The One Quilting Step You Can't Afford to Skip [Quilt Talk Podcast Episode 9]

[@lanaarpin6540]

As a thank you from a friend, she gifted me with several blank labels made on her embroidery machine. What a gift.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Isn't that amazing! Truly a wonderful friend! And you must have done something pretty special to be gifted those labels!

[@deborahlunsford6983]

I really need to start labeling my quilts Thanks for the reminder. Love the story about the hair ball collecter.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

My hair receiver (interesting name) is actually getting quite full! :-) A pincushion is right around the corner! Thanks so much for watching and for commenting!

[@megharmon2298]

When I make a wedding quilt,I print one if their engagement pictures onto muslin by running muslin through my printer. I iron freezer paper onto the muslin to help it through printer. Sometimes I make more than one of these. Then I make a label in my word processing system and print that in the same way . I then affix those to the quilt. I have also sometimes printed their wedding invitation this way. These are a big hit. I always make the quilt in a pattern and colors they request. For a baby, I either print the shower invitation or a copy of the announcement hopefully with a picture. Then again I print what I want on the label using my word processor and backed muslin. Fir other quilts sometimes I just write on the back of the quilt with fabric marker. I usually put the name if the quilt, my name as pieces and quilter and the date. If it is a gift I put the name of the recipient and the occasion of the gift if there is one. I never used to make labels and there are so many quilts from me to various family members. They are very lived but hardly anyone remembers why or when I made them except for the baby quilts. I am much happier now that I am doing labels. I have a book of labels to copy that I coukd print the same way but I have not tried that yet. UT I sometimes draw on the info label with fabric pens. That adds a lot too.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Sounds like a wonderful system! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@annie-fb1vm]

My grandparents worked for the Smalls when they were in Kankakee. My grandmother was a cook and my grandfather was a gardener. That is how they met. I have a hair receiver - I did not know how the hair was used! Interesting!

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Sounds like you have a "pin cushion in the making"! How wonderful to actually have its history in your hands! What a treasure!

[@brendalee8941]

I use my emb machine a lot for my labels

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Ahh...that's one thing I forgot to mention...yes, an embroidery machine is a great way to label a quilt. Thank you for sharing Brenda!

[@samfishcreek]

I didn't hear you mention the pre-printed fabric panels with artistic labels on them! They can be found in your LQS (local quilt stores). Usually there are 20 or so labels in a 24" length panel - enough for a fair number of finished projects. Cut them out, write on them with the Micron, and attach. No printer needed. Sheep's wool (not fully scoured) was also used in pin cushions for the same reason. The residual lanolin in the wool would protect pins and needles from rust. I have one I've used for years, purchased from a gift shop in a Shaker community with a handwoven cover filled with wool. The lanolin doesn't leach through the heavy fabric and it has never smelled.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Thanks Michele! Lots of great and valuable information! I forgot about the pre-printed labels. Wonderful idea!

[@jennrea4275]

We went on a tour of the Historic captains house in Astoria Oregon the wife I believe used her hair and her children’s to create art pieces out of it which is on display at the mansion.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Isn't that amazing! Nothing goes to waste, does it? Thanks for watching and for commenting!

[@megharmon2298]

I have a framed wreath made from hair. It is very intricate flowers etc.

[@MultiPassionateCreator]

Love this episode! I absolutely love history as well. I went on eBay an ordered a hair receiver for my cabinet in my sewing room. I just love to collect antiques but when it relates to sewing or quilting that makes it even better! I rescue quilts all the time from thrift shops and antique store. How would I find a quilt appraiser in my area?

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

You're going to love it! I've had mine for over a year now - and it's getting pretty full - but it takes a lot of "stuffing" to make a pin cushion - so I'll keep collecting. They are beautiful little antiques and I love the way mine looks on my counter! Thanks for watching!

[@toothvetia]

Depending on the width of your binding, you could use the hair receiver to aid in “dispensing” your binding…. Maybe?

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Interesting idea, Jennifer! You would need to somehow tape the top and bottom together so that it wouldn't come apart when you pull the binding out - but it would be a beautiful addition to a sewing table. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@BrendaGrant-g9g]

Interesting fact about making pincushions out of hair. I needed a pincushion for my first home ec class in 9th grade. So my smart mother saved our hair clippings and I made a pincushion out of flannel for my classes. 60+ years later, i still use it. Mom woukd run her sewing needles through her hair when she needed them to slip good.

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Great story Brenda! Isn't it amazing how resourceful we can be? Thank you for sharing!!!

[@sehryn]

The M might be for the name of the quilt recipient

[@joyfulandmerryquilting]

Yes! Good point...I didn't think of that. Thank you!