NATIONAL QUILTING ASSOCIATION CERTIFIED TEACHER

I was notified last month that I have been certified by the National Quilting Association as a Certified Teacher. 

The certification process through the NQA is a 3-step process in which an applicant must not only demonstrate all of the basic skills but also have prepared classes, lesson plans, handouts and samples.  The final step was a Panel Review at the NQA Show in Columbus, OH, in June, at which time I had to show all of my paperwork and samples and also do a 20-minute teaching demonstration on a topic that I was assigned.

This process took me out of my comfort zone as I had to demonstrate my skills in hand piecing, hand applique and hand quilting - when I am primarily a machine person.  I was a bit intimidated at first, but I really enjoyed learning these hand skills; though I probably won't do much hand piecing or hand quilting. 

I am currently scheduling classes to teach in the Spring of 2009 and beyond.  You can check my website for a complete listing of classes that I teach.

ON TO BORDERS...........

If there is one thing that can affect the squareness of your quilt (other than accurate 1/4" seams, of course), it is the proper application of borders.  I can't tell you how often I get a quilt that measures differently on all four sides.  Think about it - you need for the sides of your quilt to be the same measurement; and you need for the top and bottom to be the same measurement.  If it is not, your quilt will not lay flat and your edges will be wavy or ruffly.  

If you are sending your quilt to a longarm quilter, making sure that your quilt is square is even more critical.  The quilt is mounted on rollers top and bottom which are parallel to each other.  If your quilt is not square, it will not be mounted properly and tucks are almost inevitable. 

TOP BORDER = BOTTOM BORDER    and      SIDE BORDER = SIDE BORDER

So, here is my advice for the proper application of borders.  These instructions pertain to a straight horizontal border, not a mitred border - I'll cover that another time. For a straight horizontal border, I prefer to apply the side borders first, and then the top and bottom borders.  For a quilt that is rectangular, or one that has a distinct top and bottom, this has the most pleasing appearance.

SIDE BORDERS FIRST: 

1. Before you cut your borders, first measure the LENGTH of your quilt top at three different places -- down the center and halfway between the center and each side. 
   • If your piecing was 100% accurate, these measurements will be the same. 
   • If they are not the same, but within 1/2 - 3/4 of an inch, take the average of these three measurements.  (More than 3/4" - take a look at your seam allowances and make some adjustments.)
2. Use this number to cut the length of both your side borders.
3. Divide each side border into 4 equal sections with pins - then do the same for the borders you just cut.
4. Match up the pins and the edges, easing in any fullness, and stitch. 
5. Press seam allowance toward border.

TOP AND BOTTOM BORDERS NEXT

1.  Once the side borders have been applied, measure the WIDTH of your quilt in the same way as you measured the length - across the center and halfway between the center and each edge.
   • Once again, if the measurements are the same, use that number.  If they are not, take the average and use this to cut your top and bottom borders.
2. Follow steps 2, 3 and 4 above for your top/bottom borders.

For multiple borders, follow this process with each border.

I strongly urge you not to simply sew a strip of fabric to the edge then whack it off.  If you are doing this, please try to break the habit.  The edges of your quilt are not stabilized and may have stretched out of shape because of an inaccurate seam allowances or bias edges.  If you simply stitch your border to these edges that measure differently, your borders will be different sizes and guess what - your quilt will not lie flat.  It may seem like a lot of trouble to go to, but once you get used to doing this, it really isn't a big deal.  And you will be much happier with the results.

 HAPPY FALL!

Well, summer has come to a close with Labor Day here and students returning to school.  The busiest time of the year is approaching with one holiday after another and soon we will usher in another new year.  Don't wait too long to start those Christmas projects.  Sign up for a class to learn a new technique.  Go on a quilt or sewing retreat for personal growth.  Travel to a local craft, sewing or quilt show for inspiration.

HAPPY QUILTING!

 PAM