-Buy quilts in the best condition you can afford. That means no gaping holes, no stains, and no worn spots. You should have a reaction when you first see the quilt. If you don’t love it, don’t buy it.

-Nineteenth-century quilts are in high demand because there’s a finite supply of them. The most unusual designs in pristine condition are the most valuable. Don’t use investment potential as a way to gauge a purchase, however.

-To learn more about heirloom quilts, view as many as you can. Visit antique shows and talk to quilt dealers and historians. They have a wealth of knowledge to share. There are hundreds of books about quilts; read as much as you can. Learn to identify fabrics and quilt patterns, because these will give you the best clues for determining the age of a quilt.

-You have to have a broad base of information about quilts so you have a sense of what patterns show up again and again. Those quilts are worth less than the ones you rarely see.

-Everyone has a favorite quilt. Early 1800s Amish quilts from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, are attractive because the quilters used only four patterns and made quilts from solid fabrics, usually very fine wool. Others love the charm of quilts made in the 30s and 40s with their sweet motifs of innocent childhood. Folk art lovers prefer those that hark back to a more primitive lifestyle. And who can resist a quilt that reminds us of the wagon rides across the prairies?

-Because of their beauty and historical charm, quilts should be used. Hang them on the wall or drape over a chair. Stack them on beds or fold them into a cabinet. If you have pets or children, you might need to take more care in how they’re displayed. Always be sure to refold or turn the quilts to avoid damage.

-Vintage quilts were made to last and are a fun choice for a child’s room. Heirloom-quality quilts, however, shouldn’t be used by small children. If you’re worried about damage, think about displaying the quilt in another way.

-Try to be as nice to your quilts as possible so they don’t need to be cleaned too often. Wash 20th-century quilts yourself but send those from the 19th-century to a textile conservator for washing. Make sure the quilt is strong--both fabric and stitching--before you wash it. Absolutely do not dry-clean a cotton quilt.

-Auctions are fun and lively events to attend! Preview the quilts first so you know the condition of the quilts you want to bid on. Set a spending limit before the auction begins—it’s very easy to get caught up in the moment when the auctioneer is shouting out bids. Remember to ask about selling fees and sales tax; they will add to your total expenses. Selling quilts on Internet auctions is a booming business. If you see something you like, ask to have it sent on approval. It’s impossible to see the quality of the quilt and the colors on a computer screen. Ask for references and only buy from reputable sellers.

-There’s a misconception that antique quilts are expensive. Many can cost under $200. That’s a lot less than many reproduction quilts. Common patterns, such as 1930s-era floral kit quilts are more affordable. You can find most quilt types in any price range. Condition and artistry of the design raise the price.

SOURCE  _   http://www.allpeoplequilt.com

Recycle an old pair of jeans into a funky bag with this tutorial by Stefi Luca. Use a bright fabric like the red fabric pictured for the lining and embellishments.

Materials:

For step-by-step instructions go to -  http://www.favecrafts.com/Sewn-Bags/Funky-Jeans-Bag

Great-looking flowers are just one of the things you can do with the help of a loop turner.Photo by Mary Ray

by Mary Ray

A loop turner is such a simple tool that works so well. It’s a very thin metal rod with a ring on one end and a hook and latch on the other. It’s great for any fabric cylinder that needs to be turned right side out. If you want really skinny spaghetti straps or tubes for fabric frogs or loop buttonholes, I think this works the best. And here’s a bonus: You can use the hook to dig out the cording that gets lost in the casing of your hoodies when they come out of the dryer!

For step-by-step instructions go to  -   http://www.craftstylish.com/item/10166/how-to-use-a-loop-turner

From start to finish, creating a fabric collection takes at least four months, though some collections can be in development for a year or more. The entire cycle occurs twice a year at a minimum, and often more, as fabric companies prepare for spring and fall markets where they introduce their new collections to shop owners. Design director Alice Kennedy of Timeless Treasures Fabrics shared the process of developing the Berkeley collection with American Patchwork & Quilting.

Read more at  -  http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/magazines/americanpatchworkquilting/how-fabric-is-designed_ss1.html?sssdmh=dm17.454359&esrc=nwapq&email=1943517106

This file contains pattern templates only. Pattern instructions are on page 136 of Stitch magazine Spring 2010

Make a one-of-a-kind accessory with a kaleidoscope of fabrics from your sewing stash. Featuring fused appliquéd petals and a handful of sewn-on buttons, this small clutch’s fun embellishments make a big impression.

Designed by Rebeka Lambert

See more at  -   http://www.quiltingarts.com/media/p/17594.aspx

Quilt by Janice

Carrie Jacobs-Bond Composing Threaders Quilt Club

Overview

Our Quilts of Valor Project is ongoing. Currently we are preparing to construct 50 quilts for returning wounded Purple Heart veterans. The $5,000 will be spent on all necessary aspects in creating quilts. These supplies would include fabric, thread, quilt batting and possibly sewing machines.
At present, our 18 active club members are using their own fabric and supplies for our charity work. Being from an economically depressed area, our resources are dwindling, but our desire remains very strong.
We would be extremely grateful to receive help with this project.

Deliverables:
50 Valor Quilts

Read more and vote for it at  -   http://www.refresheverything.com/yoopervalorquilts

Is Australia's favourite craft event held annually at Sydney Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour. This fantastic craft event runs in conjunction with the Sydney Quilt Show. Under one roof, you can buy unique craft supplies, see displays and learn in FREE workshops. The Craft & Quilt Fair also includes the Decorative Art Sale & Exhibition and the Sydney Bead Fair.

See...

displays and demonstrations of quilts, fashion, textile art, embroidery, beading, scrapbooking, patchwork, knitting, sewing, doll making and more. Don’t miss our guest artist, Sharyn Hall, who will demonstrate shibori, fabric printing and dyeing.

Download this Project 

Materials

Designer: Cindy Taylor Oates
Photographer: Greg Schneidemann

When choosing fabrics for the miniature patchwork pieces that make up designer Cindy Taylor Oates' bag, select mostly small-scale prints. For more style, consider using a specialty fabric, such as silk douppioni, for the solid band or for the entire bag. If you want a more secure bag, think about adding a closure, such as ribbon ties, a button and loop, or magnetic snaps.

Materials
18x22-inch piece (fat quarter) pink print (triangle-squares, band, bag base)
1/2 yard dark pink print (triangle-squares, lining)
1/4 yard light green print (four-patch units)
1/4 yard green print (four-patch units, bag handle)
1/8 yard green polka dot (four-patch units)
1/3 yard muslin (backing)
16x26-inch thin batting

Finished Bag: 9x9x3 inches

Quantities are for 44/45-inch-wide, 100% cotton fabrics. All measurements include a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Sew with right sides together unless otherwise stated.

Continued on Page 2: Cut Fabrics

See the instructions at  -  http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/projects-ideas/bags-pillows/lazy-days-tote_1.html

Put your button collection to good use with this great phone, which is perfect for making all those important calls. Embroider numbers onto the screen using backstitch or sew your name or initials on. If you want to give this as a gift to a baby, sew circles of felt instead of buttons, using different colors for a bright and cheery look.

Project excerpted from Sewing for Children by Emma Hardy.

Materials:

See step-by-step instructions at - http://www.favecrafts.com/Sewing-For-Kids/Cell-Phone-Softie