Tutorials
Quilt With Us
Follow along with our team of quilters as we show off our new projects, discuss new and exciting techniques, talk about new fabric collections, and share news about the latest and greatest happenings here at Connecting Threads.
Featured Tool: Mechanical Fabric Pencil by Fons & Porter, Item # 81861
What is the Mechanical Fabric Pencil typically used for?
This pencil allows you to make washable and erasable marks on dark fabric. I used it to mark my seam allowance and keep a steady line while hand-sewing.
What was your first impression?
“It’s a mechanical pencil–how is this supposed to leave any mark on fabric?”
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Featured Tool: Simple Foundations Translucent Vellum Paper by C&T, Item # 20712
What is Simple Foundations Translucent Vellum Paper typically used for?
This vellum paper is extremely handy for paper piecing. Can be used with any photocopier, inkjet or laser printer or trace patterns without a light-box – the design shows through the paper
What was your first impression?
I …
Featured Tool: Mini Iron by Clover, Item # 81912
What is the Mini Iron typically used for?
It’s handy for applique and crafting; I use it for freezer paper appliqué and pressing small pieces.
What was your first impression?
I feared it wouldn’t work. It’s just so small I didn’t think it would get hot enough.
What was your …
Read more »Featured Tool: Wonder Clips by Clover
What are these typically used for?
These tools can be used in place of pins to hold several layers of fabric together.
What was your first impression of Wonder Clips?
I was skeptical at first about how useful they’d actually be.
What was your experience with them like?
The first time I used them was for binding. …
Featured Tool: Soft Comfort Thimbles by Dritz, Item #82343
What are these typically used for?
These tools protect your fingers as you do handwork.
What was your first impression of the soft thimble?
They looked comfortable, and I was intrigued by the air holes.
What was your experience with them like?
You simply fit a thimble onto the finger you …
Featured Tool: Needle Storage Tubes by Dritz, Item #82338
What is this typically used for?
This tool is used to store and dispense all of your needles.
What was your first impression of the needle storage tubes?
How cool! It looks helpful in keeping me organized, and definitely clever!
What was your experience with them like?
I currently have my needles …
Featured Tool: Hot Ruler by Clover, Item #82301
What is this typically used for?
This tool is used to accurately press hems for anything! You can use it for anything that has a straight edge and is turned up–just press and sew.
What was your first impression of the hot ruler?
I used to use something like …
Featured Tool: Patchwork Pins by Clover, Item #82201
What are they typically used for?
These are used for pinning fabrics before sewing–pins keep fabric in place. I use the .4mm regularly for pinning cotton fabric before piecing and sewing. The .5mm needles work better for multiple or thicker …
For Jody Houghton, the intention behind design is always the same: to bring joy and possibly even a little giggle to the quilters supporting her work. Her motto has always been “Creating a Life, while Creating a Living”, and, after being in the gift business for 25 years, she expanded her interest in crafts to include quilting. Even after designing for 34 years, she is still creating whimsical and heartfelt patterns, labels, and greeting cards that her followers can gift …
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Isn’t Laraine’s granddaughter June the cutest model?When this pattern for the Playdate Top was floating around the office to sew up, I knew I had to try it.
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7.12.2016