DK Quilt Guild: A place for quilters to gather, share ideas, projects, and to make the world a better place, one quilt at a time. Join us and share your thoughts, projects, questions, and tips. Quilters here are at many different levels of skill. Beginners and non-quilters are welcome, too!
The internet is a wonderful source for quilters. Of course, we can google “art quilts” or
“quilt embellishments” -- but finding some of these treasures on the web isn’t easy. Here are a few to investigate (some of which I’m looking forward to exploring more myself).
1. First, general information and inspiration:
quilterscache.com
So much here that I don’t know where to start. The free square patterns are listed by size, perfect for when you need that 12” finished size. Also: learning to quilt lessons including info on binding for example.
freequiltpatterns.info
This was recommended by a friend. I was tempted by the free video tutorial.
2. Next, organizations have websites with lots of information.
quiltguilds.com
Here you can find listings of guilds and shows (international) by location. Also, program suggestions and game ideas for your guild.
americanquilter.com
This society gives lots of benefits with membership and lists past winners of shows and contests. Who knew there were quilt classes online for college credit?
nqaquilts.org
A national quilt association. You can learn about their shows and their member guilds.
3. Historical and museum-related sites: Visit the museum and learn history without leaving home.
quilthistory.com/museums.htm
quiltmuseum.org (the national museum Paducah, Kentucky)
nequiltmuseum.org in Lowell, Mass. rotating exhibits
shelburnemuseum.org
quiltandtextilemuseum.com including Amish quilts, in Lancaster PA
quilter's sos: allianceforamericanquilts.org interviews with quilters (save our stories)
4. Sites associated with magazines
allpeoplequilt.com for BetterHomes and Gardens lots of info and patterns
craftsy.com more than just quilts, variety of patterns
quiltingdaily.com
or look up your favorite quilting magazine
5. Tips and information on specific patterns, for example
dearjane.com worth looking at if you are not familiar with this historic pattern, including a daily email series of hints
6. Online shop hop
fabshophop.com A monthly contest which also helps you explore online shops. Also has a fabric search function. Great prizes, stiff competition.
7. lots of blogs, too many to mention except
timeforquilting.com/quilting_blogs.html has some suggestions
My friend Marianne, quilter extraordinaire follows the blog of Barbara Brackman, quilt historian, has participated in a secret pal exchange and a block swap through a yahoo group. She looks to blogs for tips on certain patterns or a block of the week suggestion.
So: Which of these have you enjoyed? or Which sound interesting? Which others have I missed that you would recommend?