Quilting on a Budget

Don't miss this Christmas Sew-A-Long

2011-09-28T18:19:00.000-04:00

Sew-A-Longs are a great way to get motivated and work on projects over time, and with Christmas fast approaching, Sew Mama Sew has just introduced not one, not two, but THREE holiday sewing projects! The Sew-A-Long will be held each Monday, and the project will be holiday placemats and napkins - according to your fabric choice, these will be perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas or any holiday.

Looking for an affordable computerized sewing machine?

2011-09-03T09:39:00.004-04:00

Here's a deal on Amazon today that is worth noting! This is the Brother CS6000i Sew Advance Sew Affordable 60-Stitch Computerized Free-Arm Sewing Machine - and it has all the features I like on a machine for quilting - the option to use a button for start/stop vs. just the foot pedal, drop in bobbin, automatic threading, thread cutter, and a nice variety of 60 stitches! But even better, this

I heard some gossip today...

2011-08-15T20:08:00.000-04:00

Hmmm... I heard gossip today that, in light of the terrible economy, Quilting on a Budget may be coming back in September (2011)... did you hear anything? Interesting... Stay tuned.

Janome announces new Applique foot

2009-10-01T21:02:00.004-04:00

As a happy Janome owner (the MC6600P), I was thrilled to read in Janome's recent email newsletter that they now offer a new applique foot for their Janome machines. From the web site:A long time favorite among sewists, this foot is incredibly useful and easy to use! In addition to the extra visibility of this clear foot, there are additional features that make this foot wonderfully convenient.The

It's time to get organized for the holidays!

2009-09-28T08:27:00.006-04:00

I saw a poll recently that asked "How will the economy affect your Christmas shopping this year?" Seventy-two percent said they will be spending less money for gift buying in 2009. With the national unemployment rate at almost 10% and with many fulltime workers now having hours cut to part time -- it makes sense this year to take advantage of your sewing and craft skills.As I write this, there

Check out these great GiveAways

2009-09-27T10:31:00.002-04:00

I'm not yet ready to do a new GiveAway here on QOB, but here's some info for you on some fabulous GiveAways you'll want to enter!The Dizzy Daisy is the new kid in town -- new to the Internet selling high quality cotton fabric perfect for quilting, crafts, clothing, as well as boutique sewing patterns, ribbons & trims. To celebrate her Grand Opening, she is giving away 3 yards of imported ribbon

Share your thoughts and win three quilting books!

2009-07-22T17:47:00.001-04:00

I've been doing some unexpected babysitting for my 3 yr old grandson, and have just found out my babysitting stint will go through the middle of September. I babysit from 7:30am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday.Of course, the "quilt bug" hit me the Sunday before I started babysitting, and now I can't seem to find the time (or energy) to continue quilting! I have three baby quilts to make for

A reader's question on sewing room ergonomics

2009-07-22T07:24:00.005-04:00

A comment was left by Linda J from VA concerning sewing table ergonomics discussed in the video below by author Marguerita McManus. Like many quilters, Linda finds herself sewing at the dining room table, and wants to know if Marguerita had any suggestions for making her situation more ergonomic.Great video,, learned so much, BUT, the only thing I have to sew on is the Dining room table.. I do

ArtFire for Quilters

2009-07-22T06:06:00.000-04:00

Below the photos, click on the name of the item to go directly to item listing, click on the store name to go to all listings in that store. Hand-embroidered note cards, set of 6 – Dorcas Hand-made brown gingham bias tape – Polly Danger Anna Maria Horner Good Folks FQs – Cutter Girl Creations Set of 6 Felt Flowers – Kutz Set of Quilt Block Alphabet Stamps – Susan’s Scrapbook Shack

Sewing Room Ergonomics

2009-07-20T05:16:00.000-04:00

Margerita McManus, author of Crazy Shortcut Quilts, once again educates us in the quilt room, this time discussing the importance of ergonomics at the sewing machine.

Quilt Book Review – SIMPLE COMFORTS by Kim Diehl

2009-07-14T04:27:00.001-04:00

Simple Comforts: 12 Cozy Lap Quilts by Kim Diehl; published by That Patchwork Place, Martingale Company; 112 pages; MSRP $28.99; Amazon Price: $19.13*Kim Diehl, author of Simple Blessings, Simple Seasons,and Simple Traditions, is known for her quilt designs featuring traditional patchwork combined with charming appliqué, and SIMPLE COMFORTS is no exception. Kim’s designs have a definite “country”

Craft Book Review – Stitched Toys by Kate Haxell

2009-07-13T05:00:00.002-04:00

Stitched Toys: 20 Stunning but Simple Designs by Kate Haxell; published by Octopus Books; 128 pages; MSRP $19.99; Amazon Price: $13.59* .If you’re a quilter and have a room full of fabric, a sewing machine, and are looking for some lighter, quick projects during the hot summer months, I highly recommend Stitched Toys. Chock full of toy patterns for the under-8 years old set, these easy

New Quilt Book – Review

2009-07-12T13:58:00.002-04:00

Material Obsession: Modern Quilts with Traditional Roots by Kathy Doughty and Sarah Fielke; STC Craft books, an imprint of Harry N. Abrams, Inc; March, 2009; 208 pages; foreward by Kaffe Fassett; MSRP $24.95; Amazon Price: $14.95Every once in awhile you get your hands on a quilt book that you instantly know will become a classic. Material Obsession is just such a book. This is more than your

Etsy for the Quilters

2009-07-09T14:15:00.002-04:00

Hot/Cold Therapy Wrist Wrap (carpal tunnel) – The Ferris Wheels Quilt block motif handmade birthday card – MakingHisNameFamous Mechanical Chalk Pencil – Gadgets Gone Wild Simple Modern Baby Quilts PDF Sewing Pattern – Oh Fransson Alice in Wonderland Japanese Fabric – Sew Deerly Loved Thread Stand/Organizer – The Wood Shoppe

A Quilting Blog worth bookmarking

2009-07-04T08:28:00.001-04:00

By chance I visited Sue Garman’s blog today and I have to say, I “visited” for at least 45 minutes – which is way above the average of 2.3 minutes in Blog Land! Not only did I get to view some absolutely stunning quilts, but found articles with tips and techniques that shouldn’t be missed. Find Sue’s blog here. If you visit, don’t miss these blog postings by Sue! How to decide on what quilt

Quilting Goodness from around the ‘Net

2009-07-02T09:37:00.001-04:00

So many quilty things going on around the Internet these days it’s a wonder I ever get any quilting done. Oh wait – I don’t. So maybe if I run down my current “Share This” list with you, I can go about my business and sew for the day today! What’s the name of this blog? Quilting on a BUDGET. As in… trying to keep this great craft affordable for you, for me, for everyone who quilts. What’s the

Join the newest online shop hop - the CraftShop Shuffle!

2009-07-01T09:11:00.001-04:00

If you've ever been on a quilt shop hop, you know how much fun they are. You get to see what's new in the world of quilting, peruse fabrics of every color and theme, see notions you didn't know existed, drool over patterns and books you just know you need to add to your collection, and generally immerse yourself in quilting inspiration.And now, you can have the same "shop hop" experience for a

It's a Mystery! A Mystery Quilt Dash, that is...

2009-07-01T09:08:00.001-04:00

A new Mystery Quilt Dash starts today, July 1, and runs through July 10.Once you register and log into your Mystery Quilt Dash member's account, you will visit each participating shop, search for their "found" creative image, and register it with your account. Each time you find and register the image in a new shop, a new set of instructions for the "Mystery Quilt" is revealed. Visit 15 shops

Etsy for Quilters

2009-06-30T19:24:00.000-04:00

Ironing Board Cover – CityChicCountryMouse Vintage sewing machine attachments – ThenAndNow Scraps can be Beautiful quilt pattern book – HoneyMelonMoonlight Finger Pincushion – aWhimsey Machine Embroidered “Hand Made” cloth labels - RetroNaNa Black metal thread holder – sewNstuff

Extraordinary Creativity

2009-06-28T12:17:00.000-04:00

Firekites - AUTUMN STORY - chalk animation from Lucinda Schreiber on Vimeo.

Alex Anderson's new 4 in 1 Quilting/Sewing Tool

2009-06-26T05:31:00.001-04:00

Apparently not out in stores yet, this new 4 in 1 tool created by Alex Anderson is going to be a "must have" for me. The cost of the four tools separately, at $5 or so each, makes the "under $20" tool feasible cost-wise. Having them all in one handy gadget? Priceless!And the video is just so darn cute, I had to share it.

This-n-That Fabrics sponsors our newest GiveAway plus one of their own!

2009-06-24T12:15:00.003-04:00

In our tough economic times, it's been difficult to watch so many local and Internet quilt shops close their doors. So it's especially fun to help an online quilt shop, This-n-That Fabrics, celebrate their birthday! I initially found This-n-That Fabrics when I was out on my daily Internet search for online fabric shops that have both reasonably priced fabrics and, just as important, reasonable

Hop your way to new free quilt designs June 22 – July 3

2009-06-23T07:48:00.001-04:00

A group of 10 blogging quilt designers, all from Minnesota, are taking part in the Minnesota Quilt Designer Blog Hop. Starting June 22, you can visit a new designer/blogger each day. Each designer will have a free demo or pattern, show you a new technique and tell you a little bit about themselves. They will also have a little giveaway for you if you check in to visit and say hi in the comments.

Quilt with your Inner Geek

2009-06-21T09:25:00.001-04:00

Project Runway’s Season 2 designer Diana Eng is an admitted Geek. When I saw this video of Diana demonstrating how to combine LED lights with an embroidery project, the “inner geek” (and grandmother to a child who loves robots) in me immediately thought – quilt blocks, tote bags, fun wall hangings for a child’s room. Oh, the possibilities! My “Geeky” formula… Watch this How-to Sew

Let's Give Away Some Family Quilting Fun!

2009-06-18T17:52:00.004-04:00

Summertime. Kids home. Long evenings. Family time. Possibly “stay-cations”. Visiting grandchildren and family. Neighbors dropping by. What better way to have serious fun family time than playing a board game?! Personally, some of my fondest childhood memories are visiting with my grandmother in the summer, sitting out on the screened porch, and playing board games with her and my aunts and uncles