Category: Quilt

How To Make Handmade Baby Quilts Affordable

How can you give a handmade baby quilt for a baby shower gift and still make it affordable?

When you're going to a baby shower for someone special in your life, you want to choose the perfect present to convey your affection and admiration, but you have to keep your budget in mind. Those two desires sometimes seem like they will never mesh. You've rejected the cliche outfits that will soon be outgrown and the nursery paraphernalia that has as much sentimental value as a diaper pack.

What's thrumming your heartstrings are those handmade baby quilts for sale on-line. And who can blame you? Each one has a different design that is irresistibly cute. Here is a gift that will comfort the newborn from his very first day in the crib to his playpen adventures and later to his playtimes on the floors of homes he visits.

Since talented quilters have translated their ideas into adorable homemade gifts for girls and boys, you have the ability to select one that will have personal meaning for the family. You've seen the baby quilts with little sailboats that would please your friends who have a boat, and you've loved the cars and trains motif that is perfect for the family that loves to travel, or the one whose dad is in transportation.

As you check out these quilts to buy, you're impressed that the fine soft flannels and sturdy construction techniques used by quilters create unusual gifts that can withstand the rumble-tumble of babyhood and will survive as precious keepsakes that babies who come later can enjoy .

Now you realize that each has been thoughtfully designed and lovingly handcrafted for years of use and pleasure cannot be had for a bargain basement price. These are not like some pile of mass-produced quilts with the same design, dubious fabrication quality and no personal connection to the new baby's family. When you buy unique crafts, you're buying from the person who usually spends weeks making sure each one is sturdily made and marvelous to see.

So how can you make sure that a favorite mom-to-be and her family will get to own this most precious and practical of baby gifts without putting a pain in your pocketbook? The secret is sharing the cost.

Grandma might propose that her other daughters get together with her on a special gift. Or the aunts could chip in together for a collective presentation. If the expectant mom is a co-worker, the baby quilt could come from several members of the crew.

Anyone can find a modest, ho-hum budget-friendly gift, but its duration in use and memory is almost sure to be limited. You want to express how you feel about the newborn and her family in a more meaningful, lasting way. By making the baby shower gift a group gift with others who feel as you do, you can afford to provide a spectacular present that will be a joy to the baby and her family for years to come.

Source by Sharon Camp

Types of Blankets and How to Choose One

Blankets form a huge part of our home décor because they are everywhere in your house from living rooms to bed rooms. Choosing the right one becomes a difficult task even because most of the people are quite finicky about it to avoid repeating a design or even a texture. The choice of blanket is varied for all age groups. Some might like the cotton ones while others might opt for velvet. Let us get through this.

To be honest, there are LOTS of blankets available in the market but here are some basic ones which are commonly used:

1. Duvet:

This is basically a type of blanket which you put on your bed. These blankets are also provided with zippers so you can fix them accurately and zip apart easily while washing. They also come with pillowcases.

2. Quilt:

A quilt is a handmade blanket consisting of varied colors or types of fabrics. You can make them easily at home with even denims or cotton cloth. You have to simply sew them together in your favorite design or even add batting for the extra warmth.

3. Comforter:

This is what we call blanket in general language because a comforter is responsible for the warmth. They come with variety of fabrics to even synthetic materials woven together to shield you from the winters.

4. Throw Blanket:

As the name suggests, this blanket is used for the occasions when you are feeling only a bit of cold. They come usually in lighter variety but some might even come with heavier ones. They are made up of fleece and a variety of fabrics.

5. Fleece Blankets:

These are very thin and short. Not preferably the ones you will need to snuggle in winters but can be used in summers for just giving you the comfort of one. One can put them on sofa’s for decorating as they are usually of soft materials.

6. Afghan Blankets:

A type of throw blanket and the most desirable among all. These are actually knitted or crocheted with a typical yarn. These are perfect for giving you the warmth in winters. Most of the people make these at their homes or even gift their loved ones. However, these still cannot protect you from extreme winter as they have minute holes in them through air can easily pass.

7. Security blankets:

These are the favorite of children all over the world. They may be available in full size but are usually of short length to give children comfort.

Source by Achal Mehrotra

Janome Computerized Sewing Machines – Why Janome Sewing Machines Make The Perfect Gift

Looking for the perfect gift for the sewist or quilter in your life? Look no further than Janome computerized sewing machines. These machines make sewing both simple and complicated projects a dream. Read on to find out why everyone from beginning to professional sewists rave about Janome sewing machines and why Janome products are such popular gifts.

What are computerized sewing machines?

A computerized sewing machine actually has a computer and often a monitor display built into it. This computer controls nearly every function of the machine from the feed dog to the needle assembly.

As a result, these machines are able to position the needle moving it from right to left and up and down at incredible speeds with the utmost precision. Additionally, the motorized work area holds your fabric in place under the needle assembly further increasing accuracy and uniformity.

The stitches (of which there may be 300 or more depending on the model and brand) are stored on disks or cartridges that you simply load into the machine for your particular project whether it is embroidering, quilting or just plain sewing. In some of the better models, you can even connect the machine to your home computer for downloading patterns directly from the internet onto your machine.

Why do people rave about Janome computerized sewing machines ?

Janome's computerized sewing machines range from sewing and quilting machines to embroidery machines and sergers. In effect, they meet all of your sewing needs from basic to professional. Here are a few reasons why people fall in love with their machines.

  • Janome computerized sewing machines are both quiet and powerful.
  • This is not a fly by night company. The brand has been around since the 1920s. Janome , a Japanese word that means "eye of the snake", has become synonymous with sturdy, reliable construction in the sewing industry.
  • Janome's computerized machines boast 1,000 stitches per minute. This helps you get your projects finished quickly.
  • Advanced technology that simplifies many processes such as one-step button holes adjustable for almost any button size (some models have more sizes available than others), automatic seam rippers and needle threaders, and even re-threading bobbins without removing the thread spool.
  • Janome machines evenly stitch through almost any thickness of fabric and can go back and forth between several layers of thick fabric and back to thin without lots of hassle and fidgeting trying to find the right tension. The computer does it all for you.
  • Because they answer "every question you could have about the machine", the detailed manual and YouTube videos won't leave you in a lurch even if you run into a problem while sewing at 2 o'clock in the morning.
  • You get a lot of bang for your buck. These machines are far more reasonable in price than high end competitors and many believe they outperform them as well.

There are many more reasons why sewists love Janome computerized sewing machines and why they make such a popular gift. So whether your wife wants to take up a new hobby, your mom wants to replace an old machine that is on its last leg or your son or daughter just got graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology, they are going to love their new Janome sewing machine.

Source by Daniela Marin

Money Saving Tips For Sewing

Many people think that the fabric needed for sewing is really expensive.  With the exception of specialty fabrics, this doesn’t have to be true.  You can find fabric at very reasonable prices and it’s easier than you think.  Between sales, memberships, online shopping and more, you can save a lot of money.  Here are six tips to help you start saving now!

  1. Be creative.  You don’t always have to go to a fabric store to find your fabric.  Whether you’re looking for small or large pieces, think outside the box.  Thrift stores and dollar stores can be great places to find material.  As long as you like the fabric, buy it.  Buy a bunch of shirts and cut them into whatever shape you need to create a patchwork quilt.  Buy bedspreads to create shower curtains or use them as the backing for a quilt.  If you’re buying used clothes, make sure to examine them for stains or holes.  As well, make sure to first wash the fabric before you use it so that you know it is clean.
  2. Look for sales.  This is a classic that never changes and now it’s easier than ever.  Before you would actually have to go to a store or wait for a flyer to come in the mail in order to find out if there was a sale on.  But now you can go online.  First, go to the website for each store that you like to shop at and look for any announcements of sales.  While there, take a look for clearance or sales items that you can buy online.  Next, sign up for newsletters and promotional offers that are sent by e-mail.  Check your e-mail regularly so that you don’t miss out on any last minute sales. 
  3. Get the kids involved.  Want to create a unique look or an exciting print?  Buy some fabric paint and let the kids go wild.  Let them come up with their own designs.  Just be sure to cover the floor or table with newspaper or plastic if your kids are really messy.  Not only is it an easy clean up and you won’t have to worry about your furniture becoming damaged, but you’ll feel more relaxed and able to enjoy the experience a lot more.
  4. Join memberships.  A lot of stores offer memberships for a low yearly subscription price.  In return, you’ll receive extra discounts for members only, points that can be redeemed for merchandise and advance notice of sales.  If you do enough sewing or if you have a large project to do, the membership will pay for itself with the amount of money you save.
  5. Look for bargain shops.  Ask your friends if they know of any stores that sell fabric at great prices.  You can find bargain stores that carry only fabrics at a cheaper price than the big name stores.  Bargain stores are often cramped and may not offer the service you are use to, but the savings are worth it.  As well, you often have to search through the material to find what you are looking for, but you can find gems along the way.  I have a friend that will only buy fabric from these bargain stores because the deals are so great!
  6. Check the want ads or eBay.  Sometimes people buy material that they never use and will sell it cheap just to get rid of it.  If you are able, take a look at the fabric before you buy to ensure that it is clean and doesn’t have any large holes or tears in it.  Then enjoy the bargain you just found!

Source by Joanne Jones

Working From Home – Dealing With Friends and Relatives

One of the biggest hurdles that home business owners have to deal with is the misconception that just because they are home that they really aren’t working. Those of us that operate our own business form home know that is not the case at all. Your friend and relatives are probably the worst offenders of this.

When starting your business, send out an email, postcard or letter that announces your new business to everyone. Include everything that normal business owners would include, mailing address, phone number, email and web address and fax number. This will help your business seem more legitimate.

Make sure that you establish normal business hours and stick to them. This will help in keeping those friends or relatives from just stopping by unannounced. Another benefit is it should help you be more disciplined in getting your work down during these specified hours.

If that still doesn’t work, you will probably have to be a bit firm when you discuss this with them. Now, these are your loved ones so be polite but don’t back down. Explain to them that during your work hours that your clients or customers really do come first. This is usually a tough one for most people but it must get done if need be.

The sooner you stop the misconception that you aren’t really working for home the better you will be in the long run. Lay out the ground rules early on. It will only help established boundaries right away and help your business get off to a much faster start.

Source by Rich Magnanti

Selecting Fabric Color Using The Ives Color Wheel

Several years ago, I decided that I would explore the world of fabric dyeing. It was in dyeing fabric that I really learned about color, and the difference between yellow-green and blue-green.

By mixing the colors to make the dye, all of a sudden the resulting colors make more sense, and now, many yards of dyed fabric later, it is easier for me to pick out colors for a quilt.

By actually seeing what color results from mixing 1/4 yellow and 3/4 red versus 1/2 yellow and 1/2 red, it all makes more sense.

What is interesting is that when I took the class, the teacher provided the dye to make the colors you see in the fabric samples below. I did notice that the red was a magenta color, instead of what I normally view as red. (The teacher called it fuscia.)

And the blue was more of a turquoise rather than a traditional blue. But, since it was all new to me anyway, I didn’t really question the differences.

It was just today, as I was once again pondering color that I ran across somewhat of an explanation for the difference. Not that this is a complete explanation, but it does offer some insight.

It turns out that this guy named Dr. Herbert Ives led AT&T’s television research during the 1920s and 1930s. Herbert’s interest in color began at an early age since his father invented techniques for color photography and the half-tone process. Those techniques made printing pictures in newspapers and magazines possible.

And Herbert created a color wheel made up of three “pure” colors. The true significance of all of this is that fabric dyes use the Ives Color Wheel, as was made apparent when I took the fabric dyeing class.

The three pure colors are: magenta, turquoise and yellow. The vibrancy of these colors individually is notable, and when they are mixed with each other in specific formulas, they create the most powerful and beautiful colors around.

Quilts made primarily with these pure colors immediately attract attention, whether they are displayed in a quilt show or your home.

As you choose colors for a quilt, you may want to keep in mind that intense colors can affect the mood of people looking at them. If you are making a quilt for a child that already has a high level of activity, you may not want to make it using pure colors because they would stimulate the child even more.

However, if you have a dull and boring room, like the all-around brown I had in my living room many years ago, adding pure colors will brighten up the room. In my case, it probably would have taken a truckload of pure colors to overpower the brown.

These pure colors, and their variations, are found in nature, and it is interesting to note that whether the colors are tints or shades depends on the season. I know, that probably doesn’t make a lot of sense.

But, it works this way. A tint includes all of the colors between white and the actual pure color. Pastels are good examples of tints, and pastels are the colors of Spring – robin’s egg blue, peach, apricot, mint green, etc.

When you add black to a pure color, you get a shade of the color. As you can imagine, shades are the colors of autumn. When you add black to red, you get a rust color – shades of autumn leaves getting ready to fall from trees.

A tone is what you get when you add grey (not black) to a pure color. These are the colors of winter, and are generally calming colors. These colors are great for bedrooms and quilts for small children.

The real question in my mind is “who created the more ‘traditional’ color wheel? And why?”

Source by Penny Halgren

Janome 6500 – Is It Making All Other Sewing Machines Obsolete?

The Janome 6500 sewing machine may possibly make all other sewing machines obsolete. I know that's a bold statement, but after using it myself, I am beginning to think that is really true.

I have to confess that even though quilting is my specialty, I started watching "Project Runway" last year and was hooked immediately. As a result I started wanting to sew clothes and other types of garments, which is partly why I decided to buy this advanced Janome.

I was a bit hesitant about buying it because it's more costly than other computerized Janomes, but I found an excellent Janome sale price, so I took the plunge and bought it. I also got free shipping, so that sealed the deal for me, since shipping costs can be high on larger items.

If you are also looking for the best Janome prices on the Janome 6500, you are certainly not the only one. Many sewists who know the value of this quality sewing machine are searching for a great Janome sale on this particular model, so that is why I wrote this.

Why is the Janome 6500 Sewing Machine So Popular?

Imagine the difference between riding a bicycle and driving a Cadillac. On the bike it takes you an hour to get where you're going, you have to fight the elements, dodge the traffic, and on top of that, it's a lot of work to peddle that bike for a whole hour!

But in the Cadillac, you're at your destination in 5 minutes, in relaxed comfort and ease and protected from the elements and the other drivers. That's pretty much what it's like to go from your old sewing machine to the Janome 6500.

Here are 3 major points you will notice when you read other people's reviews of the Janome 6500:

1) Speed – This sewing machine clocks speeds of 1000 stitches per minute! Imagine all the extra time you'll have to do other things or sew other things.

2) Advanced Features – This is a quilter's dream, as it's designed especially for the quilter, including specialty stitches and an advanced feed mechanism, and more features. But it's also for every type of sewist, from quilting to garments to home decorating!

3) Precision and Quality – The precision the Janome 6500 puts it light years ahead of the other computerized sewing machines. And after the first day, I couldn't believe what a difference it makes in my quality and the ease of sewing. It's easy to thread, and very easy to change the feet, even while you are 'mid stitch'. The extension table is a huge plus especially since I am a quilter.

If you're on the fence about buying the Janome 6500, I hope my article has convinced you what a great investment it is for the serious sewist. There are several stores that sell the Janome 6500 online. So how do you find the best Janome sale price? Your best bet is to find someone who knows all about shopping online for rock bottom prices, and then see what they have found.

Source by Joy Adams

Using Jacquard Fabric

Jacquard fabric is great for many things that you might want to make. You can use this fabric in many projects, and get great results from it every time. Because this fabric is not colorfast, you will want to wash all of the dye out of it before you try to use it in a quilt or even sewn next to another fabric in something that may be washed. When you do not wash your fabrics before they go into your projects, you are running a risk of the fabric dyes running out into your other colors, and you will have a big mess. However, by simply running cold water over the fabric until all of the dye is gone, you can get rid of the excess dye that is lurking in your fabric, and not have to worry about this issue.

When you use jacquard fabric in a quilt, you will find that many of the colors that it is available in are solids. While many quilters will use solids, some do not care for them at all. You can always find a coordinating print, and use the solid as the back drop or the other way around. You will get great effects from using this fabric in your projects whatever they might be. Another thing that you might want to consider is if you are planning on hand quilting your quilt made with this fabric. Jacquard fabric is tougher to needle than most, and you might find yourself struggling with that. However, it can be done, if you work at it, but it wont be easy.

Using jacquard fabric to make curtains from actually is a great idea. You will find that you can choose this fabric in many colors at any fabric store, and you are sure to be able to buy the color that you are wanting to use in your room. However, you will notice that one great thing about using this fabric to make your curtains is that when you take them down to wash them, you will not have to iron them much. This is a great plus, because most people do not care to iron anyways. The wrinkles more or less fall out of these curtains, and that is a great thing.

Pillowcases is another wonderful project that you can use jacquard fabric in. The solid colors are great for matching the printed sheets that you might have on your bed. The pillowcases that are made in this type of fabric hold up really well, and they are soft for your to actually use when you are sleeping as well.

Making a duvet cover for your bed is something else that this fabric is great for. You will find that the solid colors are great for matching your bedroom and covering your duvet. Many people will buy one duvet, and then just change out the cover when they get tired of it. This fabric is inexpensive enough that you will not go over your budget for your duvet cover, and you will find that you have no problem affording the amount of fabric that you might need.

As you can see, there are many things that you can use jacquard fabric in. Many people use it for many different projects, and they all love the way that their projects turn out as well. You will find this fabric in many fabric stores, in all colors of the rainbow, so matching it up to the project you are working on wont be a problem either.

Source by Mariette J. Wingeier

Comparing Affiliate Networks For Home Based Internet Marketing Businesses

Affiliate marketing is when you are promoting someone else's products and in return you get a percentage of the amount of the sale. This is one of the best way people with home based internet marketing businesses can start out.

There are various affiliate networks that help you hook up with the people who have products that you can sell. Some of these networks or services are better than others for what your particular list might want, so you may have to join more than one site to find the products you need to promote.

The biggest affiliate network sites are ClickBank, PayDotCom, Commission Junction and LinkShare. Each has their advantages and disadvantages.

ClickBank

ClickBank has a wide variety of digital products … meaning they are like ebooks, courses, etc. But they have them in a big range of topics. You can look for products in health and fitness, pets or crafts, for example. So let's say your niche is quilting … you can start by searching for quilting products … maybe patterns or how to books for example.

But you don't have to just stick with quilting … there is a crafts section with tons of interesting products and maybe you know that the quilters on your list do or might be interested in other sewing type crafts, so you offer products on embroidery, sewing, crocheting, knitting, etc.

How cool is that? This same concept works for other niches, too. Just make sure that you are sticking with products that will make sense to your list! It shouldn't be too big of a stretch for them to understand why you would be recommending they buy a product.

ClickBank products have to be digital and they cap the sales price … but it is a great place to start because of the range they carry and good commission.

PayDotCom

PayDotCom.com is good for an Internet Marketing list, as most of the affililate opportunities at PayDotCom are about Internet Marketing, though the site is growing daily.

PayDotCom does carry both physical and digital products, and the price point of the product can be higher.

The downside is that there aren't as many products available.

Commission Junction and LinkShare

Commission Junction and LinkShare both deal with physical products. They have relationships with more big businesses including clients like eBay, Best Buy and Pfaltzgraf.

You can sign up to become an affiliate for one or many of these companies. When you do that, you aren't trying to build a Best Buy store … you just want to pick and choose products from that client (or many clients) that fits your list.

So say your list is built around gaming … then you could promote a specific hot new game or gaming system that is available at Best Buy. If you have a targeted list and you write your emails well, you can do really well this way. How well depends on how tightly that product relates to your list and the relationship that you have built with them.

There you have it, some affiliate networks, what makes each of them unique and great for home based internet marketing businesses. Go check out a couple, find a few products and start your affiliate marketing program-and start making money-right away.

Source by Tellman Knudson

Carhartt Outerwear Keeps You the Warmest This Winter

The snow has fallen in a lot of areas which means temperatures have been dropping and the sweatshirts or long-sleeves are cutting it anymore at the jobsite. Lucky for you, Carhartt has been preparing all summer long and ready to outfit you with work clothing that’ll keep you warm but also last. Carhartt has over 25 different jacket styles and over 15 insulated bottom styles to keep you warm on the jobsite. Let’s first take a look at jackets and coats.

Carhartt makes their jackets and coats in many different styles. Carhartt jackets are cut shorter covering you just past the belt line. Their coats are cut a few inches longer giving you coverage closer to a mid-thigh length. Carhartt sets their self apart from their competitors in offering many jackets into a 5XL and also in Tall sizes from Large Tall to 4XL-Tall. The tall versions of both the jackets and coats give you additional one to two inches in the sleeves and in the torso for enhanced coverage.

The J130 Sandstone Active Jac which is quilted-flannel lined is one of their most popular jackets. Being very warm and coming with an attached hood is definitely the characteristics that draw people to this jacket. The C55 Extremes Coat is the warmest coat that Carhartt offers in the coat style. With the longer cut and arctic-quilt lining this coat ensures wind won’t be able to get to you even when reaching for things above your head. The J141 also offers exceptional warmth but with an open bottom and hood is a common jacket chose for workers wearing bibs in addition. No matter the warmth you are looking for or characteristics most likely has a jacket or coat that will fit your needs on the jobsite.

Although keeping your upper body warm is important keeping your legs warm is just as important. Carhartt has many options in this department including insulated pants as well as insulated bib overalls. Both of these provide warmth to the worker but combined with the Carhartt quality ensure the pants will last. The R41 Duck Zip-to-Thigh Bib Overall which is quilt lined is a great option and gives you warmth at an affordable price point. If you are looking for the warmest bibs Carhartt offers the R33 Extremes Zip-to-Waist Biberall is the choice for you. This arctic-quilt lined biberall provides extraordinary warmth and nylon exterior provides water repellent attributes. This bib is the matching item to the C55, as mentioned before, or J133. They also offer the B172 Flannel-lined Jean or B111 Flannel-lined Work Dungaree if you believe the bibs would be too much. Lastly, they offer complete coveralls in the three weights Quilt Lined (X01), Arctic-Quilt Lined (X02), or Extremes Arctic-Quilt Lined (X06) if you prefer the one-piece warmth option.

Source by Chandra Nicolosi