Should I Wash Fabrics Before Quilting?

There is a great debate amongst quilters – should I or shouldn’t I wash my fabrics before quilting? My answer is that it depends. I have a series of questions that may help you decide for yourself if the fabrics for your project should be washed before...
How to Survive and Thrive at a Quilt Show?

How to Survive and Thrive at a Quilt Show?

With all of the projects I have on my plate, why would I attend a quilt show? I could spend that time and money toward finishing some of those projects… Quilt shows can provide inspiration, education and deals if you know where to find them. Well, this weekend,...
What Are Precuts?

What Are Precuts?

Have you ever read a pattern or visited a website and they mention precuts? Have you ever wondered what precuts are? Precuts are usually sets of fabric pieces assembled by the manufacturer, although shops may package their own as well. Precuts aren’t really kits...
Difference in Quilt Fabric Quality

Difference in Quilt Fabric Quality

  My mom always told me that you could tell the quality of a fabric by the feel.  She used to walk through the fabric stores running her fingers across the bolts. When she came to one that felt good, she would decide if she liked how it looked. Most people look first...

Just Step away from the Sewing Machine

Ever have one of those days when nothing seems or seams to be going right? Today is one of those days. It was supposed to be a simple day – piece a backing and load the quilt onto my longarm. Piecing should have taken me about 10 minutes to sew to pieces of...
Autumn Rails

Autumn Rails

Autumn RailsLaureen Smith 2019 Over coming your fear of cutting (FOC) or just short on time? This rail fence pattern is a great option. I found some great jelly rolls on sale, so I bought four rolls and some coordinating backing. As an aside, I have found that buying...