How to Write Your Way to More Quilting Business

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How to Write Your Way to More Quilting Business
Author: Chuck Smith
So, you've opened up your quilting business?

You're in a good location, provide a superior product and offer compelling prices. Yet, somehow, you'd like to see more people frequenting your quilt shop or signing up for your quilting classes, taking advantage or your machine quilting services, or purchasing your quilts.

One way to achieve your quilting business goals is to write articles.

If you've never fancied yourself as much of a writer, don't worry. If you've got news, there's a good chance that someone will want to read it, and therefore, your local paper will want to publish it.

The obvious question is: "How do I get started?" Well, it's a lot easier than you may think. First of all, you need to have a newsy and interesting angle to your potential story - the kind of thing editors will be glad to publish.

Are you a brand new quilting business, perhaps the first in town?

Do you provide special workshops on quilt making?

Have you expanded your quilting product or service offerings?

Have you contributed qulits to a noteworthy cause?

Do you use unusual fabrics to make your quilts?

Does your machine quilting business offer special services?

Have you ever sold a quilt to a celebrity?

If you can answer "Yes!" to any or all of these questions, then you can potentially write an article that would be of interest to an editor at one of your local papers.

There are two ways you can go about writing an article for your quilting business. The first option is if you write the article and then ask the editors at your local papers whether or not they would be interested in publishing it. The second option would be to first contact local editors and ask if they would be interested in your article if you write it.

Option two is the better of the options because you can determine if there's interest before spending your time writing the article. And, because many local papers are understaffed (and underpaid), they will welcome having some great local news written for them.

You most likely will not be paid for your efforts, but that isn't as important as getting publicity that will prompt people to visit your quilt shop, call you for machine quilting services, or get people to buy your quilts.

But what if writing isn't your forte? If this is the case, you have a few options. First, you could ask someone to write the article for you. Many journalism students, for instance, would be happy to add another article to their portfolio. And they might be willing to accept a letter of recommendation over payment.

Second, you could simply call the editor and explain why he or she should assign a writer to do a story about your quilting business. If you're pitch entices the editor, you just may be featured in an upcoming edition of the paper.

An article in your local paper can certainly generate more traffic and sales for your quilting business. You've simply got to make sure you provide an interesting story that the editor of your local paper will want to share with his readers.

About the Author

Chuck Smith is the owner of www.QuiltingBusiness.com , the web's only site dedicated to helping you make money with your quilting. Visit www.QuiltingBusiness.com today to sign up for the FREE email mini-course: "7 Unique Ways to Make Money with Your Quilting."

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How to Find Cheap Unusual and Beautiful Fabrics

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How to Find Cheap, Unusual, and Beautiful Fabrics for Quilting
Author: Darren Takenaga
Quilter's are always on the lookout for beautiful fabrics and supplies for their quilting projects. Sometimes the most unusual and pretty designs can be found in places one wouldn't normally consider.

Some of the best places and tactics to find fabrics include the following.

Swap meets or flea markets are a fun place to shop. On occasion you will find sellers liquidating bolts of materials. Usually these materials are unused and were excess inventory or closeouts. Last Sunday I found a vendor with a selection of 30 different types of materials in bolts of 30 and 40 yards. He was selling each one at fifty cents a yard.

At garage sales, you will find quilters selling excess materials and tools. You may also increase your chances of finding quilters selling items by going to neighborhoods that have a larger population of retired folks. Retirees seem to have more time for quilting and seem to sell off their items regularly. Garage sales in mobile home parks seem to yield good finds.

Online auction sites can reap a great supply of fabrics without leaving your house. Watch out for shipping costs. I like to search for auctions that are in or adjacent states. After the auction, I email the seller requesting a reduction in shipping because of same shipping zone.

Storage auctions are a little bit more hit and miss than the others sources listed above. Check your local newspaper for storage auction dates and times or call the various storage unit facilities and ask about auction dates. The best part is that before the bidding begins, the door is opened and you are allowed to look inside.

Quilting shows are really competitive. Usually the last day, you will find blowout sales and bargains. The sellers don't want to leave the show with excess inventory.

Estate sales can yield some surprising finds. Look in your paper for estate sales. Similar to garage sales, I've found the best luck in retired residences or mobile home estate sales.

International trips can be fun. I have found great bargains and really beautiful fabrics in faraway lands such as India, Thailand, and Africa. You can even pay for your trip by purchasing extra fabrics and selling it at a quilt show or local quilting guild.

Classified ads can be a way to have people calling you to sell their excess fabrics. You can place a classified ad in your newspaper of penny saver paper stating that you are buying fabric.

This list should help with getting your creative juices flowing. I am sure there are many other tactics to finding quilting fabric. Just keep your eyes, ears, and mind open to opportunities. Happy hunting!

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Darren Takenaga is publisher of Quilting Kingdom Ezine. It is Free and each issue contains tips, articles, resources, and anything else of interest to quilters. You may subscribe at: www.quiltingkingdom.com/subscribe.htm You are also invited to visit the Quilting Kingdom website at: www.QuiltingKingdom.com and www.MakeHawaiianQuilts.com Email: darren.takenaga@gmail.com

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How to Buy Cotton Quilting Fabric Part I

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How to Buy Cotton Quilting Fabric – Part I
Author: Penny Halgren
Buying quilting fabric seems like it should be pretty simple. And, frankly, when I began quilting it was simple. At least I made it that way. I wandered through the fabric store and found fabric I liked – the pattern, the color, the design. But generally, I bought fabric just because I liked it.

As a result, my quilting fabric stash included all types of fabrics – polyesters, cotton/polyesters, rayons, and some wools. After a few quilting experiences (some of which were pretty bad), I learned the advantages of different fabrics. Now I look at a few different things when I consider fabrics to buy.

Generally I prefer natural fibers. It's probably a sense of connecting to quilters of yesteryear. Or it may be that a comment made to me years ago about "wrapping a baby in plastic (polyester)" just stuck with me – in a negative sense.

While I prefer natural fibers, I have made some fun quilts that include lame, and an occasional polyester or poly/cotton blend, because it offered some design benefit that I couldn't find in cotton – like a sports logo.

This is one of a series of articles about different types of fabric quilters use in their quilts. For simplicity, I will focus on the natural fibers cotton, wool and silk. I have used them all (although not in the same quilt). So you will get my firsthand experience and observations. Personal opinion as it is.

Since you can go online and find plenty of articles and websites that describe the fascinating way fabric is made and dyed, I'll let them do the describing about that, and I will focus just on what quilters want to know – how will it be working with that type of fabric?

Since 100% cotton fabric is clearly the most popular quilting fabric, let's start there.

There are several specific reasons quilters prefer 100% cotton:

• Cotton is easy to work with. After you sew a seam, you can easily finger press your seam allowances in the direction you want them to go. (That means that your fabric will stay put without pressing it every step along the way.)

• Cotton sticks together while you sew your pieces. Polyester tends to slip and slide, requiring pinning or basting, lest your patches end up being sewn cockeyed.

• Cotton has a little "give" to it that synthetics don't have. This allows you to pull and tug a bit (as well as bunch it up a little) in order to get the seams to match and make your corners square.

• Cotton breathes. Whether you are making a baby quilt or a bed quilt, 100% cotton fabric will allow air to circulate while capturing the warmth. How this works is just a mystery to me, but it seems to be true.

• Cotton absorbs the dyes better. Maybe it's just me, but I think that the colors are more vibrant and the patterns have more depth.

• Cotton is durable. It has stood the test of time and constant use.

• Cotton can be torn (or ripped). Although this can be a benefit or a drawback, it means that you will be able to determine exactly how the fibers line up. You will be able to "square up" the edge just torn, since it will not rip across the threads.

Part II explores the types of 100% cotton fabric, and some of the considerations as you purchase and use these fabrics in your quilts.

Happy Quilting!

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Penny Halgren www.how-to-quilt.com Inspiration and Education for Beginning Quilters www.Rag-Quilt-Instructions.com Fast, Fun and Funky Quilts

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Have you tried beds like the new style waterbeds

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Have you tried beds like the new style waterbeds?
Author: Hazel Prechtel
Waterbeds are a very popular bedroom option because they provide such a gorgeous sleep and total rest for the entire slumber. Waterbeds are a revolution in sleeping because as soon as you lie on a waterbed you will notice a big difference from your normal bed. A waterbed feels a lot different from your traditional inner spring mattress style bed.

In any event though, the waterbeds of today are not the wavy, sea sick style waterbeds that you might perceive them as. Waterbeds have changed for the better and are now a very popular bedding option. Today's waterbed is totally comfortable and completely shapes your body - structure and size - so that you get the optimum slumber. When you lie on a new modern day waterbed you will find it to be so comfortable that you will not want to move. It quite simply is far more luxurious than a standard inner spring bed.

With the recent manufacture of "wave less" waterbeds in the bedding industry, people who take the bold step of purchasing a waterbed are now receiving a far improved level of sleep allowing them to have more energy and improved health on a daily basis. Bedding manufacturers have responded to the changing demands of consumers and their feedback has changed bedding options forever. Nights of tossing and turning are long gone. You should note that when you own a waterbed there is some maintenance that is required. However, once you have had a good nights sleep in the waterbed, you won't give the maintenance a second thought.

There are a wide variety of parts and supplies that you can find over the Internet for your waterbed. When buying them over the Internet you can also generally find them at better then retail prices. Bedding stores online offer items such as waterbed heaters, drain fill kits, frames and headboards. Many of the parts and supplies that are available from online bedding supply stores can also be very useful to you, especially if you intend to install and maintain the waterbed yourself without professional assistance. But apart from the maintenance perspective you can also have fun decorating your waterbed to match in with you bedroom decor. You can purchase any number of quilts, throw cushions and towels from these specialty bedding suppliers.

If you take care of your waterbed and conduct regular maintenance on it then your waterbed will be able to serve you for many years to come. The waterbed parts and supplies that you can purchase will assist you in doing this - ensuring years of sound sleeping.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Hazel Prechtel writes for Fox Beds which is a premier source of information about Beds. For more information, go to: foxbeds.com

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Hand Quilting

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Hand Quilting
Author: Penny Halgren
Now that you have all of the tools you need – quilting thread, thimble, quilt hoop or frame, and – most importantly – the quilt – you are ready to begin.

Thread your needle with a strand of thread about 20-24 inches long. Usually it works best to thread the needle just as the thread comes off of the spool. Tie a small knot in the end of the strand – just a single thread (not a double thread as you would use to sew a button).

Next step is to decide where you will start your quilting stitches. Once you have figured that out, bury your needle about 1" away from where you would like to start. Feed the needle between the layers of the quilt and bring the point of the needle up where you want to begin quilting. (The goal here is to bury your knot inside the layers of the quilt.) Pull the needle all the way through the quilt top, then give a gentle tug. The knot should slide right through into the center of the quilt. If it doesn't, just play with it. Sometimes I tug on the thread with my fingers while securing the fabric with my needle. If your knot is small enough, it will go through the weave of the fabric.

Check the end of the thread past the knot. If it is still sticking up through the quilt tip, you may need to work it into the layers of the quilt. That can be done with your needle. Gently poke your needle through the quilt top, just above the thread. (I know you can't see this, since it is covered by the fabric, but you can get a sense of where the thread is.) Then slide your needle parallel to the fabric toward the tail end of the thread. This should pull the tail into the layers. If the tail of the thread is extra long, you may wish to trim it slightly. Be sure you have enough extra thread on the tail past the knot so your knot will be secure.

Once you have your knot safely tucked inside your quilt layers, you are ready to begin quilting. Wearing a thimble on the finger you will use to push the thread into the quilt will save that finger. So, using your "thimbled" finger, push the threaded needle into the layers of the quilt until it comes through to the other side. Use a finger on your other hand under the quilt to feel when the needle has come through.

Use the finger underneath the quilt to guide the needle and thread back up through the layers to the top of the quilt. Your thumb on the hand on the top of the quilt can be helpful as well. Poke the needle up through the layers in a line where you quilting pattern is (you could be quilting 'in the ditch' or have designed a fabulous decoration for your quilting pattern).

Beginners may want to make one stitch at a time. With practice, you will be able to make 3-4 stitches before you pull the needle through all layers of the fabric and tighten the thread. The thread needs to be tight, but not so tight that it puckers the quilt.

Continue this "rocking" motion of quilting along your quilting design until your thread is only about 6" long. Now it is time to knot the thread and cut it off. Wrap your thread once completely around the needle. Then carefully poke the needle into the quilt top (between the layers) just as if you were making the next stitch. (Some folks make this final stitch on the back of their quilt since it will not have the same "tautness" as the other quilting stitches.) Bring the needle up through the quilt top about 1" away from the last stitch, and gently pull the knot through the quilt top.

Clip the end of thread, and, if necessary, pull the short end of the thread between the layers of the quilt as you did when you began your quilting stitches.

Thread another needle, and begin again. I generally use a quilting hoop, and when I have a hoop-full of quilting, I move the hoop and begin again. I also usually start in the center of the quilt and work out to the sides. Before you know it, your quilt will be complete.

Hand quilting is something easy to do when watching TV. (Even if you don't like sports, you can sit and quilt and pretend to watch the game!) It's also a great activity for long car trips – if someone else is driving – waiting in the doctor's office, or in the car for your kids, or while your kids are practicing dancing, Little League, or a variety of other things. You get the idea – it's portable, productive, and fun!

Happy Quilting!

Penny Halgren

©2005, Penny Halgren
Penny is a quilter of more than 24 years who seeks to interest new quilters and provide them with the resources necessary to create beautiful quilts.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

For more information and resources about quilting, visit us at: www.How-to-Quilt.com - Inspiration and Education for Beginning Quilters www.Rag-Quilt-Instructions.com - Fast, Fun and Funky Quilts

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Hand Made Quilts

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Hand Made Quilts
Author: jdresse
Quilts are probably the one thing that can stir some fond memories in just about every person in the world. This is because of the feeling that we all get when we are wrapped up in a quilt with the ones we love, the feeling of warmth and comfort that only comes from being inside a handmade quilt. Most of the time these quilts are passed down to us and that is a testament to the quality of the quilt and the person who made it. In the days past people believed that everything should be quality but sadly this does not extend to this day and age. More and more you are seeing sorry substitutes for the quality craftsmanship that once was all in the name of making a few extra dollars per sale while not having to spend barely anything to make the product. This is sad but all too true when you think about it. The quilts that are being produced under this mass market mentality are nothing compared to the finest hand made quilts. What does make one happy is the fact that there are still some places where you can find that kind of quality and what is much better is the fact that you will actually pay less then the department store wants for them. This may in fact seem a little strange but it is true nonetheless. So it is still possible to find these quilts and the people who make them are all too happy to provide you with a top of the line, high quality quilt that will serve to make some lasting memories for all those who climb under it.

The quilts that you will find by these high quality craftsmen are some of the finest that can be found any where in the world. They are also able to make a much nicer looking item because they take the time to insure that everything is as it should be and nothing is ever left out. This is the kind of dedication that you found in the old days and it has carried over to the present in some people who know that when you make quality you can sell quality. That is the foundation for good business.

Look for these fine quilts and you will see that they are the finest and the most sought after anywhere. The styles and colors will be a perfect match no matter what the décor and you can rest assured that it will stand up under the harshest of conditions.

Some very original tropical hand made quilts can be found at http://www.art-ickles.com, which sells unique handicrafts brightly colored with tropical themes. The baby bedding quilts, bumper pads, pillow covers shown in this website are of top quality, 100% hand made with the best American fabrics.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Magalie Noel Dresse is the Webmaster of www.home-00.info , and informative site on home decor, improvement and of www.art-ickles.com .

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Electric Blankets or a Hot Water Bottle

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Electric Blankets or a Hot Water Bottle?
Author: john
Winter nights can be very, very cold – so cold, in some places, that no matter how many blankets and quilts you put over yourself, you never seem to get any warmer. The solution to the problem, of course, is to snuggle yourself under an electrically heated blanket: just plug it in, and keep warm. Seems easy enough, right?

Well, not really. Unfortunately, electric blankets have got something of a negative reputation. As recently as a decade ago, they had a tendency to injure their users, by causing electric shocks, burns or even fires. Older electric fires are still causing thousands of fires a year today, and people who can't feel heat can still be burned even by safer modern electric blankets.

Used carefully, however, electric blankets can be safe, as long as you make sure to buy a new one (never buy one second hand) and check that you are sensitive enough to heat to feel if it gets too hot. You may also consider simply using the electric blanket to warm the bed up before you get into it, but not actually sleeping underneath the electric blanket, instead unplugging and removing it before you go to bed. Make extra sure that the blanket never gets wet, and that you don't use it together with any other blankets. Finally, you should replace the electric blanket every few years, or sooner if it starts to look like it is in bad condition.

For many people, though, having to deal with all these risks to use such a simple thing seems too much trouble. The best and most common alternative to the electric blanket is probably the hot water bottle, as hot water bottles cool down rather than getting warmer over time, and can be fitted with special soft covers to avoid burning you. They are also much cheaper.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

John Gibb is the owner of electric blanket resources , For more information on electric blankets please check out www.electric-blanket-sources.info

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Discover the Joys and Benefits of Quilting An ins

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Discover the Joys and Benefits of Quilting. An inspirational and creative form of craft.
Author: Rose Mary
Copyright 2006 Rose Mary

Quilting was a common social activity in the past. During earlier times, quilting fabric was an activity which farm wives like to get together to do. These are opportunities for them to retreat from their straining physical chores of farm life and do something light and useful together. At that time, quilts were an essential article in households, not only as bed coverings, but also as curtains, and petticoats and waistcoats to keep the body warm. In fact, patchwork quilting was created by homemakers during the time when there was a shortage of fabric. Worn out sewn items were often recycled into patches for quilts.

Today, quilting is no longer practiced to satisfy economic or social needs, but for expression and enjoyment. Patchwork is not longer simply a form of frugality, but rather another form of art. Although quilts are still sometimes made from fabric scraps, the quilt maker is more likely to use the scraps to recreate the charming look of old quilts or to commemorate an event, rather than out of necessity. Quilting is now used as a creative and inspirational form of craft. Having a long history, quilting has shown itself to be admirably versatile and its ability to change and adapt is a hallmark of a successful craft.

Many people, today, used quilting as a hobby because they find it fun, gratifying and enriching. Quilting offers them an opportunity to express their creativity and helps to enhance their lives. Most people enjoy the process of choosing or designing a project, the process of selecting the fabrics and the satisfaction of creating something unique and special. It gives them an opportunity to experiment with color, design and texture. The completed piece of quilt gives the maker a great sense of achievement and delight. Most people engage in quilting because they want a creative experience and an emotional expression. It is no wonder that some people find it healing. Stressed mothers of young children, exhausted caregivers of ill parents, wearied working women and men seeking a creative outlet often find the process of making something soft and warm, like quilt, is more restorative than the usage of any kind of available drugs.

As quilts provide warm and comfort, they are used for clothing and bed coverings. There are those which are kept as attractive works of art. They have been showcases for the talents and skills of their creators. The range of quilted items, nowadays, has expanded to include placemats, wall hangings, cushion covers, table runners, bonnets, diaper totes, eyeglass cases, makeup bags and hanger covers.

Making quilts today is easier than you may have ever imagined. The making of quilts does not require any special skills, just a general knowledge of sewing. If you can sew a button or mend a hem, you can certainly make a quilt. Quilting is simply using a technique to stitch together layers of fabric using a decorative pattern to create a variety of beautiful and practical objects. A completed quilt is actually a creatively stitched together sandwich of fabric and batting. The basic equipment for quilting include needles, pins, thread, scissors, thimble, beeswax and a frame or hoop to quilt on. Other necessities are a long ruler, masking tape, drawing paper and a marker for transferring quilt patterns onto fabric. Although machine techniques may have replaced the tedious hand sewing one, modern quilt makers still take inspiration from old quilts and try to adapt those designs and techniques to today's lifestyles.

It is important that while working on selected quilting patterns, a quilt maker should not just replicate the patterns and colors shown in the samples but also to adapt the patterns to his or her own color preferences and ideas. He or she should attempt to create his or her own unique designs and try out new techniques. In this way, he or she can make progress by gaining new technical skills as well as new insights into the design process.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

More information on quilting techniques can be obtained from the LINK. Enjoys various handcrafts, hobbies and cooking. Special interest in caregiving. Freelance Writer. www.internetbizcenter.com/quiltingfabric/quiltingfabric.htm

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Creative Ways to Decorate Your Walls

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Creative Ways to Decorate Your Walls
Author: Kathy Burns-Millyard

Moving into a new house can sometimes cause a quandry. You can stand and stare at large... blank spaces for weeks wondering just what to do with them. These blank spaces are the walls of your new house or apartment.

Most people have a hard time figuring out what to do with their walls, because their thoughts are limited to just paint and pictures. There's actually quite a bit more you can do to decorate your walls though, and here are a few of my favorite tips:

1. Create shadow boxes. These are especially nice to do as remembrances of loved ones who are no longer with us. If you want to create a shadow box for grandparents for instance, but you don't have anything handed down from them that could easily be used in this decoration, try visiting around to yard sales and flea markets. Find items that fit the timeframe of your grandparent's lives, or that remind you of them fondly. Use these items in your shadow boxes, then display them in a nice area of your home to symbolize both the love you had for them, and the legacy they left behind.

2. If you love blankets or quilts, there are some very unique ways to decorate your walls with these. Simply attach pieces of wood to your wall, drill holes in them, and put dowel rods in the holes. On these rods you can hang your quilts or blankets just like you can on a regular quilt rack, except this way they decorate your walls. Placing the items just above a sofa is a great way to keep blankets nearby when you watch movies or snuggle up next to the fire. Also, if you enjoy quilting or sewing, you may want to use a similar structure on the wall to hold bolts of fabric for your creations. The walls look lovely, and you're also organizing your home!

3. Here are just a few other ideas: You can use old windows and some curtains to make a faux window in a room without enough windows. Your can use old picture frames to "frame" an oil painting or collage or quotations. Using small vases, you can have fresh flowers hanging on your wall. You could also make part of your wall into corkboard or a set of box frames so that you can display your children's artwork.

So there you have multiple, easy, and inexpensive ways to uniquely decorate your walls!

© 2005, Kathy Burns-Millyard.

This article is provided courtesy of The Do It Yourself Home Decorating Network - http://www.diyhomedecorating.com " http://www.diyhomedecorating.com - a large home decorating website featuring articles, tips, advice, and popular decor shopping. This article may be freely published on any website, as long as the author, copyright, website address and link, and this notice are left intact.

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Country Home Accessories

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Country Home Accessories
Author: Lisa French

Country home décor is the most sought after home interior and it's no wonder since country décor invites a casual friendly lifestyle.

Make sure you carefully study the specific style, and color scheme then carefully coordinate the colors of each element of your country décor.

Although the kitchen is primarily a working area little touches can make a big difference:

Pie safes or glass door cabinets can be used for displaying antique china.

Hanging potted plants from the ceiling or placing them in the window.

You can also display:

• Cookbooks

• Wooden spoons

• Bowls or baskets of fruits or vegetables

• Vases of fresh flowers

• Pottery

• Old tin canister:

Pot racks are great for hanging:

• Copper pots

• Baskets

• Dried herbs

You can add a touch of country to your bathroom simply by adding:

Old glass jars, which are great, for holding cotton balls, Q-tips, or a fresh flower.

Decorative baskets, a galvanized pot, or a wine rack used in the bathroom are good for holding towels.

Baskets and pots can hold magazines, books, towels, oils, soaps, shampoos, sponges, and lotions.

Shelves can be used to display a collection of:

• Knickknacks

• Candles

• Potpourri

Don't forget you can hang pictures or display your kid's artwork, in the bathroom.

You will want your living room to have a comfortable lived in look that will always make your friends and family feel welcome.

Some charming accents can be displaying:

• Beautiful hand made quilts

• Throw pillows

• Rugs

In your living room you can also arrange:

• Candles

• Potpourri

• Plants

• Flowers

Be consistent in your choice of home interior color, styles and materials so as to avoid a patchwork look that is indicative of bad planning.

About The Author

Lisa and Charles French would like to invite you to visit their site at http://www.decorating-country-home.com " http://www.decorating-country-home.com

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Country Bedding and Bedrooms

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Country Bedding and Bedrooms
Author: Jared Winston
There are few places in the home where country decor can shine better than in the bedroom. All the warmth, welcome, and simplicity that characterize country decor is simply the most effective in bedroom decor. Country bedding and furniture can easily create a comforting and relaxing setting that is unrivaled by any other decor style. This makes a country decor the perfect choice for a guest room, for instance, as it will do an excellent job of setting your guests at ease in your home. Furthermore, country bedding is the perfect balance of aesthetic appeal and functionality, which means that your bedroom will both look and feel great.

Country bedding is most certainly one of the most appealing parts of using country decor in the bedroom. In fact, it is one of the high points of country decor in general. This is the case due to one thing: the quilt. Quilts have been around for hundreds of years, and for good reason. When it comes to warmth, there is little that can outmatch a quilt, and when you want something that is aesthetically pleasing, quilts deliver in spades. When setting out to apply a country decor to your bedroom, a quilt is an excellent place to start, as you can use it as an inspiration for colors and patterns.

Quilts can be used for more than just country bedding, though. In fact, a quilt can be used similarly to a tapestry, making it a central display piece. This is also a great way to keep your quilts in use during the warmer months, when they will not be necessary as actual bedding. This role makes quilts even more important to your decor, as it becomes the unquestionable focus point of your entire room. This will require care when choosing other elements of your room, but it is well worth the effort for the results you can hope to achieve.

When working with your furniture and such, it is important to work back to the colors that you used in your country bedding. For instance, if you are using a quilt with predominant dark colors, then working with a dark painted wood for your furniture is probably best. If you have a lot of deep reds and browns, then your furniture is best if using a deep, rich stain to bring out natural wood grains. Lighter colors in your country bedding call for lighter colors (whether this is achieved by the use of paint or by the use of light colored woods.)

Of course, the style of your furniture is also important, both for your decor in general and for your bedding. If the patterns of your bedding are fairly simple, then you would do well to have fairly simply designed furniture. If your patters are more complex and varied, then your furniture can follow suit and be a bit fancier. Also, think about the shapes in the patters. For instance, if your patterns have a lot of rounded shapes, then you may want to use furniture with some kind of rounded features.

Copyright © Jared Winston, 2006. All Rights Reserved.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Stop by Rustic Embrace to receive free interior design advice about everything from making rustic furniture to design concepts such as log cabin home design .

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Country Bedding and Bedrooms

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Country Bedding and Bedrooms
Author: Jared Winston
There are few places in the home where country decor can shine better than in the bedroom. All the warmth, welcome, and simplicity that characterize country decor is simply the most effective in bedroom decor. Country bedding and furniture can easily create a comforting and relaxing setting that is unrivaled by any other decor style. This makes a country decor the perfect choice for a guest room, for instance, as it will do an excellent job of setting your guests at ease in your home. Furthermore, country bedding is the perfect balance of aesthetic appeal and functionality, which means that your bedroom will both look and feel great.

Country bedding is most certainly one of the most appealing parts of using country decor in the bedroom. In fact, it is one of the high points of country decor in general. This is the case due to one thing: the quilt. Quilts have been around for hundreds of years, and for good reason. When it comes to warmth, there is little that can outmatch a quilt, and when you want something that is aesthetically pleasing, quilts deliver in spades. When setting out to apply a country decor to your bedroom, a quilt is an excellent place to start, as you can use it as an inspiration for colors and patterns.

Quilts can be used for more than just country bedding, though. In fact, a quilt can be used similarly to a tapestry, making it a central display piece. This is also a great way to keep your quilts in use during the warmer months, when they will not be necessary as actual bedding. This role makes quilts even more important to your decor, as it becomes the unquestionable focus point of your entire room. This will require care when choosing other elements of your room, but it is well worth the effort for the results you can hope to achieve.

When working with your furniture and such, it is important to work back to the colors that you used in your country bedding. For instance, if you are using a quilt with predominant dark colors, then working with a dark painted wood for your furniture is probably best. If you have a lot of deep reds and browns, then your furniture is best if using a deep, rich stain to bring out natural wood grains. Lighter colors in your country bedding call for lighter colors (whether this is achieved by the use of paint or by the use of light colored woods.)

Of course, the style of your furniture is also important, both for your decor in general and for your bedding. If the patterns of your bedding are fairly simple, then you would do well to have fairly simply designed furniture. If your patters are more complex and varied, then your furniture can follow suit and be a bit fancier. Also, think about the shapes in the patters. For instance, if your patterns have a lot of rounded shapes, then you may want to use furniture with some kind of rounded features.

Copyright © Jared Winston, 2006. All Rights Reserved.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Stop by Rustic Embrace to receive free interior design advice about everything from making rustic furniture to design concepts such as log cabin home design .

...

Bed Buying Guides for How To FInd the Best Advice

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Bed Buying Guides for How To FInd the Best Advice
Author: Carol Hansonly
The bed experts will be able to offer you some prime niche info on issues such as obtaining the lowest price on metal twin full bunk beds and how to acquire the right merchandise guarantee while buying a bed, such bed assistance will surely make sure you order the best products for your needs.

The majority of home improvement research can easily lead you to far too many products, quite a few bed portals will often have a ton of items, this might often be truly overwhelming, heavy duty bed frames, , so much to choose from, it might then be difficult to decide which futon bunk bed to buy.

You should also be aware that bed specialists and other folk who might perhaps deal with beds can easily be found via the regional phone listings, you should find plenty of people who are connected in some way with the subject of beds and these people could save you a vast amount of your valuable time by assisting you with your bed focused inquiries.

You will see that interior design listings are a relatively useful source of knowledge on numerous products such as bed quilts and full size loft beds, these type of directories can be located all over the net.

One of the best bed purchasing tips that anybody can present you with is, do not buy the first merchandise you see, looking through a small variety of bed websites will give any consumer a sufficient amount of details to carry out a good price check.

This bed search tip is especially valuable, instead of simply using a research term like "beds ", you should make use of a more particular search engine phrase such as"new bed and bedding stores" or "adjustable bed consumer reports", in doing this your results are going to be highly targeted to your specific bed needs.

Say you are actually looking for heavy duty bed frames or water bed parts, without a doubt these type of products may very well not actually be widely available on that many sites, try to ensure that you employ your PC favorites button whenever you carry out this variety of bed focused research, your important info should be treated with the greatest of care.

The vast majority of the bed related tips that you will locate online are all about assisting consumers to purchase particular bed merchandise including twin metal bunk beds and king size water bed mattresses, obtaining this variety of bed information can often be very arduous indeed.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Free bed quilts tips by Carol Hansonly the author can be located at : www.foxbeds.com

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Baby bedding can be exciting to shop for

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Baby bedding can be exciting to shop for
Author: Roger King
Many baby bedding; quilts and blankets that you can find for your baby are made with polyester or acrylic, plastics that, when heated by the baby's body, can emit gases that irritate the baby's sensitive skin and eyes!

As parents we understand how much you love your children and want the best for them. Walk into any baby supply store, or open any catalogue offering baby supplies, and you'll be hit with adorable baby bedding designs: bedding with tiny flowers; little animals; and Disney characters, stripes, zigzags, or bugs.

Your baby will spend 60% of its first year sleeping. There is no better environment for your baby, than one provided with natural fibers, warm, comfortable, and safe baby bedding! This sounds crazy, especially when we are talking about a newborn baby who spends even more time in bed than we do!

Your baby's nursery can be completed with a choice from a variety of different sleeping arrangements and baby bedding, including beautiful bedding sets with matching sheets, comforters, pillows, bumpers, and dust ruffles. All, of course, must be chosen with your baby's safety and comfort as priorities. Babies should always be put to sleep on their backs.

When trying to plan for nursery decorating, it is very important to make a safe selection of baby bedding. Children are not stain-proof, but we know you'll feel better knowing they'll have restful sleep. Happy babies come from happy parents. But what does your baby really need beyond the most important consideration safety!

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

About The Author: Roger King is a successful author and publisher of www.1st-home-decor.com . Baby bedding and ideas to showcase your homes.

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An Introduction to Quilting

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An Introduction to Quilting
Author: Rose King
"The art of quilting integrated the European and African cultures in America during the slave period. The African folk-tradition was considered inferior, and the European superior. In spite of this gap, quilting brought about the unity of these two traditions and cultures.

It brought the values of both the African and European American women together in a way no folk art tradition did before. Both of them deeply rely on the traditions of storytelling and folklore. Uniting women to sew and pass the traditions to new generations are the common characteristics of both traditions.

Not only did both African and European Americans make quilts to provide warm blankets for their families, but also to show their creativity and gain status, record family history, and to represent various themes and beliefs. Women considered it to be the best way to spend time together and display their skills.

Despite the fact that quilting is a process with individual interpretations, it is also a cultural process that came into being from the exchange and merging of both African and European traditions. The emergence of American quilting was one of the products of this process. The quilting styles of both traditions are highly symbolic. Both of them deeply rely on the traditions of storytelling and folklore. Uniting women to sew and pass the traditions to new generations are the common characteristics of both traditions."

I make no apology for quoting these extracts, if you like, from my e-Book - The Essential Guide to Quilting. The book is basically about learning how to quilt, but firstly I felt that it was important to have a look at the history of quilting - like a lot of you reading this, I had no idea about how important this craft was to our history, indeed for much of the world.

I go into more detail on the History in the e-Book, so, as I said in my Autobiography, when I started Quilting several years ago, there was not that much good information about how to start thus I took a break from quilting to write the e-Book - The Essential Guide to Quilting - to put my readers on the right road without the hit & miss ride that I had, when I might have given up at times.

Most important to start out is to learn the main quilting terms, here are just a few:

1. Applique - Appliques are pieces of fabric applied to other pieces of fabric, using fusible webbing or stitching. The stitching can be done by hand or with a machine. Buttonhole, satin or blind stitches are the usual methods used.

2. Basting - Spray basting, thread basting and pin basting are common methods of basting. This process involves holding the quilt top, batting (the middle layer between quilts - usually cotton, wool or polyester) and backing together to finally sew it all together.

3. Bearding - the process of pulling the batting fibers through the tops and bottoms of the quilt, through the holes created during sewing, to produce a whiskered effect.

4. Cheater's Panel/Cloth - They are pieces of fabric printed with quilt block designs. They are made to resemble a pieced or appliqued quilt top.

Here I have selected some of the less obvious terms in quilting with a quick description to draw attention to the need to learn them in order to get the most out of this fascinating craft. There are lots of terms to learn - believe me when I say I am not trying to put you off, merely to help you on your way.
(Article by Rose visit at http://www.aquiltingbee.com)

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

I have been Quilting for quite a few years now but in the early days I found it very difficult getting started due to lack of decent information. With this in mind I recently completed my first e-Book - "The Essential Guide to Quilting" , I have to say I am very pleased with the result and am happy in the knowledge that I am helping my readers to gain a good grounding in the fascinating art of Quilting.

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An Introduction to Quilting

Quilts
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An Introduction to Quilting
Author: Rose King
"The art of quilting integrated the European and African cultures in America during the slave period. The African folk-tradition was considered inferior, and the European superior. In spite of this gap, quilting brought about the unity of these two traditions and cultures.

It brought the values of both the African and European American women together in a way no folk art tradition did before. Both of them deeply rely on the traditions of storytelling and folklore. Uniting women to sew and pass the traditions to new generations are the common characteristics of both traditions.

Not only did both African and European Americans make quilts to provide warm blankets for their families, but also to show their creativity and gain status, record family history, and to represent various themes and beliefs. Women considered it to be the best way to spend time together and display their skills.

Despite the fact that quilting is a process with individual interpretations, it is also a cultural process that came into being from the exchange and merging of both African and European traditions. The emergence of American quilting was one of the products of this process. The quilting styles of both traditions are highly symbolic. Both of them deeply rely on the traditions of storytelling and folklore. Uniting women to sew and pass the traditions to new generations are the common characteristics of both traditions."

I make no apology for quoting these extracts, if you like, from my e-Book - The Essential Guide to Quilting. The book is basically about learning how to quilt, but firstly I felt that it was important to have a look at the history of quilting - like a lot of you reading this, I had no idea about how important this craft was to our history, indeed for much of the world.

I go into more detail on the History in the e-Book, so, as I said in my Autobiography, when I started Quilting several years ago, there was not that much good information about how to start thus I took a break from quilting to write the e-Book - The Essential Guide to Quilting - to put my readers on the right road without the hit & miss ride that I had, when I might have given up at times.

Most important to start out is to learn the main quilting terms, here are just a few:

1. Applique - Appliques are pieces of fabric applied to other pieces of fabric, using fusible webbing or stitching. The stitching can be done by hand or with a machine. Buttonhole, satin or blind stitches are the usual methods used.

2. Basting - Spray basting, thread basting and pin basting are common methods of basting. This process involves holding the quilt top, batting (the middle layer between quilts - usually cotton, wool or polyester) and backing together to finally sew it all together.

3. Bearding - the process of pulling the batting fibers through the tops and bottoms of the quilt, through the holes created during sewing, to produce a whiskered effect.

4. Cheater's Panel/Cloth - They are pieces of fabric printed with quilt block designs. They are made to resemble a pieced or appliqued quilt top.

Here I have selected some of the less obvious terms in quilting with a quick description to draw attention to the need to learn them in order to get the most out of this fascinating craft. There are lots of terms to learn - believe me when I say I am not trying to put you off, merely to help you on your way.
(Article by Rose visit at http://www.aquiltingbee.com)

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

I have been Quilting for quite a few years now but in the early days I found it very difficult getting started due to lack of decent information. With this in mind I recently completed my first e-Book - "The Essential Guide to Quilting" , I have to say I am very pleased with the result and am happy in the knowledge that I am helping my readers to gain a good grounding in the fascinating art of Quilting.

...

All About Buying A Baby Quilt

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All About Buying A Baby Quilt
Author: Scott Michaels -
The relationship between parents and newborn is very deep, especially with the mom as she conceives the baby for nine months in her womb. Parents like to buy all the baby items and baby wear available in the market. They like to see their baby look cute and comfortable.

The cloths for newborn should be comfortable and safe. The same applies to baby crib and bedding. Long, uninterrupted sleep is very important for baby's sound health. Comfortable bedding plays a vital role in achieving this target.

But baby quilts are not just for the nursery. They are just as home on the floor of playpen or dragged around during playtime, so serving many purposes. Baby quilts make unique gifts for baby girls and baby boys. A perfect baby quilt plays an important role in a nursery, since everyone's eyes are drawn to the crib as they enter the room. Your newborn will look pretty in photographs as baby quilt is the most photographed items during the toddler's years. So a carefully selected beautiful quilt is an asset for your newborn.

Since your baby will be spending over 60% of its first year sleeping, you should put much importance on finding the perfect quilt fabric. You must take all care to select the perfect material for your baby quilt. Baby quilts made with polyester or acrylic, which are plastics, can irritate your baby's sensitive skin and eyes.

Quilts for babies can come in a wide range of color and fabric choices, patterns and designs. Beautiful baby quilts come in all sizes and can be bought in a pair for twins or coordinated patterns and colors to allow for the frequent change that is often requited with a baby warm. Designed specially for the infants, these quilts keep the child warm, comfortable and cozy with a quilt top that is easily washable. Natural cotton, fleece and wool are the most popular materials for baby quilts. Quilts can be matched to the color of walls of your nursery or the baby's bedding or may conform to the chosen theme for the baby's room.

Quilts custom-sized to fit the baby's crib, bassinets, cradles and beds are available. Quilts may also be used as fun ways to teach different things to your toddler such as colors, name of animals, flowers and fruits and even alphabets. Hand-quilted baby quilts with sleeves for wall hanging rod look much like wall hangings and accents to the room décor when hung on the wall to dry. Trims, tassels and borders to the quilts look beautiful but one should make sure that they cannot be pulled out easily. Stitches should be short and close enough to avoid trapping the babies' fingers and there should be no loose thread on the edges for the baby to pull.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

A comprehensive guide to help you make a decision on buying baby quilts, baby quilt patterns, baby crib quilt, infant quilts, toddler quilts.

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A Tidbit of Quilting History Origins of Quilting

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A Tidbit of Quilting History – Origins of Quilting?
Author: How-To-Quilt Monthly Newsletter
Dear Internet,

You are receiving this ezine as a subscriber of amazines.com. These are excerpts from the How-To-Quilt.com Monthly Newsletter. You can receive the complete newsletter with your free subscription at: http://www.How-to-Quilt.com. We hope you enjoy these tidbits of quilting history and trivia, and decide to visit the site.

How-to-Quilt.com Newsletter May 2005

Some of us believe that quilting began in New England as an outgrowth of a limited, affordable supply of fabric coming from Europe. Others credit the Amish and Mennonites. According to Rachel Pellman and Joanne Ranck in their book "Quilts among the Plain People," quilting is an ancient art, dating back to Egypt, China and India. These cultures discovered the insulation value of layering three fabrics together, and created clothing using this technique. The Crusaders carried examples of this craft literally on their backs – as quilted clothing under their armour – and introduced quilting to England.

Lest we get carried away and deny the Americans their due, the combination of patchwork and quilting did merge in early America. While exquisite quilts were made in Europe, the hardships of the New World and the scarcity of fabric caused the women to become resourceful, thus patchwork quilts were created from whatever scraps of clothing, bed sheets, drapes, flour sacks, or any other thing that resembled fabric.

What's in a Name?

Early in the 1900s, as more women became interested in quilting and wanted to expand the variety of blocks they used in their quilts, they would write to magazines and newspapers for ideas. Publications would list the requests in one issue then publish the answers in the next issue. The blocks would be published with instructions and a picture. Often the blocks were renamed to sound more current or to give credit to a city or state, and one block would end up having several different names.

This month's featured block has only 5 different names recorded. What is interesting is that 4 of the names were given to it by the same source, Nancy Cabot. She has referred to this block as: Arkansas Star, Butterfly Block, Sea Star, and Star of the Sea. In addition, the Ladies Art Company referred to this block as Little Rock Block.

View a picture of this block and others featured this year at: http://www.how-to-quilt.com/patterns/blocks.shtml

Thanks to Maggie Malone's book 5,500 Quilt Block Designs for this information.

A Beginner's Guide to Quilting

Learn how to make a quilt using this easy-to-understand, step-by-step Guide, now available in convenient CD format, an electronic download from the website, or printed copy in the mail. Details are at: http://www.How-to-Quilt.com

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A Playtime Project The Memory Quilt

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A Playtime Project: The Memory Quilt
Author: Tricia Wellington

A friend recently suggested a use for my daughter's first wardrobe, which I've dutifully saved in the back of the closet, and lugged on two long distance relocations. Turns out she's done the same thing with her daughter's first clothes, and we've decided to make memory quilts. This playtime project preserves my little girl's everyday playclothes for no other reason than that they are hers.

Having been raised in a somewhat non-sentimental household, I jumped at the chance to engage in something that could possibly boost child emotional development at the same time that it provided a way for my daughter to feel connected to happy childhood events. I suppose it's my way of compensating for something I always wished I had. By the time I was born, the fascination with baby girls was past, and whatever I used and wore was handed off to Goodwill when I was finished with it.

The project lets you conserve storage space by cutting those favorite 0-3 month outfits into workable squares—or if you're an experienced quilter, you may feel confident experimenting with different shapes. I've never tried this before, so I don't want to complicate it with my perfectionist tendencies. I want to turn this into something we can do with our daughters—it always surprises me how young children can take to things that we assume are beyond them.

I went through the clothes to separate them according to "cuttability." Fearful of violating airline luggage allowances, and mindful of movers' square footage guidelines, I've unwittingly reduced the cherished collection little by little; this last relocation I was so desperate to conform to the rules that I left behind many of the pieces I had faithfully saved. Our having been in the Caribbean this past hurricane season further persuaded me to fork over even more of the little wardrobe to children whose homes (and wardrobes) had been destroyed. The pieces that remain are so few in number that I find I cannot bear to take the scissors to any of them.

And so the playtime project will consist less of quilting, and more of time spent sitting on the floor, arranging tiny high-tops, Mary Janes and workboots into shadow boxes. There's also the first jean jacket, overalls and the dress Little One wore to "school" when she was four months old. All of these are small enough to pass for doll clothes, and therein lies their preciousness. The rest are tiny crew neck sweaters, a little rain slicker, and the pajamas she wore in the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit. These, with selected Boston Globe front pages will go into a trunk alongside the baby book (volumes I and II), the photo albums of the first years, and The Scrapbook; to be opened with great fanfare on some birthday after "we" have reached the Age of Appreciability.

Tricia Wellington

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A Brief History of Quilting

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A Brief History of Quilting
Author: tima
The art of quilting is not something new to this world, it has been around for centuries, but still there is no confirmation about the exact origin. According to the historians is that the history of quilting, piecing and applique was widely used for clothing and decorating stuff at home in ancient times. There is a common belief that quilting originated in China and Egypt at the same time. The oldest quilted garment found till now dates back to somewhere around 3400 BC.

Back in the 11th century, the crusaders picked up a type of quilting from the Middle East and brought it back to Europe. During that time, quilted piece of cloth was used by the Knights to give them extra cushion under their armor.

The Romans were the pioneers in introducing quilted bedding, which was used as mattress. Europeans got hold with this idea and they stuffed sack between two-combined mattress. It was in the 15th century when the Europeans found quilting as a necessity when they were troubled by cold winds in the winter season.

The very first quilts were made of few layers of cloth that was attached together with running stitches. Quilt Frames came into existence as it was difficult to stitch many layers of cloth together. Europeans, blessed with these frames started to create quilts that were more decorative, more finely stitched.

19th century marked a great period of quilting in Europe and America. People in villages would come together and make one or more quilts in an afternoon. Women were very pleased with this as they could come out of the boundaries of their home and could contribute in doing something useful.

For more information on quilts and quilt making, visit - Quilting Book

The author is a freelance writer associated with http://www.quilting-book.info

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

The author is a freelance writer associated with www.quilting-book.info

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