Crafts
Quilts and More Summer 2020
Quilts and More promises simple, fresh, and fun projects. Make easy quilts, bags, pillows, and pincushions using clearly written instructions.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
When I was 13 years old, I was diagnosed with the back condition scoliosis, a sideways curvature of the spine, and was told I’d need to wear a back brace for the next two years. It was the first major medical issue I’d had, and to my teenage mind, it meant my life was over. It wasn’t, of course, but having scoliosis did change some things. My doctor told me the important thing was to “know my limits” (well, that and no sustained lifting, but the idea of acknowledging my limitations was my favorite takeaway). It turns out learning to understand my limits was pretty good life advice in general. How many of us struggle with things like stress and burnout because we push ourselves too hard and take on…
what does “healthy sewing” mean to you?
Sewing is healthy when I’m careful to keep it a positive part of my life—both physically and emotionally. It means setting guidelines for myself so that I don’t wear down my body physically through poor habits or overcommitting myself to deadlines but also guarding against psychological dangers, like dwelling on criticism. Healthy sewing doesn’t happen by accident.— Heidi Staples, designer of Two Can Play on page 58 People often laugh and say, “sewing is my therapy.” This year, after my husband passed away, I found sewing really was the therapy I needed. Hard projects give me something to think about besides him. Sewing 500 triangle-squares lets me unwind with repetitive work. I think it would be accurate to say I’m quilting my way through grief. — Jo Kramer, designer of Yankee…
coming soon
On Sale May 1 We're celebrating 25 years of promoting local independent quilt shops! Plan your next quilting adventure using this travel guide to 10 top shops. • Enjoy detailed shop profiles.• Make one or more of the shops' exclusive projects.• Treat yourself to a kit—they're offered with all 10 projects. Find us online: AllPeopleQuilt.com search: AllPeopleQuilt Retailers: To order American Patchwork & Quilting®, Quilt Sampler®, Quilts & More™, and other quilting magazines, email apq2@meredith.com or call 866/378-1064. Letters & Comments: Share your thoughts with us at apq@meredith.com Note to readers: It is permissible to make and publicly display a single finished product of any project in this issue, including for purposes of competitive winnings up to $1,000, so long as visible credit is given to the designer and Quilts & More magazine.…
stuff we love
TINY WORLD: EMBROIDERY If you’re often on the go, learning to embroider, or encouraging a child to try a new craft, this kit is for you. It contains all the supplies you need to stitch a cute cactus, as well as a booklet with step-by-step instructions and embroidery basics. $14.99; odddot.com QUICK PRESS SEAM ROLLER Press seams with ease using this stylish tool from Lori Holt. It is ideal for foundation piecing, curved seams, and fabric you can’t iron, such as laminates. $14.98; fatquartershop.com ENGLISH PAPER PIECING MADE MODERN TEMPLATES Get the look of English paper piecing with your sewing machine. Cut fabric ¼" larger than the sticky hexagon templates, then use the hexagon as a guide to sew shapes together. Templates come in hexagon sizes from ¾" to 2" and can be reused up…
one block three ways
FEELING SHEEPISH Fussy-cut sheep are framed by red prints that mimic the look of a Churn Dash block. Fabrics are from the Farm Charm collection by Gingiber for Moda Fabrics (modafabrics.com). CLASSIC CONFIGURATION In the traditional block layout, the colors in the Four-Patch units match those in the triangle squares. Fabrics are from the Fluidity collection by PDR, LLC for P&B Textiles (pbtex.com). PRETTY IN PINK The softer ivory background and light pink prints form a plus-sign design through the middle of the block. Fabrics are from the Buffalo Flats collection by Violet Craft for Robert Kaufman Fabrics (robertkaufman.com). Go to AllPeopleQuilt.com/852 for instructions to make a 9"-square-finished Prairie Queen block.…
sewing toolbox: sewing machine needles
1. UNIVERSAL Best for most piecing and quilting projects. This needle type in size 80/12is one of the most common and probably is in your sewing machine right now. It also comes in the smaller 70/10 size and larger 90/14 size. The slightly rounded point of the needle is sharp enough to pierce woven cotton fabrics but not so sharp that it will damage knits. Works well with all purpose thread. 2. MICROTEX / SHARP Best for piecing, topstitching, and sewing tightly woven fabrics like batiks. Microtex needles, sometimes called “sharps,” have a very. Fine point that makes straight, precise stitching. These needles come in a variety of sizes. 3. DENIM Best for heavy woven fabrics, such as denim and canvas. Denim needles have a sharp point, narrow eye, and thick shaft, allowing them to…
