Today’s Topic: Get Ready to Quilt Checklist
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More about the 25 Day Quilt-a-long
Good Morning, Quilters!
First, I would like to thank all of YOU for the tremendous response to my new book, 25 Days to Better Machine Quilting!
I can feel the excitement and anticipation of our 25 week quilt-a-long! (There is no need to sign up–just meet here at Lori Kennedy Quilts!)
We are going to have FUN–and
we are going to WORK HARD!
By the end of 2020, I guarantee YOU will be a better machine quilter-as long as you DO THE WORK!
I promise the work won’t feel like work!
Here are a few things you can do to get ready…
Get Ready to Quilt Checklist:
- Clean and oil your sewing machine
- Service Check/Firmware Update
- Organize your basic quilting supplies
- Collect a few basic materials
- Mark your sewing machine manual
- Consider adding a spiral binding
- Find a quilt buddy
- Join our Facebook Page
- Tell YOUR friends
- Order the book
Clean and Oil
It’s really important to start with a clean and oiled sewing machine in good working order. A clean machine creates a prettier stitch. We must create a pretty stitch to have pretty quilting!
Service Check/Firmware Update
If you haven’t had your machine serviced in awhile, schedule service.
For computerized machines, update your firmware! Firmware can have an effect on stitch quality.
BERNINA owners check here for manuals and firmware.
Organize Basic Supplies
Be sure you have a pair of snips, tweezers, a favorite marking tool and a small ruler. I always have these four things at-the-ready when I do any machine quilting.We will add more supplies as we proceed.
Collect Basic Materials
We will discuss materials in depth in the upcoming lessons. To get started, search your supplies for solid color fabric for the quilt tops, batting and any print for the backing fabric. If you have time, cut 6 fat quarter size (approximately 18 x 22″) squares of solid fabric, batting and backing. Don’t use fabric that is much larger or much smaller.
Mark Sewing Manual
Dig out that sewing machine manual! Bookmark the following “how-to” information (if it is available for your machine):
- Lower the feed dogs
- How to make tension adjustments
- Engage the Needle Down function
- Change a needle
- Change a presser foot
- Heel kick option-needle down and up
-
Consider Adding a Spiral Binding
25 Days to Better Machine Quilting comes with a lay flat binding. The binding will stay open and lay flat-ish on your sewing table. For just a few dollars, you can have a spiral binding added to your book at your local office supply store. I added a clear cover to the back and front of my book and a plain, black binding.
You can also ask to have additional paper added if you like to add more notes or doodles!
Find a Quilt Buddy/Start a Small Group Study
It’s really fun to have a quilty friend to compare notes and share supplies. Consider organizing a small group study within your quilt guild. It’s also a great way to make new friends and revive your quilt guild experience on a smaller scale.
Join Quilting with LKQ on Facebook
We would love to meet YOU and see YOUR quilts in our Facebook group page Quilting with LKQ
Sharing your work and seeing the work of other students is an important way to learn! It will also help me gauge interest and understanding of techniques so I can adjust my teaching techniques.
Tell YOUR Friends!
My motto has always been “The More the Merrier!” Please help me by sharing!
Please let you friends and guilds know about our FREE 25 Week Quilt-a-long.
And share on Pinterest and on YOUR social media! We will be using the hashtags #lorikennedyquilts #quiltwithlori and #martingaletpp
Order the Book
Signed copies-with a little quilted treat- are available from my Etsy Shop:
25 Days to Better Machine Quilting
Books are shipped media mail and arrive within 3-10 days. Don’t worry if you don’t have a book right away. I will guide you right along…
Ebooks also Available
If you live outside the United States, shipping costs may be significant.
Please consider the Kindle edition available on Amazon HERE.
Also available on MartingaleTPP HERE.
Read about Martingale e-books HERE.
Are YOU ready to quilt!?
Let’s get this party started!
Your machine quilting shepherdess,
Lori
PS…All tutorials, images and information are the property of Lori Kennedy Quilts and are intended for personal use only. Feel free to re-blog, pin or share with attribution to LKQ. For all other purposes, please contact me at Lori@LoriKennedyQuilts.com. Thanks!
