American Patchwork & Quilting
August 2021American Patchwork and Quilting delivers inspiration, education, and motivation to passionate quilting enthusiasts of all skill levels. In each issue, you'll get the highest quality patterns and how-to instructions, along with compelling feature stories about designers and destinations.Every digital issue includes the pattern pieces found in the corresponding print version. To access pattern pieces, simply click on the underlined text in Cut Fabrics sections.
in this issue
from the editor
I have always enjoyed making things. As a member of the Storm Lake (Iowa) Lucky Lakers 4–H Club in the 1970s, I learned to cook, refinish furniture, correctly set a table, and sew my own clothes. I had to write step-by-step descriptions of what I had done and verbally explain my processes to the judges at the county fair. At the time, I had no idea I’d use those skills later in my job as an editor! I did cross-stitch in the 1980s and recently found a box of my floss wrapped by color on paper holders emblazoned with DMC color numbers. I have beaded jewelry, knitted scarves, and tried scrapbooking and card making. The constant since 1989, however, has been quilting. While I have dabbled in many crafts, nothing has…
@allpeoplequilt.com
MEET NEW FRIENDS Each week we invite a designer who has been featured in one of our magazines to take over our Instagram account. They share what they are working on and offer glimpses into their quilting lives. Follow us on Instagram @allpeoplequilt. search: American Patchwork & Quilting @allpeoplequilt…
why didn’t i think of that?
When I first pull thread from a new spool, I often discover a little piece of plastic sticking out from the notch. Knowing my thread will catch on this notch when I’m sewing, before I thread my machine I use a fingernail file to smooth the notch. CAROL GULICKSON Brandon, South Dakota After preparing binding, I roll it up and slide it onto my sewing machine knee lift. This keeps the binding from tangling as I add it to my quilt. CONNIE STEADMAN Paris, Texas My little slivers of bar soap don't go to waste. Once dry, I use them to mark my projects. The slivers have sharp edges that draw finer, more accurate lines than a chalk pencil, and I always know the marks will wash out. DEBBIE MINCH Sequim, Washington Like many quilters, I have numerous cords…
finders keepers
Q: I’m interested in collecting antique quilts but don’t know how to get started. Any tips? A: There are a lot of factors to consider before you buy antique quilts. These tips will help you add beautiful treasures to your quilt collection. 1. EDUCATE YOURSELF Join organizations, guilds, or online groups that specialize in antique quilts. Many groups offer lectures, research, or study topics to help you learn. For suggestions of groups to join, see “Resources,” opposite. Visit quilt museums to learn about time periods and regional uses of color and patterns. If a museum allows, take photos of the quilts and their descriptions to refer to later. If you’re on Instagram, follow the hashtags #antiquequilt and #vintagquilt to connect with other collectors. 2. THINK ABOUT DISPLAY Consider where you will display the quilts in…
products we’re loving
CHAIN PIECE THREAD CUTTING GIZMO Separate chain-pieced units quickly with a thread cutter from The Gypsy Quilter. Its nonslip bottom ensures it will stay in place on any work surface. The tool has room to store four replacement blades so you always have a sharp blade available. $15.99; gypsyquilter.com DESKTOP VACUUM CLEANER Keep your work space clean with a rechargeable mini vacuum from ODISTAR that fits in the palm of your hand. The cordless device has brushes on the bottom to sweep small debris into an easy-to-empty bin. $14.98; amazon.com TOOLBOX Step up your storage with a 14×7×7" bin available in three colors. It has hidden handles and two inner pockets to hold smaller items. A grommet in each pocket lets you easily pull thread or floss lengths through if you’re sewing on the go.…
bookshelf
HAND SEWING Discover the joys of handwork. Author Becky Goldsmith shares step-by-step instructions, her best tips, and favorite tools for hand piecing, hand appliquéing, and English paper piecing. $28.95; ctpub.com MAKING A LIFE Author Melanie Falick takes readers across continents to explore why working with our hands remains relevant in the modern world. The book includes photos and stories from quilters, weavers, painters, woodworkers, and more. $31.50; barnesandnoble.com 99 MACHINE-QUILTING DESIGNS Learn to machine-quilt 35 walking-foot designs and 64 free-motion designs on your domestic machine. Author Christa Watson included a photo, description, and diagram for each design so you can have success quilting your next project. $28.99; shopmartingale.com…
