Countdown to Christmas: Day 6, Quilter’s Wish List

It’s always fun to make a Christmas list, and it’s even better when you include some items to enhance your quilting and creativity.

QM’s Associate Editor Eileen Fowler has the task of watching for new products in the quilt industry. She tries them out and writes reviews for our readers. Some of her recent finds are featured today as the Countdown to Christmas continues.

The Frosted Petticoat makes the sweetest buttons—out of chocolate!

Add these yummy delicacies to holiday confections or gift to your friends, but be sure to pick out an extra box just for you. ($11.50 per box; thefrostedpetticoat.com)

*     *     *     *     *

Why Quilts Matter, viewed by many on PBS, is available for all to see on DVD.

Created and produced by renowned quilt expert Shelly Zegart, this nine-part documentary
explores the world of quilting, the people who make quilts and the important role quilts play in history, art and politics. ($39.95; whyquiltsmatter.org)

*     *     *     *     *

It all began with a single quilt block painted on an Ohio barn in 2001. Today there are over 3,000 barn quilts.

With the assistance of the movement’s founder Donna Sue Groves, Suzi Parron visits the people and places behind this North American phenomenon in Barn Quilts and the American Quilt Trail Movement. ($29.95; 800-621-2736; ohioswallow.com)

*     *     *     *     *

Just Another Button Company is more than just buttons. Create the adorable Sew Charming Pincushion (from their assortment of Make-Do Pincushion kits) for your best quilty buddy.

Or use your own fabric scraps and felted wool with their Sew-On-The-Go kit to make a handy, portable sewing case.

(Sew Charming Pincushion kit, $50; Sew-On-The-Go kit, $70; find retailers at justanotherbuttoncompany.com)

*     *     *     *     *

Want to maximize your sewing space? Check out ROM Woodworking’s large variety of beautifully crafted wood organizers.

The Felicia Jr. Combo stores up to 45 spools of thread with spaces for your rulers in the front and the back. (Felicia Jr. Combo, $84.99;
209-613-8504; romwoodworking.com)

*     *     *     *     *

You’ve stitched the binding onto your quilt. To join the ends perfectly, use The Binding Tool from TQM Products.

So easy to use—the simple instructions are printed right on the tool. To see this tool in action, here’s a how-to video. If you prefer still photos, see this tutorial. ($9; 507-351-5439; tqmproducts.com)

*     *     *     *     *

If you don’t have a barn, you can still display your favorite quilt block. The Classic Metal Company has laser-cut steel into durable “home-sized” barn quilts.

Choose from several classic designs like Bear’s Paw, Lone Star and Mariner’s Star. Mariner’s Compass is shown above, and below is Dutch Rose.

Available in five colors and two sizes. (12″x 12″ designs, $29; 24″x 24″ designs, $59; 815-252-0104; classicmetalcompany.com)

*     *     *     *     *

Thanks for joining me! I’ll see you tomorrow as Quiltmaker’s Countdown to Christmas continues.