Author Archives: Toni

Sep 15 2017

Batiks Go Retro Blog Hop

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The Batiks Go Retro Blog hop is under way!  I was stop #3 Wednesday on my Quiltoni Blog so I wanted to share it here as well.

You can find the other hoppers joining in at the bottom of this post, so make sure you read them all!

I was asked by Tamarinis to create something pixelated for her first line of fabrics with Island Batiks.  Why pixelated?  Because I am a pixel quilter!  Even though I specialize in geeky quilts, I like a challenge.  First I had to think of a design.  Here are some of the amazing fabrics that I got to choose from.

That starburst pattern is pretty cool and has a few color options.  I decided to use those fabrics and create a pixelated design based on the design in the fabric.

After figuring out the pattern I decided to put the pastels together and the bold colors together.  I wanted to show the same pattern with different colorways so decided on a double sided quilt. After sewing strips together I cut out all of the pieces and laid them out.

 

Then it was time to assemble the rows.

After assembling rows, I added a border of fussy cut background fabric around to show the design of the fabric off as well as pull the rows together to allow for easier quilting.

Once the quilt was finished I quilted it with just regular straight lines to give it a more modern feel.  The binding choice was to give it a color pop completely different than the fabrics I chose, but is part of the collection.  I really like the finished product and it was a lot of fun making it!

  

Next on the Blog hop is Purple Moose Designs.  Make sure you visit them all!  And don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway at the bottom to win great prizes, including a wonderful Tamarinis pattern pack, fabric, thread and more from several of the designers in the blog hop!

Sept 11th: Island Batik, Aurifil Thread

Sept 12th:  Susan Emory Swirly Girls Designs http://susanemory.com/

Sept 13th: Toni Smith Quiltoni  http://www.quiltoni.com/

Sept 14th:  Terri Sontra Purple Moose Designs  https://www.purplemoosedesigns.com/index.php

Sept 15th:  Kris Poor  Poor House Quilt Design  http://poorhousequiltdesign.com/quilting-at-the-poorhouse/

Sept 16th:Tammy Silvers Tamarinis http://www.tamarinis.typepad.com

Sept 17th: Libby Williamson Libbywilliamson.com

Sept 18th: Sandra Johnson  Sandra Johnson Designs

Sept 19th: Linda Pearl One Quilting Circle   http://www.onequiltingcircle.com/

Sept 20th:  Kate Colleran  Seams Like a Dream  http://seamslikeadream.com/blog/

Sept 21st:  Jo Hillstead Fat Quarter Gypsy http://www.thefatquartergypsy.com/Lex-Luther-Blog.html

Sep 1 2017

Meet the Hackers: Dragon Con!

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Toni will be a part of Dragon Con this year!!  Originally she was going to help a friend at their booth but was offered her own at the last minute.  You can find Quiltoni in the America’s Mart building, third floor at booth 804.

In addition to quilts, pillows, dice bags, quilt patterns, and quilt kits there will be carrying some very special products, Famore Scissors!!

These are Toni’s scissors of choice and all she uses.   Better yet, if you have questions about their scissors a representative will be at the booth to answer them!  This is your chance to see these scissors in person.  So swing by Booth 804 to see Quilt and Scissor goodness!

Aug 17 2017

Meet the Hackers: Gen Con

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Today is the start of GenCon and I am super excited!  It is one of my favorite conventions.  This year you can find Craft Hackers at Booth 1753.

Nicole and Marc from Rice Hat Samurai are both joining Quiltoni again this year!

Marc has some amazing new jewelry, Nicole has a lot of new dolls and plush, and of course Toni has new quilts, pillows, quilt patterns, and quilt kits!

Nicole and Toni are also teaching classes again!  Nicole’s classes and some of Toni’s are sold out, but there are still a few classes available.  You can also bring generic tickets and if someone doesn’t show up you can sit in on the class.

English Paper Piecing Quilt Technique

Date/ Time /Game ID:

  1. Thursday, August 17th/ 10:00am /SPA17103527
  2. Friday, August 18th/ 10:00am /SPA17103528
  3. Saturday, August 19th/ 9:00am /SPA17103529

English Paper Piece a Catan Board Quilt

Date/ Time /Game ID:

  1. Friday, August 18th/ 7:00pm /SPA17103534
  2. Sunday, August 20th/ 12:00pm /SPA17103535

Crochet a Hogwarts Infinity Scarf

Date/ Time /Game ID:

  1. Thursday, August 17th/ 12:00pm /SPA17103530
  2. Friday, August 18th/ 11:00am /SPA17103531
  3. Saturday, August 19th/ 2:00pm /SPA17103532

See you at GenCon!

Aug 12 2017

Maywood Studio Pods

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Something new I saw at the Spring Quilt Market this year that really impressed me were the Maywood Pods.

They are now available at stores!

Step one, sew – and away we go! Maywood Studio’s ever-popular “Pods” precut kits make piecing simple, quick and inspiring for sewists at all levels. Each ‘easy-peasy’ project kit includes detailed quilting instructions with color illustrations. “Pods” are now available in various styles and an array of Maywood fabrics!

Each kit includes precut patchwork pieces, borders, binding, and backing!  You can even combine multiple pods to make a larger quilt.

So head to your local quilt or sewing store that carry Maywood fabrics and check out pods for yourself!

-Toni

Aug 11 2017

Schmetz monthly needle facts

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It is time again for needle facts from Schmetz!  I love the needle facts and news they send to me every month and want to share them with you as well!

Sewing Machine Needles Don’t Last Forever.

The needle is not a permanent machine part.

Needles get dull from use. Needles are meant to be changed.


Clue it’s Time to Change the Needle

– Damaged or broken threads –

– Skipped stitches –

– Puckered or damaged fabrics –

– Wiggly squiggly seams –

– Popping, clicking or clunking sound –

 

Why Chrome?
– Less friction on thread passing through eye –
– Penetrates fabric with less resistance –
– Smoother stitch creation –
– Resists heat – improved durability & performance –
– A premium needle not available in big box stores –


Available now at local quilt shops & machine dealers.

 

-Toni

Aug 4 2017

Crayon Collection Art Education Foundation

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I was recently made aware of the Crayon Collection Art Education Foundation and think it is a great cause.  As crafters we the expense of our materials and the love we create with them.

The Crayon Collection model is simple but our impact is extraordinary: by collecting gently used crayons from restaurants and hotels that distribute free crayons to children when they dine, in addition to community-based collection efforts, we intervene in a cycle of waste that has existed for decades. We save an extraordinary tool of expression, curiosity and learning – the crayon – and redistribute them to local schools in need across the country. Our programming ensures millions of crayons are saved from landfills each year and are instead repurposed for teachers and students, along with best in class resources to support art education. And at the heart of our work is a desire to create a global movement for change, a new “eco-normal” consciousness that is mindful of the environment and nearby communities in need. Through the simple act of saving a crayon we seek to reignite art programs in Amercian schools, engage a national audience to be stewards of their community and the environment, and create a new sustainability model.

Green Efforts:
Crayon Recycling Program

Through our Crayon Recycling Program, we establish partnerships with national restaurant and hotel chains that distribute free crayons to children when they dine. Instead of throwing these crayons away after each meal, we establish a collection process for each location and ensure these gently used crayons are donated to a local school in need.

READ MORE

Arts Education

We understand it is more than just a crayon – it is a powerful tool of expression to support learning, development, creativity and imagination in the hands of young minds. So in order to supplement the free crayons we donate to Head Start Programs and Title 1 elementary schools, we invest significant resources in our Arts in Education program, which supports the Art Inspiration and Artist Rotation initiatives.

Want to read more?  Check out their website to see how you can get more involved in their programs.

-Toni

Jul 28 2017

Meet the Hackers: Con Bravo

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Today is the start of Con Bravo in Hamilton, Ontario and Megan and I will be there!

We can be found in the artist alley at booth O08.  Swing by to see the amazing corsets, quilts, pillows, dice bags and of course patterns!  I have a new quilt kit that will be debuting at Con Bravo.

This is a special quilt kit that can be done completely by hand!  You can purchase the kit for $30.  If you would like some hands on teaching, there are still spots available at GenCon!  

See you this weekend at Con Bravo!

Jul 21 2017

Classes, classes, and more Classes!

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This past Tuesday I had an amazing time with the Youth Sewing class at the Family Centre.  We made some pretty cool hair ties (that also double as skinny neck ties).

I LOVE teaching classes.  It really energizes me and makes me love sewing even more (if you can believe that).  We have a really cool idea in store for the next two adult classes, so if you live in the London, Ontario area, keep an eye on my social media.

Speaking of classes, I still have some openings for the GenCon classes I am teaching.  They are selling out fast, so if you want to learn English Paper Piecing, sign up soon!

English Paper Piecing Quilt Technique

 

 

 

Description: Learn to English Paper Piece, or get help with an existing project you are working on. In this class we will start with the basic hexagon flower using scraps of colorful and character fabrics (like Dr Who or Comic Books).

Class Length: 2 hours

Date/ Time /Game ID:

  1. Thursday, August 17th/ 10:00am /SPA17103527
  2. Friday, August 18th/ 10:00am /SPA17103528
  3. Saturday, August 19th/ 9:00am /SPA17103529

Cost: $18

English Paper Piece a Catan Board Quilt

 

Description: Learn to English Paper Piece by creating a small version of the Catan board, 9″ wide to be exact. In this class we will start with the basic hexagon shape and add on triangles (for sand) around the edges.  Options for finishing your miniature quilt will be discussed.

Class Length: 2 hours

Date/ Time /Game ID:

  1. Friday, August 18th/ 7:00pm /SPA17103534
  2. Sunday, August 20th/ 12:00pm /SPA17103535

Cost: $34

Nicole’s Scarf classes are all sold out, but don’t despair!  If you bring generic tickets with you and someone doesn’t show up, you can have their spot!

Now to make all of those kits for the classes.

Jul 15 2017

Building the Monstrosity

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I have been asked many times how I build the large Grid Wall structure that holds the quilts and pillows behind us.  I decided to start filming the set up for conventions to show you exactly how it is done.

First, Nicole and I filmed the set up for Too Many Games in Oaks, Pa.  There is a parental warning on this one.  There is some language being used by those around us.

Then, two weeks later we filmed the set up for Heroes and Villains Nashville.  There is no parental warning on this one.

It is interesting how an inline set up with two people takes 2 1/2 hours but a corner set up with 5 people takes 50 minutes!  Please follow my You Tube or my Twitch page if you would like to see future convention set ups.

If you have ever wanted to use gridwall, here is a site that shows you a few ways you can use it to display your products.  And of course you can always ask me any questions you want!

-Toni

Jul 14 2017

Schmetz Monthly Needle Fact

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That’s not just a little piece of steel making your machine stitches. German engineering designs, calculates, tests and inspects the SCHMETZneedle. Take for instance the eye, did you know that needles have different eye shapes?

The most popular needle, the Universal, has an eye that is 40% the width of the blade. Really! There are three other needles with larger eyes, the Embroidery and even more pronounced is the elongated eye of the Metallic and Topstitch needles.

Now what does a larger eye mean? There is less friction on the thread as it passes through the eye. Ever sew with a thread that breaks or tends to shred? Guess what, use a needle with a larger eye. If you have old thread or maybe a poor quality thread, use a needle with a larger eye. The thread and needle work hard and fast. Help them out when you can with a larger eye.

Remember . . .

Change YOUR Needle!

– The needle is meant to be changed –

– The needle gets dull from use –

– The needle is NOT a permanent machine part –

-Toni