The Fence Post: Block of the Month--American Beauty

Thursday, 25 February 2010

Block of the Month--American Beauty

We are launching a new Block of the Month on March 13. The blocks kits are ready and we are busy completing the sashing and border kits this week. The quilt, designed by Marti Michell, uses her Wild Roses fabric line from Maywood Studios and is available with black or white borders.

To keep the price low we are offering a tutorial (demonstration) of the block construction every month instead of a class . There is no need to bring your machine, tools, cutting mat, rulers, etc. Come for the demo, pick up your block, and if you bring your completed block from the previous month your name will go into a draw for free stuff!

Block kits will be $15 plus taxes. Shipping is extra.

Prepayment of the first and last months' kit fees plus a start up fee of $25.00 is due when registering. The start up fee is applied to the finishing kit at the end of the program if all 12 months are purchased at Picket Fence Fabrics. For those of you eager to get a start on the sashing and borders, you also have the option of purchasing the finishing kit when you register. anyone choosing this option receives a Maywood Studios totebag, while quantities last.

The quilt top will be in the shop March 1.

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52 Steps to better quilting. One a week.

Sew any leftover binding strips together as quilts are completed, and use this scrappy binding on a scrappy quilt.
Cut and prepare binding strips when cutting out your quilt and store in a zip lock bag with your project.
Tape your package of sewing machine needles to the side of the machine. Easy to find when a replacement is needed.
Keep a pair of inexpensive readers near your sewing machine for threading needles and ripping out seams.
Check how much thread is on the bobbin before you start a chain piecing task.
Have extra bobbins filled, ready for a quick change when the thread runs out.
Sew any fabric left over from a project into a backing. It will reduce the amount of fabric you have to purchase.
Clean your bobbin case before starting a new project. use a soft makeup brush to clean the lint. The bristles will grab the lint easily.
Use the correct needle in your machine for the task at hand. The right needle will carry the thread through the fabric so that you won't have issues with tension and thread breaking.
Use starch when pressing applique pieces for a crisp edge.
When using small acrylic templates or rulers, draw a few lines of a water soluble glue stick on the reverse side of the ruler. This prevents slipping when cutting. The adhesive is easily cleaned off with soap and water when you are finished cutting.
Keep fabric, thread, specialty rulers and pattern together in a one container. When you start the project you won't waste time looking for something you need for the project.
Measure twice, cut once. Become familiar with your rulers. Some have an added extra half inch which can make your cut too small or too large.
Use the right pin for the job. There is a pin for every task--short applique needles that don't get in the way of hand sewing, fork pins to pin nesting seams, quilting pins for pinning blocks, silk pins for fine work.Instead of a pin cushion,store them in a clear stacking container at your work table, available at quilt and craft shops.
Replace your rotary blade often to prevent fatigue. A dull blade requires more physical exertion to cut through fabric.