How to Quilt: The Bat Quilt Pattern, binding techniques Free Quilt Block Patterns

The Bat Quilt Block and November Free Quilt Block Patterns

"Done is waaaay better than perfect - - - "

Greetings Quilter -

The Fat Quarter Quilt is finally finished!

- - - and this quilt is far from perfect!

It seems like years ago when I first began the Fat Quarter Quilt, yet it really was just a few months ago.

In any case, it is now finished!

Adding the binding was interesting. I chose to use a “stuffed” binding, which includes extra batting, so it is a little puffy.

Because of the extra bulk, I decided to make the binding 1/2 inch wide on the front.

And because I wanted to sew the binding on completely by machine, I started by adding the binding strips to the back of the quilt. I have found that by adding the strips to the back and then folding the binding over to the front, I can sew the strip closed from the front and all of the random stitching will show on the back.

Marking the quilt back to ensure that the binding was sewn in the right place was a little tricky, and I discovered that I could use masking tape to mark the quilt back and then line up the raw edge of the binding with the masking tape and sew it on.

The corners are nicely mitered, and the quilt is ready to wash. I’ll be interested to see how soft the quilt is once the spray basting is washed out. I’m hoping that is the cause for the quilt being a little stiff. The only other reason is the bamboo batting.

And now for the rest of the news - -

Happy Quilting!

penny halgren

Featured Product of the Month - Creative Binding Techniques DVD

Striped binding is just one of the techniques you will see in the Creative Binding Techniques DVD Quilting Mentor.

Are you secretly looking for some out of the ordinary way to finish your quilt that will impress your family and friends so they will finally know that you really have some quilting skills - and that this isn't some trial and error thing that you are still trying to figure out?

For some quilters, binding is even more difficult that choosing the fabrics for your quilts – and we all know how hard that can be!

But, creating binding just got easier.

Last year, we introduced The Ultimate How to Bind a Quilt DVD Mentor, and since then binding quilts got much easier for thousands of quilters.

Quilters were so pleased with their new-found binding skills that they began asking for other techniques for binding quilts.

We are pleased to formally announce The Creative Binding Techniques DVD Quilting Mentor.

In this fabulous How-to-Quilt.com video, you’ll see how to bind a quilt using:

French Fold binding where you add the binding on one side of the quilt at a time.
A technique for adding Prairie Points using one piece of fabric on each side. This method is really easy and fun, since you don't have to keep track of all those little individual Prairie Points.
A technique for adding Prairie Points so they face inside your quilt.
Striped binding - sew strips of fabric together and cut it on the bias - this fun way to bind a quilt is
easier than it looks and very forgiving because it is so "busy."
Binding quilts with curved edges - this will make any quilt with curves easy to bind. And you will learn a technique for figuring out how to cut the curves on a quilt that might otherwise have straight sides.
Binding quilts with hexagons, or any other kinds of inside and outside corners. This technique is great for Grandmother's Flower Garden, Tumbling Blocks or other kinds of quilts with many edges.
Double fold straight grain binding. One of the basic and simple ways to bind a quilt. You'll see how to miter perfect corners and stitch the binding on so it is smooth.
And as a Bonus method, you will see how to create reversible binding - where the binding is one fabric on the front of the quilt and a different fabric on the back of the quilt.
- - - making 8 techniques for binding quilts, in all!

For a limited time, we are paying shipping for this fantastic product. But, time will run out - so Get all of the details about the Creative Binding Techniques DVD Quilting Mentor.

BOOK OF THE MONTH

I Love Patchwork: 25 Irresistible Zakka Projects to Sew
by Rashida Coleman-Hale

I Love Patchwork: 25 Irresistible Zakka Projects to Sew is a great book for anyone new to quilting. The book has 25 projects that don’t take a lot of time to complete. Most would be great for gifts or for a first patchwork or sewing project.

Projects included in the book are a lap quilt, placemat and napkin set, patchwork apron, appliquéd pillow and coaster set. Quilters and sewing enthusiasts of all skill levels will enjoy making the projects in this book!

The patchwork apron has a border on it, so people new to quilting will get experience working with a border. The lap quilt is another good practice project for quilters. The appliquéd pillow project is a great way to learn the skill. Not only is the project a quick one to complete, it’s beautiful and can be used in your home or office for décor.

Zakka, for those new to the term like I was, is a Japanese term that is similar to what we call kitsch in the United States. The items in this book will be fun to make and can be given as gifts or kept in your own home to define your own image.

The book is not on shelves yet. Scheduled not to be in bookstores until December 1, the book is available for preorder through many of your favorite craft and bookstores now (price is about $25).

The author, Rashida Coleman-Hale, has studied fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Technology. She is a contributor to Stitch magazine and sells her own designs on Etsy.

Postcard Quilts for the Troops

Christmas Roundup Next - Deadline November 18!

It’s November already! Most of the year as flown by and now we’re facing the busy holidays. This holiday season, don’t forget to show our military men and women how much we appreciate their dedication to our country.

While many of us are home enjoying traditional holidays with our families, they will miss their own families and traditions.Why not start a new holiday tradition of your own this year – one that says thank you to our service members in a unique way?

Work a few fabric postcards into your holiday season. Use some scrap fabric and create a special fabric postcard to send to our soldiers. The directions are very easy. You’ll find free designs to get you started at www.fabric-postcards.com.

Last Christmas, more than 2,200 postcards were sent to American soldiers in the Middle East. Send yours in soon and they’ll be part of the 2009 shipment of Christmas fabric postcards.

The deadline to submit your Christmas postcards for the troops is November 18

You'll find tons of free fabric postcard patterns at: www.QuiltBlockLibrary.com

Please send your cards to:
Diane Malaznik
14215 Westmore St.
Livonia, MI 48154-4149

Diane is doing a fabulous job keeping the pictures updated, and if you have sent cards in, let your friends and family know that they can see pictures of them here: www.Fabric-Postcards.com

Remember you can get FREE postcard patterns at: www.QuiltBlockLibrary.com

Special Note - we are in the process of changing the Picture Gallery on the Fabric-Postcards.com site. It may take a few days, so bear with us. Not to worry - We have all of the pictures and will get everything squared away soon.

Featured Block in Video - The Bat Quilt Block

Yes, I know Halloween is over, but I couldn't resist just one more special block for Halloween.

Although there are several spots in the US where bats are quite special.

Visit www.QuiltBlockLibrary.com to see other quilt block videos and get free patterns, including free fabric postcard patterns for Penny's Postcard Posse.

Enjoy!

the bat quilt block

Download the The Bat Quilt Block Pattern

November Quilt Block Patterns

The November selection of free quilt block patterns includes a variety of 4 patch quilt blocks, ranging from the easy to make to some that are a little more complex.

Click here to download your November FREE quilt block patterns