Thursday, December 8, 2011

Blog Hop, Hop, Hop



Thanks for Hopping by my blog today!
 
In case you didn’t know, Quilter’s Gallery is celebrating it’s 4th Birthday with a huge blog hop and lots of give-aways. So come join the fun!
 
Quilter’s Gallery offers lots of fun things for quilters. You can…..
 
My Give-Away
 
I LOVE sewing, quilting and Christmas time. Here’s a little known secret…I’m a Christmas Carol! hahaha. Yup, my name is Carol and I was born on Christmas.
 
So, to go along with one of my favorite holiday songs
These are a few of my favorite things….
 
IMG_0427

An applique zipper pouch that contains 4 Timeless Treasure Fat Quarters, a Spool of Sulky Blendables 30 wt., a spool of  Coats & Clark 40 wt. rayon (white), a Clover Chaco Liner (white), and  a tube of Dritz Iron-Off hot iron cleaner

For a chance to win
1. Be a follower of my blog (old or new)
2. Share a favorite quilting or sewing tip in the comments below
3. Winner will be chosen randomly on Dec. 17th so make sure I can email you. I will ship internationally.

 
Click the button below to see all the participating bloggers and start hopping.
 
Blog Hop Party with Give-Aways

158 comments:

Jennifer said...

I'm a follower! thanks!

Mishka said...

Oh my, that owl pouch is absolutely adorable!

Lynne said...

I'm a follower! My tip: measure and cut accurately! Everything else hinges on this one act!

QuilterLaura said...

I am a follower. My best tip is to buy more fabric than you think you need...I always find a way to need more!

Carrie Me! said...

I am a follower! What a great prize, thanks for the chance.

My new best tip: rather than having to use chalk or water soluble pen to mark fabric I use these ball point pens called Frixion by Pilot. When you are ready to get rid of your markings, just run a warm iron over them and they disappear!

Fran said...

I'm a follower, thanks for the giveaway.

Fran said...

My quilting & sewing tip is one that took me an incredibly long time to learn - to take your time when sewing for maximum accuracy, I used to speed through my chain piecing & my accuracy really suffered.

Catskill Quilter said...

I am a new follower! My tip? There are many "right ways" to sew quilts, and the more you explore and develop your own methods, the more fun it will be! The Quilt Police only exist in our imaginations.

Michell said...

Follower now

Michell said...

Tip is always have a seam ripper on hand

Dreamingof03 - Heather said...

I am a follower- my tip, since I am new and teaching myself... if you and your machine are not getting along.... step away for a few minutes. Go put up a few things or wipe down your kitchen counters. Getting overly flustered will not help you or your machine. Bonus tip - always keep scrap paper and a pen around to write on and label- then just pin to the fabric or slip into a ziplock baggie with the precut fabric. This helps you keep everything straight.

Jeanne said...

I'm a follower! Geesh you put together a great prize! :-) I can't live without the iron cleaner!! I machine applique so do I need to say more! LOL Hope I win!

Jeanne said...

Whoops I forgot to post my tip. If you find a fabric you just LOVE but can't afford to buy much of it just buy a fat quarter and then you can enjoy it without spending alot of money.

erica said...

I'm a new follower

conny's quilts en creaties said...

I became a follower and my tip: although many might know: when you need to draw on fabric, I 'll always use sandpaper under the fabric. I glued the sandpaper om a piece of board. I am busy blog hopping already and I am a participant as well! So much fun! Kind greetings from the Netherlands!

Unknown said...

How cute! I am a follower. My tip is be very accurate with your 1/4" seams and never stand still. Try something new.

beaquilter said...

I'm a few follower and that owl pouch is a HOOT! so cute :-)I have a tip: if you are afraid of doing free motion quilting, start on a scrap or something UGLY first and just GO for it! if you want to practice first use a marker on a dry erase board and doodle without lifting the marker...

hueisei said...

New follower.

hueisei said...

Quilting tip- wash the fabrics first!!
Thx for the chance to win ^^v

Kathleen said...

I am a follower....

Kathleen said...

my favorite tip....try using a 1/4 inch quilting foot...

Melissa Corry said...

I am a follower and the best tip I have is OXY Clean fabric spray. It takes stains out of any quilt without ruining the colors :)

Sheila said...

I am anew follower. My best tip is the use of freezer paper for tracing shapes then ironing on your quilt and then quilt around it.

Anonymous said...

I'm a follolwer and always have your seam ripper handy!

Carolyn said...

I'm a follower and that is the most adorable owl pouch! I just love owls. Thank you for the chance! :0)

Carolyn said...

My tip would be the same as I would imagine most quilters would say. "Measure SEVERAL times and cut once"! I know this from experience. LOL

Carrie P. said...

I am now a follower. What a cute little owl pouch and all the goodies are great too.
Merry Christmas!

Carrie P. said...

My favorite tip for appliquers is to use a toothpick to help turn the fabric when doing the applique.

JustPam said...

I am a new follower. I love the owl pouch.

JustPam said...

One tip is to check to be sure your seams are a scant 1/4 inch. If they vary off and you have a lot of pieces in your quilt you may have trouble matching seams.

Quiltin' Sandy said...

Hi from Australia, Carol!
Thanks for including your International friends. I am a new follower. Sandy. :)

Quiltin' Sandy said...

I love your giveaway- owls are so beautiful!
When cutting fabric on the bias, spray first with some spray starch to stop any stretching.
Merry Xmas and Happy Birthday! Sandy. :)

Lise said...

I'm a follower and my favorite tip is starting with a leader..makes straight starts... thanks

Lisa Cox said...

New follower here.
I've read the comments on here and all of them sound like great tips.
I'm a newbie at quilting, so they all help me.

Sharon Pernes said...

I'm your newest follower.

Sharon Pernes said...

My tip...quilting is not a race, take your time.

Michelle Olsen Sasak said...

I'm a new follower. I've only been quilting for a month, but my tip is to use starch - it makes such a difference! This is such a neat giveaway...I am completely obsessed with owls and that pouch is so cute!

Michelle Olsen Sasak said...

Not sure if I was actually supposed to leave a separate "follower" comment, but if I was, here it is :)

Mhairi said...

I love the owl pouch. It is lovely. I would love to be part of your giveaway and I am a follower.

kblaxall said...

Hi Carol, I'm a follower! My number one tip is to always press when patchworking. I hate ironing and avoided it when I first started sewing, but after many mistakes my iron is now a valuable sewing tool. Everything is more accurate when pressed!

Quilting Melodies said...

What a great giveaway. SO cute! I am a follower so I am crossing my fingers.

Angie

ballardquilter said...

I am a new follower. Don't sew when you are tired.
rhaun@clear.net

quiltmom anna said...

I am a new follower. My best tip is to measure twice and cut once- it is tried and true. Also measure your border strips to prevent wavy borders.
Regards from Western Canada,
Anna

Carla G said...

I'm a new follower! My tip is to measure twice, cut once! The owls on your pouch are adorable! Thanks for a chance to win your great giveaway! :)

Gill said...

My tip is to always read the instructions through before you start! Can you tell that I might have slipped up once or twice???

Dianne Giles said...

My favourite tip is that there are no quilt police sew enjoy your quilting and strive to do the best you can without fear. I am a follower. Thanks for the chance, Dianne

Nettie said...

My favorite tip would be to spray starch your pieces when making half square triangles so they won't stretch when sewing.
Love the "owlie" pouch and other goodies.
Happy Holidays!
Nettie
nettiecrain@live.com

Nettie said...

Oh, I will be a follower now that I have found your neat blog!
Nettie
nettiecrain@live.com

Grandma M said...

My tip is to clean and service your machine regularly. It's a treat to sew with a machine that hums.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

sew an accurate seam and make sure you cut straight!
Karen

Jo said...

I am a follower. My best tip is to have fun while you quilt. If it stops being fun put it away for awhile, and go back to it at another time. Thanks for the chance to win. Happy Birthday!

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

I am a new follower, thanks for the great giveaway!

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

My tip: keep a sewing machine needle separate that you only use when paper-piecing. Great giveaway!

Ariane said...

I'm a new follower! My tip is to keep trying if you don't get it the first time. It's a great accomplishment to try something new and to finally succeed!

Diane said...

I'm a new follower. My tip: There are no quilting mistakes, only design opportunities. Thank you for participating in the blog hop. Your giveaway is everything I need more of.

Unknown said...

I love owls and your prize is cool, cool. thank you for this chance to win.

Unknown said...

of course I am new follower

Deb said...

New follower - my best tip is that you need to measure and pin borders to prevent wavy borders.

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

My tip is to read the directions several times before starting your quilt.

Sewnuts said...

Am now a follower - my tip: Follow as many quilt blogs that interest you as possble - they are great for inspiration, tips, free patterns, techniques and the latest products! Thanks for the giveaway!

Jen said...

I am new follower. My favorite tip is to use Washable Crayola Markers to mark patterns and the occasional quilting pattern. Cheap and long-lasting :)

Allycat Creations said...

I am a follower. I like to use part vinegar/water to remove creases in your fabric then iron.

ThisQuiltingMama said...

Love the purple and the owls!
I'm a new follower.

ThisQuiltingMama said...

Tip: No matter what your level of quilting expertise, take a beginners class to hear all the tips you either never learned or have forgotten!

Thearica said...

I am your newest follower!

My tip of the day would be to add borders by using the method of finding registration marks up and down all 4 sides of your quilt top and doing the same with your border strips. Then pin these registration marks together and ease in any fullness. Your quilt will be much more square and your longarmer will love you for it!

Needled Mom said...

I am a follower. Love your sweet owl bag.

Needled Mom said...

My best tip is to keep a seam ripper really close to your machine!

Gwen said...

A great tip -- one that I have discovered to be very helpful -- is to use a small scarp of fabric as a leader/ender when piecing. It makes everything quicker, easier and so much neater! :-) What a wonderful prize pack! Thank you!

Rhonda said...

I am a follower. Great giveaway, Thanks.

Rhonda said...

Since I'm a fairly new quilter I don't have a lot of tips, other then shopping, buy at least 1/2 yard more then you think your going to need. You may want to make little things to go with that quilt project.

Luna said...

I'm a new follower :-) Thanks for the chance to win. My tip - sew what you love, when you try to sew something because someone else likes it, you won't enjoy it nearly as much!

kelly (at) mysimplewalk (dot) com

magicthimblecreations said...

What a nice gift. My favorite tip is to rethread your machine and put in a fresh needle often. Check for thread build up in the tension, bobbin area and feed dogs.
A great working machine will make sewing much easier.
Peggy

Debbie said...

Love your 'favorites' giveaway
I'm a follower

Trails of Grace said...

I am a lover of owls, and that pouch is ADORABLE!! My tip, find a traditional quilting teacher to guide you along the way. Then step off the path a little bit. I hope that makes sense. Merry Christmas!

LethargicLass said...

I am a new follower and my tip is to move the pattern around as you sew so it always faces the way you are working

Elisabeth K. said...

I a new follower...my tip: write the name of the shop where your bought a piece of fabric on the selvage...if you need more, you will know where to get it.

crafter1953 said...

Hi, I am a follower and my tip is always buy more fabric than it is called for because if you don't need it you will always use it for something. Case in point I needed 5 yards of a fabric for the pattern well someone spilled coffee all over part of the cut fabric and I could not find any more. Happy Holiday to You and Yours.

Tina said...

I am a new follower. My quilt tip is to carry a small hand project and sewing kit with you everywhere you go so you can always have something to work on.

Mrs.Pickles said...

I am a new follower. My tip is that it doesn't have to be perfect

NM_Creatrix said...

New follower, my tip measure twice, cut once

Marilyn said...

I am a new follower and will be back to check out your blog.

Marilyn said...

My tip would be to take care when pressing, so you dont stretch your block out of shape.

Jodi - usairdoll said...

I'm a new follower. Your owls are sew cute! Great giveaway.

Thanks for a chance to win.

usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

Jodi - usairdoll said...

My sewing tip is to learn to sew accurate. The 1/4" seam allowance does make a difference and getting everything to match and lineup.

Thank you for your Generous giveaway and a chance to win.

usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

The pouch is so cute. My tip, when you are trying to feed small points under needle, try using small strip of tissue paper to give feed dogs something to grab. Keeps your machine from eating those points.

Becky in upstate SC
bmgilliam@bellsouth.net

Kristy QP said...

Im a new follower. That owl pouch is so cute!

Kristy QP said...

My tip would be to have fun with your quilting! If it's not fun, work on something else and come back to it when you're in a better mood.

Anonymous said...

that pouch is just adorable...I'm a new follower

Anonymous said...

my tip would be to take your time...it's worth it

Anonymous said...

Gotta love CAROL! I am a new follower but I will be coming back again and again. My quilting tip is always make sure you are fully awake before cutting and sewing. Mistakes are costly. Your own pouch is so darn cute. Any child or even an adult would love it. Thank you for making this blog hop so much fun. I hope you have a Merry Christmas.

Sandi T.
sandit1@sbcglobal.net

Calicojoan said...

I'm a new follower and what a great blog you have. My quilting tip is to breathe deeply want walk away when things go astray. Advise I don't always take myself. It's worth the breather most of the time! :-)

Rachel Bates said...

following and my tip is sort fabric by color.

Cedar Ridge Studio said...

PUt some music on and relax whiel you quilt. It is supposed to be fun
Love that purple thread.

Linda V said...

I am a follower! Thanks for the giveaway!
Linda
http://homesweetquiltinghome.blogspot.com

Linda V said...

Measure your 1/4 inch seams and make sure they are accurate. Thanks for the giveaway!
Linda
http://homesweetquiltinghome.blogspot.com

Sibi said...

I hope I became a follower. My tip, the iron is your best friend when quilting! I'm from Virginia too :-)

Nanbon44 said...

my tip would be make friends with you seam ripper and get a 1/4 quilting foot..

Missy said...

I am a new follower

Missy said...

My tip is to try not to be in a hurry. Slow down and enjoy every step..remember quilting is supposed to be fun, not a race.

Thanks so much for the chance to win your giveaway goodies in that darling little owl pouch.

SewLindaAnn said...

I'm a new Follower. (Love the Owl and all the great stuff inside too)

SewLindaAnn said...

My tip is is to use a scrapbook with bits of fabric used in what you've made and who it went to. Even though I now use Flickr and other sites, it's nice to have a personal journal of my work. Also, for a tool the rotating cutting mats are lifesavers. No more lifting fabric or walking around the mat:)

RobbieJoy said...

I'm a follower!
rhaubejoi@yahoo.com

RobbieJoy said...

My best tip is when trying new things, if you get stuck, google it or look for a video on youtube.

Quilting "b" said...

I am a follower. Thank you for a great giveaway. Love the owl pouch.

Quilting "b" said...

My tip would be to relax and enjoy every step.

Pippa Parsons said...

my tip is to make sure your 1/4 inch foot is actually sewing a 1/4 inch, my blocks have been so much more accurate

Desi @ Wee Share said...

follower!

Desi
weeshareblog@gmail.com

Desi @ Wee Share said...

my tip is to buy more fabric than you think you need. Dye lots change and the fabric may not match well if you go back to buy more :)

Desi
weeshareblog@gmail.com

Average Quilter said...

I will never look at your blog without thinking about a Christmas Carol - too cute. And the owl pouch is too cute as well.

Sue Daurio said...

I'm a new follower!

Sue Daurio said...

My tip - a pattern is a guide, not a dictator, adjust it to suit your needs, your fabric and your taste.

Quiltaholic said...

I'm a new follower and have no tips as I've only been quilting since July, 2010 lol! Thank you for the chance to win!

Michele T said...

I am a new follower! Great giveaway!!
I use 1/4" green paint tape to hand stitch my quilts - nearly perfectly straight stitches!!

Mary C said...

My best quilting tip....read, re-read the directions and THEN start.

JoyceLM said...

My favorite quilting tip is to always square up your blocks. Thanks for the great giveaway.

Susan said...

At the moment my computer isn't allowing me to be a follower, but I will try again later. Your give away is tooooo cute! I will share 2tips that have helped me with more accurate piecing...I move my needle over a bit to get a SCANT quarter of an inch AND I use a lot of starch as I am pressing my fabric. I am a firm beliver in pinning and just LOVE my new FINE patchwork pins from Clover. They glide through the fabric like a hot knife through butter!

Susan said...

I became a follower!

donna said...

I am a new follower. My tip - take your time and enjoy the process. that is 2 Thanks for sharing!

Teresa F. said...

I'm your newest follower.
My tip ( or advice) is...measure twice to cut only once.

Lee D said...

my tip would be: after you sew your binding on, iron towards the back to give it a nice crisp edge. thanks for the chance to win

Lee D said...

I am now a follower!

nicolesender said...

GFC follower: nicolesender
My hint is to always pre-wash your fabric.
nicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com

Judy said...

I'm a follower!
My tip; measure twice, cut once!

B Greene said...

I am a new follower. Cut straight (my biggest challenge - ha ha)! Thanks for the great giveaway - love the owls!

Mystica said...

The importance of pressing in between piecing! learnt the hard way.

Kathy H said...

I am a follower. My tip is to not wash your fabric before needle turn applique. The sizing helps to keep the fraying down.

Pat said...

My tip is similar to at least one other I've seen on here.....that is to USE YOUR IRON...don't get lazy and think you can do it all at the end. Ironing while piecing your blocks makes a huge difference and improves the final outcome!!! I am now a follower of your blog. Your giveaway prize is terrific!

Cheri said...

Best tip is to measure accurately! Love your giveaway-thanks.

tpott said...

I'm a new follower, thanks for participating in the Blog Hop. My tip is measure twice cut once. Your Owl bag is just adorable, I love the colors also. ;->

Peggy said...

Great giveaway, hope I win.

Donna Joy said...

I follow you and your owl pouch is darling, so are your other favorite sewing things.

Maria Kievit said...

Just started followning. Nice giveaway. Tip: Keep your stitch ripper very close by. Even better have a few of them on hand. They get used more than you think.....

Laine said...

I always buy a little more fabric than it says as sometimes I make a mistake.

lsandes@comcast.net

Laine said...

I am a follower

lsandes@comcast.net

CMEH said...

fave tip is keep the iron ready!

Kess said...

I love the owl pouch! My tip is to wash everything first,so it doesn't shrink. Thanks for the giveaway!
kessilari (at) gmail (dot) com

Vickie and Chris said...

A new follower
If you cant thread hand sewing needle turn it over and thread from other side. The eye is bigger on one side that the other

SassyCathy said...

I am a follower :)
I hope you have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS! :)
Thank you for the opportunity to win such a nice giveaway.
Cathy Byrd
byrd@gulftel.com

SassyCathy said...

Quilting tip - wash fabric - so it is preshrunk and color fast. Add vinegar to the water to help "set" the color.
A fabric softener sheet makes embroidery thread behave very well.
Your owls are the hoot!:)
I hope you have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS! :)
Thank you for the opportunity to win such a nice giveaway.
Cathy Byrd
byrd@gulftel.com

Marg said...

As a new quilter I don't have any wisdom to share. However I did read the comments from some of the other bloggers and picked up some helpful hints. Thanks

Anonymous said...

Lick the eye of the needle, not the thread (my gran always did it the other way)it really makes the threading up easier, Sounds a bit gross but if it works? Oh, and I just joined in the fun here!

The Sleepy Dreamer said...

1/4 inch foot is a must. lnb1191(at)aol(dot)com

java diva said...

I don't really have any tips but I did learn that you should put fray check on the buttons of your clothing when you buy them. It keeps the poorly sewn on buttons from popping off, supposedly.

Anonymous said...

hello my beautiful world
hello everyone on this place!
i am Kate

jqluo said...

I'm new follower!

jqluo said...

I loves sewing clothes. I traced my sewing pattern by attaching it to window or a glass door. This is a great tip to keep your sewing pattern without spoilt it.

Peggy said...

My tip for sewing, cross stitching, or doing any kind of craft is this: don't try your craft when you are tired, as you will make mistakes and have to re-do it.
Thanks,
Peggy
peggy_verdongibbs@att.net
http://keepmeinstitches-peggy.blogspot.com

Jsoosay said...

I'm a new follower! My best tip is to always have an open mind and be willing to try new things. You never know when you might find a new favorite.

enbartlett said...

Be patient. Measure twice, cut once. :)

Shannon said...

I'm a new follower in my google reader. thanks for the great giveaway! My tip is always reverse your paper patterns! I can't tell you how many things I've pieced backwards!

NancyM said...

My tip (as a new quilter) is to take your time and measure and cut carefully.

Angela FlowersMoore said...

New follower. My tip is to measure twice cut once.

Judi said...

I'm a follower! Love the owls!!

Judi said...

My best advise is to just start. If I can get myself started, I usually keep going.

Cat said...

I'm a follower!

Cat said...

Best tip is to press, not iron (scrubbing motion), after each seam is sewn. I am still not the expert on which way to press my seams, I just alternate where it seems obvious.
Thanks for this great notions pack & Pouch.

Kd Brown said...

I'm a new follower as WeimerMom. Thanks, Kd

Kd Brown said...

My tip is to not get hung up on doing things perfectly. Just sew it! Kd