Author Archives: Toni

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

Jul 8 2017

Quiltoni Paper Patterns now available!

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You may have seen the announcement on the Quiltoni Facebook page that paper patterns are now available!  I have developed a partnership with Quilt Exchange, a marketplace to connect designers and authors with everyday quilters worldwide.  This means you can now get my patterns not only as a downloadable pdf around the world, but paper copies as well!

If you are a store you no longer have to wait for me to be in your neck of the woods to order patterns!  Just sign up with the Quilt Exchange as a Retailer and you get the wholesale discount with no minimums required!  This is super exciting news!  If you want your local store to carry my patterns, show them the Quilt Exchange where they can order them!

Jul 7 2017

Meet the Hackers: Nashville Heroes and Villains

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Tomorrow is the start of Heroes and Villains in Nashville and Toni will be there!

She won’t be found under Craft Hackers for this convention.  Instead she will be sharing with Rumble and Roar Wandmakers at booth 317!

Rumble and Roar Wandmakers create amazing one of a kind wands. So if you are in the Nashville area this weekend swing by and say hi to Quiltoni and Rumble and Roar!

Jun 24 2017

Patterns and Kits

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If you haven’t had a chance to see me at conventions or follow my Facebook page, you may not know that Nicole and I have our own line of quilt patterns now!  The patterns are easy for anyone who can sew a 1/4″ seam.  We don’t assume you know quilting terms so explain them in the patterns.  So if you are a new sewer or cosplayer, you can make these quilts!  If you are an experienced quilter, the patterns teach how to make perfect points and become more efficient with your piecing.

 

All of our future patterns will be released every other month.  The newest addition is the Mega Android pattern.  We also launched quilt kits a few months ago!

Each kit comes with the fabric I use to create my quilts I sell at conventions.  The first step of cutting the strips has even been done for you!

To pick up the patterns or kits, visit my Etsy store.  When new patterns are released I will let you know here as well as my own Social Media.

Happy Quilting!

Toni

Jun 23 2017

Meet the Hackers:Too Many Games

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For the first time ever, I am doing back to back conventions.

This weekend is Too Many Games in Oaks, Pennsylvania.  It is the premier event for anyone interested in video games, board games, CCG’s, and tabletop gaming. Too Many Games has been known for its video game music concerts, chiptunes, industry panels, panels by famous YouTubers and brand new game releases for old consoles. There is a marketplace with 60+ vendors selling retro games, new games, board games, crafts, art and so much more.

You know who will be in that marketplace, Me!  Nicole will be with me this weekend but she sold so much at Awesome Con last weekend she will just be there to support me.

You can find us in the same place as last year, along the right wall when you enter the convention.

I will have quilts, pillows, dice bags, patterns, and kits!  Want your own pattern or kit and won’t be able to make it to Too Many Games?  Get them now on my Etsy shop.  More on my patterns and kits tomorrow!

We also have just a couple Mystery Boxes left.  So if you want a few discontinued pillows and dice bags for only $40, pick one up!

See you at Too Many Games!

-Toni

Jun 17 2017

Little Petal

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Two years ago I talked about Little Petal and how impressed I was with their dresses.  

They are here again at Awesome Con so I have finally broken down and bought one of my very own.  I chose the Amazon Warrior dress to go with my Amazon Warrior quilt.  The best part is the dresses are convertible!

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These are just a few of the ways you can wear the dress.  To see them all, take a look at the listing on their site.

In addition to making amazing dresses that embrace a body positive image, Little Petal also raises money for great causes.

For the month of May they raised money for Planned Parenthood and last night they held an amazing Awesome Con after party with the proceeds benefiting To Write Love On Her Arms- a nonprofit for those who need help with addiction, depression, and suicidal ideation.

Empowering women and raising money for good causes?  This is definitely a company we can get behind and support.  If you would like to support Little Petal as well, visit their Little Petal website here, their Facebook here, their Instagram here, and their Tumblr here.

-Toni

 

Jun 16 2017

Meet the Hackers: Awesome Con

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I am so excited to be returning to Awesome Con this weekend!

Last year I really wanted to be at Wizard World Philly and it happened the same weekend as Awesome Con.  So Nicole and I decided to split conventions.  Philly was fun, but it definitely wasn’t the same.  I will never leave Awesome Con again!

This year we are back to the head of Artist Alley at tables K1-K2

We have a lot of new and exciting things for you this year including new Amigurumi dolls, quilts, quilt patterns and kits, and MYSTERY BOXES!!  That’s right, Nicole and I went through our inventory and pulled some things we are no longer going to carry.  Those things went into mystery boxes.  For $40 you will receive at least $90 of things including at least one pillow!

So swing by Artist Alley, hang out for a while, and look check out our hand made goodies.

-Toni

Jun 10 2017

New Fabric Collections: Camelot Licensed

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I went to the Spring Quilt Market a few weeks ago where fabric manufacturers released their new spring collections!  So over the next few weeks I want to show you all of the new fabric goodness that you can find at your local sewing/quilt store.

Here is the spring collection of licensed fabrics by Camelot Fabrics.

Camelot is proud to partner with American Greetings Entertainment to bring you Care Bears™  licensed fabric. Our premiere collection features cuddly and colourful Care Bear friends, celebrating #35YearsOfCaring in 2017!

One of four new Disney license collections, Dumbo brings the sweet flying elephant to fabric perfect for little ones’ soothing bedrooms in the form of quilts, pillows and more.  Equally suited to darling itty-bitty apparel.

Previously featured in our Disney Princess collection, the Little Mermaid now has a collection of its own! Aquatic adventures abound with lively prints and the ‘Exploring Endless Wonders’ panel.

Disney’s most famous fairie is the star of the Tinker Bell Collection in tones of cotton candy pink and minty green. Patterns inspired by pixie dust and magic sew up into whimsical accessories.

Her dress-up box is filled with tulle dresses, pearls and tiaras. Decorate her room with a Sofia the First collection DIY triangle bunting banner in purple and pink. Regal, girly and enchanting. Just what the princess ordered!

Favourites from the Star Trek collection are back – this time with the addition of a new pop art style Spock panel and two skus in cotton spandex – ideal for something to wear to your next Star Trek themed event.

Next week starts three conventions in four weeks for me!  Look for the posts on Friday for where you can find us.

-Toni