Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Double Wedding Ring Quilt

Monday, June 2, 2008

How to Sew a Double Wedding Ring Quilt(Double Wedding Ring Quilt)

Double Wedding Ring Quilt

A double wedding ring quilt is challenging even for experienced quilters. When finished, this quilt appears to have two layers of interlocking wedding rings that intersect and overlap one another. The thing that makes this quilt so difficult is the arc shapes that you'll need for the rings. Luckily, there are plenty of tools to help you make perfectly geometrical arcs.

Address the Challenges Ahead of Time

Step1:

Make a perfect arc. This pattern requires several identical arcs. To accomplish this, it is recommended that novice quilters buy a premade acrylic pattern to ensure that each of the quilt blocks turns out identical.

Step2:

Sew on a curve. Sewing on a curve is considered one of the most difficult skills for a beginner to pick up. If you doubt your ability to sew on the curve, get fusible interfacing, and instead of quilting your arcs onto half melon shapes, you can just iron your arcs into place on a large piece of fabric.

Step3:

Solve the both of these problems by purchasing a preprinted fusible interfacing. "QuiltSmart" is one company that sells quilting patterns printed on fusible interfacing by the block. Just be aware that you'll need to buy several blocks to finish up your double wedding ring quilt (see Resources below).

Get Your Fabric Ready

Step1:

Make your own arc pattern using tissue paper. Cut a square that is 12 inches. Fold the paper into fourths so that you have a 6-inch square. Trim the outer edges so that you have a curved edge on a triangle. Trim the inner section so that when you open it up, you have a ring. Cut the ring into fourths by following the fold creases.

Step2:

Use the pattern to cut out eight arcs, four in each of two fabric colors.

Step3:

Cut out 4 squares of a different color. These squares should be a slightly wider than the width of your arcs.

Step4:

Take your background fabric, and cut one square that is a 12-inch square. Cut two rectangles that are 12-by-4 inches.

Put One Block Together

Step1:

Take two of the different colored arches and put them together so that they form an oval.

Step2:

Sew these arches, one at a time, to one of the background rectangles.

Step3:

Cover the meeting of the rings. Place a small square, wrong side up, over the spot where the rings meet. The square should be on its corner. Sew on a diagonal from the bottom corner to the top corner. Fold the fabric so the right side is showing and the flat edge of the triangle is facing the middle of the two arcs. Repeat this over the other side of the rings.

Step4:

Repeat Steps 1 through 3 once more. Then secure these pieces along neighboring sides of the 12-inch square. Make sure they are oriented so the same color arc is facing the middle of the square.

Finish the Double Wedding Ring Quilt

Step1:

Repeat the Steps in Sections 2 and 3 until you have enough pieces to make the size quilt you want.

Step2:

Arrange your quilt blocks so that each edge of your background squares have a piece of the double wedding ring pattern over them.

Step3:

Sew these pieces together in rows first so that you have a chain of rings.

Step4:

Put the neighboring columns together.

Double Wedding Ring Quilt

The Romantic Double Wedding Ring Quilt(Double Wedding Ring Quilt)

Double Wedding Ring Quilt

What can be more romantic than a Double Wedding Ring Quilt? Although this pattern is often thought of as a twentieth century quilt it appears to have evolved from a very old design.

The motif of two interlocking rings goes as far back as the fourth century when it was used to decorate Roman cups. These cups were made of glass decorated with connecting mental rings.

Another early example of interlocking rings is found in the gimmal ring. These rings were popular in Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries. They consisted of rings that could be interlocked. During the engagement one was worn by the man and the other by the women. When they married the two rings were fitted together to be worn by the wife.

It is thought this style of ring came to America through Germanic people who settled in Pennsylvania in the late 17th century. This pattern of interlocking rings was seen on coverlets, ceramics and other decorative objects in early America.

Of Romantic and Mythical Stories

The Double Wedding Ring pattern was first published by Capper's Weekly in 1928. This Topeka, Kansas publication added a bit of mythical romance to go with the pattern by writing, "When some good but unknown man conceived the idea of a double wedding ring ceremony it gave his wife an equally good idea. She worked two circles into a double wedding ring quilt." ¹

Another delightful myth was published in a 1932 brochure which connected the Double Wedding Ring quilt to the Civil War. The publication offered this story of how the pattern came to be named. It seemed a grandmotherly woman had made a great many quilts. One was particularly special and she was saving it for her niece's wedding. Sadly the wedding had been delayed because the potential groom had been wounded in the war and spent several years away in the hospital. He finally came home and a wedding was planned but he had no rings for the wedding. When the bride to be told her beloved aunt that the rings would have to wait, the older woman said, "My child, I'll furnish the rings. You shall have my favorite quilt and we will call it the Double Wedding Ring." ¹

All that I've written so far is fascinating, but still simply myth and speculation. The facts, as in most quilt patterns, are hard to trace.

True Origins Lost in a Maze of Names

A quilt made much like the Double Wedding Ring is in the Shelburne Museum, dated 1825-50. This quilt is titled Pincushion; see an example to the right.² But the actual Double Wedding Ring pattern appears to have been rarely used until the 1920s. Part of the difficulty in tracing the earlier use of this pattern is the fact that over time it was made under around 40 different names. Just a few are; Rainbow, Around the World, Pickle Dish, Coiled Rattlesnake, Endless Chain, King Tut and Friendship Knot; see the example to the left. The great variety of names illustrates how differently the pattern was visualized in various periods and regions. In reading an early diary or letter we might easily find the pattern under another name. We can't be sure it the writer was really referring to a Double Wedding Ring like pattern or not.

It appears that in early quilts of this pattern the pieces of the rings were first sewn together then appliquéd on solid fabric. Around the beginning of the 20th century women began to sewing it together as a pieced quilt. Whatever the method it was a difficult quilt to make. Carrie A. Hall wrote down her this opinion on the Double Wedding Ring in her 1935 book, "Real quilt enthusiasts delight in this all-over pattern but it is hardly the design for the novice to undertake." ³ Because of this difficulty the double wedding ring pattern was a popular one for cheater fabric. A women could decorate her bed with a quilt in which the only sewing required was quilting the layers together.

The Quilt That Brought Romance to the Great Depression

Throughout the 30s and 40s the Double Wedding Ring quilt had become quite common. Several newspapers and magazines published patterns and articles about it. Kits were sold with the fabrics precut. Even fairs got into the enthusiasm about this pattern sometimes putting Double Wedding Ring quilts into a special category.

It has been suggested that the popularity of this pattern during the depression era was due to the fact that many scraps could be used. This reasoning doesn't make sense though as a good deal of solid fabric had to be purchased for the background of the wedding ring. An exception to this might be the nine-patch variation of the wedding ring; see the example to the right. This pattern included scraps in the centers instead of the outer ring.

The Double Wedding Ring was usually made up for good or special occasion use. I can't imagine children being allowed to jump on or even play on a bed topped by this lovely quilt. In an interview with an elderly woman telling about her cotton sack quilts she explains about one exception to her usual use of sacks for fabric. "Now that Wedding Ring quilt over there. It's domestic. That's not made from sacks. That's material from dresses. You could buy dress material for eight cents a yard. You could make a dress for eighty five cents."⁴

Double Wedding Ring Quilt

The Double Wedding Ring Quilt

Last week I received an invitation to one of Thelma Lou’s quilting circles where we would construct another Double Wedding Ring Quilt. Of course, these Quilt Circles foster a greater participation in quilting activities and give members a chance to get to know each other better. But that’s not why anyone would want to go. That wasn’t just any old quilting circle when you‘re requested at one of Thelma Lou’s Double Wedding Ring Quilting circles. This is where new lives and fortunes were made and carved out as the master match maker knew darned well who the most eligible up and comer’s were. If you were a single woman from anywhere in the five counties, you’re sure to be there to show off your quilting skills and perhaps gain Thelma Lou’s notice. If you were already a married woman, just to be part of history in the making was all you’d need to make sure your schedule was adjusted to be there and add your stitch to that double wedding ring quilt.

Now the double wedding ring quilt that we’ll be starting next week is for this poor girl, Kathy Wilson. Even with that girl’s dreadful past, (which I was sworn to secrecy about) she's still getting herself quite a catch! This only proves no one is beyond redemption. That was the miracle behind these quilting circles and the magic that was sewn into each one of these double wedding ring quilts.

Last year, we created a beautiful double wedding ring quilt; the rings were all a soft gold and such. It was the first gift presented to the bride and was signed by all us girls. Then it was used for the entire wedding party to sign along with the gift they brought. Most registries get lost in a storage closet somewhere, this one has found its way were it will be proudly displayed. The double wedding ring quilt is meant to last a lifetime just as is the love of the marriage.

When I was married, it was one of the most beautiful autumns in memory. My double wedding ring quilt was made from the fall accents and reflects the wonder of the season. Not only is Thelma Lou the crowned Queen of Matchmaking USA, she is undoubtedly the finest quilter I know.

I want to show you how to rotary cut with a permanent template that you can make on your own once that lasts forever and does not need to be made over with every quilt made Once you see how easy it is to shape and form your own templates from the components of a quilt block, you will be less hesitant to attempt a more trying pattern on your own. Visit my website at http://www.uniquequilter.com/14.html

Start your own Quilting Circle tradition in your home town.

Joan Gagne is the Unique Quilter who has developed secret quilting techniques, and discovered a new permanent rotary cutter template material that makes even the most difficult patterns a snap to make. She can be reached at Joan@UniqueQuilter.com, or visit her website a http://www.UniqueQuilter.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joan_Gagne

Beginner Quilting Tip - Instruction For Beginners For Quilting(Double Wedding Ring Quilt)

Double Wedding Ring Quilt

Given a chance anybody and everybody would love the idea of having a nap in a warm quilt so why not try making one yourself. Colors are many and materials are like inviting, and by the time you have made one for yourself you shall be happier in more than one way.

First and foremost, those who are beginners and have little knowledge of the techniques involved it is highly recommend that few basic principles or instructions be taken into account so that the process of making a quilt is an experience worth remembering.

1. MAKE IT SIMPLE:

Simplicity can do wonders with your work. Pick a simple design; take cotton, as fabric, cotton threads and material of primary quilt type would vastly improve the rate at which a beginner could grasp the method of making one.

Starters can choose either a simple block design or a bargello design would be ideal this purpose. A fancy and intricate design such as yoyo quilts is something that you try after gaining acquaintance with quilt making. Start with 3-4-color combination and then color mixture can be infinite.

2. DO PREWASH FABRIC:

Prewashing is like - essential. It just makes sure that you do away with fabrics that can later shrink or fabric color possibly fading off. Prewashing allows you to eliminate fabrics that shrink or fade color on washing.

In that case look for prewashed materials. Another important, you should make sure to let the material be completely dried up and ironed out before you kick start the process of cutting the fabric and giving it shape. Material like linens and cottons should prewashed in particular.

3. THE PATTERN CHOICE:

To get your quilt making process of to a hassle free start use simple patterns coupled with a quilt type that supports your simple idea. Again simplicity will help to complete this process easily, although intricate designs have a more appealing ambiance.

As it stands you shall be better off keeping away from trying to make something and ending up with not finishing it at all, the mantra is keep it simple and let that be beautiful.

4. QUILTING STEPS:

Wanting to start is one thing and knowing how to start is all together different propositions, understanding the steps well is therefore a necessity. There are 4 steps involved in quilting basically - layering, binding, piecing, and quilting.

Did you have an idea that quilts are sewed from the middle to outside? The main step is piecing. This forms the top most layer which is the determining pattern. Various parts of fabrics are first put in place and then carefully stitched cohesively to create a predetermined design.

What is a layer? Well making 3 layers joined together is layering, namely top, the underlining and the batting layer. The whole process of quilting requires the stitching of 3 different layers into one single block/piece.

Different methods of stitching can be applied here. Binding is the final step. By binding we mean giving the concluding touch to the quilt, make a nice border to conceal the ragged fabric edges.

Now that you know the requirements as well as the preliminary procedure to build you lovely own quilt I am sure you would like to buy the material and enjoy the experience.

Discover tips on how to quilt from baby clothes. Find out more beginner quilting tips at http://www.quilthowto.com, written by experienced crafter, Jennifer Walter.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_B._Walter

Quick Tips for Quilters(Double Wedding Ring Quilter)

Double Wedding Ring Quilter

I've always thought that quilters have just a bit of inventor's blood running through their veins, because they are masters at developing tools and techniques to help them stitch their quilts. Members of our generation have developed an amazing number of new quiltmaking methods and tools, adding to the rich heritage passed on to us by previous quilters.

I hope something in this collection of quick tips will help inspire you to make a quilt--or get you past a tough spot in your next project.

Mitered Border

If you are using side-by-side mitered borders in your quilt, sew all of the strips for each side together lengthwise before cutting them to their final length. Add each multi-border unit to the quilt in one piece.

Borders are easier to match at quilt corners when you press seam allowances between the strips in side borders in the opposite direction of the seam allowances in top and bottom border units. The seam allowances will butt into each other nicely for a perfect match.

Some quilting cottons bleed--lose their dyes when washed--especially fabrics with vivid colors like red and purple. The dyes can stain other fabrics in your washload or patches in a finished quilt. Perform this easy bleed test on any cotton fabrics you suspect might bleed.

Perform the Bleed Test

Submerge a small piece of a fabric in soapy water--a 2-inch square is fine. Use the same soap and water temperature you normally use to wash fabrics and quilts.
Let the fabric sit in the soapy solution for about 30 minutes, then check to see if the water is discolored. If it is, the fabric bleeds and the dyes could potentially damage other fabrics.
If the water is clear, try one more thing to make sure the dyes won't transfer onto adjacent fabrics when wet. Remove the patch and, without rinsing, place it on a white paper towel. Wait a bit and check to see if dye has transferred onto the toweling. If it did, chances are good that it will transfer dye onto adjacent patches when your quilt is washed.
Rinse out the soap and dry your test patch, then perform the bleed test again. If bleeding continues, do not use the fabric in your quilts.

If you can't bear not to use a fabric that bleeds or transfers, purchase a commercial dye fixative, such as Retayne, to help make the dyes more permanent. Treat a snip of fabric, following the instructions carefully, then try the bleed test again.

Most fabrics produced by companies that cater to quilters do not bleed, but it's a good idea to do a bleed test on all vivid fabrics until you have a good understanding of which fabrics you can trust.

Keep Your Quilting Fabrics from Fraying in the Wash

The only thing I really dislike about prewashing my quilting fabrics is all the strings that come loose during the wash, wrapping themselves in knots around the yardage.

The threads twist and pull at the fabric when they get tangled up in the wash--and you have to remove them before they go into the dryer so that fabrics come out wrinkle-free. Neglect to lose the threads and you'll see oodles of accordion pleats when you take fabrics out of the dryer.

It's easy to eliminate nearly all of the strings. Just clip off a little triangular section from each corner of fabrics before you wash them. Try about 1/2" or a little less. You'll still see a bit of fraying, but not enough to create bunches of knots.

Give it a try the next time you prewash your quilting fabrics--that little snip really makes a difference.

How to Chain Piece Your Quilt Blocks and Components

Sew units together one after another without breaking threads.

Chain piecing is kind of like piecing on an assembly-line. After cutting your quilt patches, align them right sides together to prep them for sewing. They'll "stick" together more securely if you place a medium-hot iron on top of each pair, so work on them at the ironing board if you want to take that extra step.

Stack the paired units within easy reach next to your sewing machine. Start sewing units together, feeding them through the sewing machine one after another--but without breaking the threads after stitching each pair.

When units are all sewn, cut the threads between them and go on to your next task.

An Easy Way to Make Accurate Quilt Blocks

Before you press a seam allowance to one side, put your iron down on it flat, just as it was sewn. Don't move the iron back and forth--let its weight do the work for you. This step "sets" the seam, flattening puckers that occurred when it was sewn.

Wedding Traditions - Creating the Wedding Quilt

Double Wedding Ring Quilt

The wedding quilt has had a long, significant role in America. It even appears that the oldest surviving North American quilt is a wedding quilt. According to "The History of the Patchwork Quilt: Origins, Traditions and Symbols of a Textile Art" by Schnuppe von Gwinner, that oldest example, as far as we know, is Anna Tuels' wedding quilt, which was given to her by her mother in Maine on August 23, 1785.

In the 1800s, quiltings (now commonly known as quilting bees) were popular and were often held to mark special occasions, particularly engagements and weddings. Girls were expected to sew several quilt tops for their dowries; ultimately, quiltings were often equivalent to engagement announcements.

While we may not be so concerned with dowries these days, the making of a wedding quilt is still a valued tradition. Whether you want to make a wedding quilt yourself or have it made by The Frances Burks Decorative Arts Studios, here are some unique suggestions for creating a quilt that will be cherished for years to come:

Bring the quilting bee into the 21st century and host an online "bee" to create a wedding signature quilt. Simply have well wishers send their names and/or short messages to your e-mail address. Take all the names and messages you receive and transfer them to fabric, then use the "signed" fabric to create the wedding quilt. There are several products available for transferring images and inscriptions to fabric. You can even print images and words on fabric using a computer Inkjet printer. Many craft, fabric, and office-supply stores carry such products.

If you want to transfer photos and inscriptions to fabric to create a wedding quilt, consider using photos that will not only preserve wedding memories, but also enhance home decor. For example, use honeymoon photos of a beautiful sunset or ocean scene. Preserve the bridal bouquet by incorporating a close-up photo of it into the quilt design. As for inscriptions, consider incorporating the wedding vows, newlyweds' names, or a favorite poem into the quilt design.

Instead of having wedding guests sign a guest book, have them sign fabric squares that will later be sewn together to make a wedding quilt. For best results, have the guests sign with a permanent fabric marker. Additionally, make sure a quarter-inch space is left blank around all sides of the squares so that when the squares are sewn together, names and messages won't be lost in the quarter-inch seam. To determine the best method for this, practice the technique on a few fabric squares before the wedding day. Alternatively, have wedding-shower guests sign fabric squares and incorporate those into the wedding quilt.

Create a central-medallion quilt in which the center of the quilt is a monogram using the initials of the bride and groom. The medallion can then be surrounded by quilt borders that incorporate the wedding flower and/or wedding colors.

For a more casual look, consider a wedding quilt made with T-shirts commemorating the honeymoon spot or other places that are special to the newlyweds.

Essentially, there is no wrong way to design a wedding quilt. Whether you make the quilt yourself or have it made, the making of the wedding quilt is one tradition that will never be out of style.

Frances Burks has been participating in the decorative arts trade for more than 15 years. Through the Frances Burks Decorative Arts Studios, Burks seeks to continue the tradition of preserving cherished memories with her unique, custom-made, wedding and memory quilts. See examples of her designs at http://www.francesburksstudios.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Frances_Burks

Double Wedding Ring Quilt

How to Keep Your Quilts Beautiful

Double Wedding Ring Quilt

Creating a quilt requires much time and effort. Meant to be cherished and enjoyed, quilts can end up damaged by improper use, cleaning, storage and display. Whether created for every day use or as heirlooms, proper care will ensure that they last to bring the pleasure intended.

Use

When planning a quilt consider the intended use. What fabrics are used, the type of quilting done, etc. - are dependent on the intended use of the quilt.

So decide if the quilt will be used as an everyday quilt on a bed or is it meant to be an heirloom and thus displayed but not used.

Keep in mind that a quilt for a cot, child or lap quilt definitely needs to be of a fabric that is durable and washable, as it will require more frequent laundering.

Cleaning

Baby and lap quilts will get soiled and need to be washed often. It is important that a mild soap is used and that the quilt is rinsed well. Quilt shops carry products specially designed for quilts. "Quilt Wash" is one such product. All commercial detergents are much too harsh and will strip colour from quilt fabrics. A great product for stains, yellowing or other stubborn marks is "Restoration".

Laundering a quilt may not be necessary. Many will only require having the dust removed. The best way to remove dust from a sturdy quilt is to place a nylon stocking, over the nozzle of a vacuum and then gently vacuum the quilt--preferably on both sides. Avoid surface abrasion.

Airing a quilt can also remove odours and dust. There is no need to beat the quilt and keep in mind that sunlight is bad for your quilt. Dry cleaning a quilt is not recommended. It is not a gentle method as large tumble machines are used and harsh chemicals are applied, which can be quite damaging.

Storage

Light and moisture are a quilt's worst enemies. Direct sunlight will not only fade the newest and highest quality fabric in no time at all, but it also will cause the fibers to weaken. Moisture can cause mildew to form, which can be not only difficult to remove, but impossible.

Many people use cardboard boxes and plastic bags with the intention of protecting their precious quilts. Both of these gather moisture, causing stains and encouraging mildew and musty smells. They are bad choices for storage. The big plastic storage boxes are not any better, as they do not have ventilation.

A closet shelf is a much better choice. Do not use open shelving as this exposes the quilt to light and you will end up with fading along the folds. The storage area should be clean, cool, dry, dark, and as free as possible from drastic changes in temperature and humidity. If you have shelf space, it is a good idea to fold the length of the quilt and roll, to eliminate creases. The next time, fold a different way before rolling.

It is also essential that the quilt is clean and dust free before put it away. Stains can attract insects while dust particles actually create abrasion, causing wear.

Avoid storing near an outside wall where condensation will occur particularly in winter. Be aware that smoke for cigarettes and fireplaces can seek out stored textiles leaving an ugly surprise. One of the best places to store a quilt is on a bed. Do you have a guest room? Pile your quilts on the unused bed, in layers, and then top with a cotton sheet to block the light.

No matter where you choose to store your quilts, it is important to inspect them every two to three months. Take them out to air them for a few hours and examine, front and back. It is a good idea to clean the storage area at this time before putting the quilts back.

Display

Both sunlight and artificial light will cause fading. Never display a quilt where direct sunlight will reach it. If you have fluorescent lighting, it is wise to cover the tubes with a UV shield.

When hanging a quilt, use a method that will distribute the weight over the entire width of the quilt. Sew a four inch wide tube or sleeve of fabric along the top edge on the back of the quilt and stitch through all layers of the quilt every inch or so. Do not use nails, pins or staples to hang a quilt. These can tear through fabrics, corrode and cause staining and cause distortion of heavier quilts.

Cherish your quilts and they will reward you with years of enjoyment.

Double Wedding Ring Quilt

Double Wedding Ring Quilt

Wednesday, June 18, 2008