Quilting Basics – Part 1 Quilting Basics – Part 2 Quilting Basics – Part 3 Quilting Basics – Part 4 Let's face it, the more we do something, the better we get. Sometimes when we try to explain a technique to someone, we find the chore daunting. We know when the bread has been kneaded long enough or how …
How Tos
Quilting Basics – Part I – Getting Started
Quilting Basics – Part 1 Quilting Basics – Part 2 Quilting Basics – Part 3 Quilting Basics – Part 4 Probably the question I get asked MOST is… how do you get your stitches so even. My glib response is usually… years of experience. Although that is true, there are tricks I've learned along the way …
My Vacation Project – Fireplace Redo
NOTE: If you were looking for some guidelines for painting brick, scroll down to the bottom of the blog. Michelle added the technique she used! Amidst all the holiday cheer we took some time to finish up a few household projects that have been on our to-do list for awhile. There were some moldings that needed …
How to Reduce and Enlarge Patterns
Learn how to reduce and enlarge patterns using basic math. There are several techniques that can be used to customize any pattern to fit your desired application. My mother has put together a beautiful collection of Applique Blocks. Although the reason they are popular with quilters is obvious, I am challenging our readers to think …
A Simple Test for Safety
SPREAD THE WORD… PLEASE SHARE THIS POST WITH YOUR FRIENDS. At Wee Folk Art we strive to create designs that are natural, beautiful and safe for children to play with. But if we had to pick one of those attributes, hands down, it would be safety first! Have you ever wondered if something was safe …
How To Cut Out Felt
EDIT: Whenever somebody works with any materials long enough, they come up with shortcuts and techniques that save time and give better results. Last year I shared a tutorial on how to cut out felt. I got so many “thank you”sĀ from people that followed the instructions and got the results they were looking for. I …
Hairpin Lace Part 4 of 4: Finishing Your Project
NOTE: Since the original posting of Part 4 – Finishing Your Project, my mom reminded me of an easier way to finish off the project. It totally gets rid of my stage 3… weaving in the ends. Thank you, Mom! The directions found below have been updated and reflect the change. Changes made within the remaining directions will be …
Hairpin Lace Part 3 of 4 – Joining the Strips
Joining the strips is as easy as 1, 2, 3… quite literally. NOTE: There is a front and back AND a top and bottom. ALWAYS join strips on the front of your project starting at the bottom. (The bottom is defined as the edge where you began joining your first 2 strips) Use a Size …
Hairpin Lace Part 2 of 4 – Crocheting the Strips
The basic premise behind hairpin lace is that you make a series of individual strips, the width and length is dependent on the project you make. After the strips are made, they are joined together to make your final project. After you learn the basics, have fun experimenting with different weights of yarn and different …
Hairpin Lace Part 1 of 4 – The Loom
Before you begin any hairpin lace project, you needle the hairpin lace needles, more appropriatiately called the Hairpin Lace Loom. You can either make your own, or purchase one. My mother first learned on a homemade loom my father made for her. I’ve always used the “store bought” version. Both will get the job done. …
Straightening Fabric Grain
When doing any craft, there are some things we have to do that are more a groan than a pleasure. That’s how I feel about straightening the grain of fabric. To be honest, I don’t do it for most projects, but there are times when it is imperative that the fabric grain is true, and …
How to Make a Ruffle
Ruffles are a fun and easy way to dress up even the most basic pattern. Some of you may have a ruffle foot that you can use on your sewing machine… check out your manual. If you want to do it by hand… which I like in small amounts… here is how we do it. First determine …