• Runaway Quilting: Your Source for “All Things Quilt” in Canada

    Posted by Cathy Cooper

    Runaway Quilting Your Source for All Things Quilt in Canada

    You can't really appreciate the value of a good tool until you've tried to complete the job without it. The right tools make every project easier, and when it's time to get down to quilting, crafting and sewing, Runaway Quilting carries the best fabrics, needles and sewing notions in Canada, all at reasonable prices you can afford.

    You're going to fall in love with quilting all over again when you get a good look at all the specialty tools and supplies we carry to simplify your life. Runaway Quilting: your source for quilting supplies in Canada.

     

    Fabric

    From fat quarters to yard goods, Runaway Quilting is your source for all things fabric. Visit us for the widest selection of prints and solids, fleece, quilted and unquilted panels designed to fit every project. Whether your latest effort involves piecing a king-size quilt or stitching together a few throw pillows for the college dorm, we have all the latest flannels, batiks, basic and retro-look fabrics from all your favorite designers.

     

    Thread

    Regardless of project, Runaway Quilting has the thread to tie it all together.  Cotton, poly, silk, heavy-duty, metallic and wool - if you need it, we have it. All at prices to fit every budget. Get the right thread for your sewing machine, your long-arm quilting machine or your serger in every color of the rainbow as well as neutral, white and black. Need to sew on a button or put a quick stitch in a skirt seam? We have just the thread to do it.

     

    Batting

    You'll find low-loft, high-loft and every batting in between when you use Runaway Quilting as your source to supply all your quilting and crafting needs. We carry all your old favorite cotton/poly blends, as well as today's eco-friendly bamboo and wool quilt battings. When you need to match the filling to the project, trust us to have it in stock. Never worry about bearding again when you shop our comprehensive collection of quilt battings.

     

    Needles

    Your project is only ever as easy as the tools you use to complete it, and needles are a biggie. You need replacement needles for your sewing machine, betweens for your quilting sessions, and embroidery, upholstery and beading needles for your arts and crafts. Get the right needle for the job when you shop Runaway Quilting for all your needles and sewing notions.

     

    Shears and Scissors

    Everyone who sews needs a reliable assortment of shears, and you can trust us to carry the best selection in town. Choose from pinking shears, embroidery scissors and all-purpose implements that cut everything from fabric to aluminum cans to help you complete even the most difficult task. You need sharp shears, and we have them, including scissors for paper and crafting.  

     

    Rotary Cutters, Self-Healing Mats and Straight-Edge Rulers

    No quilter's cubby is complete without a quality rotary cutter, self-healing mat and straight-edge ruler. Get the most precise cuts in the least amount of time when you shop Runaway Quilting for the best in rotary cutting supplies. You'll find mats in all shapes and sizes, replacement blades, and the perfect straight-edge to fit your space. Even the coziest craft room can have a cutting mat when there's every size from which to choose.

     

    Pins and Thimbles

    You can't quilt without the necessary tools, and this means stocking up on thimbles and straight pins. Find the sizes you need in the materials you prefer, from leather, plastic and aluminum thimbles to pins of every size, Runaway Quilting is your source for the largest to the smallest quilting necessities.

     

    Rulers

    Cut a straight line, take the necessary measurements and make all your sewing projects a joy to complete when you purchase rulers and tape measures designed specifically with quilting and crafting in mind. Easy to use, easy to store, our measuring implements make fast work of every project that requires a precision eye.

     

    Markers and Marking Tools

    Measure twice, cut once, and that new quilt will be completed in no time with all the points perfectly aligned. When you need to mark on fabric, paper, carbon or more, Runaway Quilting has the right implement to do it. Never guess at a measurement again when it's clearly marked using the exact tool for the purpose.

     

    Storage

    Ask any quilter what he or she needs more of, and you'll get the same answer every time - storage. You need a convenient place to keep fabrics, thread, ribbon and cutting accessories safe and out of the way, and that means cubbies, trays, tables and more. Runaway Quilting has ideal storage solutions for every craft room. See our innovative offerings today.

     

    Need quilting supplies? Trust Runaway Quilting

    Don't struggle through your latest project without the tools you need to make life easier. Let us provide everything you need—let Runaway Quilting be your quilt supplies source for all things crafty in Canada.

      

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  • Quilting: Get Started with Canada's Online Fabric Store

    Posted by Cathy Cooper

    How to get started quilting in 4 easy steps

     

    If you’ve recently attended a quilting show or seen examples of lovely quilts online, you might be inspired to pick up this creative and useful hobby.

    Of course, people make quilts to use as blankets, but quilters also make other useful items and even works of decorative art.

    At Runaway Quilting, Canada’s online fabric store, we hope to help people at every stage of their quilting adventure. Most people are surprised when we demonstrate how easy it is to get started as a new quilter.

     

    How to Get Started Quilting in Four Easy Steps

    Most quilters end up collecting a lot of quilting supplies and fabric. However, you shouldn't get intimidated by the organized and well-stocked craft room of friends who might have enjoyed this hobby for years. You can simply follow these basic steps to begin producing your own beautiful quilts.

    Here's a quick list of some basic things you need to acquire.

     

    1. Supplies and notions

    The exact supplies that you need might depend upon your project. However, this list of basic supplies describes the things that you’re likely to want or need:

    1. Self-healing cutting mat: These mats aren't absolutely necessary. You can cut on a table or even the floor. However, most experienced quilters end up buying one eventually, so you might as well save yourself some trouble.
    2. Transparent ruler: This is one tool that you will probably find indispensable, and you may end up purchasing a few of them in different shapes and sizes as you progress. You might start with a ruler that measures 6" / 15cm by 24" / 60cm and is made out of sturdy acrylic.
    3. Rotary cutter: This tool saves wear on hands, make more accurate cuts, and speeds up the process. You may want to have an old-fashioned fabric shears on hand too, but you'll probably be happy to rely on a rotary cutter most of the time.
    4. Seam ripper: Even the most seasoned quilters need to redo seams from time to time. You can expect to use one of these. This tool is safer and quicker to use than scissors.
    5. Thread: You might as well stock up thread too. You'll probably end up using white thread a lot, but you may want to select thread that matches or contrasts with the fabric you intend to use.
    6. Fabric: Of course, picking out fabric is the best part of quilting of many quilters.  You can find a large selection of different colors, textures, and patterns at an online fabric store like ours.

     

    2. A Sewing Machine

    Some quilters enjoy sewing by hand just like their great-grandmothers did. In that case, you might just need needles and a quilter's hoop. However, most contemporary quilters rely upon sewing machines.

    The good news is that you don't need a machine with dozens of fancy stitches. Most quilting requires a straight stitch, but a zigzag stitch might come in handy sometimes. If you only intend to use the machine for quilts, you might consider a quality machine with basic functions. If you plan to use your sewing machine for other projects, do some more careful shopping.

     

    3. Some Quilting Lessons

    You may already have a few friends who have offered to help you learn to quilt or access to a local class. Great!

    If not, don’t worry. These days, you don't even need to leave home to master this craft. You can find countless quilting tutorials online and books in your local library. If you're a visual learner, you may prefer to find some excellent quilting tutorial videos on sites like YouTube.

    Remember—if there's a step in a pattern that you aren't sure of, you can certainly find a resource to help you learn what to do.

     

    4. Quilting Patterns

    Once you get the hang of quilting, you might begin to develop your own creative patterns. At first, however, you'll be better off by following other people's well-tested instructions.

    You can use a search engine to find plenty of free patterns on the internet—have a look to see what is available and how basic patterns work.

    Of course, you can find premium patterns in an online fabric store like Runaway Quilting.

    As a beginner, start with a pattern that's marked as quick and easy. You'll enjoy the sense of satisfaction you get from finishing your first project, and be ready to move on to more complex projects in no time at all.

     

    Get Started With Your Quilting Hobby Today

    You can produce beautiful quilts without making a large investment. Even a sewing machine won’t cost too much if you stick with a fairly basic one.

    Looking for help? As Canada's online fabric store, we love to help introduce new people to this popular hobby at Runaway Quilting. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, ask us!

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  • From Chevron to Pinwheel: 9 Easy Quilt Patterns to Try

    Posted by Lukas Kowalewski

    9 Easy Quilt Patterns to Try

    Break out your betweens and grab your low-loft batting because you're going to love these deceptively easy quilt patterns.

    From a classic mid-century chevron motif to an artsy kaleidoscope design, they only look complicated. You won't believe how much fun you're going to have creating your family's next heirloom treasure.  

     

    Chevron

    There are as many methods for piecing a chevron motif as there are spare bobbins in your sewing box, but this easy quilt pattern for the classic chevron, found over at KelbySews, is a keeper.

    We love it because it shakes up the “usual” chevron construction and features a combination of large and small squares. Collect the prettiest fabrics you can find—and don’t forget to keep your iron handy to press open the seams—and you can easily create a visual masterpiece that echoes the vintage pop of the 1950s.

     

    Hunter's Star

    The Hunter's Star quilt block may look difficult, but we like it a lot it because it's really a simple 16-patch that utilizes two uncut blocks in each row. All other blocks are simple half-square triangles pieced together to form the design. You'll find an easy Hunter's Star pattern and tutorial by Janet Wickell, quilting expert, at About.com. One tip, though—not unlike the chevron design, the Hunter's Star requires a little extra attention to detail to ensure all the points line up precisely.

     

    Kaleidoscope

    A relatively modern design, the Kaleidoscope quilt wasn’t seen much before the mid-60s. Why? The colours and designs of fabric required in specific amounts to create this motif wouldn't have been feasible in the early days of quilting. Unlike more traditional motifs that made good use of whatever fabrics the lady of the house happened to have on-hand, the kaleidoscope is an art quilt that evolved as quilting became more pastime and less necessity.  

    To make yours, see the Kaleidoscope Pattern by Janet Wickell available at About.com.

     

    Log Cabin

    A favourite for quilters of all skill levels, the Log Cabin may be the most versatile patch in our repertoire. We love it most because it's an easy quilt pattern for using up small strips and pieces. Then, we love it all over again for its versatility. 

    The Log Cabin can be arranged to form a variety of designs. Make a traditional block, like this one found over on QuiltSocial.com, or go wild with zany-coloured strips to form a diamond or zigzag quilt. A simple and easy quilt for sure, but still quite satisfying.  

     

    Attic Window

    An easy-to-handle technique for piecing the multi-dimensional Attic Window block can be found on Straw.com. One of our favourite easy quilt patterns when done correctly, the Attic Window forms a breathtaking optical illusion, yet it's deceptively simple to make.

    This block sometimes utilizes a single square of print fabric in the middle of each window pane—forming the view from the attic. When the quilt is complete, the illusion is striking.

     

    Rail Fence

    Easy enough for beginners, the Rail Fence pattern over on About.com gets done quickly when you use strip-piecing techniques to create your squares. Once pieced and cut to the appropriate sizes, blocks are simply placed in alternating vertical and horizontal positions to form a zigzag motif.

    We love the Rail Fence because it's super simple, and there are no pesky points to line up.

     

    Pinwheel

    Straw.com offers up a whole page of easy quilt patterns dedicated to the traditional Pinwheel, ranging in difficulty from easy cut-and-piece to designs that use paper-piecing. If you like the whimsical Pinwheel pattern, this link is a jackpot of fun and fabulous ideas.

    We love every variation on the classic Pinwheel, because each one creates dynamic movement and flow.

     

    Bear's Paw

    Using a combination of half-square blocks, uncut blocks and strips, the Bear's Paw makes a lively motif that adapts well to quilts of all sizes. Easy to cut and relatively easy to piece with minimal attention to point placement, the Bear's Paw pattern is big on tradition.

    We like it because it's a classic design. You'll like it because it's a cinch to construct—and it looks much more complicated when you’re done.

     

    Four-Patch

    No list of easy quilt patterns would be complete without the most basic one of all: the Four-Patch. Use uncut squares, half-triangle squares or a combination of the two to create an assortment of simple or complex designs that go together to make surprisingly intricate patterns.

    We love the Four-Patch block so much we couldn't leave it out.  We're sure you're going to love it too.

     

    Easy quilt patterns: because who needs the stress?

    When it's time to bust out the rotary cutter and rifle through all your favourite fat quarters, don’t forget these nine easy quilt patterns. Whether you’re impatient and want to get started in a hurry, or you’ve got a reason to quickly construct a beautiful quilt, these patters will help you whip up a work of textile art in record time.

     

    Ready to get started? Runaway Quilting has everything you need

    Need quilting supplies or notions to get started on your easy quilt patter? You’re in the right place.

     

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  • 9 Sewing Notions You Didn't Know You Needed

    Posted by Cathy Cooper

    9 Sewing Notions You Didn't Know You Needed

    Whether you've been quilting for 40 years or 40 days, you’ve probably slipped into a routine of using the same sewing notions to complete various tasks. Certainly, familiar tools can produce predictable results. On the other hand, you might find that a new or different gadget allow you to work faster or up your game.

    These suggestions should introduce you to new tools, teach you to use your sewing notions in a better way, or help you find better versions of the tools that you already use.

     

    Rotary cutters

    Some people regard rotary cutters as straight-line tools, and scissors as the right device to cut out curves. However, smaller cutters can also make the task of cutting curved patterns easier. This is particularly true for people who would rather not strain their hands or are simply not that good with scissors. If you've been frustrated with a rotary cutter in the past, the one you have might be too large.

     

    Cutting mats

    If you haven't used a rotary cutter before, you should know that you'll also need a cutting mat. Of course, these mats are handy even if you use a scissors because they provide a flat surface and measured grid. Once you try a mat, you may never go back to cutting on the living room floor again.

     

    Seam iron

    While this might not usually fall in the category of sewing notions, a good iron is an essential tool to produce professional results. After the item has been stitched, the heat helps to sink stitches and press the fabric flat. This step can also make up for minor irregularities or imperfections in stitching.

    Here’s an important note, though: a seam iron is not necessarily a steam iron. Steam may distort some fabrics.

     

    Transparent grid rulers

    Obviously, you need to measure fabric and mark lines. If you're still using the ruler that you borrowed out of your child's pencil bag, you're wasting time and probably not working as quickly and accurately as you could with a transparent ruler. Some using rulers will make you lazy, but actually, they will make you more productive and precise.

     

    Hera marker

    Lots of quilters and seamstresses have tried a variety of different marking tools without enjoying the results. Inferior tools may simply not work, bleed through to the other side, or even leave stains. Unlike other tools, however, a hera marker leaves invisible creases on fabric. You can use this tool to make straight or curved creases. Of course, the crease also makes it easy to fold fabric. This is one of those sewing notions that you'll wonder how you lived without—you have to try it to believe it.

     

    White marking pen

    Sometimes you do need to mark your fabric, and a simple crease won't do. However, even the best colored markers may not show up well on bright prints. A white marking pen will do the trick—unless of course you’re using white fabric.

     

    Seam ripper

    It's a sad but true fact that every seam won't meet your expectations. Lucky for you, you don't need to set your work in stone but can rip out stitches and try again. You just want to be sure that you use this sharp tool correctly, so you can start over fresh. My Childhood Treasures offers a pretty quick tutorial about two effective ways to use a seam ripper correctly.

     

    Thread snippers

    Consider adding thread snippers to your collection of sewing notions; you’ll quickly come to keep them right beside your sewing machine for quick snips. They’re smaller, more accurate, and faster than the large pair of fabric shears that you might use for cutting.

     

    Fabric shears

    Any serious quilter should invest in good shears—and then use them only for fabric in order to make sure they stay sharp.

     

    With all these sewing notions… Where will you start?

    You can certainly find a remarkable variety of sewing notions on the market—and it's hard to know which ones will offer you the best value for your money.

     

    You might start shopping by considering those things that frustrate you about your craft. If you've hit a roadblock, you can bet others have had the same problem and devised with some creative solutions.

     

    Ready to get started? Runaway Quilting has everything you need

    Looking to stock up on sewing notions? You’re in the right place.

     

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  • Are Quilt Kits Right for You? Ask These Questions

    Posted by Cathy Cooper

    Are Quilt Kits Right for You? Ask These Questions

    Quilt kits can be a lot like rainy days—either you love that quiet opportunity to take it easy, or you hate that hemmed in feeling.

    Rarely is there a middle ground. If you're the creative sort, you might find working from a kit to be a limiting experience.

    After all, with a quilt kits there’s no opportunity to choose your own fabrics or to arrange the patches in your own design. Then again, if you're looking for a fast fix—a quilt top that's going to go together quick and easy with minimal sweat and tears on your part—then quilt kits could be just the thing. The trick is in knowing what kind of quilter you are.

    If you're considering purchasing your first kit, but you're still on the fence regarding the pros and cons, ask yourself these four revealing questions.

     

    1. Do I already own an abundance of fabrics?

    If you're anything at all like your mother, your grandmother or your crafty Aunt Kay, the answer to this question is probably a deafening 'yes.' Quilters who've been in the game for a while tend to build up backlogs of gorgeous fabrics. Clearance sales, fat-quarter bargain bins and even those late-summer estate sales are all perfect opportunities to pick up material for a song.

    If you have plenty, or even too much, then a quilt kit that comes complete with all the pieces pre-cut could just be a waste of money. If you've taken the time—and spent the cash—to collect a nice assortment of fabrics, it only makes sense to use them up.

     

    2. Am I pressed for time?

    If you're short on the minutes and hours, but want your next project to look like you spent all the time in the world choosing a design and picking out fabricsquilt kits will get you there.

    Without having to do all the tedious cutting of squares, triangles, sashing and borders, you can trim your piecing time in half. Your finished quilt top will still look handmade, and only you will be any the wiser.

     

    3. Will I enjoy putting together someone else's creation?

    This is a tricky question for any die-hard quilter, and one that most tend to answer in the negative. But if you think about it, nearly every quilt patch was initially the brain child of a woman who lived long ago. Every time you piece a Log Cabin or an Attic Window, you're building on the ideas of someone else's great-great grandmother.

    So if you’re asking yourself “What's the harm in taking things a step farther?”, then you're going to love the ease and convenience of working from a kit.

    If that thought horrifies you and keeps you awake at night, however, you might want to avoid quilt kits the next time you go shopping.

     

    4. Do I hate cutting fabrics into the necessary shapes and sizes?

    How do you feel about the cutting chores that come with quilting? Are you the quilter who owns the largest self-healing board on the market and an impressive array of rotary blades and cutters? If so, you've probably narrowed the cutting chores down to an art. Possibly, you even strip-piece your quilts - sewing bits and pieces together before pressing and cutting them back apart.

    But if you're still that quilter who meticulously cuts out each square and triangle with your coveted sewing scissors, you should probably give quilt kits a try. No cutting means less time getting to the main attraction.

    If you are looking for a quilt kit, Runaway Quilting has everything you need

    Regardless of which type of quilter you turn out to be, it's worth giving quilt kits a go. For the time and money they can save you, they're well worth the small concession you'll make in creativity, and the kits themselves are gorgeous.

    Shop our quilt kits here.

     

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