A lazy girl’s quilt

So, who’s the lazy girl? Well, that would be Disney of Ruffles & Stuff, a great little blog for crafts and inspiration. Her lazy girl quilt is perfect for those looking for a short cut to quilted perfection. Check it out here. 

Interested in something a little more difficult? Check out our collection of quilting books and patterns. Perfect for everyone from beginners to experts. We’ve also got a host of quilting cottons and batting available. Give us a call on our Golden Number (0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX) for more info.

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Great idea: Tagging your quilt

We love this idea by iCandy Handmade of tagging your handmade quilts with personalised messages. All you’ll need to create your own is some T-shirt transfer back and a couple of fabric scraps. Simply click here to see how it’s done. 

We’ve got a wide range of quilting goodies, from fabrics to pattern books and batting, available in store. So, be sure to stop on by and stock up on more than just inspiration. Loyalty card holders are also privy to a 2.5% DISCOUNT on ALL PURCHASES, so make sure to bring yours along. Don’t have one yet? Get yours in store today – it’s FREE!

For more information on what’s in stock and on special give us a call on our GOLDEN NUMBER 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX. You can also send us a FRIEND REQUEST on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and stay up to date with the latest fabric news.

The perfect blanket for your beautiful picnic

Summer is definitely here and the great outdoors are calling. This beautiful quilted picnic blanket is an absolute must for those looking to spend a lazy afternoon or two under the sun. The tutorial is another gem from Ideas, a local mag packed full of crafting gems and yummy treats.

You’ll need: 

• variety of cotton print-patterned quilting fabric (2,5m of 140cm- wide fabric)

• backing fabric (2,5m of 140cm-wide fabric)

• fusible batting (2,5m, depending on the width)

• fabric for binding, cut into 6cm-wide strips (0,5m of 140cm- wide fabric)

• matching coloured sewing thread

• sharp dressmaker’s scissors

• dressmaker’s pins

• clean, soft-bristle hairbrush (optional)

Instructions:

• Cut the patterned fabric into 20 x 20cm squares. Our quilt is eight squares across and eight down, making 64 squares in total. The overall size of our quilt is about 1,5 x 1,5m. You can increase the number of squares, if you prefer.
• Cut the backing fabric into 20 x 20cm squares, cutting 64 squares in total.
• Cut the fusible batting into 18 x 18cm squares, cutting 64 squares in total.
• Sandwich a fusible batting square between a patterned fabric square and a backing fabric square, so the wrong sides of the fabric are positioned next to the batting. Iron the square to fuse the batting to the fabrics. Repeat for all the squares.
• Now stitch two diagonal rows across each square to form a cross, making sure that the lines reach all the way to the corners so the three layers are quilted together.
• Once finished, arrange the squares in eight rows of eight squares.
• Take the first two squares in the first row and lay them on top of each other with the wrong sides together (in other words, the backing sides) – the seam allowance needs to end up on the front of the quilt. Stitch together with a 1,5cm seam allowance.
• Stitch all your squares together, one row at a time, starting from the top row and working from left to right.
• Once your rows are complete, stitch them together in exactly the same way, taking care to line up the squares.
• When your quilt is complete, trim any excess fabric and make sure that the edges are straight and squared off. Measure the quilt around the edges and add 30cm to this measurement. This will be the length of your binding fabric.
• Join the pieces of binding fabric diagonally to avoid additional bulk. Once you have completed the length, fold the binding fabric in half lengthwise, iron, and zigzag stitch the open sides.
• Pin the binding with the zigzag stitch lining up with the edge of the quilt leaving an overlap. Once pinned, join and trim off the excess binding. Stitch the binding in place around the quilt.
• Turn the quilt over and fold the binding over towards the back of the quilt, pinning it in place (cover the stitch line underneath.)
• Turn the quilt back over and stitch close to the binding between the quilt and the binding – effectively hiding the stitch line. This will catch the binding at the back and will ensure a neat border. Remove the pins as you work.
• Once your binding is complete, snip the raw edges of the squares with scissors, taking care not to cut through the stitch line.
• There are two methods to create the soft frayed effect. First method: snip all the edges and corners and then wash and tumble dry the quilt two or three times. Second method: snip the edges then use a soft-bristle hairbrush to gently brush the edges to release the bits of fabric. It is a messy but effective process.

Looking for something specific for this project or the next? Give us a call on our Golden Number (0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX) and we’ll help you find what you need. While you are at it send us a FRIEND REQUEST on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and stay up to date with the latest news and specials.

Coral Tree Fabrics: Made in SA and sold at Fabric and Textile Warehouse

With the International Quilt Convention Africa just days away we thought we’d use the opportunity to remind you about Da Gama’s exciting range of Coral Tree Fabrics. Printed on premium 100% combed cotton fabric with a soft finish, this is a collection of traditional and contemporary quilting material that is uniquely South African.  Fresh, innovative and relevant these fabrics have taken the international quilting market by storm and will be on proud display at Emperors Palace this weekend. If, however, you can’t make the trip to Jo’burg don’t despair, head on over to you local Fabric and Textile Warehouse where you’ll find these fabulous fabrics and more at wholesale prices. Give us a call on our Golden Number for more info: 0861 322 839 | 0861 FAB TEX.

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The cupcake quilt – a yummy how to guide...

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If you’re starting to worry about the impact of winter on your waistline, then do we have a solution for you. Here’s a cute, fat free way to get you cupcake fix.

 Supplies

• Cupcake pattern (downloadable from here)
• Block background fabric: 9 squares 6˝ × 6˝ (½ yard)
• Scraps for cupcake appliqués
• Border corner blocks: 4 scraps 3˝ × 3˝
• Sashing fabric: 6 strips 1¼˝ × 6˝, 4 strips 1¼˝ × 18½˝, and 2 strips 1¼˝ × 20˝ (1/4 yard)
• Border fabric: 4 strips 3˝ × 20˝ for borders, additional strips for binding (¼ yard)
• Backing fabric: 26˝ × 26˝ (¾ yard)
• Batting: 26˝ × 26˝
• Decorative trim: 4½ yards (optional)
• Buttons
• Paper-backed fusible web, 17˝ wide: ½ yard

Instructions

Note: Seam allowances are 1/4˝.

1. Iron paper-backed fusible web to the wrong side of the fabric scraps for the cupcake appliqués. Remove the paper backing.

2. Using the pattern provided to cut out the top and bottom pieces for 9 cupcakes.

3. Reduce the cupcake pattern by 50% and cut out pieces for the 4 mini cupcakes positioned in the corner blocks.

4. Create 9 blocks by fusing the cupcake pieces to the block backgrounds.

5. Sew the 11/4˝ × 6˝ sashing pieces between the blocks to create 3 rows. Press.

6. Sew the rows together with the 11/4˝ × 181/2˝ sashing strips. Press.

7. Sew a 11/4˝ × 181/2˝ strip on each side. Press.

8. Sew the 11/4 ˝ × 20˝ sashing strips on the top and bottom. Press.

9. Sew border strips to the top and bottom. Press.

10. Fuse the mini cupcakes to the corner blocks. Sew the corner blocks to each end of the remaining border strips. Press.

11. Sew the remaining border strips to the sides. Press.

12. Layer the backing, batting, and quilt top. Baste.

13. Quilt and bind. Embellish with trim and buttons.

Quilt assembly

For this and other crafting gems by Lynn Koolish and others visit the C&T Publishing blog. 

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International Quilt Convention Africa: 27 - 29 July 2012

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Re-Garding quilting in KZN - Quilt Indaba 2012 @ Highbury

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Held every two years by Grassroots Quilters’ Guild, the Quilt Indaba is an opportunity for quilters young and old to expand their knowledge. This year the event is being held at Highbury Preparatory School in Hillcrest, KZN from 29 June to 2 July and coincides with the KwaZulu Natal Quilters’ Guild quilt show ‘Re-Cycle, Re-Vamp, Re-Work’, which is being held on the Saturday and Sunday at the school. Use the opportunity to browse the stalls of the show, to learn from more experienced teachers and to help others by sharing your own tips for quilting success.

Visit http://bookwhen.com/quiltindaba2012 to find out more and book your spot. 

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Sewing with kids

Everyone says that time is flying faster and faster each year, and 2011 is no exception. November is officially here, and before you know it, the school holidays will be upon us once more.

Are you racking your brain for things to do with the kids while they're home this holiday? A quilt is a fantastic family project that can also be presented as an amazing, thoughtful, personalised, home-made gift for Christmas.

At Fabric and Textile Warehouse it couldn't be simpler to achieve. We supply everything from patterns to fabrics to tools to notions and anything in between. Find your nearest branch online and visit us today! Otherwise call us on 0861 322 839 (0861 Fab Tex) or email us at fabrictextilewarehouse@gmail.com for advice, assistance and encouragement.

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Quilting Project

Ready to be inspired? Kensington Studio's Sienna collection from Quilting Treasures captures the warmth of autumn and the charm and ambiance of the Tuscan province, Siena. Beautifully detailed paisleys and florals coordinate with ornate medallions and a border stripe in this 14-piece collection of reds, oranges, golds, and creams. Liven up quilts and coordinates with bright modern colors and simply stunning old-world designs. This exciting collection will be available late September 2011. 

Skill level:
Intermediate

Finished quilt size:
1.3m x 1.6m

Finished block size:
20cm square

Number of blocks:
18  

Download Instructions
(PDF, 2.6 MB)

Don't forget: your nearest Fabric & Textile Warehouse has everything you need to achieve quilting success. Visit us for tools, notions, fabrics, patterns and good advice. Email fabrictextilewarehouse@gmail.com or call 0861 322 839 (0861 FAB TEX).

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