I have gathered all the FREE tools in my sewing room and shared them in this video. Every one of these, I use on a regular basis. I hope you check them out (not sponsored) Enjoy 😉
is there an app, (even if it costs a few bucks) that you can experiment with colors? I don't know how to create patterns based on shapes or blocks, but I do have plenty of ideas based through color. I know how to harmonize colors and would like to create patterns like that...
Amanda cano I like QuiltWizard for iPad. I think it costs a buck or two; it’s been a long time since I got it. You can import your own fabrics by taking photos of them; then you can use one of their quilt block designs and experiment by playing with which fabric goes where and designing your whole quilt. It has some limitations, but I love it! And I appreciate not having to get out my big computer to design a quilt or something. And if they don’t have the block I want, I look for one that I can customize by coloring different block segments on one that can be adapted, if that makes sense. You can also take pics (screenshots) of fabric swatches online, so you can experiment before you buy the fabric. 😁🌷
Watching your videos is like sitting down with a favorite aunt, and just taking in all of their knowledge, and feeling all warm and fuzzy inside!! Like an internet hug!! I love your videos so much!! 💖💖💖🤗🤗🤗
I love this comment! So true!! My husband goes "oh your watching the Toronto quilter again- she's pretty great eh, you watch her a lot" LOL! The last year would have been much harder without this channel!
@@kaylashaye21 lol I love that your husband loves you watching Karen as well!! Seriously though, 2020 would have definitely been worse without her! Lol
We're listening to this as my husband and I eat breakfast, and my husband looks at me with raised eyebrows when he hears, "Quilting is expensive." "No kidding," he says.... with a smile, of course. I'm so fortunate because he is incredibly supportive of my quilting addiction. Karen, I look forward to every one of your videos. I learn so much. Thanks for sharing your insights.
My husband's hobby is restoring 60's &70's muscle cars so I figure i could quilt for 3 lifetimes before we're even. He's even getting a new garage this year! We support eachother mutually by turning a blind eye to hobby related receipts. Lol. #notsorry #fairsfair #whereismyquiltinggarage
Karen, I think I’ve watched you from almost the beginning. I have always been a “sewer”, but I have been going through an extremely stressful situation for quite some time. Thank you for your smile and love of quilting. You pulled me into quilting, and though I know you went through a miserable ordeal with your son last year; you kept my spirits up and my quilting has now become my “joy therapy”. Thank you for sharing yourself, your life, your skills, and your joy with the world. 💓
Yup, I have been using cereal boxes for years for making all kinds of templates, they are really sturdy and they do not produce any of that cardboard dust. The tan raw side of the cardboard has texture and grips the fabric so it does not slide around too wildly.
Karen, #1: You are Amazing #2: I just Kove you!❤ #3: I think you have a camera in my sewing room because of sll you amazing on point videos. #4: Thank you so much for All of your help .
Quick additional tip re: using a library to check out quilting books: if you want a book that's not available in your library, talk to the librarian about getting it through an interlibrary loan (ILL). Depending on the nature of the resource and the library, this may be free, too. ILL makes THE WORLD your library! 🌍🌎🌏
For holding my large ruler while cutting out I use one of those plastic handles that you grab whilst in the shower. They have suction cups at each end and are very easy to attach. They are not permanent so you can just lift the little tab on the white suction pad and move around or use on another ruler.
@@laurenkermode8548 Thank you for that comment. I have the same problem. I just don't have as much strength, anymore and my husband has been having to hold the end of my ruler, even with the handle. I'll try reattaching it on an angle.
In every hobby, there are free tools. As a web designer, colors are also a challenge, especially when you need a hexadecimal # for a color. I've also found free code online as well and have learned things through experience to share with others. Keep up the good work!
Truth be told, I don't NEED all the bells and whistles I see on quilting videos. Sell away if you must but unless I'm quilting competitively (which would never happen), I don't need all the rulers, scissors, matchy-matchy containers. etc. Just have fun!! Please take care and hugs from Winnipeg!!!
I use batting scraps for cleaning. A small hand size scrap by my sewing machine quickly gathers up threads, lint and fabrics snips on the table, on the machine, and on any hard surface in the room. I also use a larger scrap piece in my Swiffer to make quick work of removing all the sewing debris from the floor -- and it's reversible. You can use both sides!
I save my old platex living gloves from washing dishes and they get a hole in them. Perfect for cleaning my cutting mats. Put them on and rub the mat to remove lint and fibers.
@@JustGetitDoneQuilts Rubber gloves are also helpful for pulling thread out of carpet.. just rub your gloved hands over the carpet. I am sure it's hard on the fibres, but sometimes the vacuum just doesn't cut it.
Leah Cleary Oooh, boy, that's a good tip! Our cats are all outdoor dwellers, but they hang out on our deck swing. Now that they're shedding their winter coats, the swing cushions are a mess. And the static cling makes all the more mess when trying to use anything fabric-based to gather up the cat hair.
Hi Karen, another great video. I have a tip for you. When I'm cutting batting I turn my cutting mat over and use the back. I don't care about the lint there! Have a great weekend.
I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see one, too!! I want to have a to-go bag of hexies to sew together either in my recliner or on the go! ( Just had my last 2 back surgeries in August!) But can you make scrappy hexie quilts like you do squares? Has anyone seen that?
Fantastic video! That was my library when I was a lonely bookworm. I loved that place! I live in Germany now but boy did the memories come flooding back. I screen shot that photo with happy tears in my eyes. I haven’t been back in over 20 years...but I plan to return next year! I will be visiting the Beaches Library! Thank you!
Always helpful tips and tricks especially for me, a sort of beginner although I have made a few quilts for the grand kids. I especially liked the first one on scraps which helped me to use up many scraps into a Scrappy quilt, both sides. Thank you.
I use my phone app RK Quilting Calculators all the time to figure out Backing, Batting; Binding, and border yardage. Never leave home without it and very easy to use. Only one other item I take on the road with me is my favorite quilt pattern so I know how much fabric to buy if I find a great focus fabric!
There are a few freebies here that I was not aware of and will definitely be checking out. I know how to figure out how much binding I need but consulting a chart is so much faster than pulling out my calculator and punching in numbers several times. I also love consulting color combinations that have been pulled out of photos but have run across them only twice and never knew the website to go to.
I love that you made this video , showing people yes quilting can be expensive but doesn't have to be I love cheep and cheerful tips .I would really love it if you could do a video of you making a quilt with recycled upcycled material sometime.
This was EXCELLENT - THANK YOU! Also - many fabric stores also offer FREE PATTERNS. Two that come to mind immediately are JORDAN FABRICS, and BEAR CREEK - I was just on the latter site and they had OVER 1200 FREE PATTERNS available for download!!! It's an awesome alternative to purchasing. :) THANK YOU AGAIN for your "tips & tricks"!
Thanks for all your tips and tricks. Last year I made a quilt using your “sick” quilt style. I had a blast doing so then used all my fancy stitches in my machine around each seam. Then I named it “Caronavirus 19” so we will never forget the worst time of our lives. Thanks
Thanks Karen, as I work in libraries, I am always recommending and borrowing a plethora of art and quilting books, more people need to join and support their local libraries!! Loving your work.
There's a plastics store in my hometown, and whenever I visit, I go through the scrap bin and pick up some plexiglas remnants. They're usually $1 or so. I look for the ones that are the right thickness to easily cut with a plastic cutting tool (very cheap), but not so thin that my rotary cutter nicks them too badly. I make my own plexiglas templates. I design and measure carefully, and sand down edges to adjust for accuracy and make them a little smoother. I've even made curved pieces, but straight sides are easiest. Not free, but really close to it! Thanks Karen, love your videos!
A weighted rice bag - can't believe I've never done this! But I'm headed to the sewing room to make one right now. Thank you for all the ideas and tips.
Historically quilting was a poor person’s remedy to the problem of freezing to death. No, it doesn’t have to cost much. But you haven’t gone far enough. You don’t need a sewing machine or a cutting mat or a rotary cutter or a fancy ruler or a computer program. You do need fabric, thread, needles, a pair of scissors, and something to mark with like a pencil. Quilting can be a very low cost hobby.
Here! Here! Need fabric? Go to the local thrift store there are racks and racks of clothing to work from. They also have bags and bags of unfinished projects for you to repurpose.
I found a small quilt top at a garage sale for $10! Put a sashing on it and finished it. You can find "jewels" for quilt material in some unexpected places.
Not necessarily true. In Europe centuries ago the upper echelon quilted the same way we do - with new and beautiful Fabrics. It was an art then and it is an art now
Thank you for so much for this!!! I have been quilting for 35+ years and have had to find cheaper ways to do it....farm life....never enough money....buy have always managed to quilt, even if it meant going to MCC thrift store for mens cotton shirts etc. ....I mostly hand applique on muslin so mostly bought fat quarter....but now have been buying some more yardage.... But always managed to quilt for less.
Once again, your tools videos have helped a non-quilter who sews apparel. I started using weights on my quilting rulers to cut bias strips evenly every time, and now I'm thrilled to find out about Geeky Bobbin's bias chart! SO HELPFUL! Thanks so much!
I love that you are showing others how to upcycle! I use the FISKARS punch for my hexi's and use all recycled cardstock. Word of caution to new folks, watch the weight of the cardstock. You want something about the weight of an index card or a business card. Too thick can damage your punch (ask me how I know that). My collection of punched cards is everything from greeting cards to business cards to political campaign mailers. I really like the info on cleaning your mat. I have a scrubber for pots and pans in a similar texture of open cell foam/plastic I picked up in the supermarket. Now I am going to scrounge the pile of bits and pieces we have saved in a bin looking for a free one. Thanks for all the links. Hello from Delaware USA.
Hi Karen. I’m a voice from the past (charity quilts with Susan and friends at her cottage some years ago). I have been faithfully watching your videos for some time. I love them and have learned so much. You are a natural. I hope you and your family are doing well, especially your son. Will keep tuning in. Hope we can “talk” someday. Sending virtual hugs.
Thank you Karen, for being such a pleasant and knowledgeable source of quilting information….. i love your question and answer series, as well as all others. I have been quilting since the early 80’s and still have so much to learn from you….. also your pleasant manner, and presentation, using quick video shots, keeps your videos fast moving, and relevant……. I am 87 years, and still love quiltmaking and find there is always something new to learn. I am basically not a piecer, but love collage, and applique (machine ), but still learn lots from you……. I don;t know how you finance your utube series, but would happily contribute - your voice is pleasant - and you’re so smart! Terry in WA state.
Go to a friendly flower department. Ask them if they would save the stretchy net that comes around all the roses to keep the petals closed. They are exactly the same as the thread nets we might use on large cones of thread to keep the thread from falling down or pooling so that the tension is hit or miss.
Great video and terrific ideas, Thank you. When I'm cutting batting, felt, any nappy fabric, I just turn the matt upside down and use the back. My grandmother used cereal boxes, and old Christmas cards.
Thank you Karen for this video and all the links provided. I have this "Heads-up" for all-ye quilters/bagmakers/crafters. I purchased a 28mm rotary cutter at my Dollar Tree store (in Hollywood Florida) with the intention of using it to cut out paper patterns. It worked so well (also used on fabric) that I went back and got 3 more....I believe it's cheaper than buying replacement blades (at $1 each). If I could post a picture here I would....packaging says "Crafter's Square Roller Cutter" with navy handle; found it in their craft aisle. Just sharing.
Back in the days of Stretch & Sew mid to late70’s I learned to hold my patterns onto the double knots using things as light as a teaspoon up to much heavier items as needed. Some of the nicest men’s shirts were made by me helping a friend who once she got to my home, decided to forward all her phone calls to my home phone. I’m trying my best to help her make her husband & their two young sons matching shits. Their shirts turned out beautiful, mainly because of the fabric design was awesome. I started quilting only about 10 years ago, and in your opening statement you mentioned how expensive this hobby is....& I’m so happy to have found your web site,, because you really do a marvelous job of utilizing tips tricks & Strategies on how to use what you have & to not spend so much money on your notions etc. I loved how in one of your videos how to use dollar store products to aid you in either a trial & error piece to one sent to be judged. On my mother & sisters last trip to my home...my mom gave me a plastic garbage bag. Inside were the pieces of the quilts our maternal grandmotherpiece or one your and their was little the friend actualphone E
Sorry, I hit the wrong button & lost the link I was on. Inside that garbage bag were the pieces of two quilt tops our maternal grandmother had started for us. I thought I knew everything our mother had by the time I got married, but oh my goodness I had never seen these before so wherever my mother had hidden these amazingly wonderful items, I will never know. I have very gently hand washed the quilt blocks that were for my quilt, & as well as collecting fabrics that would go with the blocks my grandmother. I hope to finish both of these old pieces before I pass away. How they have been preserved so well is amazing to me as I was certain these fabrics would have had issues of dry root. But remarkably, neither do. Have you seen or heard of the best way to take these old materials & and turn them into a masterpiece? Any ideas are better than none. Thank you for reading my response.
Oh my! Where has the Geeky Bobbins binding list been my entire life. I’m in the mist of cutting binding for a quilt 108 x 108 and I feel like I’ve not even cut enough binding for half of the quilt yet. I’ll be printing this and laminating it before the week is out. Your the best. 😇
Karen, I would like a video on how disabled people produce a quilt with their difficulties and suggestions that they use to help them, i.e. someone has visual problems or someone has had a stroke with loss of part of their R side or fingers, using needles, machines- If you had some ideas, that would be encouraging
Wonderful video Karen with so many great ideas. Thank you. Just a side note. That is my absolute favourite library. The huge fireplace at the end of the main hall is absolutely gorgeous. It is where I took my boys when they were young.
my favorite tool is extremely simple but you can use it for so many things- a pack of 3x5 index cards. Some of their uses are paper piecing, note taking - you can even pin or clip them to your notes to your fabric- so your notes stay with your project. Small templates, use a ruler and make a second set of lines perpendicular and you have a mini grid for counting blocks, getting a rough idea how to plan out your quilt or block. Cut one into strips and tape them to your machine bed on the line you like to sew and use them as a sewing guide. So many uses for something you pay a buck for at the dollar store.
Thank you for the happy voice and useful, useful info. And to top it off, you are kind enough to leave links to all that info. I too save cereal boxes, pkging, , and other odd n ends. My hubby laughs and says we only use trash cans to store my saves
Thank you for all the great info in this and in all your videos! My grandmother, sadly long gone now, made many quilts in her time, all pieced and quilted by hand. How amazed she would be to see such things as rotary cutters and special rulers!!! She used a heavy sandpaper cut to make templates for her pieces. She said that stopped the cloth from shifting as she marked them. Must have been hell on her scissors!!!
Another fabulous video! Thank you Karen for all the great info! I love your videos because they’re rich & dense with valuable info but calorie-free at the same time! 😉🥰
I love these tips 😍 and am surprised at how many I already use. Except for the weights... I use rocks for those, both for rulers when quilting and paper patterns when cutting out for clothes if using my mini rotary cutter. I have 1 that is a quartz a little bigger than my hand so about a 1lb rock. And then I have some nice small river rocks (a few flat ones mixed in from using them in my shower) and they work amazing, no more pinning 🥰
Yes thank you. All these gadgets sold in quilt shops are pricey!!! We just need to be inventive and look around the hose. Oh and be happy with what we have.
Most libraries have online subscriptions to quilting magazines. That way you can just screen cap the patterns you want without having a bunch of books with you on the road.
Thank you! You know those magnetic pin bowls that cost a lot, you can buy something similar at Harbor Freight for a couple of dollars. I have two of them and they come in handy.
I use cardboard cereal boxes for stablizing fabric scrap boxes. I think I got the idea from the "Sunday Morning Quilts" book by Amanda Jean Nyberg and Cheryl Arkison.
Hi ma'am, I'm a great fan of your quilts. The designs you make out of scrap ,just outstanding. It's high time All of us follow her ideas to save our mother earth from dumping all the waste on to the land . Let's save our planet!! Thank you ma'am.love and wishes from India
Good morning! I really enjoy Just Get it Done Quilt videos! Will try the foam for clean up. I use empty paper tubes and boxes from foil and waxed oaper to store my stabilizer and interfacing fabrics.
That’s a great idea. And then you can write on them which type is inside, so you don’t get confused! I saw another tip online somewhere, to use left over TP tubes to store your electronics cords. Same, you can write on them what’s inside! 🌷
I got this idea from another site. I have started putting my binding on empty paper towel tubes. Great way to store it until I need it. Not free but I just ordered a rotating yarn holder. The plan is to put the tube with binding on it when putting binding on quilt, idea also from another site.
I always appreciate how practical your comments are. I can't tell you how many times I have almost fallen for the "newest" line or thing being advertised. Instead I remember your tag line, helping you make the quilts that you want to make. I pause and think instead of falling into the marketing hole. Appreciate your mindfulness.
Awesome I just beginning and I'm so surprised at the price of fabric since I had started before & had to stop but now I'm retired so my turn😉 your tips and hacks are unbelievably awsome.
I have gathered all the FREE tools in my sewing room and shared them in this video. Every one of these, I use on a regular basis. I hope you check them out (not sponsored) Enjoy 😉
is there an app, (even if it costs a few bucks) that you can experiment with colors? I don't know how to create patterns based on shapes or blocks, but I do have plenty of ideas based through color. I know how to harmonize colors and would like to create patterns like that...
Absolutely.
@@pegasusquilts I ended up purchasing the PreQuilt Membership lol
Amanda cano I like QuiltWizard for iPad. I think it costs a buck or two; it’s been a long time since I got it. You can import your own fabrics by taking photos of them; then you can use one of their quilt block designs and experiment by playing with which fabric goes where and designing your whole quilt. It has some limitations, but I love it! And I appreciate not having to get out my big computer to design a quilt or something. And if they don’t have the block I want, I look for one that I can customize by coloring different block segments on one that can be adapted, if that makes sense. You can also take pics (screenshots) of fabric swatches online, so you can experiment before you buy the fabric. 😁🌷
how can i get free tools
i from india plese give me idea
25+ years quilting and you still teach me new ideas. Thank you, Karen, for your straightforward style. We love you. Signed, QuiltyinMoncton
Watching your videos is like sitting down with a favorite aunt, and just taking in all of their knowledge, and feeling all warm and fuzzy inside!! Like an internet hug!!
I love your videos so much!! 💖💖💖🤗🤗🤗
I love this comment! So true!! My husband goes "oh your watching the Toronto quilter again- she's pretty great eh, you watch her a lot" LOL! The last year would have been much harder without this channel!
@@kaylashaye21 lol I love that your husband loves you watching Karen as well!! Seriously though, 2020 would have definitely been worse without her! Lol
Or a favorite sister 😊
@@biaberg3448 yes! That is perfect too! 💖🥰
Nayome1213, that's exactly what I was thinking!
🤗😄🙏❤
Hit the like button, watch the video, then go get my notebook and take notes when I watch it the second time! So many good and helpful tips always.
Thanks for the shout out to libraries and librarians!
I love how you pay atte tion to color in ALL areas: you're the first quilter who has brought quilting to the next level.
We're listening to this as my husband and I eat breakfast, and my husband looks at me with raised eyebrows when he hears, "Quilting is expensive." "No kidding," he says.... with a smile, of course. I'm so fortunate because he is incredibly supportive of my quilting addiction. Karen, I look forward to every one of your videos. I learn so much. Thanks for sharing your insights.
I thought that there might be a couple of partners that might agree
I also have a wonderfully supportive husband! I watch Karen's videos many times over!
My husband's hobby is restoring 60's &70's muscle cars so I figure i could quilt for 3 lifetimes before we're even. He's even getting a new garage this year! We support eachother mutually by turning a blind eye to hobby related receipts. Lol.
#notsorry #fairsfair #whereismyquiltinggarage
@@haileylawrence6746 My husband's thing is biking, so I hear you. LOL!
😳
Karen, I think I’ve watched you from almost the beginning. I have always been a “sewer”, but I have been going through an extremely stressful situation for quite some time. Thank you for your smile and love of quilting. You pulled me into quilting, and though I know you went through a miserable ordeal with your son last year; you kept my spirits up and my quilting has now become my “joy therapy”. Thank you for sharing yourself, your life, your skills, and your joy with the world. 💓
We enjoy quilting and just as important, quilting is good for us. So glad we are all in this together
So glad was able to give you a little joy in your day. Praying everything is getting better for you as well. 🙏🙏🙏
I just wish there was a love button, thank you Karen for these great tips
💜💙💜💙🧵🪡💜💙💜💙🧵🪡💜
Yup, I have been using cereal boxes for years for making all kinds of templates, they are really sturdy and they do not produce any of that cardboard dust. The tan raw side of the cardboard has texture and grips the fabric so it does not slide around too wildly.
Karen,
#1: You are Amazing
#2: I just Kove you!❤
#3: I think you have a camera in my sewing room because of sll you amazing on point videos.
#4: Thank you so much for All of your help .
thank you
Quick additional tip re: using a library to check out quilting books: if you want a book that's not available in your library, talk to the librarian about getting it through an interlibrary loan (ILL). Depending on the nature of the resource and the library, this may be free, too. ILL makes THE WORLD your library! 🌍🌎🌏
For holding my large ruler while cutting out I use one of those plastic handles that you grab whilst in the shower. They have suction cups at each end and are very easy to attach. They are not permanent so you can just lift the little tab on the white suction pad and move around or use on another ruler.
I have used these as well but I find that mine has to be attached on an angle or the ruler moves even though I'm holding onto it
@@laurenkermode8548 Thank you for that comment. I have the same problem. I just don't have as much strength, anymore and my husband has been having to hold the end of my ruler, even with the handle. I'll try reattaching it on an angle.
In every hobby, there are free tools. As a web designer, colors are also a challenge, especially when you need a hexadecimal # for a color. I've also found free code online as well and have learned things through experience to share with others.
Keep up the good work!
Truth be told, I don't NEED all the bells and whistles I see on quilting videos. Sell away if you must but unless I'm quilting competitively (which would never happen), I don't need all the rulers, scissors, matchy-matchy containers. etc. Just have fun!! Please take care and hugs from Winnipeg!!!
I use batting scraps for cleaning. A small hand size scrap by my sewing machine quickly gathers up threads, lint and fabrics snips on the table, on the machine, and on any hard surface in the room. I also use a larger scrap piece in my Swiffer to make quick work of removing all the sewing debris from the floor -- and it's reversible. You can use both sides!
I save my old platex living gloves from washing dishes and they get a hole in them. Perfect for cleaning my cutting mats. Put them on and rub the mat to remove lint and fibers.
I need to try that one
@@JustGetitDoneQuilts Rubber gloves are also helpful for pulling thread out of carpet.. just rub your gloved hands over the carpet. I am sure it's hard on the fibres, but sometimes the vacuum just doesn't cut it.
Also good for getting pet fur off couches ☺️
@@leahcleary1136 So true!
Leah Cleary Oooh, boy, that's a good tip! Our cats are all outdoor dwellers, but they hang out on our deck swing. Now that they're shedding their winter coats, the swing cushions are a mess. And the static cling makes all the more mess when trying to use anything fabric-based to gather up the cat hair.
Hi Karen, another great video. I have a tip for you. When I'm cutting batting I turn my cutting mat over and use the back. I don't care about the lint there! Have a great weekend.
I always use the back side of the mat for everything... the lines are a distraction and are not accurate as my largest mat is over 30 years old!☺️
I am fascinated by your hexies. Would love a video showing all your strategies for the project!
I would love that too!
I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to see one, too!! I want to have a to-go bag of hexies to sew together either in my recliner or on the go! ( Just had my last 2 back surgeries in August!) But can you make scrappy hexie quilts like you do squares? Has anyone seen that?
Fantastic video! That was my library when I was a lonely bookworm. I loved that place! I live in Germany now but boy did the memories come flooding back. I screen shot that photo with happy tears in my eyes. I haven’t been back in over 20 years...but I plan to return next year! I will be visiting the Beaches Library! Thank you!
Always helpful tips and tricks especially for me, a sort of beginner although I have made a few quilts for the grand kids. I especially liked the first one on scraps which helped me to use up many scraps into a Scrappy quilt, both sides. Thank you.
I use my phone app RK Quilting Calculators all the time to figure out Backing, Batting; Binding, and border yardage. Never leave home without it and very easy to use. Only one other item I take on the road with me is my favorite quilt pattern so I know how much fabric to buy if I find a great focus fabric!
I also take a copy of fabric list from my pattern with my phone in case I don’t have the pattern with me
There are a few freebies here that I was not aware of and will definitely be checking out. I know how to figure out how much binding I need but consulting a chart is so much faster than pulling out my calculator and punching in numbers several times. I also love consulting color combinations that have been pulled out of photos but have run across them only twice and never knew the website to go to.
I love that you made this video , showing people yes quilting can be expensive but doesn't have to be I love cheep and cheerful tips .I would really love it if you could do a video of you making a quilt with recycled upcycled material sometime.
This was EXCELLENT - THANK YOU! Also - many fabric stores also offer FREE PATTERNS. Two that come to mind immediately are JORDAN FABRICS, and BEAR CREEK - I was just on the latter site and they had OVER 1200 FREE PATTERNS available for download!!! It's an awesome alternative to purchasing. :) THANK YOU AGAIN for your "tips & tricks"!
ALSO - many of Donna Jordan's patterns have online tutorials available as well! They have a great TH-cam channel and website!!!
👍
Thanks for all your tips and tricks. Last year I made a quilt using your “sick” quilt style. I had a blast doing so then used all my fancy stitches in my machine around each seam. Then I named it “Caronavirus 19” so we will never forget the worst time of our lives. Thanks
exactly ✋
Thanks Karen, as I work in libraries, I am always recommending and borrowing a plethora of art and quilting books, more people need to join and support their local libraries!! Loving your work.
WOW!!!!! I just accidentally found this sight and I wish that I had found it much earlier. THANK YOU SO MUCH
There's a plastics store in my hometown, and whenever I visit, I go through the scrap bin and pick up some plexiglas remnants. They're usually $1 or so. I look for the ones that are the right thickness to easily cut with a plastic cutting tool (very cheap), but not so thin that my rotary cutter nicks them too badly. I make my own plexiglas templates. I design and measure carefully, and sand down edges to adjust for accuracy and make them a little smoother. I've even made curved pieces, but straight sides are easiest. Not free, but really close to it!
Thanks Karen, love your videos!
That's so wonderful omg
A weighted rice bag - can't believe I've never done this! But I'm headed to the sewing room to make one right now. Thank you for all the ideas and tips.
I finally got a weight after almost 2 years! 🤣🤣 But before that I used a bag of flour in a bag!😂
RK Quilting calculator . The RK stands for Robert Kaufman , It tells you how much fabric to buy and what size your pieces for your pattern are.
Historically quilting was a poor person’s remedy to the problem of freezing to death. No, it doesn’t have to cost much. But you haven’t gone far enough. You don’t need a sewing machine or a cutting mat or a rotary cutter or a fancy ruler or a computer program. You do need fabric, thread, needles, a pair of scissors, and something to mark with like a pencil. Quilting can be a very low cost hobby.
Here! Here! Need fabric? Go to the local thrift store there are racks and racks of clothing to work from. They also have bags and bags of unfinished projects for you to repurpose.
I found a small quilt top at a garage sale for $10! Put a sashing on it and finished it. You can find "jewels" for quilt material in some unexpected places.
My first quilt in 1975 was hand cut, hand sewn and hand quilted.
Not necessarily true. In Europe centuries ago the upper echelon quilted the same way we do - with new and beautiful Fabrics. It was an art then and it is an art now
Your videos are the best. No extraneous talking, upbeat, informative and always beneficial. Thank you for your channel.
Thank you for so much for this!!! I have been quilting for 35+ years and have had to find cheaper ways to do it....farm life....never enough money....buy have always managed to quilt, even if it meant going to MCC thrift store for mens cotton shirts etc. ....I mostly hand applique on muslin so mostly bought fat quarter....but now have been buying some more yardage.... But always managed to quilt for less.
Once again, your tools videos have helped a non-quilter who sews apparel. I started using weights on my quilting rulers to cut bias strips evenly every time, and now I'm thrilled to find out about Geeky Bobbin's bias chart! SO HELPFUL! Thanks so much!
I love that you are showing others how to upcycle! I use the FISKARS punch for my hexi's and use all recycled cardstock. Word of caution to new folks, watch the weight of the cardstock. You want something about the weight of an index card or a business card. Too thick can damage your punch (ask me how I know that). My collection of punched cards is everything from greeting cards to business cards to political campaign mailers. I really like the info on cleaning your mat. I have a scrubber for pots and pans in a similar texture of open cell foam/plastic I picked up in the supermarket. Now I am going to scrounge the pile of bits and pieces we have saved in a bin looking for a free one. Thanks for all the links. Hello from Delaware USA.
A color chart from the paint store is also great … they get new colors every year and discard the old ones
I have a large piece of polished amethyst that I use in place of the weight. I works very well!!
Hi Karen. I’m a voice from the past (charity quilts with Susan and friends at her cottage some years ago). I have been faithfully watching your videos for some time. I love them and have learned so much. You are a natural. I hope you and your family are doing well, especially your son. Will keep tuning in. Hope we can “talk” someday. Sending virtual hugs.
Susan and Susan and I mention you each time we gather and hope you are doing well. I know that you have had your challenges
A bathroom sucker safety handle though not free work a treat on the bigger rulers.
Karen, you always provide common sense ideas, tools and tricks. I love hearing them all!
So happy to “find” Design Seeds again! I’d seen it years and years ago, and then forgot the name. All your hints in this video are so useful.
Thank you Karen, for being such a pleasant and knowledgeable source of quilting information….. i love your question and answer series, as well as all others. I have been quilting since the early 80’s and still have so much to learn from you….. also your pleasant manner, and presentation, using quick video shots, keeps your videos fast moving, and relevant……. I am 87 years, and still love quiltmaking and find there is always something new to learn. I am basically not a piecer, but love collage, and applique (machine ), but still learn lots from you……. I don;t know how you finance your utube series, but would happily contribute - your voice is pleasant - and you’re so smart! Terry in WA state.
Go to a friendly flower department. Ask them if they would save the stretchy net that comes around all the roses to keep the petals closed. They are exactly the same as the thread nets we might use on large cones of thread to keep the thread from falling down or pooling so that the tension is hit or miss.
Chopsticks are my go-to turning tools.
I just purchased a 3M Heavy Duty Stripping Tool with Pad from Lowes. Very good
This is one of the most valuable videos for quilting. Thank you, Karen. I'd give it a heart if I could but we'll have to settle for thumbs up.
I use my table stone coaster mats too put weight on then cut with ruler.
I love this community- and i always always like to watch the videos several times- they’re so packed with information!!
Thank you - thank you!!
Plastic covers on spiral notebook 📒 make great stencils always uses for kids.
Great video and terrific ideas, Thank you. When I'm cutting batting, felt, any nappy fabric, I just turn the matt upside down and use the back. My grandmother used cereal boxes, and old Christmas cards.
Holy frejoles, Karen! You have over a QUARTER OF A MILLION TH-cam Subscribers! Congratulations, you're an online rock star!!!! ;-D
I love the Geeky Bobbin graphic. I use it at work all the time!
Oooo, that’s it! I’m soooo running to make myself some cereal box window size templates right now. How had I not thought of those before! 💋
Thank you Karen for this video and all the links provided.
I have this "Heads-up" for all-ye quilters/bagmakers/crafters.
I purchased a 28mm rotary cutter at my Dollar Tree store (in Hollywood Florida) with the intention of using it to cut out paper patterns. It worked so well (also used on fabric) that I went back and got 3 more....I believe it's cheaper than buying replacement blades (at $1 each). If I could post a picture here I would....packaging says "Crafter's Square Roller Cutter" with navy handle; found it in their craft aisle. Just sharing.
Back in the days of Stretch & Sew mid to late70’s I learned to hold my patterns onto the double knots using things as light as a teaspoon up to much heavier items as needed. Some of the nicest men’s shirts were made by me helping a friend who once she got to my home, decided to forward all her phone calls to my home phone. I’m trying my best to help her make her husband & their two young sons matching shits. Their shirts turned out beautiful, mainly because of the fabric design was awesome. I started quilting only about 10 years ago, and in your opening statement you mentioned how expensive this hobby is....& I’m so happy to have found your web site,, because you really do a marvelous job of utilizing tips tricks & Strategies on how to use what you have & to not spend so much money on your notions etc. I loved how in one of your videos how to use dollar store products to aid you in either a trial & error piece to one sent to be judged. On my mother & sisters last trip to my home...my mom gave me a plastic garbage bag. Inside were the pieces of the quilts our maternal grandmotherpiece or one your
and their was little the friend actualphone
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Sorry, I hit the wrong button & lost the link I was on. Inside that garbage bag were the pieces of two quilt tops our maternal grandmother had started for us.
I thought I knew everything our mother had by the time I got married, but oh my goodness I had never seen these before so wherever my mother had hidden these amazingly wonderful items, I will never know. I have very gently hand washed the quilt blocks that were for my quilt, & as well as collecting fabrics that would go with the blocks my grandmother. I hope to finish both of these old pieces before I pass away. How they have been preserved so well is amazing to me as I was certain these fabrics would have had issues of dry root. But remarkably, neither do.
Have you seen or heard of the best way to take these old materials & and turn them into a masterpiece?
Any ideas are better than none. Thank you for reading my response.
Oh my! Where has the Geeky Bobbins binding list been my entire life. I’m in the mist of cutting binding for a quilt 108 x 108 and I feel like I’ve not even cut enough binding for half of the quilt yet. I’ll be printing this and laminating it before the week is out. Your the best. 😇
I am so happy I found you!!
I see my library!
Karen, I would like a video on how disabled people produce a quilt with their difficulties and suggestions that they use to help them, i.e. someone has visual problems or someone has had a stroke with loss of part of their R side or fingers, using needles, machines- If you had some ideas, that would be encouraging
Wonderful video Karen with so many great ideas. Thank you. Just a side note. That is my absolute favourite library. The huge fireplace at the end of the main hall is absolutely gorgeous. It is where I took my boys when they were young.
We are so lucky to have such great libraries close
Another resource I use for coordinating colors is paint chip cards from hardware stores.
Thanks Karen yes quilting is very expensive.😏appreciate all your tips very useful 🇨🇦🙂💕
my favorite tool is extremely simple but you can use it for so many things- a pack of 3x5 index cards. Some of their uses are paper piecing, note taking - you can even pin or clip them to your notes to your fabric- so your notes stay with your project. Small templates, use a ruler and make a second set of lines perpendicular and you have a mini grid for counting blocks, getting a rough idea how to plan out your quilt or block. Cut one into strips and tape them to your machine bed on the line you like to sew and use them as a sewing guide. So many uses for something you pay a buck for at the dollar store.
As alwaysKaren, great practical ideas. I love all your tips, tricks, and strategies. 🥰
Thank you for the happy voice and useful, useful info. And to top it off, you are kind enough to leave links to all that info. I too save cereal boxes, pkging, , and other odd n ends. My hubby laughs and says we only use trash cans to store my saves
Some good tips here! Also, I oiled all of my scissors!
I’ve been going through my house all week doing the same
Some genius ideas here! I love using the paint chips you get at the home improvement stores for color ideas too!
Thank you for all the great info in this and in all your videos! My grandmother, sadly long gone now, made many quilts in her time, all pieced and quilted by hand. How amazed she would be to see such things as rotary cutters and special rulers!!! She used a heavy sandpaper cut to make templates for her pieces. She said that stopped the cloth from shifting as she marked them. Must have been hell on her scissors!!!
Love your videos. Helpful, fun. You are the best!
Thank you so much!
I use a 36" T square to keep my lines straight on shorter cuts. Most of the time except 36+ cuts
AGAIN… I learned something new. Thank you for your time and effort to share with us!!
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You
Thanks so much for sharing these great ideas, Karen! And thank you for including the Magical Rainbow of Binding™ 💜💙
Such a great name
This is awesome. As a new quilter who is teaching herself, I really appreciate all these tips. Thank you!
Karen you're so great and so helpful. I look forward to all your videos. You're really a genius. God bless you and keep you well xx
Thank You for this great video about ideas of useing other things as tools. 🎀
Another fabulous video! Thank you Karen for all the great info! I love your videos because they’re rich & dense with valuable info but calorie-free at the same time! 😉🥰
I love these tips 😍 and am surprised at how many I already use. Except for the weights... I use rocks for those, both for rulers when quilting and paper patterns when cutting out for clothes if using my mini rotary cutter. I have 1 that is a quartz a little bigger than my hand so about a 1lb rock. And then I have some nice small river rocks (a few flat ones mixed in from using them in my shower) and they work amazing, no more pinning 🥰
Yes thank you. All these gadgets sold in quilt shops are pricey!!! We just need to be inventive and look around the hose. Oh and be happy with what we have.
I so appreciate the time you take to make these videos! You are a wealth of information. Thank you!
Thank you for your support, tips and links. Love you LOTS! 🤗🌺
Most libraries have online subscriptions to quilting magazines. That way you can just screen cap the patterns you want without having a bunch of books with you on the road.
Thank you! You know those magnetic pin bowls that cost a lot, you can buy something similar at Harbor Freight for a couple of dollars. I have two of them and they come in handy.
Or at Princess Auto in Canada
there is also the clear plastic sheets on packaging that is great for making templates.
I use cardboard cereal boxes for stablizing fabric scrap boxes. I think I got the idea from the "Sunday Morning Quilts" book by Amanda Jean Nyberg and Cheryl Arkison.
Thank you for some great ideas! We all could use a few things to stetch our budgets! Then we can buy more fabric!
🤔I like the way you think 👏👏👏🤪 ❤️😀
Lady, you are a wizardess! Thank you for this succinct (and colorful) compilation.
Hi ma'am, I'm a great fan of your quilts. The designs you make out of scrap ,just outstanding. It's high time All of us follow her ideas to save our mother earth from dumping all the waste on to the land . Let's save our planet!! Thank you ma'am.love and wishes from India
You look so much younger with this new haircut and the new colour!
"Mini bolts" Well, that idea just whipped past. Good one.
Good morning! I really enjoy Just Get it Done Quilt videos! Will try the foam for clean up. I use empty paper tubes and boxes from foil and waxed oaper to store my stabilizer and interfacing fabrics.
good idea
That’s a great idea. And then you can write on them which type is inside, so you don’t get confused! I saw another tip online somewhere, to use left over TP tubes to store your electronics cords. Same, you can write on them what’s inside! 🌷
Thanks for another great video I use quite a few of your diy tools and have saved a fortune being Scottish I love a wee bargain 💜💜
I just want to make my first quilt crazy 😜 shape scraps
As usual, a terrific video. Lots of great ideas. I really loved your rice bag!
Your videos are candy for my inspiration. I love them! Thank you!
My grandmother would raise her eyebrows.... I was raised when 'Quilting' was upcycling, recycling, thrift and with simple tools.
As I’m sure we will raise our eyebrows to our grandchildren.
I got this idea from another site. I have started putting my binding on empty paper towel tubes. Great way to store it until I need it. Not free but I just ordered a rotating yarn holder. The plan is to put the tube with binding on it when putting binding on quilt, idea also from another site.
I always appreciate how practical your comments are. I can't tell you how many times I have almost fallen for the "newest" line or thing being advertised. Instead I remember your tag line, helping you make the quilts that you want to make. I pause and think instead of falling into the marketing hole. Appreciate your mindfulness.
I’m using empty Christmas wrap ribbon spools the same way.
Also use toilet paper rolls. They are very close to the right size, and there is always one available.
First time watching your video and I found out so helpful. Thanks
Awesome I just beginning and I'm so surprised at the price of fabric since I had started before & had to stop but now I'm retired so my turn😉 your tips and hacks are unbelievably awsome.