John & Marie • Apr 14, 2022

Long Arm Quilting

Quilting: Stitching through all three layers of the quilt (the quilt top, the batting, and the quilt back), typically in decorative patterns, which serves three purposes:

To secure the layers to each other,
To add to the beauty and design of the finished quilt, and
To trap air within the quilted sections, making the quilt as a whole much warmer than its parts.

Long Arm quilting involves placing the layers to be quilted on a special frame. The frame has bars on which the layers are rolled, keeping these together without the need for using a spray adhesive or pinning. These frames are used with a professional long arm quilting machine mounted on a platform. The platform rides along tracks so that the machine can be moved across the layers on the frame. A long arm machine on a frame is moved across the fabric. In contrast, the fabric is moved through a home sewing machine or sit down long arm machine.

We use the HandiQuilter “Amara” (https://handiquilter.com.au/product/hq-amara/) for both our free motion and computerised quilting.

Edge-to-edge (E2E): E2E is where a design is placed over the whole surface of the quilt, irrespective of the pattern used to create the quilt top. This produces a beautiful quilted appearance while being cost effective. Primarily we prefer to use quilting patterns created by Anne Bright with over 300 of her designs in our E2E Library.
Custom quilting: Custom quilting is where different quilting patterns are used in different sections of the quilt top depending on the piecing design. Custom quilting is very labour intensive, costly and quilters will often limit the number and type of custom projects undertaken.

You may have heard the phrase “every quilt tells a story,” but let’s face it—some quilts seem like they come from a horror novel. There are occasions when patchworkers decide “done” is better than “perfect”. At this point two of the most common challenges that raise their head are wavy borders that are too full for the quilt itself and that dastardly villain known as the “open seam.” Ethical quilters will reserve the right to advise that they are unable to complete a project if any/all of the quilt parts i.e., top, batting & backing are of a standard that would be prohibitive of a quality outcome. They will also offer advice and encouragement in ways to rectify any challenges presented s-e-w that together your work will become your masterpiece.

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Simply Sewing on Saturdays

By John & Marie • 14 Apr, 2023

Expressions of interest are invited from fellow sewing enthusiasts to join our 2023 Simply Sewing on Saturdays small group of like-minded people enthusiastic to share our patchwork and quilting journeys. We gather fortnightly from 9am to 12noon with a scrumptious morning tea enjoyed in between. You may like patchwork, applique, embroidery, or combining a range of techniques in your project; with perhaps the joy of one or more quilting styles to finish your creation. Many believe quilting needs to be a big, and expensive, activity with the results destined only for show of some kind. Simply Sewing on Saturdays enables members to be part of a quilting journey making project, big or small eg. from mug mats, place mats, table centres, bags/caddies, wall hangings, and everything in between; plus, quilts from cot to whatever size you wish. RSC will have patterns and kits available. Members can also bring a quality project of their own. In essence, the main aim is to create projects using quality materials in a supportive environment where sharing with others offers you the best in your patchwork and quilting journey. To express your interest please click on the "Get in touch" button above to tell us a little about yourself and what you would like to contribute. Note: Beginners (Male &/or Female) welcome to apply. Places are limited so we look forward to hearing from you soon. S-e-w until next time, from all the team, keep well and stay safe!

Learning the Art of Quilting and Patchwork With Marie

By John & Marie • 29 Sep, 2021

Designed as an introductory beginner friendly patchwork program through which you learn to play with colour, explore the art of machine/hand embroidery, advance your applique skill and gain a comprehensive understanding of the basic patchwork stages of cutting, piecing, quilting, basting and binding. This program is for those who would like to have fun stitching along with other like-minded people. The centre piece is a cherished nine block sampler quilt consisting of Ribbon, Uneven nine-patch, Eccentric star, Pinwheel, Heart, Flying geese, Maple leaf, Courthouse and Variable star blocks. It is a great way to showcase different quilt blocks and techniques including half-square triangles, strip piecing and the stitch-and-flip method. S-E-W, don’t be daunted, just take it one block at a time and it will soon come together. To support your endeavours, you will also have the opportunity to communicate with the designer of the sampler quilt who is an international patchwork teacher, modern quilter, pattern designer, freelance writer and author. Several other projects of hers will be included in your beginner package. Primarily you will be using Lori Holt’s “Flea Market” Fat Quarter Bundle complimented by an assortment from the Devonstone Collection Building Blocks Basics Textures fabric range. Limited to 5 participants! Commencement Date: Saturday 9th October 2021 Time: 9am to 1pm Frequency: Weekly Place: Ripley Sewing Centre Contact: ripleysewing@gmail.com or message 0419 948 452