• Decorate Your Home With Batik Fabric

    Posted by Cathy Cooper

    Use Batik art to decorate your home. Here’s how.

    Create an artwork

    Create batik art, have them framed and hang them on your walls or doors, Hearth and Vine suggest. That’s one way to add artistic touches to your home. You may also want to consider the hues and shades that fit your home’s personality and character the best. If you have a lot of relaxing shades in your home, then your Batik Fabric art should be blue or cerulean color.

    Make a tablecloth

    Look for batik patterns online to help you create the perfect tablecloth for your dining area. That’s going to add an ethnic feel to your home. If that’s exactly the vibe and look you want, then you’re on the right path.

    Cover up your walls

    If you want people to feel like they’ve stepped into paradise the moment they come into your home, then peppering up your walls with fantastic batik art is one way to transform your ho-hum living space into a visually arresting space. Pair that up with the right furniture, lighting, and accessories, and you’ll end up with something special.

    Go dramatic

    Use black, gray or white shades. A monochrome scheme, done right, will look wonderful. Factor in the addition of similarly-themed batik pillowcases in the room and you’ll have a home that’s visually on point.

    Play with color

    If you want more drama, though, and can’t stand monochromatic themes, then add more color and pop into your living space when you make a pillowcase with motifs common to the Batik art pieces in your home.

    Start small

    Don’t try to work on a huge quilt for your bed, not when you’re just starting out anyway. Look for small projects. The results may be simple, but the satisfaction you get from doing a job well done will be more than enough reward for the experience. Once you improve your skills, you’ll find yourself moving on to projects that test your quilting talents even further.

    Create gifts

    Starting small can mean having a lot of finished cushion covers, pillowcases or even placemats or cup mats lying around. No worries. Now, you won’t have to shop around for a lot of gifts. You’ve got plenty enough to give to your friends.

    Ready to get started with those batik pieces? Shop around for patterns online. Check out patterns along with other tools, supplies, and equipment at our store today. Contact Runaway Quilting for orders and inquiries.

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  • 7 Tips to Help You Stay on Track When You Shop for Quilts

    Posted by Cathy Cooper

    Quilts don’t just keep you warm. They add a touch of color and creativity to your space. If you’re shopping for quilts for sale in Canada, run through the following pointers.

    Make a list

    If you love quilts, then visiting the product page of stores well-loved by quilting addicts and hobbyists like you will feel like a trip to the candy store every time. But that also means you could end up buying more than you need. Start by making a list of all the essentials. That’s going to help keep you on the straight and narrow.

    Know why

    Why are buying quilts in the first place? Are you going to use them for when you sleep? If you are, then are you a hot or cold sleeper? Your answers will influence the quilts you’ll want to buy.

    Factor in your needs

    Do you have allergies to certain materials? If you don’t, do you live with someone who does and to what materials, then? Keep these things at the forefront of your mind when you shop for quilts for sale in Canada.

    Consider the heft

    Hate the feeling of being weighed down? Then you’ll want to stay away from materials like wool. However, if you want a material with one of the best insulating qualities, this hits the mark. You could also go for feather and down quilts, which provide you with the warmth without the weight. If you overheat easily, though, then pick out natural fibers. These will absorb the moisture, so you stay cool while you sleep, Lifestyle says.

    Want more weight?

    If you hate waking up in the morning with your quilt on the floor, then you may want to scout around for options that have more heft in them. That or go for the next size so it’ll be heavier. Set aside a different one for summer and winter so you’ll have a quilt that’s perfect for the season, weight-wise.

    Look for finishing touches

    When you shop around, you may want to check out options with classy designs, the kind that could add a note of luxuriousness to your bed. Stripes or embossed designs often do the job.

    Check out new products

    Don’t forget to check out new products regularly. Visit Runaway Quilting and find out what items you may have missed. With an extensive inventory of quilting products, you can shop for everything you need all in one go.

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  • 7 of the Best Ideas for Quilt Patterns | Runaway Quilting

    Posted by Cathy Cooper

     

    Whatever quilting project you have in mind, there are free quilt patterns out there for you. Here are a few ideas you can explore. Have fun and happy quilting!

    Floral applique table mat

    This is an interesting addition to your tablescape. You’ll want to add matching coasters too. Large, hand-quilted stitches should give this project the personal touch it needs.

    Rectangles quilt

    Go for a charming combination of rose petal pinks and sage greens or for pale blues and greens to make for the perfect bedroom quilt. If that doesn’t do it for you, check out prints with polka dot prints and put them all together for a colorful quilt that can add warmth and cheer to any room.

    Customized mouse pad

    Look for free quilt patterns to help you turn bits of fabric into a wonderful, customized mouse pad. You can keep this for yourself or give them around to friends and family as tokens or gifts. They’re sure to appreciate the gesture.

    Baby quilt

    Check out patterns you can use to put together a modern baby quilt. Go with soft, pastel colors for the perfect look. Your baby will look cute cuddling up with this on the bed or couch, the BHG says.

    Wall hanging

    Want a bit of inspiration? Go for patterns that can help you put together wall hangings with intricate designs of flowers or geometric shapes. That’s going to be an awesome addition to your private space.

    Table runner

    Want to improve the look and feel of your dining table? Tired of the old runner? You won’t have to shop for a new one. Get patterns and start quilting. You may want to try working with varying triangles for each row to create a wonderful-looking quilt for your dining area.

    Themed-décors

    Love the sea? Go with an all-blue quilt. Check out simple boat patterns and add few bits of nautically-themed knick-knacks for the perfect beach corner in your home office. Add a few seashells or even a wooden boat and, you’ll have a lovely work space or corner that you can rest your eyes on whenever you feel tired at work.

    These are just a few gorgeous ideas you can choose when you shop for patterns at Runaway Quilting. Visit our inventory to see more of what we have in store for you. With easy shipping policies and a range of items you can choose from, we can provide for all your quilting needs.

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  • Tips To Choose The Right Quilting Fabrics

    Posted by Cathy Cooper

    Quilting is often a relaxing, charming and addictive hobby. If you're new to quilting and you're all but ready to get started, then here are a couple of pointers you'll find handy.

    Check out a kit

    Kits are an easy way to get into quilting. If you have no idea where to begin or don't know how to shop for the right quilting fabrics, then a kit will do the work for you.

    Go for pre-cut collections

    Don't have a clue what fabrics to pick? Then think about buying pre-cut collections, The Seasoned Homemaker suggests. That way, you can get a feel for what fabrics look and feel right together. These may be a bit more expensive, but they're well worth it, considering the time and effort you save in shopping for quilting fabrics by yourself.

    Check trusted shops

    Look for trusted online shops like Runaway Quilting for supplies. Sketchy and dodgy shops may send you fabrics that are less than stellar. That's the last thing you want. Buy only from shops with a good reputation for credibility and customer service.

    Browse through the inventory

    Inventory size is another major consideration when you look at a quilting shop. Does the shop have an extensive inventory that contains more than enough quilting items and products to satisfy your quilter's soul? If that's the case, then you can shop to your heart's content.

    Read the guidelines

    Before you put in an order for those patches and quilts, be sure to read through the shopping guidelines. Check out the returns policy just in case you may need to return a few items. It pays to know what the shopping policies are in advance to decide which shops offer you the best terms and conditions.

    Pick your colors

    Any quilter knows just how important it is to pick the right colors and color combinations. Not sure of your moves yet? Then find a piece of fabrics you want to build around on. That's going to help you get going. You can shop for colors that will either contrast or compliment that piece of fabric. One trick to knowing how everything will look like is to sketch it out. Use colored pencils. This may not be accurate; but it should be enough to give you a sense of the results.

    These tips aren't going to tell you everything you need to know. But they're enough to help you get your quilting off to a fun, fantastic start.

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  • Complete Guide to Quilting for Beginners

    Posted by Cathy Cooper

    Quilting isn’t just a relaxing and enjoyable hobby, it can also be a very rewarding one. There’s nothing like presenting a handmade quilt as a holiday gift or having something beautiful and customized to hang on a child’s nursery wall. It’s all possible with quilting, and quilting is possible with just a short list of supplies and a few basic lessons. Let’s look at how to get started, and soon you’ll be enjoying this timeless hobby, too!

    First Things First – Your Supplies

    Before you can begin to learn to quilt, you’ll need a few essential supplies. Fiskars suggests the following:

    • Needle and thread
    • Basting safety pins
    • Straight pins
    • Scissors or other cutting tools
    • Sewing machine
    • Batting or other filler material
    • Fabric, either to cut or already cut into squares suitable for your project

    You may also want to consider a measuring tool, if your fabric or cutting board is not grid-lined. With supplies in hand, it’s time to move on to the next step: finding lessons, tutorials and more.

    Learning How to Quilt

    Many retailers of quilting supplies offer free or low-cost classes for customers to attend that teach the basics of quilting and other crafts. When possible, it’s best to use in-person instruction, as your teacher can take note of any mistakes you make and correct them in real time, helping you improve your technique quicker and be a better quilter in far less time.

    However, not everyone has access to these sorts of classes. If sewing courses aren’t possible for you, consider online tutorials, browsing crafting sites like Pinterest and searching quilting blogs for instructions. You might be surprised at how many experienced quilters are willing to share their knowledge online!

    Patterns, Projects and More – Time to Quilt!

    Once you’ve established your basic skill set, it’s time to practice. Once again, fabric and supply retailers and the internet are your best options for finding the instructions and other items you’ll need to complete your first projects on a budget.

    At local retailers, ask about free pattern giveaways or downloads available when you purchase fabric and other items. On many merchant websites, you may find free downloads and project designs to get your started and keep you inspired throughout your quilting journey. For even more ideas, don’t forget to check with local quilting groups, browse pin boards and more.

    Quilting is a tradition steeped in a rich and beautiful history, representative of modern culture itself. When we piece together are favorite fabrics, we are piecing together the past and the present, and creating something to be enjoyed in the future. Start your quilting journey today! For more information on all things quilting, visit Runaway Quilting!

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