• How To Care For And Repair Vintage And Antique Quilts

    Posted by Lukas Kowalewski

     

    Antique quilts carry pieces of history and can evoke powerful emotions. They’re often passed down through families as heirlooms, but vintage quilts can also be found at thrift stores, flea markets, and more. 

    Over time, vintage quilts can become extremely worn, dirty, or dull, but restoring old quilts can bring them back to their former glory and extend their lives. 

    But antique quilt restoration can be intimidating, as working with vintage quilts requires extra care. 

    Here’s what you need to know about caring for vintage quilts. 

     

    How to Clean an Antique Quilt 

    Many times, vintage quilts will require some gentle cleaning. Antique fabrics cannot be treated the same as new fabrics, they are very delicate. Only wash the quilt with water if the soil is damaging the fabrics. Vintage quilts with a musty smell can be aired out with some fresh air. Hang them up outside (out of direct sunlight) on a nice, breezy day.

    Start by vacuuming the quilt to remove dust and debris. Use a brush attachment and the lowest power setting for that. If it really needs a wash, avoid stain removers or other harsh additives. Never dry clean vintage quilts. Wash by hand or on a delicate setting, and allow it it air dry.

     

    Properly Storing Old Quilts

    When not displaying vintage quilts, they should be stored correctly to prevent further deterioration. Avoid plastic tubs or containers for old quilts. Instead, roll the quilt in acid-free paper and place it in an acid-free box. Keep the box in a cool, dry spot out of the light. To avoid permanent creases, take the quilt out and refold along different lines every few months. 

     

    Antique Quilt Restoration 

    Some vintage quilts require restoration. Restoring old quilts is extremely rewarding, but must be done with caution. True antique quilt restoration involves revitalizing the quilt back to its original condition as closely as possible. Conservation is another technique for vintage quilts that simply involves maintaining the current condition of the quilt. 

    Make sure you do not do anything that can’t be undone. Rather than remove old fabrics or seems, it’s best to simply patch and keep the original underneath. Cutting threads can weaken the structure and lead to more damage. Refrain from infusion your own design tastes into the vintage quilts, instead try to simply revitalize the original look. 

    Antique quilt restoration does take careful planning and significant time, but it can be extremely rewarding. To get all of your supplies, look to the best fabric stores in Canada. Shop online for everything you need for antique quilt restoration at Runaway Quilting

     

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  • Choosing Fabrics for Scrappy Quilts

    Posted by Lukas Kowalewski

     

    Making quilts from scraps is a great way to cut down on waste while creating something incredibly unique at the same time. 

    The best scrappy quilt patterns seem intentional and cohesive, despite the use of scraps. With some simple planning, you can create stunning fast and easy scrap quilts. 

    It all starts with choosing the right fabrics. 

    Here are some important considerations for scrappy quilt patterns. 

    Pick a Color Pallet 

    Making quilts from scraps is like going on a treasure hunt. You have to narrow your focus to find the gold. It can be a scrap quilt, but it should still have a colour pallet. Limiting yourself to a handful of colours will help give the quilt a more intentional look that’s still fun. 

    The Same Tones

    Along with colour, consider the tone of the fabrics. Tones could be muddy, bright, light, dark, etc. By choosing fabrics with the same tone,  you can ensure they will work well together. The tones do not have to be identical, but you should consider the tone and how it coordinates when choosing fabrics. 

    Plan it Out 

    Scrappy quilt patterns still feel unified and like they belong together. Gathering scraps doesn’t have to be a one-and-done process. As you go, layout pieces of fabric together. See how the scraps look next to each other. By doing this, you can find the most pleasing arrangement. You can also decide if you need to add or remove any colours or patterns. 

    Be Adventurous 

    Part of the beauty in making quilts from scraps is the ability to experiment. You’re simply using fabrics you already have and would otherwise discard. Don’t be afraid to take risks and try out new patterns. It’s not a big deal if you determine the scrappy quilt patterns didn’t quite work. You can learn and try again with new scraps!

    While you want fast and easy scrap quilts that also look great, part of the fun is trying out new things. 

    The most cohesive scrappy quilt patterns have a colour palette and rely on tones that work well together. 

    Once you’ve chosen your scrap fabrics, you’ll need some other quilting supplies like quilt batting. For the best quilt supplies and quilt batting in Canada, look no further than Runaway Quilting. Shop online for all of your sewing and quilting essentials HERE

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  • What Is The Difference Between Stabilizer & Interfacing?

    Posted by Lukas Kowalewski

    What Is The Difference Between Stabilizer & Interfacing?

     

    Stabilizer and interfacing are both used in many quilting projects. Upon first glance, the two may seem quite similar, but they have important differences. Before purchasing a stabilizer or interfacing, you’ll need to know the difference between stabilizer and interfacing. 

    In this post, we will explain stabilizer vs interacting, so that you can choose the best option for your project. 

     

    What is a fabric stabilizer?

    The stabilizer is stiff and provides structure. It’s created to be rigid in all directions. For example, it may be like a film that you used for embroidery or sewing, and it’s not always a permanent part of the project. You may use a stabilizer to provide structure as you add appliques or sew a sheer fabric, and then remove it once you’re done sewing. 

     

    What is interfacing? 

    On the other hand, interfacing is meant to provide support in one direction while flexing in another. It’s a sort of fabric and is usually a permanent addition to apparel projects. It adds body and stiffness, providing reinforcement. For example, you may add interfacing to the t-shirt squares of a quilt to provide stability. 

     

    Stabilizer vs Interfacing 

    The biggest difference between stabilizer and interfacing is that stabilizer provides more structure and is usually removed after sewing, whereas interfacing becomes part of the project. When deciding between interfacing and stabilizer, you must consider:

    • Stabilizers are commonly used for tote bags and crafts
    • Interfacing is often used to provide more body in apparel projects 
    • Interfacing is meant to be permanently added to the fabric 
    • The stabilizer is meant to be removed after stitching 
    • Both interfacing and stabilizer is available as a sew-in or fusible option 

     

    Shop Fabric Stores Canada

    Now that you understand the difference between stabilizer and interfacing, it’s time to prepare for your next project!

    Whether you need interfacing or stabilizer, you can find all of your quilting and sewing necessities at our top fabric store! Runaway Quilting is one of the best fabric stores in Canada, and we sell a wide range of high-quality sewing and quilting materials and tools. Shop our online store today!

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  • Sewing Pins - Knowing the Different Types

    Posted by Lukas Kowalewski

    Sewing Pins - Knowing the Different Types

     

    Sewing pins are helpful tools for quilting. You can use them to pin the fabric together temporarily prior to sewing. With the help of sewing pins, the fabric stays in place and will be easier to sew correctly. 

    However, there are different types of pins. The types of sewing pins come in various lengths and thicknesses, and different types of sewing pins are best for different types of quilting. 

    So how do you know which types of sewing pins you need?

    Read on to find out!

     

    Types of Sewing Pins

    Heads

    Sewing pins have various heads. Here are the different types:

    • Flathead. These are good for hand sewing or ironing, however, they can be hard to see on textured or patterned fabrics. 
    • Plastic head. These are inexpensive and very visible. Their bell-shaped heads don’t slip through the fabric, making them great for beginners. They come in a wide variety of sizes and are versatile for many projects. 
    • Glass head. Glass headed pins are similar to plastic headed pins, except the head is made of glass of course. They’re able to withstand hot irons. But they also come in an assortment of sizes, lengths, and colors making them great for many projects. 

    Length 

    Next, you’ll want to consider the pin length. The ideal length will depend on your project needs and preferences. 

    • Quilter pins. Sewing pins for quilting must be longer. You need the length to be able to pin through multiple layers of fabric securely. The best quilting pins are between 1.5 and 2 inches long. 
    • All-purpose pins. These are medium-length pins, between 1 and 1.5 inches long. They are used for a wide variety of projects with medium-weight fabric (like cotton). 
    • Applique pins. These are short, thin pins. Their small size is ideal for small projects like attaching trims. Then are ¾ inch long, but can be even shorter. 

     

    Thickness

    Thickness matters for material delicacy. Delicate fabrics, like silk, require thinner pins. Choose the thinnest pin possible for your project and reserve thick pins for heavy-weight fabrics. It can be hard to find the right pin thickness, as most manufacturers label them with words like “silk” or “extra fine” rather than a measurement. Test to see if the pin leaves a hole in the fabric. If it does, it’s too thick. 

    Sewing Notions Canada

    There are many different kinds of pins available, and each one is suited best for certain projects. When choosing your sewing pins, consider the fabric you are using and the thickness of the material to find the right pin head, length, and thickness. Shop all the different types of sewing pins for quilting online today at Runaway Quilting. Head to our online store here!

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  • What to Include on Quilt Labels

    Posted by Cathy Cooper

    What to Include on Quilt Labels

     

    Many quilters include a quilt label to capture the legacy of the quilt, share their journey, and mark the history of the family. While not all quitters add labels to their quilts, it can be a small way to share your quilt’s story or some other treasured words. 

    Of course, there are many different ways to mark quilts. Whether you are looking to switch up your quilting labels or wanting to create one for the first time, you may wonder what do you write on a quilt? Read on to learn more about making your own quilt labels. 

    Making Your Own Quilt Labels 

    Before deciding what to put on a quilt label, you’ll want to consider the different ways you can make a quilt label. Some materials you can use to make your own quilt label include:

    • Corner pocket labels
    • Embroidery 
    • Scraps from the quilting material
    • Fabric framed muslin 
    • Photos transfer 
    • Twill tape
    • Freezer paper 
    • Woven quilt label 

    In addition to different material options, there are also several ways to mark quilt labels including:

    • Computer printed
    • Handwritten 
    • Embroidered
    • Thread painting 
    • Permanent marker
    • Pen
    • Coloured pencil

    The type of marking you can use may depend on which material you use, but you can experiment with different combinations. 

    What to Put on a Quilt Label

    So when it comes to making your own quilting labels, what do you say? The best part about quilting labels is that it’s up to you what to put on them. You can include whatever information that you think is important or meaningful. You may include writing, like your name, the date, or details about the quilt, but you can also include small designs or other graphics. 

    What to Write on a Quilt Label

    Many quilters choose to write on their quilt labels, but the possibilities are endless. Here are some ideas for what to write on a quilt label:

    • Quilt maker initials
    • Care instructions for the quilt
    • Quilt details like pattern name
    • A favourite quote or life lesson
    • A memory relevant to the quilt recipient
    • The date
    • A small story 
    • The reason behind the quilt
    • The inspiration for the quilt 
    • Details about a person being memorialized in the quilt 

    Get Your Quilting Label Materials

    Quilting labels are a way to share any information the quilter wants. They can be a nice added personal touch for quilts that can credit the quilter or inspire the recipient. There are many creative ways to make your own quilt label. Whether you need supplies for your quilt or label, https://runawayquilting.com has everything you need. Visit our site today to get all of your quilting label supplies.

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