Fat Quarters

I know most of you that quilt know what a fat quarter is. However, I have found in the short time that the shop has been open, that the most frequently asked question is, "What is a fat quarter?" For those of you that don't know, let me give you a little background. And for those of you that do know, read on for some other useful information concerning fat quarters that you may not know.

Everyone knows that a yard is 36 inches long, and that 1/4 of that is 9 inches. So, a normal 1/4 of a yard would be 9 inches X the width of the fabric (usually 42 - 45 inches wide or more). A normal fourth of a yard is plenty for some things. What do you do if you need one piece of fabric measuring 15inches x 15inches? Buy 1/2 yard, you say? But then you have a lot of extra fabric you may or may not use later. Enter the sweetest invention ever (in my opinion), the FAT QUARTER. It ranks right up there with sliced bread, or chocolate in my book.

To get a fat quarter, your local fabric shop takes a one yard length of fabric and cuts it in half both lengthwise and widthwise. You will end up with 4 equal pieces measuring 18 inches X 21 or 22 inches ( depending on the original width of the fabric). Less fabric waste! Ok, quilters, I know you don't waste your fabric, there are always uses for left over fabrics . . . scrappy quilts for instance. But, if you are honest, you will probably admit to a having a HUGE pile of left over scraps of fabric for that scrappy quilt you will make SOMEDAY! I see you nodding your head in agreement.

I promised some information about fat quarters for you quilters that you may not know.

Out of one fat quarter you can cut:
99 - 2" squares, or
50 - 2 1/2" squares, or
42 - 3" squares, or
30 - 3 1/2" squares, or
20 - 4" squares, or
16 - 4 1/2" squares, or
12 - 5" squares, or
12 - 5 1/2" squares, or
9 - 6" squares, or
6 - 6 1/2" squares

There are numerous patterns on the market that only require 1 or 2 fat quarters to make. Check them out at your local shop.

Another fact you may not know about fat quarters: at Sew What Quilt Shop, LLP, we cut our fat quarters 19" by 1/2 the width of the fabric. Why? Because most patterns instruct you to square up the edges of your fat quarter before you proceed with making your project. If a fat quarter is just 18" wide, and cut crooked for whatever reason, you won't have enough fabric to make your project. Not being able to make a project after you have psyched yourself up to make something is frustrating to say the least. Our 19" cut will allow you to square up the edges nicely without fear that you won't have enough for your project.

'Til next time, Happy Sewing!

Sneak Peek

Finally a break in the 100 + temperatures! Yay! Makes my head turn to cooler weather projects. I don't know about you, but when it is 100 + outside, I just can't wrap my head around working on a full size quilt; smaller wall hangings, maybe. . . but not a full blown heavy quilting project.

Thought I would share a few pictures with you of my latest project. By the way, the project is slated for it's debut during Art In the Park weekend, here at the shop. For those of you not from this area, Art in the Park is our town's craft fair. Vendors and crafters set up their booths in the park in the center of town. It is held the third Saturday in September every year.

Here are three of the fabrics being used in my project.

Here are a few of the blocks I cut, patiently waiting for their turn under the pressure foot.

And, here is a few of them sewn, cut apart and waiting for the next step in the process.

That is as much as I will show you for now. Any guesses as to what it will look like when finished? Stay tuned to find out!

'Til next time, dig out a few of those fabrics hiding in your closet and start a project, or finish one that is already in progress. Have fun and happy sewing!

Just a Reminder

Hi, everyone. Hope you are having a fabulous Friday the 13th. I know I am! The fall fabrics I posted last week are selling fast, so hurry in and get yours before they are gone.

Just a reminder. . . our second Going Green Shopping Bag class is scheduled for the 21st of August. We still have a few spots left, so why not sign up to join us? Every time you bring the shopping bag back to the store with you, you will receive 10% off your purchases of patterns, books and fabrics. And, too, they are a lot cuter than the boring old plastic bags you get at the grocery or department stores. Come in and make one that matches your personality. Cost is $25.00 and that includes your choice of fabric to make it.

See you soon!
Carol

Fall has Arrived . . . well, not quite yet.

It's still hot as blue blazes outside, but Fall has arrived at Sew What Quilt Shop! These gorgeous fabrics are from the Harvest line by Timeless Treasures. Wouldn't these make a lovely table runner or placemats, or maybe a wall hanging?


There are actually two focal fabrics, the pumpkins above and the one below that features sunflowers mixed with the normal signs of fall . . . pine cones, pumpkins, berries, pears, apples, acorns and leaves.

Aren't they lovely? There is a gold outline to the leaves and some of the other major elements in the designs. Come on in and check them out, these pictures do not do these lovely fabrics justice! They really are much more vibrant!

'Til next time . . . Happy Quilting!

Free Kids Pillowcase Class

Saturday, Paula and I had a fun afternoon teaching two children how to make a pillowcase. The class was open free of charge to any child between the ages of 10 and 14. We deliberately limit the size of the class so we can provide one-on-one instruction to each child. We will definitely be offering more kids classes in the future.

We started by letting them select the three fabrics for their project. The kids had never sewn on a sewing machine before, so we set the machines on what Paula calls "Turtle Speed" for their first attempt. As the afternoon progressed, and they gained a bit more confidence, we let them increase their speed.

A. finished his first and was eager to sign up for another project. He did a great job with his pillowcase.

F. was so proud of her pillowcase. And we are proud of her.

Both of them did a fantastic job. I hope to see both of them in future classes.

The next class we have scheduled is August 21. It's another Shopping Bag class. Remember, take the class, make the bag and bring it back with you each time you shop at Sew What. When you bring in the bag, you are helping us in our efforts to Go Green, and we will reward you by taking 10% off your purchase of fabric, patterns and books. Space is limited, so sign up early. Cost of the class is $25.00 and that includes your choice of fabrics for the bag.

New Fabrics - End of July

Here at Sew What, we are getting in new fabrics almost every week. These are just a few of the new fabrics that have come in since our Grand Opening.

First, we have a new wide backing fabric. Pine Boughs from Benartex Fabrics. This fabric is a lovely golden piece with pine boughs and little red berries. It is 108" wide.




Next is Snowbuddies by Dianna Marcum for Marcus Fabrics. Cute little snowmen and lovely star blocks alternate to make a sweet wallhanging panel approximately 24" x 44".



The companion fabrics include these five prints.

Next, is a whimsical little wallhanging made by Jan using the Wickedly Wonderful line of fabric designed by Teresa Kogut for Marcus Fabrics. The pattern Jan used was from Joined at the Hip's Hanging on a Star series called The Witch Is In. The pattern is available in the shop, too.

The Wickedly Wonderful panel fabric is approximately 24" x 44".

And we have five companion fabrics from the line as well. Cute witches, bold stripes, colorful stars on a black background, a tone-on-tone orange swirl, and a cute little spider on a green background, these would be a wonderful addition to your Halloween stash of fabrics.

Don't forget to check out our Bargin Bin, too. We have some really nice fabrics in the bin for $1.00 a yard . . . that's right, quality quilt fabrics for a buck a yard! How can it get any better?

'Til next time . . . Happy sewing!