Crazy Quilting

Stumped for a gift to send for Christmas this year? With the holidays always just ‘coming up,’ now is a good time to think about your many loved ones and assigns thoughtful gifts for them all. But what do you get someone who has just about everything?

Well, how about something that they could not possibly have made because it hasn’t been created by you yet. Get creative with some quilting patterns and give them a gift that is entirely personalized. They will keep it forever and every time they look at it, they will think of the loving person who so graciously gave them something so valuable.

Use your creativity to design your own home concept.  The finishing touches in a home that creates that personalized feel are right at your fingertips.  You can embroider your shades and lighting system. 
 
With very simple quilting supplies, you can cost effectively change a rooms feel in a very subtle way.  The color that you can bring out with crazy quilting is incredible.  These small tasteful steps are a great way to spend an afternoon, and the results are fantastic.

Quilts are an absolute labor of love. They are time-intensive, and quilting is a hard-earned skill. The end result, however, is a stunningly beautiful display. And because a quilt is so much hard work, they can serve as a meaningful and personal gift.

For graduations, milestone birthdays, weddings, or other significant events, a quilt can be the perfect, personal gesture.

Because the quilter has so much leeway within the framework, pick quilt fabric and patterns that suit the receiver. Utilize favorite colors, hobbies, or experiences as inspiration, and the recipient is sure to treasure the gift.

And even beyond that, it is the kind of item that is special enough to be passed down through a family line. If the highest quality materials are used, the care and attention of construction are sure to make the blanket last for years to come.

Silk is one of the most luxurious fabrics available, and its high quality makes it a favorite choice for dedicated quilters. But there is a tradeoff for the high quality. Silk is also a temperamental fabric, and it can be difficult to wash and care for. The silk ribbon used in quilting is no exception.

Here are a few tips and reminders to keep in mind when working with this type of ribbon.

-Silk can be finicky, but it’s not low quality. Don’t worry excessively about your ribbons snagging or tearing. Take the same precautions you would for any fabric, but you don’t need to be overprotective.

-It would be a good idea to keep silk out of the direct sunlight for extended periods of time. It could potentially fade if overexposed.

-Washing is usually the main concern with silk. This can be a little tricky because it depends on the type of silk ribbon you’re using. Some are machine washable. Some are hand washable. Some take cold water. Some can handle hot. So do your research about the type of material you’ve purchased before you expose anything to water and soap.

What is Crazy Quilting all about?

You’ve got everything you need for your quilting project. You stocked up on fabric, thread, and yarn. You purchased and planned your pattern. Now all you need is the embroidery needles. But which one should you choose?

Embroidery needles are an absolutely essential part of the quilting process. You must purchase the correct kind if you want the best end results. So before you pick up any old needle, keep the following tips in mind.

-Check the needle’s size. There are a variety of sizes, but it’s good to remember (especially for online purchases) that higher numbers mean finer needles.

-Choose your needle depending on the thread size, not the other way around. The needle should be just larger than your thread, creating an easy hole for the thread.

-Also choose your needle on the type of project. Select a crewel or chenille needle if you need to completely penetrate fabric. If you are doing work near the surface of the fabric, a blunt tapestry needle would be most effective.

Embroidery thread is one of the most basic tools needed for quilting and embroidery projects. But there are so many different kinds of yarn available. It can be a daunting task choosing the kind that will fit your craft project.

In order to alleviate some of the headache, here is a brief breakdown of the different kinds of embroidery thread available:

-Stranded cotton: Sometimes known as embroidery floss, this kind of yarn is marked by loose twists and a glossy appearance. It is most often made of cotton, although silk and rayon versions are available as well. This is ideal for cross-stitch.

-Tapestry yarn: This variety is distinguished from the others for being very tightly twisted.

-Medici: A very fine and light variety of wool, Medici is one of the more luxurious yarn options.

-Pearl cotton: Pearl cotton is an S-twisted, 2-ply yarn, and it contains a high sheen. A versatile product, it comes in various weights and sizes.

There are, of course, many other types available. But you should be armed with enough knowledge to get out there and begin all your needlework and embroidery projects!