This quilt is made using the Hidden Wells quilt blocks pattern that was designed many years ago by Mary Ellen Hopkins. It's easy to prepare, easy to put together but a real pain to nest the seams. We had to suck it up and just go with it. So this means taking extra care when pinning and sewing the blocks together, so that your seams match up nicely. However, we did come up with … [Read more...] about Hidden Wells Quilt Pattern Tutorial
Quilting Products
Twisted Pinwheels – Lil’ Twister vs Twist n Stitch Ruler Review
I've been wanting to try out a twisted pinwheel for some time now ever since I saw a video on YouTube for the Twist n Stitch Ruler by June Tailor. That was some time back and funnily enough I had forgotten that I even purchased the ruler. It had been hanging with all of the other rulers we have purchased (but haven't tried yet). It was only when I purchased the Lil' Twister … [Read more...] about Twisted Pinwheels – Lil’ Twister vs Twist n Stitch Ruler Review
Our Electric Quilt Review & Overview – EQ8 Quilt Design Software
One of our favorite tools is EQ8 (aka Electric Quilt). And why to we love it? Well this is a quilting software that helps you to design your own quilt blocks and patterns. But not only that, it has thousands of in-built quilt blocks and different templates including appliqué blocks and patterns that you can start using straight away. We have been using it for years now … [Read more...] about Our Electric Quilt Review & Overview – EQ8 Quilt Design Software
How Much Are Quilting Machines?
If you are getting serious about your quilting then you may be looking to get yourself a quilting machine. You are probably also starting to check out prices to see what you might be up for. Luckily for you, quilting machines come in a range of prices so almost anyone can get more serious about their hobby. How Much Are Quilting Machines? Quilting machines can vary in price … [Read more...] about How Much Are Quilting Machines?
What are Quilting Notions that Every Quilter Should Have?
What are Quilting Notions? If you are fairly new to quilting you may have only just come across the term ‘quilting notions’ and wondering exactly what that means. Fortunately, this is a simple one to answer. Quilting notions are all of those tools and accessories that are used when making a quilt. Some examples of quilting notions include: Scissors Thimble Seam ripper … [Read more...] about What are Quilting Notions that Every Quilter Should Have?
What are Quilting Gloves?
Quilting gloves are worn by quilters and are used when sewing together the layers of a quilt. They assist in providing a firm grip on the quilt to prevent slippage and ensure greater precision when quilting out the stitched design. However, having said that, it’s important to note that there is another type of quilting glove whose purpose is to protect your hands from cuts … [Read more...] about What are Quilting Gloves?
The Secret Life of Charm Squares
Do Charm Squares Have a Secret Life? You bet they do. Just think about it, you see a pack of charm squares and it's just 5" squares of fabric that sort of match together. At this stage it really isn't anything special other than being your favourite color or theme. Now you open the pack and lay it out to reveal all the beauty contained within. You move the squares around in … [Read more...] about The Secret Life of Charm Squares
What Thread Do We Use for Sewing & Quilting?
This is a question we are often asked. What thread do you use? Well, we use Gutermann thread. I have used it for my sewing projects for many years and I have always had good results. There are other good quality threads available such as Aurifil. But old habits are hard to break when you like something and it gives you the results you need, so why change. I haven't ever … [Read more...] about What Thread Do We Use for Sewing & Quilting?
Best Bobbin Storage Options – Our Review of What We Use
If you have a sewing machine then it is inevitable that you will have a ton of bobbins floating around. Some empty, some half full, some pre-wound, some for embroidery, some with colours you will never use. Well, you get the picture. So with this in mind, we thought we'd give you our best bobbin storage options. Between the two of us, we have hundreds of bobbins and we all know … [Read more...] about Best Bobbin Storage Options – Our Review of What We Use
Mary Ellen’s Best Press Review – What is it and Why I Love it so Much?
When I first started quilting, I didn't worry too much about what spray starch to use and just went with whatever I had on hand. It wasn't until I got a little more serious about it all that I realised that a good spray starch can make all the difference. That's when I did a bit of research to find which one was the best and Mary Ellen's Best Press came up time and time … [Read more...] about Mary Ellen’s Best Press Review – What is it and Why I Love it so Much?