Today SewCalGal is delighted to be participating in Geta Gramma's (Geta's Quilting Studio) Quilter's Favorites. There are many bloggers that are linking up on Geta's site, all sharing tips, tricks and tutorials, plus there are some giveaways along the way too. I hope you will visit Geta's blog and all the blogs that are participating in this event. This is going to be a fun virtual quilting event where we all pick up a few tips and tricks along the way. I've learned so much from Geta that I'm truly honored to be part of this event.
First, a little bit about me, as you may be visiting SewCalGal for the first time: Those that follow me, know I rarely share personal insights. To me, SewCalGal is all about designers, teachers, stores, events, products (aka those in the business). I don't get paid for writing about any of this, but for me researching and sharing insights helps me to learn. And, I also hope to help others in sharing too! When I write a review I always share my own opinion, good or bad.
My approach to quilting has changed over the years. I still primarily do charity quilting (most samples I create when reviewing a product and/or blogging are donated to various charities), but I've also realized that we all need to take time to learn new techniques. It is important to not just become aware of a new technique, but to learn and master it. The difference takes time, but has long term payback. I just wish I had understood this when I first began to quilt, many years ago.
I now focus time on learning vs taking a class. For example, I spent a year seeing if I could become halfway decent at free-motion quilting and I was quite impressed with what I learned and how much I now enjoy it. Likewise, I'm now starting to work on my precision piecing skills, by way of reading tutorials on blogs, watching DVDs, taking classes, reading books and taking time to practice. You'll have to come back in a year to see if my piecing skills have improved! If it takes longer, I'll stick to my plan of focusing! I've spent way too much time and money, in the past getting "exposed" and creating a lot of UFOs, so I'm not trying hard to master a technique before I move on to a new one.
Favorite Tools:
My list of favorite tools is too large to list in this post, but for those that follow SewCalGal you'll definitely hear about them. I also like to try to stay on top of new products being introduced at Quilt Market, as well as throughout the year and share insights, as I can. But, today, I wanted to share insights on a few that I think are some great basics (aka "musts"):
- Beam N Read Personal Light are perfect for those doing handwork and need of extra light. And definitely something to take with you when you travel and want to be able to read or do handwork.
- Famore MicroFine Tweezers are something every quilter should have. They are excellent for picking up small pieces of thread, ripping out free-motion quilting or other stitches, etc..
- Striptube Ruler is an amazing ruler that is very handy make fast strip quilts, but can be used for a variety of designs.
- Sewline Glue Pen is easier than pins when piecing. Just lightly dab the glue pin to one block, at every spot that you would have placed a pin, then add the top block and finger press the seams. Wait a few seconds and stitch. Amazing how the seams line up so perfectly and no pins, no shifting, plus great for stacking sets and assembly sewing.
Tips:
- Josh Madison has a free CONVERT program you can download that is so easy to use to convert a variety of measurements. I keep it on my desktop and frequently use it when I'm doing machine embroidery, as well as working with designs in metric.
- When working with adhesive stabilizers consider placing a sheet of freezer paper, shiny side down, on top of your ironing board. It is an inexpensive way tol protect your ironing board cover.
Freebies/Tutorials:
- I have a page on my blog labeled "My Favorite Tutorials" that have links to a variety of great tutorials. But, I also love how easy it is for quilters today, to be able to search the internet to find a tutorial to help them do just about anything that they are interested in. Plus, many of us find tutorials on things we had never thought about doing, but want to! Can you tell I love networking with quilters on the internet? Possibilities are endless.
I do want to heighten awareness "freebies" should not be copies of purchased patterns, books, machine embroidery designs, etc. that are shared with friends or posted on blogs. This includes copies of tutorials and insights on blogs, where some copy and post on their blog, or print and distribute with others. Ask permission before sharing. And remember professions, those that earn their living through their skills, are negatively impacted when you copy and give away their designs, tutorials, etc. "Their" freebies might be sharable, but be professional and ask permission and recognize the source when you do so. This includes when you pin on Pinterest. Our world of quilting is a wonderful world, thanks to those in the business who make it sew....but quilters need to adhere to good ethics to support those in the business, so let's all try to remind each other of the importance for each of us to stitch with integrity!
Classes
SewCalGal definitely recommends to quilters of all levels to take classes, take classes, take classes. Don't ever stop trying to learn. You may want to think about how you approach what classes. For example, you may want to focus on basic quilting, or a style of quilting such as applique'. As such, you may not want to take a class that the topic isn't on your priority list. For me, I've found that it has helped to minimize the UFOs that can happen when taking a class. And, I don't hesitate taking classes from a variety of teachers, on the same topic. I enjoy taking classes at my local quilt shop (LQS), quilt shows that I can attend, as well as classes online.
Craftsy has definitely become a favorite source for me to take classes online. They have a variety of topics, with great teachers and you can take the class at your leisure, as well as repeat is as often as you wish. Plus the price is so darn reasonable and they have some great free classes too. If you haven't yet tried classes at Craftsy, I want to encourage you to give them a try soon! I think you'll enjoy it too!
Did I mention a Giveaway:
SewCalGal frequently hosts a sponsored Fun Friday Giveaway every week. And, as today I'm talking about Quilter's Favorites, it seemed natural to host a giveaway sponsored by Hoffman California Fabrics!
The Fun Friday Giveaway prize this week is a yummy Sushi Fabric bundle of Hoffman batiks, perfect for anyone that love batiks and wants to have a variety of fabrics for their projects.
A Hoffman "Sushi" Bundle of fabric isn't something you'll find in your local quilt shop, nor will you find any two exactly alike. Hoffman was kind enough to give SewCalGal a few of these yummy fabric bundles, which SewCalGal calls "Sushi" rolls. You don't have to like Sushi, but many will love these rolls. Each are different and each are filled with yummy Hoffman Batiks and hand dyed fabrics. And, SewCalGal is willing to ship this bundle to any follower, any place in the world.
Want to enter to win this yummy Sushi Fabric Bundle? Simply enter via this Rafflecopter form. I know not everyone is comfortable with this form, but it has a plus of avoiding the "no reply blogger" feature with Google profile settings that frequently stop someone from winning, if they can't be contacted via email thru their profile. SewCalGal still encourages everyone to check their settings (click here for more info if you are not confident you are not a no reply blogger)
Please complete this Rafflecopter form to officially enter this giveaway
Hoffman California Fabrics
25792 Obrero Drive, Mission Viejo, CA 92691-3140
949.770.2922
800.547.0100
hoffmanfabrics.com
UPDATE: The winner of this Hoffman "Sushi" Fabric Bundle is Diane.
Don't forget to visit Geta's Quilting Studio for the complete list of bloggers participating in Geta's Quilting Favorites. They'll be linking up this week, sharing oods of tips, tricks and tutorials. This is a great way to learn, have fun and win some yummy prizes along the way too!
Lastly, SewCalGal is delighted to announce the winners of the Fun Friday Giveaway, from last week, sponsored by Fun Stitch Studio, an imprint from CT Publishing. The three winners are:
Ohio Lori
Mary on Lake Pulaski
Gene Black
154 comments:
Thanks for all your tips and insights! I like the converter, will definitely come in handy!
Thanks for the reviews. I couldn't be without my snips! I'm thinking of looking for larger scissors in the snips style.
My favourite tool is my little slide ruler
My favorite tool is some small medical forceps. It works like large tweezers that lock closed. Handy to hold thread, remove threads when I have to rip, blunt ends so I can use it for stuffing small things and a host of other chores. Couldn't do without it. Boy would I love some Hoffman sushi!
My FAV tool is my pair of "Machingers" Inuse when FMQ on my home machine. Thanks for all work work to keep us informed and your giveaways,
Thank you for linking to Quilter's Favorites. Great idea to use glue instead of pins when piecing! And I need a converter all the time - thank you for the link.
thanks fo this give-away
Great giveaway! Thanks.
One of my favorite tools is my rotary cutter. I use it all the time. Obvious, but true. It is important to have a SHARP blade in it to make good cuts.
(ask the man that went to a multiday class in the middle of nowhere with a dull blade!)
I love my Wonder Clips, and my Havel scissors! I think I need one of those lights, though (AWESOME)!
very insightful information for us!! You are always on top of things and keeping us up there with you..thank you for that.
I can't work withoug cutting mat, rotary cutter, rulers and embroidery scissors. Best sewing tip for relaxing AND productive sewing is chain-piecing, it saves thread and time.
Thanks for the chance!
When doing applique without fusibles a glue stick like they use in elementary school is great to hold the pieces in place until they are stitched.
That glue pen looks really cool!
Thanks for the tips. I must try the glue pen - I actually own one and have never used it! ~Jeanne
My favorite tip is boring but true, make sure you press your seams as you go, it makes a huge difference when piecing.
I have discovered how to do open seams and though I feel silly how simple it is, I also want to share this with others: First set the seams with the iron, then finger press the seam open before pressing with an iron!! I hope that makes sense!
I have discovered how to do open seams and though I feel silly how simple it is, I also want to share this with others: First set the seams with the iron, then finger press the seam open before pressing with an iron!! I hope that makes sense!
Great tips and advice! Thank you for sharing with us!
Thanks for the great tips. I really should get one of those Beam lights and your glue tip is the best. My favorite tool is my "Purple Thing" - I use it all the time. Thanks for the chance to win some awesome batiks.
We don't get any of these tools in this part of the world but I sure like reading about them. Also the range of fabrics!!! just drool over them.
mystica123athotmaildotcom
great tips - thanks - never thought to use a glue stick on piecing seams
I am afread that one of my favorite quilting tools is becoming the dang computer....
I love your site and follow you daily. It is one of the most informative sites for us stalkers without a blog.
Thanks so much for your time and efforts and please enter me into your drawing.
I love picking up helpful tips. Thank you so much
Read your blog everyday. Did the Free Motion Quilting Challenge last year learning so much. Thanks for the giveaway.
Can´t be without my cutter and the mat ,easy way to cut fabrics.Thanks for the tips and giveaway!
I use my gluestick for paper piecing to hold the first two pieces together.
Your insights are always fun to read.
My favorite tool is the creative grid's square up ruler. without them squaring up would be tough.
Your insights are always fun to read.
My favorite tool is the creative grid's square up ruler. without them squaring up would be tough.
Your insights are always fun to read.
My favorite tool is the creative grid's square up ruler. without them squaring up would be tough.
Love your product reviews!
My favorite tip is taking the time to sliver trim hsts. They go together beautifully when they are all precision trimmed.
I have purchased a couple of Geta's patterns. They are not easy but she explains the steps very well.
My favorite strange tool is a magnetic from Home Depot or Lowe's. Found in the tool department. It is about the size of a ball point pen but extends and has a powerful magnet on the end to retrieve dropped pins and more.
Thank you for all you do for the quilting community. You are a huge help and influence to so many of us.
My current favorite tool is my machingers.
Love the little over the neck light SewCalGal... Thanks for the great post!
I'm always on the lookout for things to make my quilting and sewing easier! Thank you.
Great post today. Thanks for all the info, and thanks for the giveaway.
Measure twice cut once. I still have problems with this once in awhile.
syvisser@gmail(dot)com
Stiletto is a top favourite tool of mine.
Thanks for the tips! I can't live without the seam ripper and little embroidery scissors by my sewing machine!
My favorite tool is my 6.5 inch bloc loc ruler for squaring up hst blocks.
Roter cutter is my fav tool! Thanks for
Sharing your great tips
And tools!
Would love the Hoffman fabric! Thanks for the chance. Tried to d/load the converter but only for Windows and I have Mac :(. Do you know of one for Mac?
Thanks for all that you do for us and especially for the Friday fun!
Thanks - the light is what I've been looking for. Is it really bright? I've bought so many different ones only to be disappointed. Thanks again!
My kind of sushi!!
Wow, another great giveaway, SewCalGal! How do you keep finding such great stuff to give?
I would love to have that "Sushi"! I love the Clover clips to put binding on with. they are so handy. Thanks for the opportunity to win!=)
My favorite tool besides my sewing machine is the rotary cutter. Even if i don't like cutting all the fabric, imagine all the work without it!
Excellent post. Looks like it hit a "happy" spot for a lot of us.
This kind of sushi I like! Great tips, a few new things to try.
I'm learning to applique and just found out about using (tear away)stabilizer behind the fabric once the appliqued piece is ironed to the front of the fabric. Thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks for the great tips. I highly recommend taking the time to square up your block sections & your blocks. They'll fit together better & your quilt will lie flatter. And thanks for the great giveaway.
some great tips, and thank you for reminding everyone to ask permission to use info/tutorials
Thanks for having the giveaway. I'm off to check out Greta's Quilting Favorites now!
There are so many tools I use on a regular basis. One that I couldn't do without is my seam ripper. I don't have a particular brand because I have several and I often buy new ones because they are easy to loose.
Great tips and reminders....thanks.
Great giveaway! Love the tips. Need the glue pin.
i'm going to have to check out the light Beam and Read, the older i get the more i need light, there was instructions on a box yesterday that even with glasses i couldn't see it. lol sigh
Thanks for all the tips! My favourite tool is my awl - so useful for all sorts of things!
I love my rotary cutter and mat! missysaprons@gmail.com
Oh, boy I think I have a new fav! I'm going to get one of those glue pens!
Hugs!
I love my adhesive lint rollers and my blue painters tape.
OMG! I have been on my computer all day surfing the quilting sites since reading your post today! Thanks for the opportunity to win and all the great tips!
I like that converter. It comes so in handy. I'm alsways the one converting back and forth between inch and cm, just because in my country we use the metric system lol!
My favorite tool is my ever present rotary cutter. It's so fast and accurate (well, as long as I'm accurate). It sure beats scissors and cardboard templates...which is what i started with years ago.
My favorite are the Wonder Clips. They are so versatile when sewing/quilting.
I had a glue stick pen, but when I went to use it the second time, it was all dried up. What did I do wrong, it was sealed.
My favorite tool is my rotary cutter. Priceless for cutting small perfect pieces.
I'm loving all these tips! Thanks!
My favorite tip came from a teacher and is now my mantra... "Measure twice, cut once!"
Thanks for the insight on all your favorites!
Sandy A
Thanks for your ideas and advice!
Great post. Yes, Craftsy has great classes.
My favorite tool is my Karen Kay Buckley scissors Just love them.
Thanks for all the tidbits of information. I've been meaning to try the glue pen, but must remember to purchase it. Also, thanks for the chance to win - these fabrics are scrumptious.
The Sewline Glue Pen is new to me. Definitely need to get myself one!
I love a great pair of scissors and a glue stick.
Frixion pens for marking just about everything. I really like the Sewline Glue Pen too. Nice and soft but easier to control than the fat glue sticks.
If you are not a fan of google, you can't be a "reply blogger." My e-mail is on my blog sidebar, however. Thanks for sharing some of your favorite tools.
Dezertsuz at gmail
Thanks for recommending the glue pen--I've been planning to get one and now know which to look for. My favorite tool is probably my titanium rotary cutter. It is so smooth! I noticed a huge difference between it and my previous rotary cutter which was the same brand but not titanium.
SewCalGal appreciate all the tips I agree with craftsy and the fact to never stop learning....thanks for all you do.
I need to find that glue pen. Fan4may at aol dot com
Thanks for sharing all the great tips. I agree that you can find so much information on the internet that is very helpful in learning new techniques. I often wonder what we did before the internet. I have signed up for some Craftsy classes and am looking forward to starting those soon. I would have to say my favorite tool is my rotary cutter.
I have to say my favorite tool is the good ol' rotary cutter and Creative Grid rulers! Boring, I know, but couldn't cut without them!
I'm partial to Creative Grids rulers, especially the novelty ones that make interesting shapes. I'm going to try the curves for rectangles ruler next!
I have to agree with a lot of people here...my cutting mat, a ruler and rotary cutter are my favorite tools!
My tip? Go to different blogs and see what they have been doing. I get a lot of tips and ideas from them They are really very useful and friendly!
hulseybg at gmail dot com
I love discovering new items and designers thru your blog. It is always informative and I have gotten to find some wonderful blogs thru you. Thank You!!!!
Love small scissors in knitting bag, sewing bag and everywhere else I need. Love the tips and tutorials. Thanks for converter.
My favorite tool is my computer. The information I get from my blogging friends have made a big difference in my quilting. Now I am going to go check out those sew line glue pens you mentioned.
I'll need to try that Sewline glue pen tip! Thanks for sharing - good info!
Next time I go to the Quilt Store I am gonna look for that Sewline glue:) Great idea!!!
Thanks!
Thanks for all the tips! I would love to win the sushi as I use batiks in my applique. Thanks also to Geta for sponsoring this wonderful series.
thanks for all your tips and reviews.
Thanks for all the tool tips and the giveaway. Appreciate all the tech and tool tips you give for those of us who are tech-y challenged. Sue
Love your blog & especially today. Thanks
Phyllis
Oh gosh, I'm a self taught quilter and the tip I have is to watch as many quilt shows and you-tube videos on quilting. You can learn so many things. I watch them over and over if it is a design I really like.
Thank you so much for the converter! I have already downloaded it to my desktop. I love surfing the internet to learn new things...there are so many learning opportunities thanks to the generosity of so many nice folks!
I just love that idea about the glue pen--I will definitely be trying that!
Great idea about the glue pen, will have to give it a try. Thanks. One of my fav notions I have used recently is Thangles. They make such perfect Half Square Triangles. No need for squaring up as they come out perfectly each time! Love those Thangles!!
My current favorite tip is using Bonnie Hunter's "leader and ender" tip. It's amazing how many "bonus" small quilts I've completed lately! I'd love to win the batiks, also!
My favorite tools lately are the Famore seam ripper (for the 20-25 setting for stitch length in foundation piecing) and the quilter's quarter inch seam rule.
I just started reading your blog, and
would like to thank you for sharing
all the tips and information, there
is always so much to learn.
Always enjoy your blog - so much good information and insight on my favorite thing - Quilting!
Your blog is great and it's obvious that you are very experienced and all your tips and techniques are cool! Thank you for sharing!
Love your posts! My little hint would be this: There are lots of people saying that their way of doing something is best. It may be best for them, and others may agree, but there are many ways to piece a block, piece a top, get 1/4" seam, etc. Find what works best for you by reading and trying different ideas, and then do the one that makes the most sense to you. It's all about enjoying what you do.
Love the Friday posts. They are always so informative. Thanks for sharing.
my favorite tool is my rotary cutter
I use binding clips (the kind that are hair clips) for binding and more. I use them in place of pins when marking hems, holding small stacks of fabric together, holding several pieces of paper together, holding pieces waiting ti be sewn in place of pins and to keep a paper with a row or column marking on. I use ones form the notion area or in the hair care department.
Thanks for all the work you put into this!
I love my strip tube ruler too. And that is the kind of sushi I like. Yum!
Thanks so much for your tips - wonderful as always. At my age, I struggle with anything other than inches, feet, yards so having such a handy converter is super. I love Batiks!
8
I like my lighted seam ripper that hubby got me
Im new so I really only have the basic tools. I really do love my rotary cutter and mat.
My very favorite tool are curved tip squeeze scissors. The are small & easy to use & save a lot of wear & tear on your hands.
Thanks for the great tips. I will be trying some of them.
I picked up a great little tool in the automotive department for less than $5. It's a telescoping wand with a magnetic tip which is great for picking up pins in the sewing room.
I can't hand sew without my thimble, but the thing I use most is my little tub. I have it on my chair arm, when I am hand sewing and beside my sewing machine. It collects all my little bits of thread, small trimmings of material and even bent needles and small bits of paper. When I am finished sewing, it all goes in the trash, andIi have a neat area to come back to and no stray threads lying around.
Great info! The Sewline Glue Pens look neat but I've always wondered if they'd get glue on my sewing machine needle. Any advice?
One of my favorite tools is Pinmoors. Love using them with the flower head pins to baste my quilts.
I always look to you for great info and inspiration. Thanks for everything.
Thanks for all the great quilting hints! Love the tutorial page also.
Love batiks! Thanks for doing the giveaway.
My favorite quilting tool has always been the rotary cutter. I learned to quilt before rotary cutters came on the scene, but they sure have made cutting much more accurate. Thanks for the great giveaway. Love the batiks.
Great informative post - thanks!! I am following Geta's 'Quilter's Favorites' what a fun way to learn from others. Best, Ann
Thanks for all the tips!
Thanks for the tip about the glue tip. I'll certainly try that one.
My favorite tool is the rotary cutter
I've been loving my super slider recently. It makes free motion quilting so much easier.
Thanks for sharing your favourites - I think I need to check out the glue pen - looks very interesting!!
Love all the tips and sharing of your favorites. I didn't know about the glue pen, will have to find one of those. I love my small ruler, 2 1/2" X 6 1/2". It's small enough to carry around yet when I need to measure more than one inch, it's great.
Thank you for a super giveaway and a chance to win.
usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for your tips. I like new gadgets but if I didn't have my walking foot, my rotary cutter and good scissors, I don't think I could quilt. Thanks.
I think my iron and seam ripper are my most used tools. I have learned good tools make quilting so much more fin! Thanks for the chance
I love my Simplicity Rotary Cutter Machine, it makes strips up to 3 inches my one of my best tools, My tip is using tutorials. I get great tips and tutorials from joining Quilt Shop Sites and get a daily/weekly or monthly newsletter, which includes sales, giveaways and great information. If you are not sure or don't have a lot of Quilt Shops on your list go to
http://www.quiltshops.com/cgi-server/quiltshops/shopdisplay-a.cgi
for searches of items, shop, etc.. or
http://www.fabshophop.com/
A hop which means you go to each shop on the list and look for their bunnies and click so you get registered and your name goes into a drawing, and you can also see what other shops offer, get tips & sales and much more. They usually have a hop almost every month. If you don't understand the "hop" concept just click at bottom of page on how to hop, when to hop, etc. You'll get hooked - which I think is a win-win for everybody. also you can win also I have won some great material. But if you want to see "how to" by watching, go to
https://www.youtube.com/
There a so many "how to" videos available, just type what you are looking for in the search box and start learning. This also opens you up to other quilt shops.
Enjoy !!!
One of my favorite things is having a spray bottle of water (with a few drops of essential oils in it) next to my ironing board. The essential oils act like aromatherapy!
Somedays I think my COMPUTER is my most valuable sewing tool. I get hints, project ideas, free tutorials, I can order fabric, patterns, and supplies; and I can follow my favorite quilt bloggers!
may favorite tool has to be a seam ripper, it's something that's get touched on a regular basis.
My favorite tool is the Sewline needle threader. Thank you for all the tips and cool tools!
My favorite tool is my curved bladed thread nippers. They're really handy!
Cool tip about the sew line glue. I'm using that one! Thanks!
I love all the tips on the blogs I read...great help! Thanks for the giveaway. vickise at gmail dot com
You're blogs are so well written. I really enjoy the read and the information.
Thanks for all of the tips. Great giveaway.
What a nice giveaway. Thanks!
I love my Purple Thang! I check my quarter inch seams, measure quarter inch when sewing on bindings, and when making mitered edges. I also use it for turning things right side out, finishing off those pesky corners. It also is useful as a bodkin, pulling ribbon, elastic through sleeves, etc. It's always the first thing I pull out when setting up my sewing space! Thanks for the chance to win!
I ahve downloaded from your converter link. Thanks for posting it. I would have to say my rotary cutter is my favourite quilting tool. That would be the only item I couldn't do without. My 8 inch bias square is also used a lot and is invaluable for squaring up HSTs.
Thanks for all the info on some of the new available tools!!! I love the glue pen! Very little pinning and my pieces stay in place!! No more getting picked by a ton of pins when trying to piece an intricate block!
My favorite quilting tool is the internet.
Blogs - for their tutorials, reviews and tips.
Quilt University - for their classes (I've taken quite a few) and am very sorry to see them leave although I completely understand.
Craftsy - for their classes. I am currently enrolled in the 2013 BOM. I am learning a lot and gaining confidence. I highly recommend this class. Best of all it's FREE.
As always, thank you for hosting this giveaway.
My favorite might-not-be-on-everyone's-radar quilting tool is the Clover cheater needle - one of the needle with a slot instead of a hole. Makes it easy to hide threads - I learned from Leah Day's site. Thanks for putting my name in the hat for your drawing.
Hmmm, now where did I put that glue pen I have yet to try out? It sounds like a better helper than I realized. My tip is to keep a small notebook in my sewing room with a pen attached. The purpose is to record where I've put tools, so I'll be able to find them again without relying on my faulty memory.
Great sewing tips! I learn so much from your blog.
I don't think I could live without freezer paper!
SCG, Are you going to use Sally Collins' DVD and book for your precision piecing? I've been wanting to make one of her quilts for the same reason-to become very proficient with my piecing.
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