Wilma Searcy sent this one in: When machine sewing with flower-head pins, turn the flowers to vertical position for easy grasping to remove the pins as you get to them. To easily mark centers of blocks, appliqué pieces, strips, quilt sides, etc. just take it to the ironing board, match corners, fold and press the center mark.

And this is what Peggy Trickler had to share: I use an inexpensive coupon folder to carry swatches and lists of "need-to-gets" to the fabric store. The separate partitions let me carry swatches and information for several projects at one mine, and I can easily find it in my purse. I even customize the folders by naming the partitions: Project *1, etc, Notions, Quilt Store coupons, and Wish list.

Karol Stolarz says: I used a chop stick sharpened with a pencil sharpener as a stiletto. It's free (if you eat a lot of Chinese or Japanese food) and if lost, it is easy to replace.

Beth Bigler sent this one in: My tip is to iron the layers of fabric together before cutting or piecing. This helps prevent slipping of the layers since they adhere to each other.

And this is what Jean had to share: When using monofilament thread on top and tension is too loose try threading the end of spool through a piece of sponge before threading your machine. You could use double stick tape to secure sponge on top of spool. HUGS,.

Karol Baker says: Many new quilters have not been told how important it is to cut pieces on the straight of grain line,. Also make sure your seam allowances are exact. I find that one of the best quilts for new and more experienced quilters is Twisted Sister by Ami Simms. This quilt uses a template and a quick sewing method that makes it fun, fun, fun. It can be made many different ways and best of all no points to match up. The template is included with the booklet. It is a great quilt for people who want to branch out from the strip method but not too far out.


JANET FARLEY shares this tip: I HAVE MACHINE APPLIQUEING WITH A BOBBIN
INSTEAD OF A SPOOL OF THREAD FOR YEARS--it allows it to be interchangeable
when you might need it for the actual bobbin thread.

A tip from Lori: I found out the hard way and need to share a safety tip. When
you leave your machine, always turn the machine light off. I was machine quilting a quilt and my daughter hurt herself. I went to help her and found later when I returned I burned thru my top, discolored the batting and backing all from the light bulb. I was lucky as I could of started a fire.

Jackie Cauthron-Schafer shares one: My tip- I wanted a turntable type cutting
board but couldn't swing the money right now- so I went to the hardware store
and bought a large metal turntable piece for about $6. I put it where I want it
then lay my June Taylor Quilt N Press 2 on it. Instant turntable! Eventually I'll cut two pieces of scrap board into a base and foundation (sized for a small cutting board) and will have saved a lot of money!

Sheila Galindo of San Juan Bautista, California passes this one along: They tell us that tipping our sewing machine towards us is much better than having it flat. I find that I can see my work better doing this. Instead of buying the fancy one
that I have seen advertised, go to your local Dollar Store or Walmart and buy two
doorstops and slide them under the back of your machine. These are only a dollar
or two and you can spend all that money you saved on MORE FABRIC.