Crazy Quilting

Before you embark on your new quilting hobby, it’s a good idea to see what other people in the quilting industry have had to say. With that in mind, the following are some well-received quilting books that can prove invaluable to the novice quilter. (And they’re not so bad for the advanced quilter, either.)

-Heirloom Machine Quilting: A Comprehensive Guide to Hand-Quilted Effects Using Your Sewing Machine (By Harriet Hargrave): This book is an enjoyable read by a well-respected quilter. Her book offers a comprehensive explanation of how best to quilt with your machine as well as specific details regarding quilting in general. There are also a variety of photos showing both modern and antique quilts. Their beauty and artistry prove one of the best motivational tools in the book.

-Big Book of Best-Loved Quilt Patterns (By Leisure Arts): Focused on the visual end of quilting, this book seamlessly brings together the new and the old of quilting in photo form. The book also provides practical advice such as fabric and supply resources.

Beyond the world of quilting, there are a variety of uses for hand dyed silk ribbon. Some of these uses are in the fashion arena.

In particular, they make fantastic and beautiful embellishments for women’s hair. No matter if you have short or long hair, there is a way to utilize hand dyed silk ribbon.

For the woman with short hair, they can be used as simple headbands. And the woman with long hair has even more options. Depending on the length of the ribbon, they can be used as an accent for a ponytail or embellishment in a long braid.

These ribbons also work as a more general fashion accessory. Fashion the ribbons into a basic flower or otherwise interesting shape and pin it to a blouse. Tie the ribbon to the handle of a purse. Even experiment by using the vibrantly colored ribbons as makeshift shoe laces or other shoe accents.

So the next time you’ve completed your latest quilting project, don’t toss those remaining ribbons in the trash. Rather, put them to use as the latest fashion accessory.