Friday, February 14, 2014

Visit An Online Quilting Store And Unleash Your Creativity

By Jerri Perry


When temperatures drop, there's nothing like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket or throw and having a cup of hot chocolate to drive away the winter cold. It's even better when that warm covering is one you made yourself or that has been passed down to you through the generations. With the help of an online quilting store, you can make your own quilt that will not only keep you warm but that will become a favorite family heirloom.

The craft of quilting has been around for thousands of years. An early example was a garment on a carving from Ancient Egypt and dates back over five thousand years. In Mongolia, archaeologists discovered a quilt that was used as a floor covering and this one was made about two thousand years ago. During the Crusades, European knights brought quilted items from the Middle East and often wore quilted garments underneath or even over their armor.

Quilts as bed coverings date from the late Middle Ages. However, they're usually associated with colonial times. In faraway colonies like America and the Cape Colony, fabrics were expensive and difficult to get. For this reason, women made sure that nothing went to waste and they used up scraps to make lovely quilts. Sometimes a quilt was used to tell a story or to convey a secret message.

A quilt, whether it's a bed cover or a garment, consists of three layers. The top layer is the one you show off because it has the design on it. The bottom layer forms the backing. In between is the batting, which gives the quilt its padded effect. A regular layer of fabric can be used instead to produce a light summer quilt.

Online suppliers sell a variety of fabrics in many designs and colors that you can use to make your quilt. A popular choice is the designs dating from the 1930s and if you can't afford actual vintage fabric, you can opt for reproductions. If you see a quilt you particularly like, you may even find a kit with everything necessary to replicate it.

Online suppliers of fabrics for quilting often sell other items too. You may order batting, backing and even the tools you'll need to create your quilt, such as scissors. If you need inspiration, buy a book or individual patterns too.

If you've never quilted anything before, there is no need to worry. You'll find plenty of websites with tutorials that will show you how it's done. There are sites with tips for everyone from beginners to more advanced quilters too. You can even take online courses.

Once you've discovered the joys of making your own quilt, you may find that it becomes addictive. It lets you be creative and with every finished piece, you'll feel a sense of accomplishment. You may even want to consider getting your friends in on the act and have get-togethers where you enjoy a glass of wine, chat about everything under the sun and quilt away the winter weather. Some people turn their hobby into a business while others get together to make huge story quilts, art quilts or quilts for charity. All you need to get started is a visit to an online quilting store.




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