Nancy Rink Blog

Technique: How to Make Borders Fit and Lay Flat A quilt that lays flat with nicely squared borders is a thing of beauty.  And, although pattern designers like myself provide border measurements, sometimes due to sewing differences and handling of the quilt top, those border measurements don't quite match those of your quilt. So here are some steps to assure that your borders fit your quilt. 1. Always measure your quilt vertically and horizontally through the quilt's...

    Technique: How to use freezer paper and starch for applique'   Here is what you need: Freezer Paper Starch (I prefer Best Press because it leaves no starch residue or flakes) Paint or stencil brush.  A cotton swab also works in a jam. Sharp pencil Highlighter Awl or something pointy Mini-Iron Firm pressing surface Glue (Aleene's glue pen or Roxanne's with an applicator)   Here is what to do:   1. Using a sharp...

Our Fabric has Arrived!  Hurray! Our Tweet for Two fabric has arrived so we can start putting together kits for the Tweet Friends Block of the Month. Our kit will include the Tweet Friends 10-month pattern set and all of the fabric to make the quilt as shown, including the binding. The kit price is $142.50, plus shipping. 4 1/2 yards of backing in your favorite print is $45. Get your kit while supplies last! order...

  Technique: How to make the skinny bird legs in Block #4: Feathered Friends   1. Cut a double layer of freezer paper that is approximately 1" x 8".   2. Take a small chunk of fabric. I used a piece that was about 6" x 10".  Because the bird legs look like sticks, we can cut them on the straight of grain.  When I want narrow stems that will curve, I use this same technique,...

  Technique: How to accurately piece the triangle border on the Dresden Friends block  Here is what you need: Cut triangles according pattern instructions Easy Angle Ruler by Wrights   Here is what you do: 1.Position the ruler on top of a triangle, aligning the edges of the ruler with the edges of the fabric. Trim off the point.  Flip the fabric over and trim off the other point.  The red triangle shown has had its...