Smart Quilting in These Economic Times

If scrappy quilts are not your style, and if you like applique, and if you're trying to work out of your stash to save money, then Dilys Fronks' latest book is just the ticket.

In Dual Image Applique she describes how to get two images from one cut. You save time as well as money, and you end up with two blocks, quilts, or projects to show for your effort. For example, look at her book's cover: clever!

Besides having 10 fun projects from home dec to quilts, Dilys teaches terrific machine applique technique, so if you've been looking for instruction, this book will show you what you need to know.

The extensive gallery will inspire you to put her technique to work in any quilt project.

Dilys is known in her home of Wales as "Dilys the Quilt." She has taught internationally for years and will be teaching at the AQS Paducah show in 2011 (online registration will open in early December; her classes fill fast, so don't wait!). To maximize your quilt dollar and produce amazing quilts, order AQS #8240 online or by calling 1-800-626-5420.

Quilting in a Slow Economy

A recent article on Yahoo! Finance pointed out what most of us already know -- we're staying closer to home for fun and creativity these days. Quilting may have a reputation as being the original "make it with leftovers" art, craft and hobby, but here's something to consider: it's not a $3 billion business per year for nothing.

The fabric companies, especially, drive the rest of the quilt industry, so if you're quilting only from your stash, you might be putting the squeeze on your local quilt shops and online vendors during this recession.

To keep fresh ideas and products flowing among manufacturers and retailers, there has to be demand. If your budget allows, spend something -- anything -- on your quilting and make product and class requests. Your quilting needs have translated into some of the most astonishing developments since the mid-1970s, and now's not the time to quit!

Hope to see you all at the upcoming Des Moines show, shopping up a storm!