I don't understand the tip about straws on the thread holders.....do you mean the wooden thread racks which hang on the wall or the plastic boxes for thread.....???

hi, I have been quilting for only a year or so. you mentioned a string quilt . . . what is that? I do a lot of charity stuff but not familliar with that.
cherri

I've gotten some great books at low prices from this site:
http://www.edwardrhamilton.com/
I'm tickled pink to see so many great tips. Thanks for starting this thread.

Click on Search at the top and enter string quilt,it will bring up stuff on them and pics.

Thanks so much for the link. I had to keep telling myself, I'm on a budget, I'm on a budget!

use the barter system. when I do a simple sewing job for my friends, like to put a hem in a pair of trousers, or fix a ripped skirt, etc. when they want to pay me, I just say get me a spool of quilting thread. that's a bargin for them and I keep in thread for my quilting.

Quilters are such resourceful and creative people. I've already learned a ton of tips from this thread. And as long as you're happy sewing with what you have or can get/afford, that's all that matters.

My idea of big fun is digging into my pile of scraps. It's liberating, creative, recycling, and educational. I'm still learning, so I'm a little afraid about messing up $13 a yard fabric. Scraps are forgiving. That expensive stuff mocks me. LOL!

The racks! (Mine stands up like an easel.) I was up trying this at 4:00 a.m 'cause I couldn't sleep. While the rest of you were catching Zzzzzz's, I was accomplishing something! You can extend two posts with one straw cut in half. Saves drawers full of space. Tell that other Connie thank you! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

ALL OF THE ABOVE...! We recently moved stuff around from guest rooms, etc., and I had 2 extra king size mattress pads, the ones that go under sheets on top of the mattress. In great shape. I washed them very well, then cut off the white fabric going around the 4 sides and have used part of one as a filling for a child's quilt. It worked out perfectly. By the way, the sides I cut off, I trimmed and folded and use them for "samples" in my machine embroidery.

Thank you for saving my sleep.