Sunday, July 5, 2009

Episode 9 Show Notes: All Things Free

First, a peek at my recent projects. Then, scroll down for tons of links to freebies.

Tossed Nine Patch being quilted on the John Flynn Frame:





Cherry Table topper/wall quilt
Moda's Oh Cherry Oh fabric
Pattern: Simply Sweet – Me and my Sister designs

Here's the link to the Dave Table from Ikea.

Free Motion Quilting
Links to tutorials:

You Tube:

Video One

Video Two

Tutorials

Ebay Version

BHG

Sew Inspired

Download sheets that you can trace with a pencil, or even sew through without thread to get the motion down.

Patsy Thompson Designs

Summary of my free motion tips – for more info., please check out the podcast:
  • Use a Free Motion Foot , also called a darning foot.
  • Run the machine as fast as you can (pedal to the metal) and move your hands slowly.
  • Wear the rubber-faced gloves
  • Try both ways - Drop the feed dogs, don’t drop them.
  • Practice a lot before you start on a real quilt project.
  • If it’s been a while since I free-motioned, I’ll do a little quilt sandwich just as a refresher
  • The cone thread holder off the machine helps me.
  • Make up a ton of bobbins before you start. Try the pre-wound ones.
  • I use loops to change direction. Some people say that you must never cross over the sewing line, but I say that’s nearly impossible.
  • I’ve used multi-colored thread for the tops of some, which can be fun. Always match the bobbin thread to the back. Mostly, white thread top and bottom for an all-over quilt. For wall hangings with lots of colors, I’ll change the top thread and do in sections. Not practical for a big quilt.
  • Check the back of the quilt often
  • Relaxation is important – lots of deep breaths!
  • Most important, if it looks good to you, that’s all that matters.

If you have any free motion tips, please post them in the comments section on this show’s blog entry. I’m always looking for new ideas, tips or tricks.

Free Patterns and Tutorials I Love

A BIG Thank you to all of the creative artists out there who share their work with us. You inspire us, and encourage us to try new things!

Most of the fabric manufacturers have free quilt patterns on their site Here are a few of my favorites:
Robert Kauffman

P&B Textiles

Andover

Free Spirit

Many fabric designers also offer free patterns or tutorials.
Amy Butler has lots of freebies

Lizzy House

Online Stores have free patterns
Spool

Fat Quarter Shop

Many sewing and quilting blogs have tutorials
Crazy Mom Quilts

p.s. I Quilt

Glitter, Vinyl and Thread

Pink Penguin

V and Co.

Cluck Cluck Sew

A final note on free:

While I love all the freebies that are available online, I’m also a big believer in supporting these folks who take their time to share their talents with us. That’s the only way we’ll continue to see more free stuff. All artists need to eat and pay the rent. They deserve our support.

If you see a free pattern, check out that designer’s other lines, maybe there is one you’d also like to buy. Or, buy the fabric used in the free pattern. Many of the folks linked above have an Etsy shop – visit them, refer them. Encourage the handmade movement.

And, most importantly, please honor the copyrights of these patterns. It’s not wrong to be inspired by what you see online, including blogs, Etsy or Flickr. Just don’t make it and sell it without permission. Just not cool.

Tip of the Week
On your PC, Organize your free pattern downloads, and your links to tutorials to make them more easy to find when you want to use them.
Categories: quilts, wall hanging, toys, aprons, etc.
Print out your favorites, put in sleeves, keep in a binder by category.

6 comments:

Debby, crowefan0517 said...

I can't find this podcast on itunes. Has it been posted yet?

Quilted Cupcake said...

I had some trouble posting the podcast this time. It did come through when I re-opened my iTunes this morning. Please try again. If you're still having problems, please let me know. I think I've fixed it, but want to be sure!

Thanks,
Jean

Allison said...

Thanks for the link mention, and for also agreeing that we should support people who do this for a living! (not me :) Love Love Love your quilts and the block! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a link! -Allison

Vicki said...

Yay! Thanks for linking to me, too. I don't know much about the Flynn frame and am going to have to find out more about it; it looks really cool.

betsyE said...

You mentioned wearing rubber gloves in your podcast. I've heard of people just cutting off the fingertips and just wearing them. That way you get the gripping, but not the heat! Betsy

Lisa Haakon Pogue said...

Love your podcast and thanks for all the helpful hints. I always gain some knowledge each time I listen. Re your hint about organizing your bookmarks: Have you tried http://delicious.com? It's a great way to save and tag your bookmarks as well as share them with others.