I am so excited to be participating in the Quilters’ Blog Hop Party and give-away. This is a chance for you to visit and discover quilting blogs from around the world. Who knows how many new friends you will make or new ideas that you will find that will inspire you.
So let me start of by welcoming you to Robin Quilts, etc. This is a place where I share what is going on in my quilting world, quilting ideas, free tutorials, information about many of my patterns with just a dash of personal thrown in. My patterns are available over on my website Robin Quilts, etc. I try to post on a regular basis, although sometimes I do better than other times (right now I’m on a roll 
So let’s get started on that give-away. To enter all you have to do is leave a comment telling me at least one sewing/quilting tip that you use on a regular basis. It could be something like oiling your machine every time you change the bobbin, or using a fabric scrap as a leader/ender as you sew on and off a seam, or how about using a wooden skewer as a stiletto. Who knows maybe I’ll collect the ideas and use them in a future blog post.
So what do I have for my give-away you ask? How about some items to make a “Easy Peasy Grommet Bag”? You will get the pattern, your choice of black, bronze or campaign grommets (enough to make the bag), fusible fleece and interfacing for the inside of the bag. And I might just throw in a little bonus of my choosing.
I’m pretty good at stuffing things in an envelope so I’m happy to open this give-away internationally. So please leave a comment and I will pick a winner next Thursday, March 14, 2013, I’d love to have you join in.
Here’s the link to Quilters’ Blog Hope Party. http://quiltinggallery.com/quilters-fun/quilters-blog-hop-party/ See you there.
Enjoy,
Posts
I had a great teacher tell me the many great uses for blue painter's tape. Oh, that was YOU!
ReplyDeleteI've always admired bags with the big grommets, but have never worked up the courage to try one! Maybe I'll win, so I can give it a go!
ReplyDeleteThe tip I use the most is to cut your thread on an angle...it makes threading the needle easier.
Ohh - love the Grommet Bag! Two tips - measure, cut, iron, square up. It really does save time in the end. And when you start making mistakes, take a break. This tip works for me in most things, not just sewing.
ReplyDeleteI'm relatively new to quilting, but have learnt to just take my time! I'm an instant gratification kind of girl, so this is a good tip for me! I'm taking part in the Blog hop too, so feel free to pop over!
ReplyDeleteA great teacher once told me to use a small dab of glycerin on my hands when maching quilting! Thanks Robin....love your blog...
ReplyDeleteI clean the bobbin area of my machine after every third bobbin. I fill three bobbins and when that last one runs out, I clean out the bobbin area.
ReplyDeleteI use labeled pins to mark rows.
ReplyDeleteYour bags look fab! I always wind extra bobbins before quilting :)
ReplyDeleteI clean the lint out of my machine every time I put it away, no matter how short a time I have been sewing.
ReplyDeleteI also buy good quality needles in packs of 100 which takes the price per needle right down and encourages me to change my needle often.
I just learnt a new tip that I'll definitely use, to stitch at the opening of a cushion or bag lining towards the edge, on both ends, so it will fold right are your seam allowance when you need to stitch it close again. Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteI fill about 8 or 10 bobbins at a time with a neutral color thread for piecing. I also clean all the lint out of my machine after winding the bobbins. Then I'm ready to sew for a while without stopping to fill bobbins.
ReplyDeleteI like to cut and make a sample block before cutting and chain piecing a whole top. Sometimes things don't work like you think they will!
ReplyDeleteCheck your 1/4 inch seam allowance often to ensure accuracy - consistency is so important! Thanks for the great giveaway chance!
ReplyDeleteI've learned the hard way to brush out my machine with each bobbin change and to oil the bobbin area regularly. Thanks for a great giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this as I was just looking at a bag with grommets the other day and thought that I wasn't brave enough to try LOL
ReplyDeletesorry... hit enter too fast lol... my tip is to steam many intersecting seams... it really makes a difference in helping them to lie flat
DeleteThanks for the great giveaway, I have added you as a new follower (or was I an old follower I cant remember) Hum something I can share to help. I like chain piecing. I like to sew fast. Cutting strait lines are a must so cutting is well my favorite thing to do. Oh and make many quilt. And never fear trying something new.
ReplyDeleteRichard and Tanya Quilts
Don't rush...enjoy the journey and always always press your seams! :)
ReplyDeleteThat's a perfect giveaway, I love your Grommet Bags.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance!
Be very methodical when pressing seams, so that they are allpressed the same way
ReplyDeleteMy best tip is to iron as you go - makes things more professional looking.
ReplyDeletebandkgram (at) hotmail (dot) ca
Chain piecing is magic. Thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteLove to use leaders and enders. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteI love chain piecing.....thanks for this chance.
ReplyDeleteI wind three bobbins at once so that there'll be less interuptions while I'm sewing. And I dust out the bobbin casing each time I replace an empty spool. Thanks sew much for this chance to win. :-D
ReplyDeleteback2loghome (at) yahoo (dot) com
Square up your blocks as you go. It helps to get seams to match up. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteI also do what Pat S. does, make sure I have plenty of bobbins wound. Make sure you sew a scant 1/4" seam.
ReplyDeleteAlways have a leader/ender project by your machine. It is amazing how fast another quilt will get done. Thanks for the chance to win. And yes, Wine is an absolute necessity.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to make one of your grommet bags! Most of the tips I use have already been mentioned. I love leaders and enders, and I chain piece whenever I can. And of course always to press...not iron. I have to admit I still have trouble with that one sometimes. Thanks for the giveaway! :0)
ReplyDeletemeasure twice cut once!! I can't say how many times I have almost cut with the ruler held wrong, or some other error.
ReplyDeleteI always clean my machine after every quilt, especially the bobbin area
ReplyDeleteKeep a pincushion next to the sewing machine at all times so you dont have ro get up and go hunting for it!
ReplyDeleteI love to hand quilt! My teacher always said you can never use too many pins. Thanks for the chance to win. My second love is making bags....a woman can never have too many pairs of shoes or too many BAGS! :)
ReplyDeleteMy tips is measure twice before cutting :D
ReplyDeletePre wash your fabrics too :D
I love this blog-hop - I am so happy to have 'hopped' over here!! My tip would be to store the bobbin with the thread so you know it is its match. I use both polyester thread and cotton thread so I like to keep the white cotton thread with the white cotton bobbin and teh same with the ployester - makes life easier if you keep them together when you put them away so you don;t sew with a combination.
ReplyDeleteMy tip is you don't need a huge block of time to quilt. You can quilt just 10 minutes a day, I set aside certain projects just for this. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI have a lanyard with my little scissors on the end which I wear round my neck so I am not forever loosing my scissors. x
ReplyDeleteThe one thing I always do before starting anything, although not sure it's really a tip, but it ensures I don't have to stop in the middle of what I was working on for something else. I always clear the area to the right of my sewing machine and place any of the supplies I need to use for the project I'm working on. I also like to have full bobbins so any which might be low I refill before starting. I just hate stopping in the middle of to wind bobbins.
ReplyDeleteAnother tip, or something I always have next to my machine is my tweezers with a bend near the top. They are so great for many things, but the one thing they work wonderfully for is to grab the thread when threading the needle to pull it through and also to grab the bobbin thread after my machine cuts that as it is a bit hard to get my hand underneath that area to grab it with my fingers. Also, my lint roller is always nearby to run that over my projects to pick up any loose threads as it's much easier to use the roller than to pick each one off individually.
I LOVE LOVE LOVE getting your daily updates! Don't know how you do it so quickly. When making a cell phone pocket, etc, then turn it right side out, I have always used a knitting needle to gently pull out my corners.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Sheila
Mearsure twice and cut one time is my favorite tip. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteChange your machine needle often! I now some people say to change it after every project but I usually have several things on the go at once so I change mine once a month!
ReplyDeleteKeep your fabric stash organized! It makes it so much easier to pull fabric for a multi-fabric project.
ReplyDeleteI use a sewing gauge often. It is a little metal ruler with a sliding pointer. I use it to check my seam width, and to measure where to turn the binding on a corner,and lots of other little places too. Thanks for the give away!
ReplyDeleteseam ripper makes thing look good
ReplyDeleteI tape 2 pencils together to make a seam allowance when there isn't one!
ReplyDeleteSeam rippers get dull, replace when needed. Thanks for the chance at your giveaway.
ReplyDeleteHold a swatch of white behind the needle when having trouble seeing the eye. Ive done this more and more the last few years:-) Love the Bags!
ReplyDeleteNice pattern. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteI use leaders and enders, it takes a bit of planning and a bit more time, but they pile up fast and really save on clipping threads. Thanks for sharing and for the opportunity on your draw.
ReplyDeletebonnielarson58@gmail.com
wow how many tips you received, mine is always read carefully, measure twice, take a deep breath relax and cut
ReplyDeleteand if you make mistakes, get up and stop for a while then come back after your mind cooled ;)
Have fun! Sewing is fun , when you're stressed it shows. Thanks
ReplyDeleteMeasure & remeasure...more than twice if you are unsure (ask me how I learned THIS one??? arrrrgh!!) Love you blog!!! Am signin' up to follow!! :)
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful. Thanks for a chance to win. I have wanted to make my own bag for a while.
ReplyDeleteOpps this one is part of # 53
ReplyDeleteMy tip is to clean my sewing maching after every project as well as the needle
I use "Starters and Stoppers" all the time (the little pieces of fabric at the beginning and ending of a string of piecing on my machine). In fact, I've made seven quilts from 4 and 16 patch blocks made with SS's. Yup. Any scraps I have, I cut into 2 1/2" squares and stack them, every other one, with a white or cream square and away we go! You can see one of the quilts on my site (Carson's Quilt). Come over and chat for a while at Prairie Cottage Corner. We can have a cup of something and a cookie and solve the world's quilting problems!
ReplyDeleteNow that looks like bag that can hold lots. When sewing my rows together I like to use my flat head pins with numbers written on them. This helps me to keep track of the rows as they are lifted from the floor to the machine.
ReplyDeleteI always chain piece whenever I can and keep my snips next to my machine so they are ready to use. Thank you for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI love to use blue painters tape for inserting zippers..and of course my handy dandy lint roller for cleaning up the cutting table and myself and for helping to pull out thread tid bit when I have to rip something out.
ReplyDeleteII like to change my needle at the beginning of each project. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteFun giveaway!! I love my leather thimble.
ReplyDeleteI have always wanted to make that bag but finding the grommets was a problem. Wow! I want to win this!
ReplyDeleteWow! Thanks for the very generous giveaway! The tip I use most is, 'measure twice, cut once." Only, I tend to measure like a dozen time first!
ReplyDeleteI keep a small sponge on a soap dish in my sewing area to collect all the stray threads. It works like a kind of lint brush.
ReplyDeleteDo not keep any magnets close to your sewing machine, if it is computerized! Never cut fabric while talking with someone!
ReplyDeleteI have wanted to try a purse/tote with those pretty grommets, so thanks for the chance to win your giveaway. My tip is to use leaders and enders to keep your thread from pulling down into the bobbin area on start up. I also use the Bonnie Hunter method of marking my 1/4 inch sewing line with a strip of credit card attached to the bed of my machine. Works so well to maintain precise seam allowances and make my blocks go together more accurately.
ReplyDeleteI use a baby bottle cleaner to get the lint out of my machine.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the chance to win this lovely prize and taking part in the hop.
I use a tooth pick with a little bit of glue stick to tuck under my v's when appliquing. This keeps the V pointed while not letting the material fray. And it washes away afterwards. Thanks for the Giveaway!
ReplyDeleteAdvice I need to take myself - don't sew with distractions - A child running around is sure to make me forget what I am doing and then out comes the seam ripper.
ReplyDeleteI always keep angled tweezers at my sewing machine!
ReplyDeleteWhen sewing a block together I always put the pieces on a board to carry to the machine so I do not get them mixed up when assembling.
ReplyDeleteI pay the shoemaker to sew on my leather handles when I make handbags. My machines cannot do the same job.
ReplyDeleteI try to remember the leaders and enders, cause it´s an easy way to get my scraps sewn together.
ReplyDeleteGun,Sweden
gun@lapp.se
Oh gosh, I love other peoples tips, I guess what I do on a constant base is I stitch rather slow so I can keep my 1/4 seam allowance.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being part of the fun blog hop. Lovely giveaway. Thanks for the chance to win.
For binding a quilt, I had bought some special binding clips. Then I discovered that the hair clips my kids used when they were little were the same type and they are pretty so I got to use them and they are so helpful with the binding and also bring back some fun memories.
ReplyDeleteDo I have any good tips? I think my best advice would be for your back/neck. Make sure the hight of your table/chair is comfortable and remember to stretch! Thanks for the give away
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway! I don't have any huge mega tips, but when I was taking classes after getting my sewing machine, my teacher suggested putting in a new needle and blow cleaning out the machine after every project/quilt. This way, when you sit down with something new, it's all ready to go!
ReplyDeleteI'm new at sewing so I don't have any good tips yet, but I've got a now from all the comments here. thanks!
ReplyDeleteMy tip is use painter tape or masking tape to quickly remove the paper from paper piecing projects. Work great & saves LOTS of time!
ReplyDeleteI'd LOVE to make this bag!
ReplyDeleteMy best tip is to 'clean as you go' - put away your tools, sweep up the scraps, clear off your table. A tidy sewing area will give your creativity permission to fly!
What a great pattern - I can always use a new bag and I haven't tried grommets yet. I try to remember to always use a new needle. Depending on how often I'm able to sew I try to change my needle every Sunday.
ReplyDeleteSusan in PA
susie.galasso@gmail.com
This is a super cute bag. I use a lot of the tips people have already mentioned, my newest one is using starch before I cut my fabric to give it a little more body, I think it really helps with precision.
ReplyDeleteI love that pattern! Hmmm....tip??? I use a mini photoalbum that fits into my purse as a swatch book. I slip swatches for a project into one of the photo sleeves-then they are with me whenever I am out.
ReplyDeleteGreat pattern! Thanks for sharing. Tip of the day : keep scissors at various places in your room so you don't have to be searching for them when needed.
ReplyDeleteThat bag pattern looks awesome! :) I always double check my measurements before I cut - I don't know how many times I've cut & then come to find out I cut it an inch to small... Thanks for a chance to win! :)
ReplyDeleteLove you bags. I use painters tape to make my cutting line on ruler when making many cuts the same
ReplyDeleteEine schöne Verlosung und die schwarzen Taschen gefallen mir besonders gut
ReplyDeleteGrüße aus Deutschland
Marion
I used safety pin and do big running stitch along the four side of a quilt in process of basting a quilt...
ReplyDeleteThere was a tutorial on oiling your sewing machine by Quiltmaker's Blog. It was very informative as well as educational. Your giveaway for making an Easy Peasey Bag is a darn good one. What a very thoughtful idea and one that would be put to good use. Thank you for the chance to win and for being a part of this Blog Hop.
ReplyDeleteSandi Timmons
sandit1@sbcglbal.net
Sonora, CA
Great pattern! That would work really well for a beach bag. Check out my blog hop giveaway too! www.brandylynndesigns.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteEmail: info@explorefibre.com
iron your blocks well and use starch :)
ReplyDeleteI love making bags. Can't wait to win and make yours! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI'd love to win this prize, planning my bag already! My students favorite tip from me is to use a piece of moleskin to mark the 1/4 in on the sewing machine. It gives a nice little edge to guide fabric along. Make the 1/4 inch scant and your block will always measure up.
ReplyDeleteI use an empty tissue box at my cutting table to collect all the itty bitty strings and bits that are too small to save for scraps. The plastic slit at the top keeps everything from being tipped over and out (my old method was a bucket that I tipped over with my big ruler more than once! Thanks for the chance to win!
ReplyDeleteTip. Use leftover fabric to make a hanging sleeve on the back. That way if you ever need a patch on the front you will have the right fabric( washed and faded to match). Thank you for offering such a generous prize Coullmills@gmail
ReplyDeleteI guess my best tip would be to always iron your seams....
ReplyDeleteI have never installed grommets so this would be a great way to try the technique
Wonderful tips, I like to starch when I press my appliqué.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the lovely grommet bag, I enjoy making bags as they are quick and you can show off gorgeous fabric.
I love the draw the line method for making half square triangles. It saves you sew much time!
ReplyDeleteI always hand turn the wheel so the needle is all the way up so when I begin to sew my thread doesn't come out of the needle.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win your pattern.
I use painters tape on my machine bed as a guide when making snow ball or flying geese blocks!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the chance to win this beautiful pattern!!
I love this bag. I'm pretty meticulous about my cutting, piecing and pressing. I like my backs to be very neat, even though you won't see them. Thanks for participating in the Quilter's Blog Hop.
ReplyDeleteI broke my 1/4 foot so as a temp fix till I could get another foot, I taped a index card on my machine's bed at the 1/4 mark... worked like a charm.. the card guided the fabric perfectly
ReplyDeleteI use grey thread for all my piecing, it blends nicely with all colors. Thanks so much for the opportunity to win this great bag pattern!
ReplyDeleteLooks like fun, perfect for my knitting projects :)
ReplyDeleteI use a "hemostat" for turning things right side out - it is long and strong. I found mine on Amazon!
ReplyDeleteGreat pattern. The latest tip I learned was to sew a backing to your label (right side together). Trim the corners, make a slit in the back and turn it. Now press it and sew on as you desire. No need to try to turn under edges. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite quilting projects are bags (always looking for new (for me) design. Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteehodasz at yahoo dot com
I just read a hint that I think I will try using. When leaving an opening to turn, instead of starting and stopping on the fabric, start on the edge, sew to your seam line and then pivot and turn to finish sewing around. When you reach the turning point, pivot and sew to the edge. That way when you go to close the bottom, you will have a perfect seam to sew. Hope this was clear!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win! I'm not sure I have any useful tips for anyone, but I sure have gained a few by reading the comments! Thank you! :D
ReplyDeleteI haven't tried a grommet bag yet. I know someone who has one and she loves it.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the chance to win.
ktreve (at) hotmail (dot) com
I am a new follower. My tip is always buying a good quality thread. It does make a difference. Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteMy hint is to always pre-wash your fabric!
ReplyDeletenicolesender(at)yahoo(dot)com
I don't know if I have a great tip - I'm just a beginner. I'm going to bookmark this page and read all the great comments later!
ReplyDeletewhen paper piecing fist put two sections together with a large basting stitch if it is in the right alignment then stitch again over those stitches with a smaller stitch. If it not aligned properly it will be much easier to rip out the basting stitch and try again.
ReplyDeleteEnter me in this contest!! I need to make a new bag!! My tip would be: One can never have enough xxxL and XL zip lock baggies on hand to store everything from leader and enders, quilt tops, strips of fabrics and special fabric collections. The store nicely and are see through. Hope I win!!
ReplyDeleteGreat giveaway! I always measure CAREFULLY, and
ReplyDeletekeep extra bobins threaded! Thanks for the chance to win!
wigglypup2(at)yahoo(dot)com
I feel that you should always be careful to cut accurately. This is so important.
ReplyDeleteHi, Thanks for a great giveaway and any color would be fine. The clips they sell for quilters and sewers are a little high so what I did was go to the hardware store and get small clips for a lot less and they work just as well.
ReplyDeleteI hand piece and hand quilt so i load several needles at one time so i dont have to take the time to reload while i am sewing. babscorbitt@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI like to use the spray starch Perfect Press on any block with bias and when I complete each block. It makes my blocks stay nice and square. Nice pattern
ReplyDeletegreat chance to win. thank you. hugs Alessandra
ReplyDeleteI try to keep my projects a organized as possible. I straighten up when I'm done for the moment and try to keep the piles labeled so I don't join the wrong things. I hate ripping out.
ReplyDeleteEyebrow razors are great for ripping out! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
ReplyDelete