join us in honoring Karon Viviano's legacy of giving.

Prairie Points in Quilting: A Decorative History and Application

Prairie Points in Quilting: A Decorative History and Application

Prairie Points is a charming and historic quilting technique, originating in the 18th and 19th centuries in the American Midwest. These decorative, folded fabric triangles were used by pioneers and indigenous tribes to both finish quilt edges and add a delightful 3D effect, also serving as a resourceful way to utilize fabric scraps. Creating them is simple: cut fabric squares, fold them diagonally into a triangle, then fold the bottom corners up to meet the top point, pressing after each fold. When applied to quilts, their raw edges align with the quilt's raw edge, and they are stitched along the border. The size of Prairie Points varies, with smaller ones creating a delicate look and larger ones a bolder statement. Maintaining a consistent size is key for a cohesive design. Still popular today, Prairie Points honor early American resourcefulness and add a unique dimension to any quilting project.

Stitching Bold: Unveiling the Artistry of Big Stitch Quilting

Stitching Bold: Unveiling the Artistry of Big Stitch Quilting

Transform your quilts with Big Stitch Quilting, a captivating hand-quilting technique that adds remarkable texture and a distinctive, handmade look. This comprehensive guide delves into everything you need to know, from selecting the perfect thicker threads like Perle cotton (DMC, Aurifil, Presencia in 8-12 weight for maximum visibility) and the right large-eye needles (embroidery or Big Stitch needles). Discover when to best utilize this versatile method for modern quilts, cherished handmade gifts, or expressive art quilts. Plus, follow our easy step-by-step tutorial to master this beautiful art form and elevate your quilting projects with bold, unique stitches.

The History and Artistry of the Double Wedding Ring Quilt Pattern

The History and Artistry of the Double Wedding Ring Quilt Pattern

The double wedding ring quilt pattern is a beloved design with a rich history and deep symbolism. This article delves into the pattern's ancient origins, its evolution through the centuries, and its surge in popularity during the 20th century, particularly amidst the Great Depression. Discover the intricate construction of this challenging quilt, explore modern interpretations by contemporary quilters, and find inspiration to create your own unique double wedding ring masterpiece. Learn how this timeless pattern continues to symbolize love, commitment, and a cherished family legacy.

Adobe Color--the online color wheel you didn't know you needed!!

Discover Adobe Color: Your free online color wheel for creating harmonious color palettes. This post guides quilters and designers through various color harmony rules like analogous, complementary, and triadic, demonstrating how to easily match fabrics, color SVG quilt designs, and ensure consistent embroidery threads using hex codes. Stop guessing and start designing with confidence!

Creating even border rows.....when the math isn't mathing

Creating even border rows.....when the math isn't mathing

This post demystifies the process of accurately sizing quilt rows, particularly when adding borders with uniform blocks, such as half-square triangles (HSTs). It provides a step-by-step guide on how to calculate the correct finished block size, determine initial fabric cutting dimensions with seam allowances and trimming in mind, and precisely trim HSTs for a flawless, square quilt top. The method ensures that all blocks are consistent, resulting in perfectly aligned rows and a professional finish, even for customized patterns or pre-made center panels.