MaryRay
Mary Ray, Blue Ridge Mountains, NC, UScontributor
craft interests: quilting
my personal website:
http://www.maryraydesigns.com
Member Since: 03/24/2008
How to Make a Patchwork Duvet Cover
As the nights grow cooler, it’s time to turn off the air conditioner, open the windows, and snuggle under a cozy comforter. Give yours a new look with this easy-to-sew cover.
How to Use a Loop Turner
A loop turner is one of my favorite tools that turns bias strips into tubes in no time so you can make “loopy” flowers, edging, or the skinniest spaghetti straps you’ve ever seen.
Design Boards Focus Your Inspiration
Inspiration is everywhere, but recognizing it and transforming it into something is the essence of creativity.
Make It: Quilted Flowers
You can create unique textures and true shapes when you quilt fabric petals and assemble them into flowers.
Atlanta Crafts
Last weekend I was in Atlanta, a hotspot (literally!) for all kinds of hip crafts.
Clipping and Notching
I’m not talking sports jargon. I’m talking about a couple of procedures that are absolutely necessary if you want perfectly sewn curves.
How to Make a Belt and Use Quilting for Your Fashion Inspiration
Take a new look at patterns from the past, revise old techniques, and give them a fresh purpose.
How To: English Paper Piecing Project
When you want to sew small, many-sided patches together, this traditional piecing method ensures perfect results. It’s done by hand, so ditch your sewing machine and be prepared to become addicted!
Another Way to Create a Great Narrow Hem
Achieving a neat narrow hem is easier than you think -- even if your machine is a relic.
A Visit to Cloth Fiber Workshop in Asheville, NC
Asheville is always a great place to visit, but if you’re into crafts it abounds with inspiration, resources, and like-minded souls.
How to Make Pinwheels for a Quilt or to Embellish a Garment
Triangles are pretty standard in the world of quilts. Manipulate them to form lots of patterns. One of my favorite ways is the pinwheel.
Another Little Tool I Can't Live Without
A Hera Marker is a simple little piece of plastic that definitely leaves its mark.
Use a Twin Needle to Make a Reusable "Corrugated" Coffee Cup Sleeve
This neat little accessory is all you need to add texture, detail, and depth to your stitched projects.
Another Blogsite Worth the Visit
Download podcasts on just about anything that has to do with fashion sewing and more.
Great Results from a Student
On Saturday, I taught a hands-on class of the tote that was on the cover of Threads Magazine, Issue # 137 - June/July, 2008.
Fashion Among the Flowers in My Favorite City
It's like Project Runway up close and personal!
Covered Snaps Lend a Touch of Couture
When large snaps are called for, covering them with fabric takes your project to another level.
How to Make Mitered Corners for Bindings
Here's an easy way to finish the corners when binding a quilt.
Easy Piecing for Inset Corners and Triangles
Quilting diamonds and triangles won't be intimidating if you have a plan for stitching them together.
Yo-Yos and Couching: Two Easy-to-Do Embellishment Techniques
With a few small fabric yo-yos, some beads, and couched yarn, you can create elegant vintage-inspired surface design that will turn your project into a showstopper.
Do You Love Country Music and Quilting?
Then it's time to pack your bags and head to Nashville for the 2008 AQS Quilt Expo at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, August 20-23.
What's Cheese Got to Do with It?
Cheesemakers are crafters, too. I recently attended the American Cheese Society Conference where the finest cheesemakers on the continent represented their craft. They mostly make their products by hand with a passion that only comes from loving what you do.
The Anti-Ouch Pouch
This great idea is a fabulous way to help surgery patients recover in comfort.
A Little Paint Can Extend and Enhance an Embroidery Design
Combine two techniques to create one chic little skirt – and get lots of compliments, too.
Using Templates for Quilting Blocks
Templates are patterns that you use to cut the shapes in a quilt block. Here are some tips to use whether you are quilting by hand or machine.
Turn Photos and Words into Fabric.
Here’s a great way to carry around your memories of family, friends, and favorite places. Make the fabric and the bag -- what could be craftier?
Great Fabric – Not Necessarily By-the-Yard
Have you ever been in a home accessories store perusing the linens and thought – “I wish I could buy that fabric.” Well, if the item fits your budget, why not just use the linens – whatever they may be. A pair of scissors, needle, and thread can turn any textile into something else.
How to Maintain Your Sewing Machine
Your machine is your most expensive piece of equipment. But even if you got it for a song at a tag sale, it’s important to maintain it. Take care of your sewing machine regularly and it will last for years.
Seminole Piecing
Seminole piecing is simple to do yet looks so complex. Use this technique to edge, border, or embellish any project. Or piece some strips and inset them to add some spark to a garment, bag, pillow—the possibilities are endless.
The American Sewing Guild Conference
Sewers from all over the country are heading to Chicago to attend the annual conference of ASG. And I'm on my way there, too.
How to Quilt with Paper Foundation Piecing
This popular piecing method isn’t viable for every quilt design, but it’s a great way to handle miniature quilts or quilts with complex angles. The blocks turn out really straight because you use the paper as a stitching guide and you don’t need traditional templates.
Silk Fusion
This process of felting with silk fibers has been around awhile, but I really became aware of it last fall when I attended Quilt Festival in Houston. It seems a lot of surface design techniques are spreading over to the “quilt world” and that’s really exciting because it gives us more opportunities to be creative!
Crazy Quilting
When you’re passionate about any craft it can make you a little crazy at times, but in this case I’m talking about a style of patchwork that originated back in the 19th century with whole quilts and can be seen today in all sorts of things from handbags to lampshades.
Quilting: A Creative Process
I’ve mentioned before about the need to be exact when making a quilt. But you don’t always have to stay between the lines.
Lazy Susan Cutting Mat
This is the best invention and a must-have tool if you cut a lot of pieces for patchwork.
When Straight Lines Become Curves
Some quilt patterns, like Storm at Sea, create an optical illusion. The individual pieces are straight-sided squares, triangles, or diamonds, but the overall effect is one of undulating curves throughout the quilt.
The Quilt Trail
The popularity of quilts and quilting has sparked many a road trip with a quilt show as the destination. But in the Southeast, quilts are a part of the journey as travelers explore the Appalachian Quilt Trail.
A Visit to Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts
If you want to learn more about a craft in a well-equipped studio setting, check out Arrowmont. This distinguished center offers workshops in arts and crafts including ceramics, fibers, metals/jewelry, painting, drawing, photography, warm glass, woodturning, woodworking, sculpture, and book and paper arts.
Vintage and Reproduction Fabrics Make the Old New Again
I know I’ve carried on in the past about all the wonderful contemporary printed fabrics available nowadays for the quilter. But fabric has a long history and great prints have been around for a long time.
Quilters Unite at the 24th Annual Quilt Show in Paducah
For many die-hard quilters, quilting enthusiasts, and wannabes, it’s just not spring without a visit to Paducah, Kentucky, at the end of April when the dogwoods (usually) are in bloom and the Quilt Show lights up the town.
The Quilt Show is About Fashion, Too
Paducah, Kentucky, may not be the fashion capital of the world, but for one day a year, it’s “Fashion Week” for some wearable artists!
Make One Adorable Apron from Two Colorful Napkins
You can make this darling apron in less time than it takes to whip up an omelette, and you can use cute vintage linen napkins or brand-new ones from a home decor shop.
Fabric to Dye For
As if there isn't enough fabulous fabric out there to tempt us, now we can design and create our own by dyeing, painting, stenciling, stamping, and printing on inkjet printers. Here are some techniques to try.
Try Free-Motion Stitching and Make an Eyeglass Case
After I wrote about machine quilting, I did a little playing with free-motion stitching. It was fun to see if I could actually write with my sewing machine, and it was a good way to practice control over my movements. Then I turned that little practice sample into a soft case for my glasses.
Basic Technique Meets New Trends in Machine Quilting
Quilting by machine might have been the only way to do it if sewing machines had been invented centuries ago; however, in the not-too-distant past, traditionalists frowned upon machine-made quilts (in fact, some still do). Today, machine quilts are perfectly acceptable and, for many, the preferred way to go.
Quilting Unplugged: Learn to Hand Quilt
Machine quilting is a joy, and today’s machines are capable of some pretty fancy stitching. But for some of us, there is nothing quite like the quiet contemplation that comes with hand quilting. It is a great way to connect with the past one stitch at a time.
Make a String Quilted Journal
If you have a lot of fabric scraps lying around, you might want to try your hand at string quilting (strip piecing). This traditional technique involves sewing pieces onto a foundation, and here is an easy project to teach you the basics.
Experience The Quilts of Gee's Bend
These amazing quilts from rural Alabama represent a rich tradition of regional quiltmaking and are fine examples of American folk art.
Quilters Save the Planet
Quilting has always been a part of sustainable practices. Today, there are many more quilting materials coming to market to make your quilts "green."
See the World Through Great Fabric
Fabric's can tell us the story of the world. Their fibers, the way that they are created, and the way that they are used can impart important historical, cultural, and sociological information. Did you ever think that by taking a trip to your local fabric shop you could also see the world?
Make a Cool Ultrasuede Applique Pillow Top
Ultrasuede is the perfect fabric for chic, modern appliqué. No need to worry about finishing the raw edges;it cuts clean and doesn’t fray. It’s easy to sew and is available in so many great, rich colors. Make this 9-patch-circle pillow top with some Ultrasuede, and see for yourself.
Give Your Quilt some Dash with Appliqué
Traditionally, appliqué was done painstakingly by hand, turning under the edges of the fabric shapes and sewing them down with tiny stitches. The icons of this technique are the American Baltimore Album quilts, Hawaiian quilts, and Molas—each unique and amazing in design and mastery.
The Magic of Color: How to Make Confident Choices
Quilting is satisfying on so many levels, but especially because it’s about color. Learning about color and the way that colors relate to one another can help build your color confidence and allow you to choose your fabrics wisely and beautifully most of the time.
Color Makes Kaffe Fassett a Master
If you’re a quilter, Kaffe Fassett is a contemporary quiltmaker you need to know. He’s more than a fabulous quiltmaker; he’s a painter, designer, and knitter. He has also written several beautiful books on knitting and quilting, too.
Hang your Quilt on the Wall—without Push-Pins
One of the best ways to maximize the full visual impact of a handmade quilt is to hang it up on a wall instead of using it to cover a bed. Here is a simple way to turn your quilting handiwork into a piece of art. You’ll get a little jolt of pride every time you see it.
Spotlight on Furoshiki: Japanese Wrapping Cloths
Furoshiki is a fun thing to do with fabric that doesn’t involve any sewing. Use this traditional Japanese wrapping cloth for everything from wrapping gifts to transporting clothes. Here's how to make them yourself.
Make this Small Quilt Project and Practice the Basics
Do you love bright, bold, and beautiful fabric prints? Are you new to quilting? Do you want to learn the basics? Or are you looking for a quick and snappy project to use up some of your fabric stash? If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then this is the quilting project for you.
Great Quilt Shops: Real & Virtual
There is nothing like walking into a great quilt shop. In addition to all of the beautiful fabric to be seen, I especially appreciate the kinds of service available: staff recommendations, classes and the opportunity to talk about quilting with others that share my passion. While there is nothing like the live experience there are plenty of places to visit online. Here is a list of my favorite places to shop, real and virtual.
Quilters Take to the Road
The craft of quilting has always been a huge community enterprise. Today, quilters can not only forge new connections online but they will also travel great distances just to be with other quilters who understand exactly what it is that drives a quilter’s passion. Here is a list of some upcoming quilt shows and festivals that just may get you packing.
Building a Fabric Stash
Most quilters and sewers are fabric aficionados and have the stashes to prove it. There are several ways to build and manage a fabric stash to make it both useful and inspirational. Here are some important considerations and strategies to help.
Thread holds it together and embellishes too.
Choosing the right quilting thread can make your project much easier to work on and it can also give your quilt the visual impact that inspires a great big "wow!"
A Quilted Lingerie Bag
What girl doesn't need a lingerie bag? This sweet version is a great way to learn some quilting basics and the best part is when you're done you'll have the perfect gift to give or a special reward to keep all to yourself.
Batting Stats
I’m not talking about baseball—although that’s one of my passions! I’m talking about the material that forms the middle layer of a quilt. Batting has evolved so much over the years.
Learn the Lingo
Every discipline has its own jargon. Here are some familiar words that have new meaning when applied to quilting.
What are the three most important things to consider when making a quilt? Fabric, Fabric, Fabric.
It’s what you see and what you feel and for most of us, it’s why we sew in the first place–we just love working with fabric. If you’re new to quilting I recommend starting out with cotton because it’s easy to sew and the cotton fabrics available nowadays are just so gorgeous you may not want to consider anything else.
My Top Ten List of Tools and Equipment I Can’t Live Without
Every craft endeavor necessitates some tools and equipment to make the process more enjoyable and the results better. But if you’re tempted by every gadget available, you won’t have space to create and you’ll spend your time figuring out how to use them or trying to remember where you put them.
Welcome to the CraftStylish Quilting Blog
My name’s Mary Ray and I’m thrilled to be doing this blog for Craft Stylish because I love everything about quilting and, believe me, there’s a lot to love.
Turn Jeans into a Funky Skirt
Create a cool skirt out of a pair of out-of-date jeans. This process also works well with any casual pants you might have lying around, including khakis and linen.
pretty n pink
craes | October 5th, 2008
the make it pink challange
craes | October 5th, 2008
Show Your Breast Cancer Awareness Every Time You Wind a Bobbin!
JenniferStern | October 5th, 2008
Re: Make It: Quilted Flowers
Thanks for your comments. Let me answer your questions.
posted: 8:42 am on September 25thFor sure you could sew the petals first and then cut them out. However, I cut out the shapes first so I can make the batting a little smaller. Then it won't show along the edges. On the other hand, the satin stitching binds the outer edges and -- if the batting is not too thick -- it will be covered with this step. How did I attach them? I just hand stitched them in place. But, gluing on or sewing on a pin back is also a good idea!
Re: Use a Twin Needle to Make a Reusable "Corrugated" Coffee Cup Sleeve
Hey Everyone,
posted: 5:24 pm on August 25thYou need a zigzag capable machine so that the hole in the throat plate will accommodate both needles. If your machine only sews straight, chances are the throat plate has a single small needle hole.
You sew with a straight stitch, but since there is only one thread in the bobbin, it needs to go back and forth between the two top threads, forming a zag-zag looking stitch underneath.
To thread the machine, first thread one needle -- as you normally would. Then thread the other, following the same pattern. If possible, place one thread on one side of the tension disc and the other thread on the other side.
Hope this helps!
Oh, I like the comment about the woolly nylon thread. You can also just press after you've stitched and that will flatten out the channel between the rows of stitches.
Re: Seminole Piecing
If you right click on the picture, then left click on copy in the pop-up menu, you can paste the picture into a word document.
posted: 10:24 am on August 22ndRe: Yo-Yos and Couching: Two Easy-to-Do Embellishment Techniques
Christine,
posted: 10:17 am on August 22ndMy yo-yo maker is a small. The yo-yos start out at 2 1/4 inches in diameter and end up 1 inch in diameter. The makers come in different sizes and different shapes, too.
With the yo-yo maker I have no trouble getting the edges smooth.
Re: Welcome to the CraftStylish Quilting Blog
Isabellas,
posted: 3:55 pm on May 19thThanks. Yes, the jacket is one of my creations. Glad you like it.