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This quilt shows some family history using tobacco felts from the early 1900’s. These were promotional items to help sell tobacco, aimed toward the women. They are felt-like, world of countries emblems, like flags. They were very bright when issued, but over the years have faded. |
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What do you do if you have only one block, maybe an antique that you would like to display? Put it in the center of multiple borders, on point or not. You can embellish with flowers or other applique if you want, like this one. It is a block made by my Grandmother, hand sewn, I did her favorite color and flower, yellow roses. |
If you want an easy and quick pattern for quilting (I use these for simple applique) use your cookie cutters! Run out of chalk? On light fabric you can use cocoa powder! It smells as good as it works. Dark fabrics can be marked with a sliver of soap. Please check any marking pen (or whatever) on a scrap piece of fabric before using to make sure it washes out. Use plain water since soap and ironing can set it. Try using some poly batting to erase soap, chalk, or cocoa. Children's washable markers can be used and the different colors assure one that will show up on your fabric, they are cheaper, and available. If you make your own pattern use a thin piece of cardboard, trace your pattern on it, then sew with an old needle without the thread and you will have a reusable quilting pattern.
If you like to use sheets or blankets for batting, just be sure if they are new to wash them so they are shrunk before you use them. It is a good way to use the torn or worn ones up. Regular batting should be left flat for a day or so to relax before using it. Wrinkles can be gotten out with your hair dryer on low to medium. Since washing isn't necessary all the time, use a dryer on fluff or air cycle to take dust out and not wear it out by washing.
When using your iron on the new fusible webs use a pressing cloth or slippery pressing paper to protect your iron and your ironing board. If you have an old iron board cover that would work on the bottom. Are you tired of the small ironing boards? Take a piece of 1/2" plywood, mine is 2 ft. x 4 ft. and cover it with something you have, mine is an old wool blanket, not too thick. It is perfect and the full 18 " block is ironed at one time. Less pulling and shifting for the finished top and backing too!
There are so many products out there it could take you awhile to see what works best for you. Some of the simplest are Plexiglas strips in various widths. These can be used for cutting strips or for marking a grid for quilting your quilt top. They should be 45 " for quilting.
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