Simply Charming: Small Scrap Quilts of Yesteryear
All 20 projects can be viewed on our website! Come see!
We also welcome the following new fabric lines:
This pretty collection is full of the most amazing blues and reds in the perfect shades for your reproduction projects!
Bonnie Blue Basics III by Paula Barnes of Bonnie Blue Quilts
Great group of fabrics to use as “blenders” and “stash enhancement” pieces. Lovely small prints.
Great small prints on these fabrics and excellent shirtings!
Also just in:
Prairie Women’s Sewing Circle: Journey #2
Friendship Strips & Scraps by Edyta Sitar
Jo’s Little Women Club #10
(we currently have 4 more club member packs in stock – we will order more if their is interest! – Just let us know!)
We also have re-stocked our shelves with the following fabric collections:
Ember Reds & Evergreens
Attic Shirtings
Spice Chest
Indigo Berries
Ravenwood
Cocoa Express
Complements
Toast
Toast II
Stafford County
Hurrah
Annandale
Cinnamon & Spice
Fairfax County
Crimson & Clover
Jo’s Chintz
(some of the above mentioned fabric lines we have the entire collection of – other’s we ordered certain pieces!)
And last but not least, Barbara Brackman’s new line due to be released next month is now available for Pre-Order!
Civil War Reunion Fabric Collection
Now, it’s back to work for us! We have two extra sets of hands on board today – helping us to pack up all the pre-orders for our book! If you have already placed your order for our new book, we will have every order packed and shipped by February 1st! We promise!
Also, if you are “in the area” all the quilt models from our new book, Simply Charming will be delivered to Robert’s Sewing Center in Joliet/Crest Hill, Illinois, this coming Friday (January 28th, 2011) plus the books (we will be dropping them off Friday afternoon)! So stop by there and see the models and pick up your copy of the book soon! They are taking phone reservations for the books also! You may call them at 1-815-729-1600
The models for the book will be on display there at Roberts Sewing Center for the entire month of February! Feel free to stop in and browse!
We will also be having a book signing event with demos on:
February 26th from 10 am to Noon at Roberts Sewing Center in Joliet/Crest Hill, Illinois
tara lynn baisden 
Congrats on the book! My advise is to read the entire pattern instructions first, then take it one step at a time.b.
LikeLike
Congratulations Tara, I remember you when we were all doll making. I'd say use a 1/4\” foot, pin and press. I never thought pressing makes a difference but oh it does. But most of all have fun with it, nothing is perfect.
LikeLike
I have to say that the books looks great. I just love this site and your fabrics. The tip I have is don't be afraid to make friends with your seam ripper! It is better to rip out a seam then to keep sewing with a crooked seam.
LikeLike
I would tell them to relax and make the quilting experience special for them. Also, that rules are made to be bent and not to worry if your quilt isn't perfect. I would tell them to think of our grandmothers who made their quilts by hand with poor eyesight and poor lighting and we love every part of that quilt:)
LikeLike
patience and practice. Try to work on your quilting at least 30 minutes per day, if you can.
LikeLike
Although my sister could sew a bit, I got her quilting about a year ago. The first thing that we did was mark her machine with a 1/4\” line and I bought her a cutting mat and rotary cutter. Great start for a beginner.PS She sents me quilts in batches of 3 or 4 to quilt for her. I created a monster!
LikeLike
Have fun. Don't get wrapped up in I can't get this right.. If you set your needle to 1/4 \” and its a little off. Thats OKAY. There are no QUILT POLICE OUT THERE!!Whatever you sew it will come out just fine. Thanks for the generous giveaway.
LikeLike
Always read through the pattern and get familure with the directions. Work it out mentally in your mind before starting any cutting.
LikeLike
Read through the pattern before you begin cutting, organize your fabrics, measure twice, cut once and enjoy the process!
LikeLike
Don't be afraid to make a mistake! (of course don't cut off your finger with the rotary cutter–but you know what I mean)
LikeLike
Finished is SO much better than \”perfect\”! For me reading this on a sign was an epiphany!!! I have SO many UFO's sittin' around because I feel they just aren't good enough! Or maybe it's that if they aren't finished they aren't \”wrong\”… Either way, I need to keep telling myself that finished really IS better than perfect!!!
LikeLike
Finished is SO much better than \”perfect\”! For me reading this on a sign was an epiphany!!! I have SO many UFO's sittin' around because I feel they just aren't good enough! Or maybe it's that if they aren't finished they aren't \”wrong\”… Either way, I need to keep telling myself that finished really IS better than perfect!!!
LikeLike
Finished is SO much better than \”perfect\”! For me reading this on a sign was an epiphany!!! I have SO many UFO's sittin' around because I feel they just aren't good enough! Or maybe it's that if they aren't finished they aren't \”wrong\”… Either way, I need to keep telling myself that finished really IS better than perfect!!!
LikeLike
My advise is not to listen to the quilt police, there is more than one way to do everything. Just have fun, enjoy the process and laugh at your mistakes. And never never point out a mistakes, your the only one that knows it there and it gives the quilt character. I love little quilt, I can't wait to get my hands on this one.
LikeLike
I would tell a new quilter to learn the teacher taught proper way to do something, then experiment and figure out what works for you. I know that I'm supposed to cut away from me while using the rotary cutter,but I cut towards me because that is how I have the most control.
LikeLike
Take a beginners class at a local quilt shop or from a local quilt teacher.
LikeLike
I have been sewing since my mom forced us girls to sew ourselves a pair of \”jogging\” shorts with the bias tape…back in the 70's (when jogging was a new thing). I was probably 9 or 10 years old. I am relatively new to the quilting side of sewing though, but I have one tip that works for both: make sure you read the entire pattern construction before you start. The book looks wonderful, thanks for the opportunity to enter:)
LikeLike
My tip would be to enjoy the process, because finished is good. We are all always (hopefully) improving, whether it's color selection, piecing, or the quilting part. Don't beat yourself up or compare to others. Do YOUR best. That sounds like more than one tip!!
LikeLike
Congratulations on the FABULOUS new book! My advice is to slow down and enjoy the process. In the busy, hurried days we live in, it is good for the soul to stitch and enjoy!
LikeLike
Take classes. No matter how much you think you know you can always learn more. Classes help you expand your horizons. And always enjoy what you are doing.
LikeLike
CONGRATS TO YOU TARA!THIS IS NOTHING NEW, BUT CHANGING TO A NEW NEEDLE IS SO IMPORTANT-I HAD TO LEARN TO DO IT!THANKS SO FOR SHARING SUCH GENEROUS+NEAT GIVEAWAYS !
LikeLike
My advice is to join a local guild. You'll be exposed to lots of people who love quilts and love to pass on the enthusiasm. You'll never be at a loss for ideas and fun. Kathie L in Allentown
LikeLike
Congratulations with your new book. It looks great!Well, lots of good advices has been wirtten allready. But I think, it is very important to have fun and remember, there is NO quilt-police – you can do exactly what you want and what you find is right. Don't be afriad of using a fabric, you don't like. That might be THAT fabric, that gives life to the quilt.Have a nice weekend.
LikeLike
There is no quilt police! Every quilter is her own worst critic, so please, enjoy every stitch you make either by hand or by machine. No matter what technique you use, enjoy enjoy enjoy!!! Not only the finished quilt but also the process getting there!! Have lots of fun quilting!!
LikeLike
I learned to sew when I was young. I made doll clothes, stuffed animals and some clothing for myself. The \”rules\” for quilting are very different. I would also encourage everyone to take a beginners class. I thought you needed to pin everything, I believed in the 5/8\” seam allowance and that you pressed seams open. Wrong, wrong, wrong. You would not believe the unbelievable joy I experienced when I learned how to chain piece!
LikeLike
The advice I give most often is \”IT'S YOUR QUILT!\” It doesn't have to match the picture, you can change anything in the quilt you want…there are no quilt police who will arrest you if you don't make the quilt to match the pattern. Make the quilt so that you love it and forget every else's taste…it is your quilt!
LikeLike
My advice would be not to take yourself so seriously. You are going to make a mistake and you will learn and your quilt will still be beautiful. It is not supposed to be perfect, there is no such thing. We spend a lifetime learning this craft.
LikeLike
For the 1/2 square triangles make bigger and cut to size.
LikeLike
I would tell a new quilter to make sure to iron your fabric. You do not want wrinkles in your fabric when you cut out your strips.
LikeLike
I love your small quilts, Tara.I would advise other quilters to label their quilts so the history of the quilts can be followed in the future.
LikeLike
Congratulations on your new book! It looks wonderful.My advice to new quilters is to take a picture and write down every quilt project you make. I wish I had done this when I started. As you quilt more and more, you'd be amazed at what you forget you've done, especially if you give things away. It would be nice to have a picture of each item.
LikeLike
Wow! Your book looks \”charming\”! I hand piece and hand quilt – not many do it this way any more. My advice is to slow down and enjoy the journey AND you will never make all the quilts you see and want to make – even machine quilters will attest to this.Happy Stitching!!!galegalew417@comcast.net
LikeLike
When I first started quilting I was always so worried I'd make a mistake, so the process was very stressful to me. I finally realized that quilting is supposed to be fun! And after all, it is just fabric. Awesome new book!
LikeLike
It didn't take me long to realize just how important an EXACT 1/4\” seam is. If you don't have a 1/4\” foot, get one! Also, I love making half-square triangles and have learned to make them slightly larger, and trim them down.
LikeLike
I would have to say the best piece of advice I have received is to have fun. My second favorite piece of advice came from a good friend who said to alway square up your blocks. It seems like a lot of work, but is so worth it in the end when your blocks line up without haveing to \”fudge\” them to make them fit together nicely. I'm off to check out your new book.Becky'
LikeLike
I have no advice really since I'm working on my first ever baby quilt right now. However I will say don't be afraid to make mistakes!disintegratingstarr@hotmail.com
LikeLike
My tip is don't be afraid to ask for help. And remember that this is your quilt your project – there is no wrong way to do it – just your way! Just think – you might be creating a new process!!
LikeLike
The book looks like a winner. Something to be proud of.My tip would be to take lots of classes and don't be afraid of trying a new to you technique. It helps make you a well rounded and knowledgeable quilter.
LikeLike
I have learned so many different techniques from so many quilters. My advice would be to learn from everyone from beginner to advanced. We all have so much advice/info./techniques to share, and we all have so much to learn!!
LikeLike
Find a quilting buddy. Someone who will be there to listen and to bounce off ideas. Someone who will let you shop in your stash.
LikeLike
Love your new book! My advise is to make the quilts that matter most to you…follow your bliss…and use a \”scant\” 1/4\”…it pays in the end!
LikeLike
Your book looks great! I think the 1/4\” foot is a must…Love it! Also, pin, pin, pin
LikeLike
My best tip to a new quilter – there are no quilt police. 🙂 It's much more important to have fun with the process than to obsess with the technicalities. It took me a long time to understand that and quilting became a joy when I did. blessings, marlene
LikeLike
My best tip to a new quilter – there are no quilt police. 🙂 It's much more important to have fun with the process than to obsess with the technicalities. It took me a long time to understand that and quilting became a joy when I did. blessings, marlene
LikeLike
My best advice would be to purchase a 1/4 inch foot. I have an Elna Quilter's Dream and the 1/4 inch foot came with it. It has a nice little edge on it that you can butt your fabric up against and I always get a perfect 1/4 inch seam. Also I would recommend to a new quilter that you use only 100 percent cotton. Congrats on your new book.
LikeLike
I would suggest that quilters practice and get good at 1/4\” seams. This is a real blessing for BOMs, so the block winner has an easier time of putting blocks together without modification.
LikeLike
I would love to win a copy of your new book! My best advise to a beginner is to find that accurate 1/4\” sean allowance, and square up your blocks as you go. Makes fitting your blocks together so much easier.
LikeLike
Recently I learned that when measuring fabric the line on the ruler should be ON the fabric. Also that the patches you're sewing together should be UNDER the needle. Those 2 tips have made a big difference in my quilting. My favorite tip was in a magazine some years ago. When starting a new quilt, make your binding. You will be so glad you did when you get to binding your quilt.
LikeLike
My favorite tips are recent and have improved my quilting so much. When measuring fabric, the line on the ruler should be ON the fabric. When sewing two patches together the fabric should be placed far enough under the presser foot so that the needle enters the edge of the fabric. This will avoid that nasty shifting. A third tip I found in a magazine some years ago, cut, sew, iron and roll binding when starting a new quilt. You'll be glad you did when you get ready to bind the quilt.
LikeLike