I had to take a little break from blogging just to get all the Christmas buying, wrapping, baking, and more buying done! I'm almost done, but there's still a couple of last minute presents that need to be bought. I'm one of those people that you'll see at the mall on Christmas Eve - wide eyed and frantic, with the old Visa card in hand - trying to get it all done!
But speaking of presents... it's time for a little Christmas give-a-way, as promised. The rules are easy. Since I've been blogging about great tools of the trade, all you have to do is send me a short message about your favorite quilting tool and why. Just one or two sentences is all ya need. Then, I'll randomly pick two winners to receive Lori Smith's latest book, Fat Quarter Quilting!!
Why Fat Quarter Quilting for our first give-a-way?? Well, just take a look at these great little quilts that some of the gals made here at the shop as a challenge!
The first one above, was made by Suzanne Riley, and is called "Nine Patch Nostalgia. Isn't it sweet? Setting the blocks on point provides a wonderful opportunity to highlight a collection of homespuns or prints that are reminiscent of yesteryear or have that wonderful reproduction feel to them.
And here's "Star Sampler" made by Sharon Ernst. It's a classic row quilt made with a variety of reds, blues, and creams and it's really stunning in person! Sharon always seems to have perfect points too - no matter how many half square triangles she has in her quilts! I'm so jealous!!!
And this one is mine, called "Whig Rose". I made mine from wool, since I've got a HUGE stash of wool that I'm NEVER going to live long enough to use and because I love applique but I don't have the patience to needle turn all those little pieces! It was really fun to make from wool though, by just whip stitching all the applique pieces.
That's a little sampling of some of our quilts - I'll post more later. All of 'em are just 16" x 20", and not only can you use them as regular little quilts, but they can be easily be inserted into a store bought frame (Micheals has some wonderful frames - often at 40% off!); and you can hang your small masterpiece on the wall!
Sooo... if you want to win your own book and start making your own fat quarter quilts, just drop me a line and I'll chose two big winners on New Year's Eve!
P.S. This is an easy give-a-way, Edith, since I figure about ten people actually read this blog!! HA!
I have a couple of favorite quilting tools:
Shape Cut Plus--because it is so accurate and quick
A 7/8" ruler--It makes cutting anything with 7/8 so much easier
and
thangles--it takes the tedium out of making half square triangles
Teresa Laughlin
Posted by: Teresa Laughlin | 12/21/2009 at 01:43 PM
Not sure this will count as a tool since it is not a physical 'tool' but I am always referring back to Darlene Zimmermans The Quilters Edge book for bindings, borders and how to finish all of these. I do not use any quilting book as much. It has made my edges and bindings so much better.
Posted by: Linda Hord | 12/21/2009 at 03:00 PM
hmmmmmmm... favorite or most used? Favorite would have to be my extra large cutting mat that I bought earlier this year- it spans the whole section of my kitchen counter and it's just the perfect shade of green to make me happy (silly, I know, to be entertained by the color but what can I say?). Most used? Lately, my seam ripper... ugh. A little pre-thought might come in handy if I wish to use that one less, eh? :)
Posted by: kelly | 12/21/2009 at 03:18 PM
My newest needful tool is the Gypsy Gripper. With it, I am able to easily reposition my ruler and reduce the slipping for better accuracy. Did I mention that I keep my fingers out of the way of the blade? I can buy more fabric with the money saved on bandages. It is a good thing, Ethel!
Posted by: Donna | 12/21/2009 at 11:34 PM
Your blog is read around the world! It's been a joy to keep up with the Sampler. My Favorite Tool is a stiletto! I have one in my travel kit so I don't forget it on retreats, as well as one by my machine to use every day. Uses include securing the end of the seam so that last 1/4" does not skew to the side; holding down edges of applique shapes as I blanket stitch around them; and my newest use - helping to hold the binding in place on the back as I machine stitch it down! The best one I've found is a metal one that has a gold handle and cover over the (very sharp!) point -- found at my favorite quilt shop in Papillion and Omaha!
Auf Weidersehen!
Posted by: Deb M | 12/22/2009 at 12:09 AM
most used would be my seam ripper - favorite, does fabric count?! I love the fabrics in my current project :)
Posted by: Joan | 12/22/2009 at 03:12 PM
My favorite quilting tool is the new Bendable light. If you have difficult seeing while sewing this is a must. Carol Lewin, NE
Posted by: carol lewin | 12/22/2009 at 03:57 PM
I purchased the OLFA rotating 12" mat from your store about a year ago, and I simply love this tool! I use it for post of my small cutting projects and especially those that I use templates for....amazing tool and well worth the money.
Deb Arent
Lincoln, NE
Posted by: Deb Arent | 12/22/2009 at 09:09 PM
One of my favorite quilting tools is the new AccuQuilt cutting system. I used this to cut 2 1/2 inch strips and I finally had straight strips with NO wavy lines!
-Michelle
Posted by: Michelle Swanger | 12/23/2009 at 12:39 PM
I love the flying geese rulers by The Open Gate. I waste less fabric, and my finished flying geese have never been so accurate!
Posted by: Wendy Steward | 12/23/2009 at 05:27 PM
I just bought some of the Fabric Spray to hold together the fabric when quilting it and I just love it. That Lori Smith Book looks awesome especially the Star Sampler. I am just starting to quilt and am looking at some of your January classes. You might have me hooked.
Posted by: Denise Hamilton | 12/28/2009 at 07:57 AM
I hope this counts as a tool, but my favorite is Thangles. I think I have every size made. I also like the new binding tool.
Thanks,
Sharon
Posted by: Sharon Hennings | 12/28/2009 at 09:53 PM
Good Morning,
I have a couple of favorite tools. My most favorite are my little scissors that look like a pair of twizzers, I have purchased many for friends and they all love them too. From your blog tips my favorite tool is the gypsy gripper, trust me I bought several of them for gifts this year after your suggestion. I like to sew late at night, sometimes until 1 or 2 in the morning on weekends. I have this terrible fear I will have to wake my husband up for a trip to the er to sew my finger back on. No more fears the gypsy gripper (I bought 2 for myself the small one and the large one) should save us the er trip. I also bought one for my sister and a friend! I didnt want them to go to the er either. Great tips Deb!
Posted by: Robin Luedtke | 12/29/2009 at 10:23 AM
Thanks, Robin!
Posted by: Deb Cizek | 12/29/2009 at 10:30 PM
My favorite quilting tool is the crystal point turner. It hangs by my sewing table and is great for turning points. Have a Happy New Year!
Posted by: Sandy | 12/31/2009 at 10:15 AM
For me it is my seam ripper, I always seem to need to do a little unsewing and I hate to ruin fabric by trying t use scissors or by pulling on the fabric. I keep a seam ripper by my machine, by my iron, on my cutting table and next to the chair I do hand sewing.
Posted by: Sue Cahill | 12/31/2009 at 01:25 PM
Hi Deb, My favorite quilting tool if it's even considered a tool is taking classes. I learn so much by taking classes with Ann and Sandy at the Papillion Store and by joining in on the Block of the Month quilts. The classes are fun and I always learn a trick or two. If I have to pick a real tool , it would be the rotary cutter. I don't know how we ever quilted without it or our mates. Happy New Year!
Karen M
Posted by: Karen M | 12/31/2009 at 01:28 PM