By Penny Halgren
Quilts and quilt designs are created when the quilt maker combines blocks.
A block is the basic unit of a quilt top. Typically blocks are square. They can be made any size, and frequently a quilt is made using many blocks with the same design. They can be pieced together from smaller pieces (called patches) or could be appliqué. It is also possible that a block could be a solid piece of fabric.
The smaller components of a block are called patches. They can be many different shapes - triangles, rectangles, squares, diamonds, or curves - but the idea is to sew patches together so you end up with a square.
By changing the shapes of the patches within a block (i.e., substituting triangles for squares) and/or changing the placement of the colors of the pieces (i.e., you can create a new design for your quilt, yet the sewing won't change.
Simple is the name of the game for many quilters. Using one or two shapes for all of the pieces in your quilt makes it easy to sew; and easy-to-sew squares and triangles offer many advantages in terms of simplicity. As a beginner quilter, making the sewing simple gives you the opportunity to focus on learning and practicing basic quilt making techniques that you will use as you develop your craft.
Interesting variations in quilt blocks can be achieved through placement of the fabrics in addition to how each patch is divided.
A simple nine patch quilt block can be used as an example of how different a block can look just by changing the placement of colors within the nine patches of one block.
Using only two colors of fabric in alternating squares creates a design like a checkerboard. With the same nine patch of two colors of fabric, using only square patches in each block, you can create a pattern that looks like a big X in your quilt simply by placing the colors in a particular position in each block. Thus, the Irish Chain, and variations of it.
Getting a little more complex, you can take some of the square patches in the blocks and divide them in half from corner to corner (commonly called half-square triangles in the quilting world), and create a star design.
Using only half-square triangles and square patches, by simply re-arranging the fabrics, your checkerboard or square turns into a basket, or leaf shape, a bow tie shape, or even a series of diamonds.
Another type of triangle that is easy to make is a quarter-square triangle. That triangle is made by cutting a square patch into half-square triangles, and then cutting the half-square triangles in half once more, thus creating four small isosceles triangles.
You can add complexity to your design by increasing the number of colors in your quilt, and your design changes once again. What once was a black and white checkerboard can transform into a block that looks like the letter H.
Your block can look like it is 3-dimensional by using specific colors in designated places.
And all of those design changes can be created by using only three basic shapes - squares, half-square triangles and quarter-square triangles - plus a little imagination in the placement of your colors.
As you sew your blocks together, they can look completely different. For example, you could take blocks of two simple half-square triangles, place them in columns, alternate the direction of the cut of the triangle, and create a quilt that looks like columns of zigzags. Using the same blocks, placing them so all of the diagonals are facing the same direction, your quilt could look like an old-fashioned scrap quilt.
Penny Halgren http://www.How-to-Quilt.com Penny is a quilter of more than 26 years who seeks to interest new quilters and provide them with the resources necessary to create beautiful family heirloom quilts.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Penny_Halgren
Playing Cards - King Of Games
By Mike Joe
Playing cards probably, is the best way to while out time. No one can argue that one of the worst feelings in the world is to get stuck in a position when one does not know what to do. A position where in one has time but nothing constructive to do to while that time out. This is the time everyone dares as it is toughest to see it off. And the worst part is that it takes an eternity to get finished. Still people have come up with different ideas to make good such a period. Some of the popular means of whiling out such torturous phase is by listening to music, or reading novels or books, watching favourite, recorded programmes etc. None, of these options, however, are interesting enough. Rather than warding of boredom they actually would further complicate the issue.
All these options are such that they would have been repeated so many times that there wouldn't be any excitement or thrill left in them. The best way to while out time, therefore, is by playing games, especially, indoor games. These can be enjoyed by young and old alike and can be played anywhere. Some such games are chess, Chinese checker, ludo, carom etc. However, all these pale into insignificance when pitted against cards. A game which can justifiably termed as a game for kings and king of games. Indeed, playing cards is the best way of warding of boredom and making good use of time. No wonder it enjoys such a great acceptance across the world.
For a man who is watching people playing cards it might appear to be boring but ask this to people who are playing cards and they would tell you that there is nothing more exciting than playing cards. It is also very taxing for it requires a sound mind to understand the situation and plan in a way that victory does not remain elusive. It requires calculation of highest order without which one simply cannot think of winning a game of cards.
And one who becomes a master of playing cards it can very easily be said that he has a very sound, analytical and razor sharp brain. Without which any card player would be lost. This is perhaps the reason that a game which probably started as a means to while out time has today reached a position where it has become a craze and envy of all games.
Author: Mike Joe is a connoisseur of traveling and entertainment. He loves journeying far and wide in the quest of experiencing different lifestyles and gathering information about the best places to eat, drink and stay in different countries and lands. Over here, Mike talks about playing cards.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Joe
Playing cards probably, is the best way to while out time. No one can argue that one of the worst feelings in the world is to get stuck in a position when one does not know what to do. A position where in one has time but nothing constructive to do to while that time out. This is the time everyone dares as it is toughest to see it off. And the worst part is that it takes an eternity to get finished. Still people have come up with different ideas to make good such a period. Some of the popular means of whiling out such torturous phase is by listening to music, or reading novels or books, watching favourite, recorded programmes etc. None, of these options, however, are interesting enough. Rather than warding of boredom they actually would further complicate the issue.
All these options are such that they would have been repeated so many times that there wouldn't be any excitement or thrill left in them. The best way to while out time, therefore, is by playing games, especially, indoor games. These can be enjoyed by young and old alike and can be played anywhere. Some such games are chess, Chinese checker, ludo, carom etc. However, all these pale into insignificance when pitted against cards. A game which can justifiably termed as a game for kings and king of games. Indeed, playing cards is the best way of warding of boredom and making good use of time. No wonder it enjoys such a great acceptance across the world.
For a man who is watching people playing cards it might appear to be boring but ask this to people who are playing cards and they would tell you that there is nothing more exciting than playing cards. It is also very taxing for it requires a sound mind to understand the situation and plan in a way that victory does not remain elusive. It requires calculation of highest order without which one simply cannot think of winning a game of cards.
And one who becomes a master of playing cards it can very easily be said that he has a very sound, analytical and razor sharp brain. Without which any card player would be lost. This is perhaps the reason that a game which probably started as a means to while out time has today reached a position where it has become a craze and envy of all games.
Author: Mike Joe is a connoisseur of traveling and entertainment. He loves journeying far and wide in the quest of experiencing different lifestyles and gathering information about the best places to eat, drink and stay in different countries and lands. Over here, Mike talks about playing cards.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mike_Joe
Christmas - Decorate Your House And Rooms - Ideas And Tips
By Francisco Monaco
Do you want a beautiful decoration this Christmas? Well, I'll show you how. A very common mistake I see in most of the houses I have visited on Christmas, is that only the "important" parts of the house, such as the living room or the dining room are decorated. The most important parts, or at least those where the people spend more time, such as the bathrooms and kitchen, are not. So, here are some tips.
There's nothing better than having full-of-Christmas rooms, especially for your kids, and there are many things you can do, such as putting a small Christmas tree in one of the corners, and those classical lights in the window. Another very fun thing to do is pouring fake snow all over the furniture and other objects in the room, it gives a beautiful Christmas sensation, plus, as I said before, is a VERY fun thing to do. You can also decorate your home rooms with posters, which are easy to get and place.
What about bathrooms? You can always place those classical Christmas covers for your toilet, and all that similar stuff like the bathtub curtains, and the carpet. Also, you always have the alternative of the fake snow, and in the bathroom, looks just as fine as in the rooms. And you can put a Christmas door wreath, it always looks fine.
And finally, the kitchen. For me, the kitchen is a very important part of the house, and your hardly ever find a decorated one. So, leave that behind and change it. You definitively have to get some Christmas flowers, at least one, and put it in a corner. You also should place wreaths on the doors, they give a very cozy and elegant look. You can always get posters. Imagine your kitchen with a beautiful cook-Santa framed poster, or a funny snow man made of cream and fruits - they look terrific, here you can look for some samples.
The most important thing about decorating your house on Christmas is to share it with the people you care for. So remember, keep it simple, keep it fun.
Watch beautiful poster samples in www.mychristmasposters.com.
http://www.mychristmasposters.com/posters.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Francisco_Monaco
Do you want a beautiful decoration this Christmas? Well, I'll show you how. A very common mistake I see in most of the houses I have visited on Christmas, is that only the "important" parts of the house, such as the living room or the dining room are decorated. The most important parts, or at least those where the people spend more time, such as the bathrooms and kitchen, are not. So, here are some tips.
There's nothing better than having full-of-Christmas rooms, especially for your kids, and there are many things you can do, such as putting a small Christmas tree in one of the corners, and those classical lights in the window. Another very fun thing to do is pouring fake snow all over the furniture and other objects in the room, it gives a beautiful Christmas sensation, plus, as I said before, is a VERY fun thing to do. You can also decorate your home rooms with posters, which are easy to get and place.
What about bathrooms? You can always place those classical Christmas covers for your toilet, and all that similar stuff like the bathtub curtains, and the carpet. Also, you always have the alternative of the fake snow, and in the bathroom, looks just as fine as in the rooms. And you can put a Christmas door wreath, it always looks fine.
And finally, the kitchen. For me, the kitchen is a very important part of the house, and your hardly ever find a decorated one. So, leave that behind and change it. You definitively have to get some Christmas flowers, at least one, and put it in a corner. You also should place wreaths on the doors, they give a very cozy and elegant look. You can always get posters. Imagine your kitchen with a beautiful cook-Santa framed poster, or a funny snow man made of cream and fruits - they look terrific, here you can look for some samples.
The most important thing about decorating your house on Christmas is to share it with the people you care for. So remember, keep it simple, keep it fun.
Watch beautiful poster samples in www.mychristmasposters.com.
http://www.mychristmasposters.com/posters.html
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Francisco_Monaco
Fabric Paint A Baby Shirt
By Benetta Strydom
I was recently invited to a stork party and wanted to take a special gift for the soon-to-be-born baby boy, without breaking the bank in the process. I came across a lovely white tee shirt, and a brown pair of shorts. I decided to do some fabric painting to turn the tee shirt into something special. I chose an African design, but any other design will work just as well.
Materials:One white tee shirt for a baby ~ I bought one for a baby of 3-6 months.A light blue water erasable pen to draw the design on the tee shirt.Fabric paint in two colors: Brown and Orange. One fine paintbrush.A few sheets of white paper.Iron and ironing board.
Instructions for making the project:
1. Before starting with the paint project, rinse the tee shirt in cold water to remove any sizing in the material. Do not add fabric softener.
2. Allow the tee shirt to dry properly and iron it lightly to remove any wrinkles from the material.
3. Draw a design onto the front of the tee shirt, using the light blue water erasable pen. I chose the footprint of a lion ~ but any other design may be used.
4. Add a few clean sheets of white paper between the front and back parts of the tee shirt, so that the paint won't smudge the back of the tee shirt.
5. Paint the lion's footprint with the Brown fabric paint. Use the paint in undiluted form.
6. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly before continuing with the next step of the project.
7. Make a watery mix of the Brown and Orange fabric paint, and use this to color the background.
8. Again, allow the paint to dry thoroughly before continuing with the next step of the project.
9. Add a caption phrase that will fit in with the design. In this case, I added the words "Born 2 B Wild." Finish it off by adding a decorative border around the design.
10. Allow the paint to dry again.11. Set iron on tee shirt's recommended maximum heat and iron the tee shirt on the reverse side.
This article was written by Benetta Strydom, site owner of Crafter's World Online. Visit her site at http://craftersworldonline.com/ This article may be freely reprinted, as long as the reference to "Crafter's World Online," including the URL to the site, is included.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Benetta_Strydom
I was recently invited to a stork party and wanted to take a special gift for the soon-to-be-born baby boy, without breaking the bank in the process. I came across a lovely white tee shirt, and a brown pair of shorts. I decided to do some fabric painting to turn the tee shirt into something special. I chose an African design, but any other design will work just as well.
Materials:One white tee shirt for a baby ~ I bought one for a baby of 3-6 months.A light blue water erasable pen to draw the design on the tee shirt.Fabric paint in two colors: Brown and Orange. One fine paintbrush.A few sheets of white paper.Iron and ironing board.
Instructions for making the project:
1. Before starting with the paint project, rinse the tee shirt in cold water to remove any sizing in the material. Do not add fabric softener.
2. Allow the tee shirt to dry properly and iron it lightly to remove any wrinkles from the material.
3. Draw a design onto the front of the tee shirt, using the light blue water erasable pen. I chose the footprint of a lion ~ but any other design may be used.
4. Add a few clean sheets of white paper between the front and back parts of the tee shirt, so that the paint won't smudge the back of the tee shirt.
5. Paint the lion's footprint with the Brown fabric paint. Use the paint in undiluted form.
6. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly before continuing with the next step of the project.
7. Make a watery mix of the Brown and Orange fabric paint, and use this to color the background.
8. Again, allow the paint to dry thoroughly before continuing with the next step of the project.
9. Add a caption phrase that will fit in with the design. In this case, I added the words "Born 2 B Wild." Finish it off by adding a decorative border around the design.
10. Allow the paint to dry again.11. Set iron on tee shirt's recommended maximum heat and iron the tee shirt on the reverse side.
This article was written by Benetta Strydom, site owner of Crafter's World Online. Visit her site at http://craftersworldonline.com/ This article may be freely reprinted, as long as the reference to "Crafter's World Online," including the URL to the site, is included.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Benetta_Strydom
Professional Craft Ideas For Christmas Season
By Joann Grant
Any Christmas Craft idea must have the festival spirit behind it. Your tender and warm feelings associated with the holy festival must reflect in it. Your craft idea needs to stand out from the hoard of new gifting ideas that sprout during the season. So that your craft ideas get the maximum display and appreciation in festive season, as a number of your friends and relatives visit you during this period.
While selecting any Christmas craft idea, your main concern is how it could be different from the last year's celebration. It is the same old Christmas Tree, the same old wreath, the same old custom of exchanging gifts! You are determined to make this Christmas, the most special and therefore you are in vigorous search of new ideas!
Here are some top ideas for professionals.
To some, traditions count a lot! To some, a particular color is the family tradition. They must have everything in white! The lampshade, the trimmings, the new sofa covers, the new TV Cover-- your Christmas craft and gift ideas, should match with their taste. Your concern for their interest will surprise and fascinate them greatly.
Another Christmas Craft idea is making the Christmas Calender. It is impossible to list out this and this craft is suitable for Christmas. You need to have a cursory glance at the shops at the local shopping center, as to what are the trends for the current Christmas. Some of the ever green items that are always in market but with changed designs and colors are: the childhood fun inside quilts, remote controlled planes, fancy musical instruments and much more. All in all the craft idea should be such that it makes your Christmas enjoyable and unique.
One more aspect of Christmas craft ideas can not be ignored. Such craft ideas generally forecast an year in advance. Numerous designs created by the design forecasters and the manufacturers commences generally 10 months before the Christmas season. The wholesalers begin the dispatch of the items to their retailers at least two months before the actual Christmas day.
So, during the first week of October every year you find each and every retail outlet, flooded with new items. It is possible for you to create parallel items, not exactly duplicate them to make your Christmas more attractive and novel.
To get more information on craft work, craft works and craft business visit http://www.thecraftwork.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joann_Grant
Any Christmas Craft idea must have the festival spirit behind it. Your tender and warm feelings associated with the holy festival must reflect in it. Your craft idea needs to stand out from the hoard of new gifting ideas that sprout during the season. So that your craft ideas get the maximum display and appreciation in festive season, as a number of your friends and relatives visit you during this period.
While selecting any Christmas craft idea, your main concern is how it could be different from the last year's celebration. It is the same old Christmas Tree, the same old wreath, the same old custom of exchanging gifts! You are determined to make this Christmas, the most special and therefore you are in vigorous search of new ideas!
Here are some top ideas for professionals.
To some, traditions count a lot! To some, a particular color is the family tradition. They must have everything in white! The lampshade, the trimmings, the new sofa covers, the new TV Cover-- your Christmas craft and gift ideas, should match with their taste. Your concern for their interest will surprise and fascinate them greatly.
Another Christmas Craft idea is making the Christmas Calender. It is impossible to list out this and this craft is suitable for Christmas. You need to have a cursory glance at the shops at the local shopping center, as to what are the trends for the current Christmas. Some of the ever green items that are always in market but with changed designs and colors are: the childhood fun inside quilts, remote controlled planes, fancy musical instruments and much more. All in all the craft idea should be such that it makes your Christmas enjoyable and unique.
One more aspect of Christmas craft ideas can not be ignored. Such craft ideas generally forecast an year in advance. Numerous designs created by the design forecasters and the manufacturers commences generally 10 months before the Christmas season. The wholesalers begin the dispatch of the items to their retailers at least two months before the actual Christmas day.
So, during the first week of October every year you find each and every retail outlet, flooded with new items. It is possible for you to create parallel items, not exactly duplicate them to make your Christmas more attractive and novel.
To get more information on craft work, craft works and craft business visit http://www.thecraftwork.com/
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joann_Grant
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