Up this week:
July 10
Jenelle from Echinops and Aster
Julie from Bedsheet in the Kitchen
July 12
Rebecca from Sew Festive Handmade
Marti from 52 Quilts in 52 Weeks
Today's guest blogger is Kati who blogs at From the Blue Chair. Kati has written a wonderful guest post over on her blog reminding us all why we started blogging in the first place. Click here to see the advice she has for us and while you are there, be sure to browse around her beautiful blog to find lots of quilty inspiration and some really great tutorials!
Social Media of the Week: Instagram!!! I just opened an account this week - find me by my user name PlumandJune.
So, I know you are saying - Seriously, Beth! You want me to join yet another social media site?!? Well, kind of. I'm just trying it all out - seeing what I like, what I don't - basically, in a "you won't know until you try it kind of way." So, try it and see what you think. To help get you started, Lori wrote more about here. Oh, and if you use Flipboard (which is awesome!), you can access all your social media in one place.
Blog Challenge for the Week: Are you saying "What's this - something else for us to do???" Yes - let's put some of the advice (from our guest bloggers and what you all write in the comments) into action - so here it is: Enlarge your photos! Save your photos at a size of at least 600px (if you don't know what this means, just skip this step), then after you upload them to blogger, click on the picture and choose medium, large, or even extra large - click preview and see what you think and then link up below!
Check out the growing list of tutorials from blog hoppers here. And here are this week's highlights:
Reaction Buttons by Fabric Engineer
Making Photo Mosaics by Lori H. Designs
Blog and Social Media Buttons by Echinops and Aster
This week's giveaway is from Poppy Seed Fabrics. Kimberly is offering one lucky person a $30 shoppe credit. Choose from her wonderful selection of fabrics including some of my favorites like Lucy's Crab Shack, Summersville, and many more! It is a great shop!
To enter the giveaway, just leave a comment on this post - any comment. Want a topic - how about a quilting or sewing tip. One comment per person for an entry. This giveaway will remain open until Saturday, July 15, 2012 at 8pm EDT and one winner will be chosen at random. And, please, unless you are sure that you are NOT a no-reply blogger, write your email address in your comment. The winner will be announced in the Blog Hop News on July 18, 2012.
The winners of last week's giveaway from Kate Conklin Designs are: #28 Jenelle; #38 Anna V; and #69 Tracey. Congrats!
1. Anyone who is participating or following along with the hop can add a link that is quilting or sewing-related.
2. For this week, please link up a sewing or quilting tutorial from your blog - old or new - and write the topic of your post when the link tool asks for your name.
3. You can also link up your recent post - when the link tool asks for your name, write the name of your favorite dessert.
4. It is up to you but consider adding a link with your post to this page so others can join in as well.
5. Please visit (at least) the person who links up before you and leave a comment to say hello!
My quilting tip is do what makes you happy - fabrics, colours, style - because that is what it is all about. Every last one of us has a different style and preference for colours and it is never wrong. Not if the results make you smile.
ReplyDeleteMy first quilting tip is to check your tension before you sew a long seam: there are few things quite as frustrating as having to pick it all out because the thread is too tight on one side or the other, or all curled up in a wiggly pasta mess on one side. The second is to measure, measure, measure: the pieces you cut, the depth of your seams. You can never measure too many times. (Well. I suppose you could if it meant you never sewed anything, but, really, you know what I mean.)
ReplyDeleteMy sewing tip is to sew playfully! Experiment and see what happens. Not everything needs to be perfect.
ReplyDeleteI've only just started quilting so I'm hoping to pick up some tips here!
ReplyDeleteWelcome! I'm new too, and this group has been really helpful. I hope you like it!
DeleteBeth, thanks for sponsoring the link-up. I've already found some great ideas!
ReplyDeleteMy tip - measure twice, cut once. And smile when quilting too - your machine can tell if you are happy!!!
ReplyDeleteIf you buy just enough fabric for a project with none to spare, draw out the order in which you plan to cut it first to make sure everything fits. I've had to re-buy fabric many times for just one or two tiny pieces that I didn't plan very well.
ReplyDeleteMy tip - have fun while quilting and always have a seam ripper handy :)
ReplyDelete1. Always close your rotary cutter.
ReplyDelete2. Wear pants when sewing on binding or anything with a lot of straight pins. :(
Quilting tip, starch is a quilters best friend! Don't be afraid of it, you will come to love it.
ReplyDeleteMeasure twice, cut once.
Take the time to figure out where the 1/4" is on your machine, this will save you a lot of frustration.
Finally, don't be afraid to try something new!!!
I'm learning to sew and quilt, and I think my new mantra is: if I make the same mistake 3 times, it's a design feature! I'm learning how to change my sewing plans to work around mistakes.
ReplyDeleteWhat a very nice giveaway! I could really use some fabric to boost up my collection. My sewing tip would be to have a seam ripper or razor blade! It is a must have!
ReplyDeleteI'm a pretty new sewer/quilter so my advice is to keep your patience in check :-) Some things are gonna get frustrating and it's easier to deal with if you have a bit of patience!
ReplyDeletewhat a great giveaway! Thank you! :) My tip, make sure you have the correct sewing foot on your machine if you ever decide to do any kind of stitch besides a straight stitch. OR that you move your needle position when your zipper foot is on. Once I broke three needles in a row because I forgot to move my needle over. By the time I got the next needle in, I had already forgotten to move it over and broke another one! lol.
ReplyDeleteHello, thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteMy quilting tip is to buy a small trash can to keep by your workspace. I used to just throw my scraps and threads on the floor to pick up later at the end of a sewing session. I cant believe it took me so long to figure this out :) LOL!
LOL I need to follow your tip, I am still throwing everything on the floor!
Delete[to the challenge - I link my pictures from flickr, so I don't upload them to blogger]
ReplyDeletehmm a sewing tip from me? are you sure you want to trust that? I will go for some that aren't likely to get any of your sewing projects in danger:
* Don't think to much, trust your guts when it comes to colours and setting/lay out
* Sort your fabric by size - 2 yards or more, 1 yard or more, 1/2 yd., FQ - so when you get to searching for something you don find THE perfect fabric just to find out it's not enough ..
Press everything! I learned that one very early.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite quilting tip is to always measure twice before you cut fabric!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for all your work and generosity! My sewing tip- store and carry your rotary cutter in a little pencil case. They are plentiful this time of year (back-to-school) at office stores. Some are rigid plastic and the perfect size for the rotary cutter.
ReplyDeleteMy best tip is to invest in a 1/4" foot if your machine doesn't come with one... and to try spray starch. I grew up in a home that didn't starch anything, so I never really thought about starching my fabric.. I recently "discovered" the joys of starch, and I'll never go back! I love the crispness, the smell, and the way my pieces don't distort! My accuracy has increased noticeably. Love it!
ReplyDeleteTip: For most of us this is a hobby! Enjoy what you are making and doing. Work on projects that make you happy!
ReplyDeleteYeah, instagram! I just set up an account but I haven't loaded any pictures yet. I notice a lot of people post from instagram on twitter. Thanks again for all the work you put into this blog hop for us. You go above and beyond and you are appreciated!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read Kati's post! It's great seeing how everyone is coming together through this group to help each other. Such an encouragement!!
ReplyDeleteLearn how to move your NEEDLE POSITION to the right if 1/4" foot is off as badly as the one for my Viking. I'm finally enjoying a (scat) quarter inch foot ...AND edge foot (same as stitch-in-the-ditch foot) for top stitching... now that I can make the needle position move over!!
ReplyDeleteI love Instagram too. So much fun to click a photo quick and post! Quilting Tip - it won't be your last quilt so if something didn't work out right doesn't matter now you have learned something for the next one!
ReplyDeleteMy sewing tip is to use two scraps of fabric to sew onto your sewing seam and off again at the other end - as if you are chain sewing onto them. You'll save so much thread and your presser foot stays in the correct position for sewing at all times without having to do the little bump lift back on to your next sewing item. You can use the same two scraps over and over again. (Not sure this makes too much sense reading it back but if you can make head nor tail of it then give it a go, it really works!)
ReplyDeletewould love to win thank you
ReplyDeleteWonderful giveaway, thanks for the chance! My sewing tip -- buy extra fabric. Handy if you make a mistake and need to re-cut or great to piece into a coordinating back or a great way to build your stash!
ReplyDeleteI love that you are doing these series! They are amazing and have provided so much info to a newby like me!!!! Thanks for the chance to win @ the giveaway too!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great giveaway! That advice post was AMAZING! I love the perspective! Thanks again for hosting and putting all this together!
ReplyDeleteI found that having a tube (or two or three) of Tide To Go pens around are so amazingly necessary. I have stuck my finger and didn't realize I was bleeding until I had little red spots on my white blocks. A few hits with this pen and it is gone! Also worked on some mysterious blue spots on my white blocks. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great giveaway! Hmm, I think my advice of the moment is to figure out an organization system for your fabric and try to stick to it! My sewing room got so out of control over the past few months. I recently cleaned and re-organized everything. I'm hoping it helps make future projects easier and faster - we'll see if I can follow my own advice. ;)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the amazing tips again!
ReplyDelete:)
Hmmm. Great fabric! You stun me with your organization! You go girl!
ReplyDeleteIt's hot hot hot outside, please send rain!! thanks for the giveaway
ReplyDeleteIt's hot hot hot outside, please send rain!! thanks for the giveaway
ReplyDeleteMy tip is have good tools and a lot of fun! Without both of those you will get discouraged!
ReplyDeleteHmm sewing tips... worry less about perfection and more about having fun! Sewing and quilting is supposed to be enjoyable after all! (well most of the time!!!)
ReplyDeleteThanks for another fab giveaway!
My tip is to take things slowly & work at the speed & rate that you're comfortable with. When I started quilting I was reading lots of blogs where the blogger creates & sews at an incredible rate - this made me think that it was what I should be doing & I made lots of mistakes because of it. Slow & steady really does win the (quilting) race!
ReplyDeleteJust keep sewing...just keep sewing... just keep sewing...
ReplyDeleteSewing tip(s)--- cut into that beloved fabric! Make something you love! Oh and change your needle after each big project (or even before if you hear that blunt, popping noise when it goes through the fabric) a sharp needle makes your stitches so much more even.
ReplyDeleteGosh, got lots of sewing tips but one I find that is important, especially as I am cleaning out my sewing room and finding all kinds of stuff I didn't know I had is keeping the instructions/packaging with the product. I have lots of rulers and make sure that I keep the little paper telling how to properly or more effectively use them...it really helps especially if you don't use the rulers all the time. Maybe I'm just a packrat :)
ReplyDeleteMy quilting tip is to remember to challenge yourself! No matter what your level of experience, it's still fun and important to try new things so you can stretch your skills! Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteMy sewing tip is try not to get frustrated. I've often fallen apart when trouble arises and it doesn't help. I think I even threaten to chuck my machine out the window...I've learned to walk away and come back to it later. Sometimes you just need a break.
ReplyDeleteVicki @ Quilting Lodge
My sewing tip is to label your scissors (which ones are for fabric, paper)so you don't accidentally use your fabric scissor to cut paper; and have fun sewing.
ReplyDeleteMy quilting tip would be to check twice, sew once - that way you won't have to spend time unpicking/re-doing if you sew something incorrectly!
ReplyDeleteMy quilting tip is to have a little wine beofre you try FMQ, it really does help to get those shoulders relaxed!
ReplyDeleteUm, make what YOU love not what you think everyone else will like. Sew because you love to!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win! Relax, breathe and have fun!
ReplyDeleteMy sewing tip is use a knitting needle to poke your corners out properly.
ReplyDeletesamkaydesigns(at)gmail(dot)com
My tip is... hummmm measure twice, cut once. Have fun! Quilt with friends!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the opportunity to win.
Happy quilting!
Press press press!
ReplyDeleteDon't quilt when you are so exhausted and know you should go to bed, you will rip seams.
ReplyDeleteI like to sew in my pink silk bathrobe. The thread just slides off and I am not covered in mess.
ReplyDeleteYay! I'm so excited to choose a couple of Kate's patterns! I already know how well written they are. :) My sewing tip is to be careful with your iron. You can sew a perfect scant 1/4" seam, but if that seam isn't pressed well, it can throw off your measurements as much as sewing too wide of a seam allowance.
ReplyDeleteMy tip would be to keep practicing...I keep my first little quilt hanging in my sewing room to remember how far I've come. The first one was before I had heard of rotary cutters...you can imagine how it looks!
ReplyDeleteI just followed you on instagram! I'm @kelseysews :) My best sewing tip is to press, press, press! It makes everything look nice and crisp!
ReplyDeleteWhen my sad little tomato pin cushion started leaving sawdust all over my sewing room, I knew it time to make a new one. But before I pitched the old one, I opened it up to find all my needles that I had lost!
ReplyDeleteMy tip is to just try. I waited many many years before trying my first quilt this year b/c I thought it would be too complicated. Now I can't believe what I was missing.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this fab giveaway.
ReplyDeleteMy best sewing tip is not to be scared of making mistakes. When I realised that a seam ripper was all that stood between me and experiments, my sewing skills came on leaps and bounds.
xxxx
A tip...if your sewing machine makes a funny noise, don't ignore it.
ReplyDeleteMy tip is to keep some scraps that are too small for sewing a project to use for testing different stitches and tensions. That way you don't waste any fabric.
ReplyDeleteUse PaperbackSwap.com to swap quilting books that you are not using.
ReplyDeleteooh loving all the tips!!! My tip is that if your block starts to go crooked... rip out and fix it!! Man, I've come up with some CROOKED blocks by pressing on LOL
ReplyDeleteMy tip is to measure twice and cut once. I do that and I've still cut things wrong... Thanks for a chance to win! :)
ReplyDeleteReverse stitching is a much more positive way than thinking I have to rip out that seam (again). When starting a new project consider how old the machine needle is, if more than 8 hours use Change. Much cheaper than wondering why not getting results wanted. Thank you for the giveaway,
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful bundle of fabrics! My tip...keep adding to your stash! Cheers!
ReplyDeleteI only found you recently so I'll be reading for a while before I have an topic ideas. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteJust came from your Red, White, and Blue hop. Lots of nice blocks and thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the chance to win this delightful fabric. I usually try to do a leader and Enders project every time I sew.
ReplyDeleteHi. I'm a newbie, but my tip is to enjoy the process!
ReplyDeleteHi, I always do a fabric chart when I start a quilt so I know which fabric is which piece on the pattern. I pin it up on the wall above my machine so I can refer to it as I piece my blocks. I also fill three bobbins with whatever thread I am using so I don't have to unthread my machine to fill bobbins when I run out. Have you ever noticed when your bobbin thread is getting low that you sew faster thinking that you can get father if you could just sew fast enough. Dumb but I have talked to a few other people who say they have done the same thing. Hehehe!
ReplyDeleteMy tip is to sew a 'scant' quarter inch - it really makes a difference! Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteMy sewing tip would be to be willing to try new things , you may just find something you really love to do and have fun with whatever you are making ,the quilt police really won't be checking:-)Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteSewing tip - Be sure to clean out under your bobbin case and replace your needle often. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteMy tip is when starting out.... work on a small mini/doll quilt when trying a new block pattern. You won't be overwhelmed by needing lots of blocks for a big quilt. And if you don't finish the mini quilt - save your blocks and you are on your way to making a sampler quilt. Thanks you the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteSincerely,
Tricia
A tip? Read through the instructions carefully before you start!!
ReplyDeleteI'm now a follower thanks to finding you thru the hop. My tip is always do a test block with a new ruler and always test marking pens on a scrap. Thanks for the chance to win and I am so looking forward to you posts.
ReplyDeleteMy tip hmmm spray basting is wonderful! I love that it saves so much time and works so nicely :)
ReplyDeleteMy tip is wind more bobins than you think you'll need before you start quilting :)
ReplyDeleteI'm just finding your blog and all the linkys. I'll have to do some browsing. Sewing tip - turn off the computer :)
ReplyDeleteBeth, I'm loving your series!
ReplyDeleteMy tip is to mark your quilt when doing quilting straight lines. Use whatever you feel comfortable with - blue marker, painter's tape, chalk, etc. It really makes a difference.
I am not that great of a quilter, but I have 2 tips that work for me~~always have that
ReplyDeleteseam ripper handy & I have a bright light sitting by my machine (my "old" eyes aren't
quite what they used to be!). Thanks for the chance to win!!
wigglypup2(at)yahoo(dot)com
My quilting tip. Use a quarter inch foot and test it to find just the right spot for scant quarter inch. It will keep those 12.5 inch unfinished blocks at 12.5 vs 12.25. alternate email mlwright29(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeletepractice makes perfect...the more projects you make the better you get.
ReplyDeleteMy quilting tip is that there are no rules. Just make what you like!
ReplyDeleteGreat giveaway! It looks like there are not too many tips that have not been covered but I would say that if you are new to quilting don't be intimidated by other people that have been quilting for years. They started out new just like some of us are now and most of them didn't have all the wonderful information that we now have through bogs and tutorials.
ReplyDeleteBut I am new at sewing..... Hmmm let's see... Ok use lots of colourful colour combination to make a happy sewing/quilting projects!:)
ReplyDeleteandri_chama(at)yahoo(dot)com
Howdy: I left a link for everyone about using Freezer Paper Applique' which is a fool-proof (almost) way to make beautiful applique'd blocks. My next conquest (I'm a beginning piecer) is to learn foundation or paper piecing. I just saw a great tutorial on that. I hope everyone is learning as fast as they want to learn.....it's a journey and ought to be fun. Sew, please, have fun.....
ReplyDeleteI'm new to quilting too so tips are exactly what I need. Thanks to all the great bloggers who post tutorials for newbies like me; I couldn't do it without you!
ReplyDeleteshel704 at aol dot com