The Daily Quizzler

Sewing machines

Wow! 58% of you own between 2 and 5 sewing machines! I immediately envision a row of sewing machines lined up, with a quilt project ready to go on each one, and a quilter rolling between them on her chair. But, then again, maybe that's just me.

I think we all have ideas of what makes a perfect sewing machine. Over at the Quiltland Chronicle, as reported by Queen Helen of Quiltland, you can read all about the new ECS (Emotional Compatibility System) machine and have a chuckle at the same time. Are there any other features you would like in your ideal sewing machine? Let me know!

Summer holidays

Whew! January has buzzed past so quickly here in Quizzleland. It's been very hot in Australia and we are counting the days until summer finishes and the days (and nights)start to cool down. Consecutive days of over 40 degrees centigrade are not conducive to hand quilting!

Have you been making Helen's Great Summer Holiday Mystery quilt along with her? It's not too late to start with step 1, which you will find here. Helen has chosen some fabulous fabrics for her quilt and has provided VERY extensive lessons - perfect for all levels, including those who have never made a quilt before. Why not start your Mystery quilt today?

The Great Summer Holiday Mystery quilt

Hi Quizzlers, Helen just popping in here whilst Erica is on a break to tell you about a free mystery quilt project I am running over on my other blog. Pop over here to join in the Great Summer Holiday Mystery. We are only up to step 2 so plenty of time to join in.

If you havent yet been game to try a Quizzle or any quilt for that matter then this is the perfect opportunity to learn step by step as I give you photos, hints and tips - you cannot go wrong!

So go read all about it, raid that stash, tell your friends, add the badge to your blog and get sewing..

The instructions will come down at the end and the pattern will be then downloadable only.

happy quilting

Helen

Happy holidays!

Summer is here in Australia and so is Christmas. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday time and re-energise yourselves for the creative year ahead. I will be taking a break, enjoying seafood and time with my family. Thanks for dropping by to our blog this year and I'll see you in 2009!

Quilt making processes

Last time, we asked you which part of quilt making you enjoyed the most. There were five options given, but not a single one of you chose cutting fabric as your favourite part. Does this mean no one likes cutting? Or just it just mean you like other processes more?

I certainly enjoy the start of a new project the most. Anticipating the design, choosing my fabrics - yum!

I've added a new poll for you this month. How many sewing machines do you own? This should be very interesting!

Helen in print

 If you'd like to read about Helen's creative journey, grab yourself a copy of the October issue (number 125) of Down Under Quilts magazine. You can see photos of 11 of her quilts and find out what sparks her creativity!

UFOs - we all have them!

As our last question of the month shows, we all have collections of UFOs, except for a tiny percentage of quilters who voted. I confess that I think I am in the 10-20 range, but it wouldn't surprise me if I have over 20 hidden away in cupboards. Things that are out of sight are often forgotten in my house.

I invite you to make your selection for this month's question on the left of the screen.

Tips for getting started

Sometimes I find it difficult to get started on a quilt project. Perhaps you have a similar problem? Here's a few tips that have worked for me:

1. Make something small. I usually make Artist Trading Cards with left-over scraps of fabric.
2. Sort out a shelf of fabric from your stash.
3. Cut out one block. Then sew it.
4. Read a patchwork magazine.
5. Use your favourite colours on a Quizzle to make your perfect quilt pattern. Then try changing the shades to make variations.
   

Do you have any tips? Please leave them in a comment, so we can all help each other!

Wattle Day

Wattle is Australia's national flower and all the trees are in full flower at present. It's Wattle Day next week, but I couldn't wait until then to show you the glory of the colour.

I have reinvented The Wily Goose pattern to reflect the beautiful combination of green and gold. Of course, I have named my version Wattle Day!

Quilting preferences

Our latest poll results show your quilting preferences. This is a bit surprising to me - 47% of you prefer to hand quilt your quilts. I thought I was of a minority who love to hand quilt. There are so many amazing machine quilters out there, whose skills I certainly don't have (but I wish I did)!

Thanks for voting. I'd love if you could vote in our new poll about UFOs. I prefer to describe myself as working on my PhD - that is, my Projects half Done. This way I feel as if I am actually achieving something other people will envy!