Quilting with American Patchwork

The secret to American patchwork and quilting is first and foremost in the accuracy of the cutting and stitching. This accuracy is more easily executed with a good selection of quilting tools that are available today -- tools such as the rotary cutter and the different measuring tools that are available in quilting and craft stores. The pieces cut for American patchwork and quilting are cut from long strips that are cut with grain of the fabric. The pieces are then sewn together into squares; these squares are assembled into the finished quilt. The completed blocks can be created from sets of four, five, seven or even nine patch blocks. The number depends on the pattern being followed and the preferences of the person creating the quilt. One of the fun aspects to American patchwork and quilting is pulling together many women who will work together on one quilt. Each one will complete a block and then sew those blocks together.

This technique of joining in the efforts of a quilt making, helps to make American patchwork and quilting a continuing facet of this country's history. It can also result in the creation of a special gift a newly married couple or a couple expecting an arrival of new baby. This team effort allows a many crafters to put their own signature on what is sure to be a prized and honored family heirloom for the fortunate recipient. The team can create the blocks to be identical in color and pattern, or the plan can allow each crafter to develop her own creation which will then fit into the finished quilt in terms of size and design. Once each person's blocks are completed, it's time to gather together to layer the final pieces and add the finishing stitches.

Various Patterns of American Patchwork Quilting

Many patterns of American patchwork and quilting are available. Perhaps one of the more well-known is the log cabin pattern. It has been said that this quilt square resembles the log cabins built by the early settlers in this country. This indeed makes it a true American patchwork and quilting tradition. Since it first began, the log cabin pattern has evolved into a wide variety of designs and colors, however, the overall design of the piece is indeed easily recognizable.

These get-togethers came to be called Quilting bees. They served as a way for the older women in the group to advise the younger women by teaching them ways to care for their homes and families in addition to learning to sew. Quilting was brought to America by emigrants from old world countries such as Ireland and Germany. They brought their own cultures which in turn influenced such things as the American patchwork quilting of yesterday and today.

There are some really easy crafts for kids. All they need are a few supplies like pipe cleaners, construction paper, toothpicks, macaroni and a few craft supplies.

Here is a list of some kids crafts that they will enjoy. Just let them use their creativity.

Pipe cleaner people Use different colored pipe cleaners and bend and twist them into shapes. They can make people, animals, buildings and whatever they can imagine. This is great when you have more than one child and they can make up a whole zoo or whatever they want to make.

You can either save them and put them on a cork board or set on a shelve or just untwist them so that they can be used again. This child's craft can keep them busy and entertained.

Macaroni Necklaces This craft goes back many years but the kids never get tired of making them. Just string colored macaroni onto lengths of yarn. If your macaroni is not colored then let the kids paint them.

Paint with spongesYou can buy sponge figures or else make your own. Get some cheap sponges and cut them into any kind of shape you like. You can make triangles, circles, stars, half moons, or even animal shapes. Let the kids dip them into paint and press them onto paper. The long rolls of paper or construction paper are really nice for this craft.

Make your own puppets You can buy sheets of foam and any craft store. Cut out dogs, butterflies, snakes, fish or anything that the kids like. Glue them onto popsicle sticks or tongue depressors and then they can make their own puppet show.

Toothpick art This has been around for a long time and the schools even use to use it. You can use either miniature marshmallows or gumdrops and toothpicks. Insert the toothpicks into the gumdrops or marshmallows. Just keep adding marshmallows to make any shape they want. They can make buildings or bridges and any kind of shapes, like a star, or hexagon and make then as elaborate as they want.

Paper chains We use to do this one when we were kids. Cut strips of construction paper and either glue or staple them into circles. When you have one circle done, put another strip through and glue it. Just keep adding circles until you have it as long as you want it. A red and white chain looks very nice for Christmas, or you can use red and green. The kids loving doing this chain. They can even decorate the strips with paint or sparkles.

Headbands Cut construction paper into strips and make one to fit the child's head. Then they can glue anything on them like feathers, buttons, ribbons made into bows, or any scraps of material. They could use the sponges from the craft above to decorate their head band.

So, where does one look when trying to find a new craft idea? Well, here are a few ideas on where you can start:

o Use the Internet to search for trends

o Ask friends

o Visit craft shows to find out what is selling and what isn't

o Go to galleries

o Hit the retail stores to check out what is hot

o Go to eBay and other Internet e-commerce sites to find out what people want

o Talk to small store owners

o Read consumer publications, trade journals, the newspaper and even watch a little bit of television to keep on top of current trends.

Product ideas also come from everyday life--find a need and fill it or build a better mousetrap. Children, animals and nature provide inspiration as well. Jot ideas in your notebook or computer whenever you get an insight. Compile a list of possible items and compare it to what you might enjoy producing. Then ask yourself if the craft item is practical, decorative and unique, can be priced right (for profit), has a personal touch, is of excellent quality and offers exceptional value.

You might also want to check out the competition in any category you select. How can you put a spin on your product to make it distinct and stand out from the others? If you're a crafter, you're highly creative, so use your creativity to produce something special. Without plunging into it full on, see if you can make a few samples and get some feedback from friends or store owners or from people at craft shows.

Capitalizing on an idea might take some trial and error at first - but once you gain experience, you will probably be able to figure out what people are going to buy at craft shows after you have been to a number of them. Each market has its likes and dislikes and their price point for certain items.

Taking the time to find out what is going to sell is always a good idea. Major corporations spend millions every year on market research so when they launch a product it doesn't flop. You don't want to end up spending your hard-earned money on a craft that isn't going to work, so make sure you do a little groundwork ahead of time to avoid any unpleasant new craft 'launches'.