Past photos and tips from our sidebar are listed right here:
Cut a Fabric Template
Cut a quick template from contrasting scrap fabric to make trimming a breeze! The fabric sticks to the piece you are trimming and makes it easy to turn the pieces on the cutting board!
Fill lots of Bobbins
Fill lots of bobbins with the color you use most, at one time, like I do! Keep them within easy reach! That way, when you need one, it will already be on deck!
Easy to find selvage information
In the workshop, we press and fold our fabric so that the selvage shows and is easy to locate. The selvage has all sorts of important information often including the designer's name, mill house, and color information. If we need to know something about the fabric, it's easy to see!
Pretty candies in no time!
Pretty candies can be made quickly by simply dipping the ends of peppermint sticks into melted white chocolate...lay out on wax paper and sprinkle with colorful sugar! Allow to harden and place in a vintage glass jar...a wonderful gift in no time!
1/4-inch Tip
An accurate 1/4-inch seam allowance is essential for quilting! An ordinary index card will help you find the correct allowance since the lines are 1/4-inch apart--stitch the line and adjust as necessary!
Circle Templates
Who needs a compass for drawing circles? Look Around! They are everywhere: lids, plates, bowls...make for wonderful (and free) templates!
A Brand New Needle
Every new quilt deserves a new needle! Replace your machine needle at the start of each new quilt.
A Happy Quilt Back
The best quilt back is a happy quilt back where the threads are neatly trimmed and the seams are neatly pressed.
Instant Holiday Treats
Nothing is more festive than striped candies. Place peppermints in pretty little dishes throughout the house for your guests to enjoy!
Save the ends of your bar soap
When dry, the last little chip of well-used bar soap is perfect for marking on dark fabrics!
Buy herbs and spices in bulk
Herbs and spices are far less expensive when you buy them in bulk! If you don't think you are going to use them all, why not split the bulk purchase between friends--it will still cost less!
Recycled Shirt Pins
Recycle the tiny pins that hold together a brand new shirt! They are perfect for hand applique work and are almost undetectable under your plastic ruler!
