Skin-toned Fabrics
I mostly source my skin-toned solids from the Kona Cottons (solids) collection. 'Tilda' also has some lovely skin toned solids.
Kona colours include Peach, Ice Peach, Bellini (flesh), LT Parfait, Shell, Eggshell, Caramel, Earth, Honey, Leather, Suede, Latte, Raffia, Straw, Tan, Sable, Mocha, Coffee and Brown.
Thrifty Backing Fabric & quilting
This is a great way to save money on backing fabric. Search seasonal sales for colourful, solid or print, flat sheets. There is no difference between 100% cotton sheeting and quilting fabric.
You can pick up near new bed linen for very little at thrift stores. Make sure they are in good condition and are 100% (or near 100%) cotton. Trim the hems and seams, and you have a large piece of cotton that is perfect for backing.
I usually outsource my quilting to someone who is much better at it than I am. Julie does my quilting, using her longarm quilting machine. I prefer simple, edge-to-edge quilting using soft, swirling patterns.
Finger-pressing Seams.
I thoroughly recommend finger-pressing your seams before you press them with your iron.
When you use your fingers (and fingernails) to press a seam, you can get right to the edges, completely opening the seam. The heat doesn't distort the fabric, and you don't burn your fingers on the tip of the iron.
Once you've finger-pressed the seam, you can press it with your iron for a sharper finish.
Sewmadic Wool Pressing Mats
I love my Sewmadic wool pressing mats and I use them every day.
The smallest mat is perfect for taking to groups and classes. It fits in my bag perfectly. I even use it as a pin cushion.
I use the medium size mat on top of my ironing board. It allows me to achieve a crisp seam when I'm making quilt blocks.
I put the big boy under my sewing machine. It deadens the noise it makes and my family doesn’t complain about the machine drowning out the TV anymore lol.
If you don't like the smell of warm wool like me, pop them in an old pillowcase, then voila no more wool smell.
