Quilted Photo

Anyone know how I can make simple, quilted fabric coasters?

Something like this one:

http://shimandsons.typepad.com/.shared/image.html?/photos/uncategorized/patchwork_coasters_2.jpg

Sure that's actually pretty simple.
Fist cut out your squares -- remember you'll loose some of the size to sewing.

Now sew two squares together along one edge (about 1/2 an inch in from the edge works well). (right sides together sew along one edge) Open and flatten -- you can iron the seam open for a really crisp look.

Do the same for the other two sqares. You now have 2 strip/sets of 2 sqaures.

Now sew the two sets of squares together, side to side (lay the 2 stips right sides together and sew along one of the long sides -- open and iron) you should now have one big square made from the 4 original squares.

Now cut out a single sqare the same size as your combined 4 sqares that are sewn together (this will be the backing)

Now get something to sandwich in the middle -- quilt batting, felt, fleece would all work. Cut a piece of this the same size as your backing.

Now make an inside-out sandwich -- lay your sewn 4 pieces down with the right side facing up, next lay your backing on top of this wrong side up, then lay your fleece etc on top of the backing. Pin (with straight pins) this together to keep everything in place while sewing.

Sew around all the edges but leave a gap in your stiching about 2 inches in the center of one side -- to do this with a machine start sewing along a side, lift the presser foot and needle up and move the fabric forward 2 inches then put the presser foot down and start sewing again.

After you've sewn around all the edges, you need to clip the corners. You'll cut the corners off by snipping close to the stiching (but not through it) so that a little triangle (the corner) comes off.

Now turn your coaster to the right side using the gap you left when stiching around the edges. (like turning a sock inside out) You can use something pointy to get the corners pushed out nice and crisply.

You'll need to hand sew the gap closed after you have turned everything right side out. Ironing it with the edges folded first helps.

Now you can quilt it by sewing straight lines across it. . .

And thats about it . . . .

Have fun!

Set of 2 Quilted Rhinestone Photo Picture Frames 11.5 $64.99 Set of 2 Quilted Rhinestone Photo FramesItem #80108-2Classic yet modern black and cream picture frames feature a quilted finish and are accented with gemstonesDimensions of each frame:Small: 9.25"H x 7.25"WLarge: 11.5"H x 9.5"WMaterial(s): pvc/fabric/cardboard Type: Picture Frames and Albums

Rebecca Minkoff - Quilted Affair (Mocha) - Bags and Luggage $395 Zappos.com is proud to offer the Rebecca Minkoff - Quilted Affair (Mocha) - Bags and Luggage: You'll love this luxurious liaison. Reach for the remarkable romance of the Rebecca Minkoff™ Quilted Affair! ; Shoulder bag made of quilted leather. ; Holds your wallet, lipstick, sunglasses, personal technology and a small cosmetic case. ; Studded accents. ; Flat bottom. ; Top flap with a magnetic-snap closure. ; Interior lining with a back-wall zip pocket and multifunctional slip pockets. ; Imported. ; Bottom Width: 11 in ; Depth: 3 in ; Height: 8 1 2 in ; Strap Length: 36 in ; Strap Drop: 16 1 4 in ; Weight: 1 lb ; Please note, the hardware color and interior lining may differ from the color shown in the photo.

EK Sticko Stickers Metallic Quilted Flourish $2.19 EK Sticko Stickers are acid free and photo safe. Great for collecting, invitations, stationery, gift wrapping, parties, scrapbooking and much more! Use stickers in all your projects! Metallic Quilted Flourish- 11 quilt look, metallic flourishes. 6 layered with star accents and 5 flat. They vary in size from approximately 3/4" to 3 1/4". Done mostly in Pink, Blue, Green and Yellow pastels.

Godinger 5 in. x 7 in. Quilted Stones Frame $35.1 Godinger is a unique company that specializes in handmade silver pewter crystal and elite gift items. From wedding gifts candlesticks barware bakeware tea sets and frames you are sure to find the ideal item for any special occasion. Godinger's goal is to provide you the customer with a piece that expresses a "one of a kind" sense of style and quality at affordable prices. . 5 x 7 Quilted Frame with Set In Stones. Holds a 5 x 7 photo.

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Rebecca Minkoff - Quilted Affair (Black 1) - Bags and Luggage $355.99 Zappos.com is proud to offer the Rebecca Minkoff - Quilted Affair (Black 1) - Bags and Luggage: You'll love this luxurious liaison. Reach for the remarkable romance of the Rebecca Minkoff™ Quilted Affair! ; Shoulder bag made of quilted leather. ; Holds your wallet, lipstick, sunglasses, personal technology and a small cosmetic case. ; Studded accents. ; Flat bottom. ; Top flap with a magnetic-snap closure. ; Interior lining with a back-wall zip pocket and multifunctional slip pockets. ; Imported. ; Bottom Width: 11 in ; Depth: 3 in ; Height: 8 1 2 in ; Strap Length: 36 in ; Strap Drop: 16 1 4 in ; Weight: 1 lb ; Please note, the hardware color and interior lining may differ from the color shown in the photo.

Elliott Lucca Handbags - Lucca Quilted Tote (Dark Pewter) - Bags and Luggage $178 Zappos.com is proud to offer the Elliott Lucca Handbags - Lucca Quilted Tote (Dark Pewter) - Bags and Luggage: Appear luxuriously casual from day to night with the charming Lucca Quilted Tote. ; Constructed of beautifully quilted leather. ; Holds your wallet, sunglasses, personal technology and a copy of your favorite magazine. ; Dual shoulder straps with chain-link embellishments. ; Signature logo-engraved plaque. ; Top zip closure. ; Print-lined interior features a back wall zip pocket and elasticized slip pockets. ; Bottom Width: 12 in ; Middle Width: 12 1 2 in ; Top Width: 15 in ; Height: 14 in ; Handle Length: 23 in ; Handle Drop: 9 1 2 in ; Weight: 1 lb 14 oz ; Please note, the hardware color and interior lining may differ from the color shown in the photo.

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Christmas With Possibilities: 16 Quilted Holiday Projects $15.94 Make lovely gifts for everyone on your list - each homemade with love and possibilities! This book contains a wide assortment of charming projects for all skill levels, from advent calendars and casserole carriers to quilts, placemats, and totes. Each gift features the delightful applique of designers Lynda Milligan and Nancy Smith. 16 projects in all, each with colored illustrations, step-by-step instructions, a materials list and a color photo of the finished project. Templates are also included. Authors: Lynda Milligan and Nancy Smith. Softcover: 79 pages.

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Photo-Inspired Art Quilts (Create with Nancy)

Start a Quilting Business: Make Reproduction Quilts

If you have a little patience and love to pay attention to detail, maybe making reproduction quilts is the home-based business for you!

Almost everyone has a beloved quilt in their home, one made by a dear family member. Those quilts are often passed down through several generations. They eventually start to show wear and can be used for nothing more than display.

There are people who would actually love to use those quilts, but know that normal everyday use would destroy them. Those people would pay to have someone reproduce a likeness of that quilt.

If you decide to make reproduction quilts as your quilting business, you will need to know your customer's wants very clearly. Maybe your customer would like the quilt to use the same color scheme but to be sewn with new fabrics. But what if they want exactly the same fabrics?

There are fabrics being manufactured today that are reproductions dating as far back as the 1800s. Those fabrics can be costly, though, so make sure you pass that expense along to the customer.

Another option does exist, but there are several "ifs" involved: "if" the fabric is still in good condition; "if" the customer understands the new quilt will look as worn as the old one but will be much more stable; "if" you have digital direct to garment printing available in your area, you can create the same quilt for much less than the reproduction fabrics.

Digital direct to garment printing is a process that apparel decorators use. It is NOT screen printing. It is NOT sublimation printing. It is NOT a transfer. Do not try to reproduce a quilt using any of those methods. Any of those methods will fade and wear quickly over time and will not feel natural.

Digital printers lay fabric on top of the printer platen and print onto the fabric as we would print paper from a printer at home. The inks are water based,actually penetrating the fabric fibers to become part of the fabric. A heat press is used to dry the water out of the ink, leaving only a soft natural looking fabric!

To create a reproduction quilt, you or your digital printer would scan in the fabrics and create your very own "yardage." The print area is generally around 14x16 inches, so your fabrics would be printed in segments that size. If your customer doesn't mind and if you think the fabric quality is good enough, you could actually scan in the entire quilt block and print it. You'd still have to piece the blocks to each other and quilt them.

To find a digital garment printer in your area, start by calling the t-shirt printers listed in your phone directory. Ask if they provide water based digital direct to garment printing. When you find someone who says yes, pay them a visit. Ask to see samples. You will not be able to feel any ink on the products at all. You also will not be able to see a line around it like transfers tend to leave.

If you choose to reproduce quilts as your quilting business, you will have truly selected a niche market. You can reproduce quilts that customers bring to you, or you can reproduce quilts that you love to resell at craft shows or in your own online store.

If you choose to reproduce quilts to resell at shows, be sure to attach a small tag or note that tells a little about the quilt's history and a photo of its inspiration if possible. Sometimes knowing a little about the quilt's past is the difference between making a sale or not!

About the Author

Penny Halgren
http://www.TheQuiltingCoach.com
Penny has been a quilter for more than 27 years. She enjoys exploring all aspects of quilting and sharing her knowledge with all quilters. If you are looking for an Internet quilting club with a wide variety of resources for all level quilters, check out http://www.TheQuiltingCoach.com .