adventures of a quilting diva

With the holidays as well as the flu season fast approaching, the Red Cross needs a steady supply of blood donations to meet the increased need. You probably know that blood donors get free juice and cookies, and that just one donation can save up to three lives, but you most likely did not know that you also get a free supply of great quilting thimbles.

Now I have tried many different kinds of thimbles in my quilting career: closed, open, metal, leather, … and the list goes on. But for me, none can beat a piece of the simple bandage that they wrap around your arm after you donate blood. Cut a piece several inches long, enough to wrap around your finger or thumb a few times and voila, you’ve got yourself a thimble that is thin enough to feel the needle but just thick enough that you don’t get pricked. It fits perfectly, the price is right, it’s a great way to recycle, and it comes in fun colors too!

When the needle starts to poke through, discard the bandage thimble and cut a new piece. Depending on how hard and often you hand quilt, by the time you run out of bandage thimbles, it might be time to donate blood again. You can donate once every 56 days, that’s 8 weeks. Or if you run out earlier than that, you can buy a roll at the drug store.

Every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood. (American Red Cross) A gift of blood is a gift of life, so why not consider making a blood donation this holiday season? Wear your bandage with pride, then give your brand-new quilting thimbles a try and get started on a hand-quilted gift. Two gifts from the heart in one!

Visit Give Life: American Red Cross for more information about donating blood or to find a blood drive near you.

I was hoping to finish the machine appliqué on this quilt by today and to then start on the hand quilting the following week. Actually the appliqué was done in about a day and a half, and I am about 90% done with the quilting as well. I astonished even myself at how fast this quilt is coming together. I’m not going to show you the full view until the binding is applied. I may even make a beaded fringe. I’ve got some lovely beads in this color palette.

Today’s tip: If you don’t skimp on the basting for your small quilts, you should be able to easily hand quilt them without a hoop. Start with safety pins at each corner and the middle of each side near the edge. Thread baste an X across the entire quilt (stitch from the center to each corner), then make lines of basting stitches 3-4 inches apart both horizontally and vertically. You’re now ready to start quilting!