It’s that time of year where gift giving is top of
everyone’s mind. And sometimes figuring out that ultimate gift can be a little
daunting.
everyone’s mind. And sometimes figuring out that ultimate gift can be a little
daunting.
OK, a lot daunting if you’re a family member or friend
trying to figure out what to give a quilter when you haven’t a clue what that
really entails (I speak from experience here, and wound up getting a button
making kit…).
trying to figure out what to give a quilter when you haven’t a clue what that
really entails (I speak from experience here, and wound up getting a button
making kit…).
So, if you’re said friend or family member, read on for some
top quilty gifts that will have your quilt lover jumping for quilty joy!!
top quilty gifts that will have your quilt lover jumping for quilty joy!!
Now, if you’re said quilter, be kind to your family,
significant other, friends, or strangers who just want to show you some love and spare them the struggle. Show them this list, sit back, relax and look
forward to some epic quilty good times in 2018!
significant other, friends, or strangers who just want to show you some love and spare them the struggle. Show them this list, sit back, relax and look
forward to some epic quilty good times in 2018!
This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional
cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a
commission.
cost to you, if you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a
commission.
The world of quilting is quite broad and there are gizmos
and gadgets ranging from a dollar to well into the thousands. The following
guide tries to hit most price ranges to accommodate as many budgets as
possible.
and gadgets ranging from a dollar to well into the thousands. The following
guide tries to hit most price ranges to accommodate as many budgets as
possible.
Here goes.
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THE SURE TO PLEASE/ CAN’T GO WRONG – GIFT CARDS
A quilter would be nowhere without fabric. But those textile
goodies don’t come cheap and quickly rack up a bill when tackling a quilt
project. Since buying fabric is one of the BEST things for a quilter, let’s not
take that fun away!
goodies don’t come cheap and quickly rack up a bill when tackling a quilt
project. Since buying fabric is one of the BEST things for a quilter, let’s not
take that fun away!
Unless, of course, you’ve heard your quilt lover raving about
a certain line of fabric that they just CAN’T live without, then by all means
run out and get said fabric bundle! Otherwise, figure out their favourite quilt
shop and get them gift certificates.
Here are a few online suggestions in case you’re not sure
where to start:
where to start:
The beauty of gift cards is they can be used for anything,
not just fabric, but the odds that the funds will go to fabric is pretty high 😉
not just fabric, but the odds that the funds will go to fabric is pretty high 😉
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THE NOT SO OBVIOUS – COLOR CARDS
This one is not really an obvious purchase. I’ve heard time
and time again from quilters that they would LOVE to have colour cards, but
they find them expensive and prefer to use their money for, you guessed it,
fabric!!
and time again from quilters that they would LOVE to have colour cards, but
they find them expensive and prefer to use their money for, you guessed it,
fabric!!
But, for those of us that have taken the plunge, they are
AMAZING tools to have in a quilter’s tool box. They make planning a project a
breeze. They also make buying fabric online much easier. See, the swatches
shared online are often misleading. I’ll spare you the number of times I’ve
ordered a fabric online thinking it matched my colourway, only to get it in the
mail and it was TOTALLY wrong. My quilty friends get the pain and suffering
this causes.
AMAZING tools to have in a quilter’s tool box. They make planning a project a
breeze. They also make buying fabric online much easier. See, the swatches
shared online are often misleading. I’ll spare you the number of times I’ve
ordered a fabric online thinking it matched my colourway, only to get it in the
mail and it was TOTALLY wrong. My quilty friends get the pain and suffering
this causes.
So, do them a solid and pick up the colour charts of the
fabrics they use the most often. Surely, you’ve heard them rattle on about Kona
this, or Cloud9 that. Confusing jargon to you, I know, but essentials to a
quilter.
fabrics they use the most often. Surely, you’ve heard them rattle on about Kona
this, or Cloud9 that. Confusing jargon to you, I know, but essentials to a
quilter.
The most common is Kona Cotton – with a selection of 340 colours, your quilter is sure to find the perfect
match for their projects.
match for their projects.
But these are also amazing options, each with their own
unique attributes:
unique attributes:
If you’re quilter is into organic cottons, Cloud9 Cirrus Solids is a great option.
Don’t forget about the matching thread. Aurifil is super popular and
favoured by many quilters.
For any big stitch hand quilting lovers, this DMC, Presencia Finca,
or Wonderfil Sue Spargo Elegance charts are also perfect.
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THE BASIC TOOLS
Squaring up quilt blocks is a necessary, and unavoidable,
evil in quilting. Make the process fun and quick with a rotating cutting mat.
Yup, they exist!
evil in quilting. Make the process fun and quick with a rotating cutting mat.
Yup, they exist!
This one by Matilda’s Own has received rave reviews and looks to spin with ease (which is not always the
case, trust me on that!).
case, trust me on that!).
Might as well pick-up some new rotary blades while you’re at it,
as we quilters tend to use them for FAR too long. And a new blade makes a world
of difference. Think of it like using a dull chef’s knife – it’s WAY more
dangerous than a freshly sharpened knife and tends to slip rather than grip.
Same idea applies to rotary blades. The duller they are, the more times you
have to pass over the same area to get a cut.
as we quilters tend to use them for FAR too long. And a new blade makes a world
of difference. Think of it like using a dull chef’s knife – it’s WAY more
dangerous than a freshly sharpened knife and tends to slip rather than grip.
Same idea applies to rotary blades. The duller they are, the more times you
have to pass over the same area to get a cut.
There are a gazillion rulers out there. Seriously, Google
quilting rulers and you’ll be inundated with ALL kinds of shapes, sizes and
uses.
quilting rulers and you’ll be inundated with ALL kinds of shapes, sizes and
uses.
Some are super specific, others are more general.
If your quilter is just getting started, here are some
basics they should have on hand:
basics they should have on hand:
Then you get into the specialty rulers:
This Stripology ruler would make prepping fabric for projects a breeze.
Everyone’s raving about these Bloc Loc rulers. They’re supposed to
make trimming a cinch.
Or if hexies are their jam, the Hex-n-More ruler is a great option.
This Glowline tape comes in some fun colours and makes marking rulers for cutting lines a no brainer. Plus, it doesn’t leave behind a sticky film.
Not the fanciest or shiniest gift option, but basics are still nice to receive. And a quilter won’t get very far without the essential cutting and measuring tools.
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BOOKS, BOOKS AND MORE BOOKS
For my birthday this year, my dad wanted to get me a
quilting book. But he was completely overwhelmed by the thousand options that
came up! He didn’t have a clue where to start or what would be of interest. So,
he was smart and opted for a gift card 😉
quilting book. But he was completely overwhelmed by the thousand options that
came up! He didn’t have a clue where to start or what would be of interest. So,
he was smart and opted for a gift card 😉
This is a category that could have its own dedicated post on,
but here’s a summary of some of the more popular ones on the market:
but here’s a summary of some of the more popular ones on the market:
Animal Quilts – by Juliet van der Heijden – for the paper piecing quilty lover
Beginner’s Guide to Free Motion Quilting by Natalia Bonner
Modern Patchwork by Elizabeth Hartman
Modern Quilts by The Modern Quilt Guild
Modern Triangle Quilts by Rebecca Bryan
No Scrap Left Behind by Amanda Jean Nyberg
Quilt with Tula and Angela by Tula Pink and Angela Walters
Quilt with Tula and Angela by Tula Pink and Angela Walters
Savor Each Stich by Carolyn Friedlander
Sunday Morning Quilts by Amanda Jean Nyberg & Cheryl Arkison
Sunday Morning Quilts by Amanda Jean Nyberg & Cheryl Arkison
The Improv Handbook for Modern Quilters by Sherri Lynn Wood
The Quilts of Gees Bend by Alvia Wardlaw and Jane Livingston
Walk: Mastering Machine Quilting with Your Walking Foot by Jacquie Gerig
Wise Craft Quilts by Blair Stocker
Colouring books are also a great gift idea. They can be a
great source of quilty inspiration.
great source of quilty inspiration.
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MAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTIONS
Whether digital or paper copy, magazines are the perfect way
to see the latest trends, get project ideas and be inspired.
to see the latest trends, get project ideas and be inspired.
Here are just a few of the amazing ones out there:
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QUILT PATTERNS
Patterns are a great option that won’t break the bank. Plus,
you’ll be supporting independent designers, which is always a win!
you’ll be supporting independent designers, which is always a win!
Here are some modern quilt pattern designers to consider:
Emily Dennis designs patterns that are perfect for using up fat quarters and jelly rolls. We’ve all got them in our stash and this is a perfect way to feature them.
Modern Handcraft offers unique modern quilt patterns. Her macaron one is quite popular.
Shannon Fraser Designs (Yours truly 😉) patterns are visually bold, are easy to follow and create. Perfect for both the beginner and more seasoned quilter.
Suzy Quilts designs gorgeous modern quilt patterns that pack a visual punch.
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STAYING ORGANIZED
The Quilter’s Planner is an awesome tool to stay on top of all the works in progress (WIP) your
quilter is sure to have on the go.
quilter is sure to have on the go.
Plus, this planner comes chock full of patterns, tips on
free motion quilting and 15 coloring pages designed by Alison Glass.
free motion quilting and 15 coloring pages designed by Alison Glass.
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ENTERTAINMENT/ LEARNING
Not everyone can attend workshops and classes, so the next
best thing is to get them a subscription to online classes!
best thing is to get them a subscription to online classes!
Craftsy has a huge selection of classes, not just for quilting, and you can get them an
unlimited subscription which gives them access to their entire database! That’s
a lot of knowledge!
unlimited subscription which gives them access to their entire database! That’s
a lot of knowledge!
A popular recent release is Suzy Quilts’ Mojo Mini series. Anyone looking
to get into improv or learn hand quilting techniques would LOVE this class set.
Here’s an example of one of the projects they’ll make (this is my version of
Mojo Mini version 3 that is featured in the class).
to get into improv or learn hand quilting techniques would LOVE this class set.
Here’s an example of one of the projects they’ll make (this is my version of
Mojo Mini version 3 that is featured in the class).
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THE BEAST – AKA THE SEWING MACHINE
A quilter wouldn’t get very far without the ultimate
essential – the sewing machine.
essential – the sewing machine.
This is a whole category in of itself and can be completely
overwhelming.
overwhelming.
Here are just a few examples of some solid options:
Basic/ Entry Level
Singer – I started off sewing on a Singer Inspiration, which is essentially one of the
least expensive sewing machines I could find at the time. I sewed and quilted
with her for several years and she was a workhorse. I will say, her smaller
throat size was a little tough to quilt larger quilts, but I made it work. If
your quilter is just starting out, this would be a great place to start.
least expensive sewing machines I could find at the time. I sewed and quilted
with her for several years and she was a workhorse. I will say, her smaller
throat size was a little tough to quilt larger quilts, but I made it work. If
your quilter is just starting out, this would be a great place to start.
The Mid Point
Juki TL-2010Q – is an amazing option for a beginner or more seasoned quilter. But it only does
a straight stich. So, if they like to venture into other projects other than
quilting, I wouldn’t go with this option. But I love my Juki and thank her
every day for the beautiful quilts she helps me create!
a straight stich. So, if they like to venture into other projects other than
quilting, I wouldn’t go with this option. But I love my Juki and thank her
every day for the beautiful quilts she helps me create!
High End
Janome Horizon – this is a beautiful
machine that many of my quilty friends have and swear by. If you’re looking to
splurge a little, this would be an excellent option.
machine that many of my quilty friends have and swear by. If you’re looking to
splurge a little, this would be an excellent option.
King of all Machines…with the price tag to match
Bernina 770 QE – this is the Cadillac of all sewing machines. It’s got ALL the bells and
whistles and will have your quilter quilting up a storm. The one amazing
feature that I am longing for is the bobbin running low indicator. It’s like a
gas gauge for your bobbin. Genius!
whistles and will have your quilter quilting up a storm. The one amazing
feature that I am longing for is the bobbin running low indicator. It’s like a
gas gauge for your bobbin. Genius!
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THE ULTIMATE SPLURGE
I don’t know of any quilter that wouldn’t LOVE a trip to
QuiltCon. The mecca
of all modern quilt shows! They can get lots of eye candy from the thousands of
quilts on display, get a little shopping in and pick-up some of the latest
offerings from retailers and sign up for a class with some truly remarkable
talent in the industry.
QuiltCon. The mecca
of all modern quilt shows! They can get lots of eye candy from the thousands of
quilts on display, get a little shopping in and pick-up some of the latest
offerings from retailers and sign up for a class with some truly remarkable
talent in the industry.
Not cheap, but if you can swing it, they will ADORE you
for years to come. And just may make you a quilty treat of your own to thank
you for your kindness and generosity.
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I’ve got a whole other list dedicated to stocking stuffers,
so stay tuned for that!
so stay tuned for that!
Have a gift idea that you think we should all know about?
Share it in the comments below!!
Share it in the comments below!!
Happy quilty shopping!
xo
Shannon
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Awesome list Shannon! 🙂
Thank you, Izzy!! It was a fun one to put together 😉
That's quite the list you put together! I need a new machine and I've been considering two of the ones you listed. It's hard to decide, because if I spend that much $, I want to be sure it's the right machine for me!
Oh, I totally get the struggle! I pondered my options for well over a year before taking the plunge. I'm super happy with my machine, but can't help already wanting to add another one to my repertoire. I love the idea of always having two machines set-up. You know, to make working on my WIP pile that much easier 😉 Can't wait to see which one you decide to go with!