From First Stitch to Long Arm Ready: A Precision Workflow - Maker Minute
Hello! I'm Sandra Smith, founder of Ginger Bloom Quilts. Inspired by my mother's quilting, I learned the craft while raising my children. As a Registered Nurse in the Cardiac Cath Lab, I have served as both a preceptor and, eventually, the department educator.
I truly enjoy teaching, and nothing makes me happier than seeing someone's face light up when they master a skill and take it forward. After retiring from a 25-year nursing career, I turned to quilting as my creative outlet.
In addition, I am employed at Bernina of Chattanooga, where I serve as an instructor for various classes. I'm truly passionate about Long Arm Quilting. My goal is to prepare high-quality quilt tops for Long Arm quilting.
To achieve this, I rely on my favorite Cutterpillar tools to ensure precision throughout the process.
When preparing quilt backing for a quilt, The Cutterpillar Glow Lightboard is exactly what I need for accurate work. It helps me align directional fabrics precisely for a seamless finish.
If you’ve ever considered purchasing directional fabric for quilting projects, especially for backing, but worry about keeping everything aligned, the Glow Lightboard makes it easy to piece directional fabrics accurately.
Customers send me quilt backings in various styles: wide back, nondirectional, and directional. Sometimes the ideal backing isn’t available in wide back, only regular width. Nondirectional fabrics are easy to use, but directional ones can be pieced together—don’t dismiss them! Even if you need 5 yards, you can align the designs on a Lightboard for a seamless, attractive backing.
How it works
Place two pieces of directional fabric with their fronts facing each other. When there's no
light, you can't see through the layers. Turning on the Lightboard makes both fabrics clearly visible.
The following photos show how to align fabric:
1. Line up designs on top and bottom fabrics. A 17x24 Glow Lightboard helps match design elements along the length.
2. Fold the top layer over and align design patterns.
3. Use adhesive spray to hold the layers.
4. Sew along the crease.
5. Press open to display the connected fabrics.
6. Now you have a directional fabric backing.
I encourage you to explore all the products offered by Cutterpillar. The Glow Lightboard is just one of several tools I regularly use in my quilting studio!
Use my Affiliate code: GINGERBLOOM to receive a 15% discount!
You can download my debut bag pattern, the “Fold and Sew” Crossbody bag, from my Etsy shop.
I provide long arm quilting services; examples are available on my website.
I am in the process of developing a series of video content for my YouTube channel. I invite you to visit my channel, where new material will be added regularly.
Connect with Sandra:
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