Machine Quilting Instruction on Udemy Has Cash Back with the Rakuten Program

Rakuten used to be Ebates. And I like to use it to purchase things on line. Warning, this is not a normal post, it is about saving money.



Look 👀 ...my Udemy online lessons on Machine Quilting are in the Rakuten Program and you receive 8% cash back on your purchase of my classes as a Rakuten Member. I think that goes for most of Udemy's online courses.

Percentages do change, at the time of this post it is 8%.
What a nice surprise. I wanted to share it with you!


This is the link to the Free Motion Feather Course on Udemy.
Check out Sally's Udemy Courses for Machine Quilters
Courses are in progressive 10 minute segments for step-by-step learning and prevents being overwhelmed.




This is what you will see when you go to Udemy as a Rakuten Member.

My good friend Tina Baker who owned The Guild Quilt Shop on Main Street in Paducah, showed me how to use Rakuten, see loves it like I now do.

It is a simple app and they do actually pay you a percentage back on your purchases. Got a check in the mail last month. You even get a coupon for joining the group. It is not my plan to make money on the referral, just want you to save money while shopping.

If you decide to join using this link>> Click here for Sally's referral link to go to the Rakuten site to find out more. you will get 8 % off my courses.  In return I will get a referral bonus as will you when you refer your friends...but that is not my intent. You can always just go to the Rakuten.com directly and join there.

Hope this helps. Have been very happy with Rakuten so far and truly saved money...it is worth a look. Imagine what other stores and products for Quilters are in their program?

1 Big Tip On What Do You Do When Your Machine Quilting Customer Cuts ✂ Their Backing Too Short

We have all received wonky batting from our Machine Quilting Customer, like when they cut the backing too short.

It is better to find out before you load it for sure and you machine quilt to the bottom pins or zipper and the backing is shorter than the quilt....DRAT!

This week it happen to me when loading a Veterans Quilt for my Quilt Guild. I have 4 more to go, hopefully they have enough fabric.

After turning it every which way I decided to add an extra 12" of fabric to the backing length after I squared it up.

How To Knot ➰ Threads on a Longarm Quilting Machine and Domestic Home Quilting Machines

Thought this might help both longarm machine quilters and domestic home machine quilters knot their threads while machine quilting.

Here is the link if you want to share....     https://youtu.be/1pcjUUU


Changing thread or broken threads and when you run out of bobbin thread while quilting can be frustrating. So to anchor the end of the broken thread use this technique of 5-6 little stitches in a row.

Pull the bobbin thread to the top. Then hop over each individual thread in the fabric.
That way there will be no rat's nests on the back.

Stitch right on top of the last 5-6 stitches. I usually clean up the broken end by clipping off any exposed threads before I stitch over the broken bitter end. It makes it a lot cleaner. Plus you can always use Fray Check by Dritz to secure the snipped threads.

Quilt Happy, Sally Terry

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Hide ❓ Your Logo In Quilts When You Are Machine Quilting with Sally Terry

Here is the link for sharing:  https://youtu.be/pk2I8LjsGkY



This is a great way to sign your quilts and not actually have to write your name another's quilt.
My machine quilting customers love this and play I spy with the little logo with their friends when showing off their quilt.

I hope you consider designing your own little symbol when you are at your home machine or your longarm quilting machine

It is easy to tuck a little free motion anywhere in the quilt. Hide it in a border, inside a feather or leaf. Where you have room put that little symbol / logo somewhere in the quilt

My friend Dell a professional longarm machine quilter made a kitty cat out of the letter D it was adorable. Try it for yourself.  Yours in the love of quilting, Sally Terry :)

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Hexi Quilts and Machine Quilting Patterns

As you remember I posted a video on how I used the Terry Twist® Templates / Rulers to machine quilt a beautiful Hexi Quilt. There are just too few Hexi Machine Quilting Patterns out there.

The funny thing was I was just going to do edge-to-edge, but love the fabrics tooooo much and decided to use my TT Rulers since they go with just about everything.

I got a lot of request for the machine quilting pattern I used. So as a gift, I made it into a PDF file for you to download. Use it with your Terry Twist Rulers and Stencils. You will be taken to the download page. Just click on the PDF image.

Click here to download your hexi machine quilting pattern.

Machine Quilting Nice Crisp Points with Sally Terry

Most quilters find stitching-in-the-ditch time consuming...and well, not their favorite thing.



I feel that if the piecer, and that may be you, takes the time to do detailed, intricate piecing it should be highlighted by SID (stitching-in-the-ditch).



So here is a great way to make things go easier for you. Hope this helps :)  Sally

Hexi Quilt and Free Motion Machine Quilting

Working on a great hexi quilt using some beautiful fabrics. Couldn't wait to get the quilt top done. You know the feeling.

When it comes time to machine quilt it, I thought just a quick edge-to-edge pattern and use a separate border and sashing pattern.

  

Then I thought too pretty, gorgeous fabrics, this quilt DESERVES MORE!!!!

So using my trusted Terry Twist Design and the 4"-5" template ruler, this is what happened. 

Be sure to watch the video below...

Want a variety of designs?

The more you machine quilt the Terry Twist Patterns, the more they amaze you!!!

And they are sooo different every time you use them in a block, then a sashing, then a border.

Here is an edge-to-edge. Stitched the TT spines 9 blocks across and 2 blocks deep in one continuous line. Then went back and used the TT spines and feathered about 2" away on each side of the spine.  This left some wonderful open areas and gave this king size quilt some puffy texture :)

And we all want versatile machine quilting patterns that use simple techniques so we can Free Motion Feathers fast.

Get the tools that make these Terry Twist Designs irresistible for busy machine quilters.










click for more info on Terry Twist Stencils Set

click for more info on Terry Twist Template Set

Teardrops are the latest shape for machine quilting!

Why not flip your Terry Twist Rulers, Templates and Stencils around and make Teardrop machine quilting designs...

What do you think of the new look of Terry Twist ruler designs??? It goes with so many machine quilting patterns using both stencils and rulers / templates :)

To checkout the tools and ideas click here

💟

Look for the new 60+ page Terry Twist Pattern Booklet coming soon.

When planning free motion feather placement I often do this...

When planning to machine quilt free motion feathers I like to use lots of wiggle room so I don't have to be perfect.

Wiggle Room 1 - Draw around a shape you want to fill with free motion feathers. 

Here I use a circle template. In case I put 2 feathers in one shape and 3 feathers in another, the outside of the drawn around shape stays consistent, not the feathers.

Wiggle Room 2 - Offset the circle or shape. 

In this case I placed the circle over from the pivot point. This way the feathers would be less symmetrical and not perfectly perfect which takes the fun out of it.

Wiggle Room 3 - Offset the center of the circle and use a portion of the circle like 1/3 or 2/3 and ignore the center. 

We are so programmed to be perfect and everything lining up, we often forget to arrange things in a more interesting way.

Play with your arrangements, you never know what you will come up with :) And it is a lot more fun!

Pattern used is the 6" Terry Twist(R)

Happy Accidents with Patterns and Designs

Sometimes you just don't see it. A simple little machine quilting pattern can be so much more.

If you have the Terry Twist Stencils or Templates let's take another look at what they can do for you. Here the 2" and 4" TT radiate and nest to form this great little block pattern that is a snap to do yet it looks so complicated....it is not.

Redoing my samples for upcoming machine quilting classes gave me some time to play. And Voila...

Take some time to play with your favorite stencils and templates in your studio :)

If you are a Terry Twist Fan here is a new border design

This just may be the solution for a great machine quilting border pattern. Good ol' Terry Twist.

Used the 4" single pattern from the 12" Multiple Stencil and the 2" single pattern from the 6" Multiple Stencil.

Back to work on my class samples. Thought this would be a good time to make fresh machine quilting designs for upcoming classes. And just doodling around and another designs appears :)

A New Free Motion Applique Project you must see!!!

Happy Spring Day!

Started a few projects. Here is my rendition of Sue Olsen's free motion raw edge applique pattern "Country Chicken". I think he is magnificent, wouldn't you agree!? 

Was fortunately given this pattern at a quilt show from one who thought it was too much for her to try and am truly thankful.

You can find more about this wall hanging pattern here: http://www.doggonequilts.com

She is such a dear and incredibly creative.

C

So excited to be offering it as a class at Cinnamon's Quilt Shoppe here in Jacksonville.

Don't know how you feel about toile, but I feel the toile is the most fun with the little scenery. And combined with some Kaffe and spotted and stripped animal prints... super fun.

Will post more pictures as we get him all feathered up.

Quilt Happy! Cockadoodledoo

Adorable Binding Helpers

Thought this was the cutest idea ever for us machine quilters.

For your quilt bindings and for your baby's hair.

Just ADORABLE. It's from Moda's Bakeshop...

Been piecing like crazy, about a quilt a day and just sent out my Load It and Go Society newsletter with a must needed homemade pressing spray recipe. Be sure to sign up using the bright pink box on the right for updates if you haven't already, so you don't miss another thing.

ah...those fabulous deep blue indigo batiks, 3x8 finished block

Could not resist this child size apron and oven mitt. Fabric from Hancock's of Paducah.

Wish I could remember where this glowing blue floral came from?

Caryl and Kaffe, so quick and easy.

Just loved the fabric!!! Early rare Kaffe before he labeled his own line.

An adaptation of "Friend's Choice" Pattern from Cynthia Fueling.

I am sure you recognize all that Kaffe Fasset and Friends and some wonderful Caryl Bryer Fallert Gradations quilting fabrics.

These will be featured in Classy Stashy Etsy Store.

Now for SibbyNell and the Circle Lord Long Boards. Happy Day Quilting Everyone.

Have you wanted to use your quilting machine for a boat anchor?

How old is your thread?

I don't know about you but I have thread that is over 30 years old. Yep! They are neatly arranged by color on a rack by my traditional sewing machine.

And I always think that one day I will run them all. Use up the threads I've invested in. Amazing to think how much money we have in our quilting threads just sitting there waiting to be stitched into a quilt.

I also have drawers full of large cones for my long arm SibbyNell. And I think I am going to run them too. How many cones do you have? Dozens and dozens am sure.

Then I learned that thread ages. And fresh thread is considered only to be 2-3 years old and no older. That's it, 2-3 years. Then it loses it's tinsel strength, color etc. Then we have to run them in the bobbin...what a waste. So we gotta run them. We've invested money in them. 

So what do we do? There are many little adjustments that we can use on our stand up and sit down machines that makes it possible to run our threads. Now you don't have to say....I'm throwing away my machine, using it for a boat anchor!!!

Take heart. You can run those threads and have put it all in a video class to share the how and why of running threads, from the common cottons and polys to metallic thread and Mylar Holographic Ribbon. 

Have been working my entire quilting life to help sewers and quilters to use up their gorgeous, beautiful threads. 

Click through to find out more and use the link for a special discount. Be sure to scroll down for a preview.

http://sally-terry.teachable.com/courses/running-pesky-threads?product_id=75198&coupon_code=PARTONE24

How many fat quarters do you need to?

This almost sounds like a knock knock joke, doesn't it ?!

Thought I would share it. How handy is this!!!
A great chart for fat quarters and how many fat quarters it takes for crib size quilts to large king size quilts. Find out how much yardage in fat quarters you will need.


It could save you lots of time and think of all the new quilts you will be able to make ;)

handy little chart for fat quarters

Click through on the link above.

Quilt Tops That Smell Like Smoke?

A few years ago, I took in an older quilt top that smelled like smoke. My customer found this quilt top at a relatives and wanted the smoke removed, and of course washing the fabric was not an option.

Remember in an earlier post I said you had to quilt the top dirty? Smokey fabric tends to make other fabrics smokey too. Thought you may want to know what we have done to remove the smoke and freshen the fabric.

Of course the modern way would be to use Fabreze TM...but that is risky because you are wetting the fabric and colors may bleed. Also it might not get all of the smoke out of the fabric the first time.


Here is one solution I tried and this worked fairly well. The second time I tried this, there was still a hint of smoke.

1. Use a fresh bar of Dial Soap. If it is the large size cut it into thirds. Just use a kitchen knife and it cuts easily because it is fresh out of the package and still soft.
2. Wrap the soap loosely in a paper towel and secure with string or a rubber band.
3. Place the soap and the quilt top in a large plastic bag (there are even scented bags available) and close the bag air tight.
4. Let it sit for about a week.
5. Open and quilt, saving the bar of soap in a zip lock bag for next time.

The next way to remove smoke in fabric is: 

1. Hang it outside on rust proof line, PVC pipe or even a ladder that will not transfer dirt, discoloration or rust to the fabric. You can also lay the fabric on other fabric or plastic to keep the fabric from being damaged.
2. Wait for a thunder storm with lots of lightening. The ozone released during the lightening removes the smoke smell. I was amazed the first time I tried this. It worked. This is nature's ozone chamber.
3. Place the fabric in a covered area like an open garage, porch or overhang so it will not get wet.
4. Let the fabric air out for another day or so before gathering it back up.
5. Keep it away from other smokey fabric when storing.

The final way is use a commercial ozone chamber. This will remove all traces of smoke. Call your local dry cleaners. If they are large company they may have one or could send the fabric off for you. They typically charge by the pound.

Hope this helps. I have tried and experienced all three of these. I lost a home a while ago from a gas explosion and some of my clothes survived. The insurance paid to have my clothes, that weren't smoke damaged, put in an ozone chamber. They told me there was a choice, either fill  remove the smoke stain or the smell, but not both.

Please comment if you have a way that you have found successful in removing smoke from fabric.

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Working with Antique Quilt Tops

They have arrived...incredible beautiful hand stitched quilt tops...with lots and lots of little pieces.

What do you do when you need to turn them into real heirloom treasures?

• If they are dirty, you must quilt them dirty...I even got sick from one that I had to quilt unwashed.

• Baste measured strips of muslin to the edges that are curved or have irregular edges that follow the block piecing lines like the Grandmother's Flower Garden shown. Then pin the strips to the leaders.
• Repair all the areas where the stitches have given way.
• Gently press or steam the folds.
• Consider the puckers. Choose designs that are forgiving enough that you can gather up some of the extra fabric in some areas.
• Pick batting that may be a bit more flat like Quilters Dream Cotton select and Warm and Natural for a look that is more like the usual finish of completed quilts of their era.
• Use natural looking threads of cotton.
• If you think the fabric has been washed then wash the backing so it all shrinks the same.

• Consider putting information about the quilt, quilters family and other history on a label.

And above all hug them!

happy quilting

Be sure to share this article with your guild members and quilting friends.

Tips on Shipping Quilts

Have been shipping a lot of machine quilted quilts lately. Instead of using the word "quilt" for contents of your package, you can put blanket, bedding, and the one I use..."display material". 

Remember when we went to the fabric store to by material???

That takes the emphasis off of a valuable machine quilted quilt top. Of course insure it and include a copy of the appraisal if you have one.


Next I put it in a clear bag to protect it from moisture and tape an index card with my address and the recipients address to the outside of the bag in case something happens to the box.

Here is how I like to package it. You can put small rolled up lengths of batting between the folds if you don't want the fabric crease and the batting to retain the fold "memory".

zigzag the folds to box dimensions

can overlap folds as you zigzag 

this adds a lot of perceived value to the quilt whether it is to a customer or is a gift

I use the backing side margins to tie a nice ribbon around the quilt and tuck in a thank you note.

Happy Quilting, Sally