Photo by John Anderson

Learn the Secrets of Outstanding Trapunto
Join us in Episode 606, as award-winning quilter Philippa Naylor takes us on a journey through her quilting career, and shares her secrets for creating show- stopping trapunto. From lingerie designer to multiple ribbon-winner for her stunning quilts, Philippa will captivate you with her beautiful work and attention to detail. You want want to miss this! To watch the show, click here.

       
     Photo by Lilo Bowman

Try Buttons for Personality and Dimension
When you're creating a quilted project, buttons aren't usually the first things that come to mind...but these utilitarian little "doodads" can add just that extra touch of pizazz a project might be lacking.

Take for example the quilted briefcase shown above. In the original pattern, the side panels were quilted, but otherwise unembellished. Adding covered and uncovered button "buds," along with an appliqued leafy vine, brings as much interest and attention to the sides of the bag as to the front and back. The covered buttons were all the same size, but different colors and types. Once covered with fabric, no one can tell that they were mismatched. 

The possibilities for using buttons are endless.  All you need is imagination. To get you started here are a few other creative ways we have found for add personality and dimension to your quilted projects with buttons. 

***Rather than appliqueing circles for flower centers, car wheels, or eyes, use buttons instead.
***Add a row of matching or mismatched buttons along the outside edge of a quilt.

Exception: If you are making the item for a baby or small child, we recommend that you do not use buttons as these can present a choking hazard.

Where Fashion Meets Craft: The Paper Runway

Quilts aren't always made to hang on the wall or cover the bed.  Sometimes they are created as works of wearable art. In Episode 501, Melinda Bula showed us that quilted garments can be both functional and stunningly beautiful.  

Here's another interesting twist. From June 5 - September 5, 2010, the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft will display garments and accessories that have been created using paper. "The featured works encompass a dazzling array of patterns, textures, colors, and exquisite detail.  Some pieces would look right at home on the couture runways of Paris..."  To learn more about this exhibit, click here.       

A Refined Suit by Rebecca Siemering
(using lottery tickets, dental floss, and a cloth suit)

Photo by Gregory Case Photography

"Big Love" Contest Ends Soon!
Don't miss out on your chance to feel the love and to win a truly "groovy" prize in the "Big Love" quilt challenge that Joachim spoke about in Episode 511. All entries must be submitted by March 26, 2010, and one lucky winner will be announced on April 1. For contest rules, click here.  Meantime, check out some of the "far out" entries we have already received here.

Life Through the Eyes of a Quilter

Philippa Naylor's (Episode 606) extraordinary quilts have astounded judges and showgoers year after year with their design and color, as well as with their amazing quilting. Learn more about this fascinating woman who came to quilting through the nudging "encouragement" of a fellow quilter. Philippa's book, Quilting In The Limelight, shares with the reader how Philppa began and grew as a quilter, and how her life in Saudi Arabia influenced the work she created. Along with beautiful photos of her work, Philippa shares tips and tricks for creating quilts that win big prizes. You'll find this book, as well as other useful and fun "quilty" items, in our TQS Shoppe here.