On occasion I've written a report on a favorite book.This time I'm posting about my favorite magazine: Generation Q. I saw it the first time when I went to QuiltCon. I've been hooked ever since. I'm happy to say that's it's easier to find now than it used to be.
It's a great magazine that I want to read from cover to cover. The
articles are interesting and relevant. Every month has articles on new up and coming quilt designers as well as fresh new patterns.
Generation Q also has a
feature where they test drive products. One time they reviewed
different embroidery floss and another time hand sewing needles. This
month they tested different spray starches and sizings. Since I've found
how valuable starch spray can be as I continue on my path to precision,
I'm really looking forward to reading this one.
You'll also find a sampling of new fabric lines which is always fun to preview.
The one downside of the magazine is the price: $9.99. An annual subscription is $50. Once again, I think that's high, but I enjoy the magazine so much that I splurged and got a subscription in January. They have a website too so take a look and see what you think!
I love, love, love the look of matchstick quilting. And now I have baby quilt #2 to quilt so I really, really would like to try the technique.
So, as my test, I put together a quilt sandwich and drew the heart shape that I want to use the matchstick quilting on.In Jackie Gering's new Craftsy class, she talks about how to pull off this type of quilting. First use painter's tape to set a straight line as a registration mark.
Stitch right next to the tape. Then stitch in one inch increments from the center over to the right and then one inch increments from the center and over to the left.
Now,
using the markings on the walking foot, stitch at half inch intervals again to
the left and then the right. Then do the same thing at a quarter inch.
On my sample below you'll see that I then went the next step: 1/8" (#1).
I liked it straight, but thought...what about a curvy line (see #2).
hhhmmm like that! What about a decorative stitch (#3)? Blech! No. Only
did one row like that.
I think I will use this technique for the heart and then use quilting that's more open for the rest of the quilt. As Jackie says, the lines are to be perfectly imperfect. Love it!
