| One hundred percent cotton fabric is best. Always | | | | together. Pin in order that the squares are perfectly |
| wash your fabrics first as cotton will shrink. It is | | | | matched after being stitched. Sew two pieces at a |
| worthwhile to launder fabrics before sewing to not | | | | time, and then connect the twos together making |
| only shrink but to also remove fabric dyes. If you have | | | | fours. Continue until desired widths and lengths are |
| sensitive skin or allergies this is good practice. | | | | completed. |
| Ironing the fabric is next on the list. Yes, cotton | | | | Do not look for perfection at this time. This is just to |
| wrinkles. After ironing your fabrics make any | | | | help you see how the pattern you created will look |
| necessary corrections to square your fabric then cut | | | | after assembling and pressing. Make the project a size |
| squares, rectangles and triangles. If you wish a triangle | | | | that gives you practice and a visual aid for |
| is nothing more than a square cut diagonally in half and | | | | understanding the process. |
| you may wish to cut these as needed. | | | | The sample you stitched can be made into a pocket |
| If you are collecting fabrics make your own fat | | | | for a personal dress, skirt, or blouse you wish to |
| quarters, charm packs, jelly rolls,etc. Store cut fabrics in | | | | decorate. Or a trim can be sewn to an apron edge or |
| closed containers away from dust and direct sun. | | | | a set of curtains or a toaster cover. Okay, you get the |
| Keep in mind that a finished quilt is never stored in | | | | picture and your imagination is flying. |
| plastic. You may wish to do likewise if you think you | | | | As soon as your put your imagination into kick start |
| may be storing the fabric for awhile. | | | | you will be making patchwork quilted gifts for self and |
| Most of us purchase fabrics when they are on sale or | | | | others of purses, handbags, lap quilts, aprons, cosmetic |
| we are gathering certain colors which only appear at | | | | bags, and tote bags. |
| special times of the year. We know what we would | | | | You will want to make place settings, napkins, and |
| like to make and so we cut until we have the correct | | | | table runners for the different holidays of the year. As |
| quantity of squares, rectangles, or circles to complete | | | | you look about your home you may start designing |
| our quilting project. Then we are guilty of collecting for | | | | and making patchwork quilted gifts for self and others |
| the next project. | | | | making toaster covers, book covers, curtains, pillow, |
| If you have never done patchwork quilting you will find | | | | throws, trimming blankets and other linen, or accenting |
| it quite simple and addictive. There are many projects | | | | ay store bought ready made household item or |
| and gifts that you can sew. Your creativity will fly. First | | | | garment to make it look more attractive, unusual, or |
| of all, work with some scrap fabrics that you have | | | | home crafted. |
| from previous projects just to be able to understand | | | | In your sewing room you may want to make a sewing |
| the basic principles. And when you see how simple it is | | | | machine cover, covered sewing box, pin cushion, chair |
| making patchwork quilted gifts for self and others will | | | | cover, and computer dust cover. |
| be exciting, easy, quick, and affordable. | | | | Patch quilting pieces will start to lead you towards |
| Cut squares, rectangles, and strips. Connect right sides | | | | appliqueing. There is never a dull moment. |