I get asked a lot of questions about quilt backs, pieced backs in particular. There is a lot more thought going into quilt backs now than ever. My requirements for quilt backs are that they need to be bigger than the quilt top by 8″ wide and 8″ in length after you’ve squared them up.

I also request that you do not put a border around them or “picture frame’ the quilt back. Even with the best plan, the quilts can draw up during quilting and result in a bottom border that does not match the top. I would also try to limit the amount of piecing around the outer edge of the quilt back as clamping may pull piecework apart ( ex: piano keys). Stay stitching around the edge can help to prevent this but limiting the amount of piecing near the edge is a good plan.

I do love the look of pieced backs & there are so many great ways to do them. I found a great free instructional online video that shows several ways to piece backs. http://www.craftsy.com/class/creative-quilt-backs/117 You will have to sign in with http://www.craftsy.com but it is well worth doing to see some of their free videos. Elizabeth Hartman also has a blog with free quilt patterns you may enjoy.  http://www.ohfransson.com.

Happy Piecing!

Now is the best time of the year to get you quilt tops quilted. My schedule is starting fresh & there is approximately a 2 week turn around.

It’s also a great time to purchase holiday fabrics & start you holiday quilts. Imagine having them done before the end of the year rush. Most of the local quilt shops are offering great deals on holiday fabrics too.  Supporting your local quilt shop is the best way to make sure we keep quality fabrics in our local area.

2013 is here & as many of you already know there have been a lot of changes in my life. The end of November my mother passed away. I want to thank all my customer’s that have been patient while I’ve been helping to care for her needs the past few years.

I’m getting used to my new schedule & have added a second machine and computer to help increase turn around time for edge to edge quilts.  Right now is a great time to have your edge to edge quilts quilted. The holiday rush has passed and so there is only about a 2 week wait for your quilt.

I look forward to seeing and quilting for you in the new year!

Ho, ho, ho Christmas can still be merry with a Gift Certificate for quilting. Let your friend or loved one choose their own quilting design. While it is too late to book a quilt for Christmas, it is not too late to get on my schedule for January 2013. This is the best month for quilting since I begin booking with no backlog of quilts!

Please note my mother has been very ill and it may take me a day to respond to voice messages. I will still be quilting, I will just be working my schedule around her needs.

Thank you for your understanding.

Can you believe it, I’m currently booking the end of October already!  If you have a quilt you want quilted before Christmas, please call to get on my schedule. 🙂  If your running behind schedule, remember you can always gift your quilt top with a gift certificate for the quilting.

I saw this new fabric & had to share. I just love the Jeweled Peony from the Greystone color line and I am on a mission to find it! Forget that I have tons of other beauty’s stashed away,  this one has caught my eye & must be found.

http://sarahwatsonillustration.com/fabric