JanTx

Julie - they are a bit pricey, but I love them and guard them carefully! See this thread:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...l-t148443.html

I bought my first and only set of them in August and don't plan on buying more - hope to keep up with these. My local shop had a sale on notions and I got mine then.

They are available wherever sewing notions are sold - I see them online anyway. Not sure about Joannes.

Oh - I've been appliqueing, too. Didn't know I could and not sure quite what I'm doing, but it looks okay to me!

gramarraine

What a fun and interesting thread. I have learned a new applique technique this past year. I hope to make a quilt in the new year with hand appliqued blocks. I went to a quilt retreat with a new friend and even took some classes alone. In the past I have felt the need to have my quilting friend in the same class with me. It was great to learn everyone is in the class to learn and I can go by myself. It is a fun way to make new friends. This was really a boost to my self confidence. I am anxious for the new year and the retreats and classes that I can attend. I also am learning my way around the new board and like it better all the time. Thanks to all who make it possible and keep it running.

SandScraps

I tried and fell in love with celtic quilting, ventured into 3D blocks and patterns, made loads of yo-yo's and adore the heart shaped ones, arranged for our sewing group to meet monthly at another venue when our convenor and teacher 'retired' from the group after 10 years, I discovered this wonderful board and bought lots of fabric for one day.I learnt that it is okay to take a bit of a sabbatical from quilting (Yikes!) and started a project knitting little jerseys for AIDS babies and babies from disadvantaged communities.

QuiltnLady1

Julie -- here is another link for the "double" pins (Jan, I could not get to your link). They are called fork pins: http://www.clover-usa.com/product/0/...s_%2835_Pcs%29

Pat P

FMQ getting better in the year I have been making quilts (!0), Just finished a Bug Jar quilt, seems one learns from every quilt you make. Made my first rag quilts(2) One in same fabric the other in two coordinating fabrics (one fabric is easier) especially since the second one used a directional print-- does the ripper sound familiar? Did one is straight stitch the second one zig-zag. Like the zig zag better. Still did the large x in straight stitch. In the next year I want to use alot of my scraps from recent and years past to start making quilts for donation to different venues. Want to try new designs and work on improving matching seams etc. Hubby purchased a 9ft of hosie to attach to drain on washer when I told hime about plugging the drains Just can't take them to laundromat to plug up their drains. We will run the hose out the doors to the driveway and I will bablysit the washer just in case!!

AnnieF

I took a miniature quilt paper piecing workshop from a national teacher. Will never make a miniature again but now know that if I have to make a very accurate seam....I can. I keep making baby quilts with my quilt ministry and find that working from someone else's stash is really fun. I also am taking a look at my own stash and am cutting and reorganizing. I've been quilting for 14 years...as a scrap quilter and found so many fabric pieces smaller than a FQ that I never remembered were in there. I now am cutting them into useable squares and strips and having them available as I make decisions about future quilts.

Becky Crafts

I'm a relatively new quilter & I'm loving it. I have learned about bringing up the bottom thread before FMQ, I have learned the difference between working with W&N vs Poly batting, I've learned the benefit of spray starch, I've made potholders with Insul-Brite, table runners & even mastered the french braid! I made coffee cozies, pieced quilts & panel quilts & have learned that panels are not as quick & easy as you'd think!! (I detailed every pineneedle). I have found a way to applique that doesn't turn me off & make me queazy & I'm gathering my gumption to try paper piecing in the near future with Carol Doak's book. Can hardly wait for them to get here!! It is my New Year's resolution! I hope to keep the Alzheimer's away & I think this has me off to a great start! :-) Thank you each & every one who contributes &/or maintains this forum!! Love you all! Happy holidays!

Painiacs

Wow you've come a long way in a year!! I'm still trying to match corners!!

bearisgray

It's wonderful to hear how you've all learned how to do new things - or learned how to improve how you did old things.

Dina

I have been quilting a little over two years. I find I learn something on every quilt. I am getting fairly good at the corners on my binding, I have learned not to backstitch when I start SID but to start with very small stitches instead, and I have learned to use my ironing board for support when quilting. I have also learned I do not know how I survived without my portable design wall. I learned I can quilt for friends, though i prefer for them to select the fabric and pattern. I just finished my 32 quilt! I am a Serial Quilter, for sure.