Two H earts Quilt Shop

QUILTING TIPS
I use a tackle box purchased at a fishing supply store to put my different tools, supplies, etc.for sewing  in. If I get the luxury of going to a class, everything is already together.
Debbie
Mark the selvages with the yardage amount with a sharpie.  You don't use the selvages anyway, so it won't hurt to mark the selvages.
Linda
Use pizza boxes to separate your different projects and keep them all organized.
Sylvia
Use the drawer dividers for your silverware as dividers in your drawers for pens, markers.  Use the old mug holders to store scissors, hoops, etc.
Dianne
Are you collecting fabrics for a special quilt and are having trouble finding just what you need? Use a 3 X 5 card or a small piece of paper and glue the fabrics that you have collected onto the paper. This will fit in your purse and you can take it with you when you go fabric shopping. When you are looking at all those wonderful fabrics, take out your card and you will be able to match your fabric.
Linda C.

Some of us are fortunate enough to have a separate sewing room to work in when creating our quilts.  Some of us also have more closet space than others in our homes.  If either of these apply to you then take note of this next tip.  Purchase and hang one (or several) of the hanging garment-sweater racks in your sewing room closet - the type with separate sections to place your sweaters in that are made of cloth, canvas, or plastic and hang from the closet rod down to the floor.  Place your sewing/quilting projects separately into each section.  They will store neatly and you can clearly see each project in plain view . 
Laura
 
Quilt magazines:  Many of us subscribe to one or several quilt magazines.  Some of us have collected them over the years - and they have begun to take up space - in some cases lots of space!  Right?  If you're relating to this fact, then it's time to get rid of the old and make way for the new.  Try this tip.  Sit down with a nice cup of coffee, tea, or beverage of your choice.  Have plenty of plastic sheet protector sleeves and a 3 ring notebook on hand.   Begin flipping through your magazines.  Tear out (okay you can cut) only the pictures and directions to those projects you would possibly like to make some day.  You're not committed - you are only interested in possibly making them!  Place each into a plastic sleeve and put into a 3 ring notebook.   Gather up the magazines and pass them along to a friend or friends or take to your quilt group/bee meetings and share with your quilt sisters.  Encourage them to do the same.  Note:  This might make a good project for a bee meeting! 
Laura
 
Time is precious to all of us.  When strip piecing is required in a quilt pattern I try to save time before ever cutting my fabric.  I do this by laying the two fabrics (face together) that are to be sewn together and then I cut my strips.  This way they are already positioned together for me to go straight to the machine and sew!  Sure saves alot of time. 
Laura
I purchased at the Dollar Tree a large daily pill container - like the 2 week supply one.  I put the feet to my sewing machine in each hole (there are 14 spaces).  I then labeled the top of the lid with what foot is in that space. Sure beats them being loose and lost.   
Sue
Thread has grain. If you have ever sewn with a piece of thread that keeps tangling and knotting on you, you are sewing against the grain of the thread.  To avoid this, remember to knot the end that you cut from the spool.  For any type of hand sewing, use a length of  thread no longer than 18 inches , that is the distance from the  tip of your index finger to your  elbow.  The shorter length is easier on the hand and shoulder muscles and less tiring .  Avoid wetting the  thread before inserting the thread in the  eye of the needle.  The  dampness causes the  thread to expand and makes threading the needle more difficult. Instead, give the  thread a fresh snip and if you must  wet something, wet the needle,  thread is  attracted to the moisture.

stitching whenican
Jan B
l.   I wrap a rubber band around my marking pens and chalk pencils to keep them from rolling off the slick surface of my sewing machine cabinet and cutting table.
2.  Use a tie hanger (the circle one) to hang your rulers on in the closet. 
3.  Use hanging shoe storage containers to store fat quarters etc...  
Judi

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