There has always been a debate as to whether to prewash or not to prewash your fabrics prior to sewing or quilting. Just with anything there is an agreement and disagreement with prewashing.  After some hours of research on this topic, this is what I have found.

YES, I DO:

• DYE TRANSFER - prevents bright dyes from bleeding onto other fabrics 
• SHRINKAGE - fabrics can shrink, by prewashing this can minimize this possibility
• CHEMICALS - fabrics when purchased have sizing and other chemicals in them, by prewashing you are removing those chemicals from the fabric

NO, I DO NOT:

• TIME - this is a process that can be lengthy
• SIZE - washing small pieces of fabric is tedious and not convenient
• SHRINKAGE - there is not a drastic difference in material size after prewashing   
• BLEEDING - They way fabrics are developed today the issue us almost obsolete
• CHEMICALS - the sizing helps to keep the material crisp

I am one of those that DO NOT prewash my fabrics prior to sewing/quilting, with minor exceptions. Time is a huge issue for me.  I love running my personal business, but I also have to work full time. So my time  is VERY limited and I do not want to take away ANY time for washing - that is best for the family and there is enough of that!

Now even though I am on the side of 'I DO NOT' there are some fabrics I will.  When designing a quilt from a wall hanging to king size, I will prewash my reds, blues, and purples, just to be safe from dye transfer.  For the larger size quilts of course that is an easier process due to the size of the fabrics being washed are by the yard. However for wall hangings, we may be dealing with fabric the size of a scrap, fat quarter or pre-cut.  I will also prewash fabrics used in anything Baby I make.  There skin is very different from an adult.

Well during my research I have found the perfect solution for that! CLICK HERE to watch a video from Laura Coia on her sewing channel called Sew Very Easy. 

Material shrinking is only an issue on some fabrics, and these fabrics I tend to not work with.  These fabrics are those novelty type, i.e. terry cloth or chenille). And I have to be honest, I have sewn with them and I now stay AWAY from them...

Finally the chemical debate!  Yes I agree they are there in the fabric, but I like the texture and control those chemicals give me.  I get a crisper cutting line and I have GREAT control when manipulating the fabric to do what I want it to do!  Our industry has changed SO MUCH over the years, that from the bleeding, to shrinkage and the chemicals, it is different now.  Manufacturers are conscious of the fact that we are out there and do not wash our fabrics.  So they take the necessary steps to prevent these concerns from happening. And let's face it, they make a better product, then we will buy it more!!!

If you are still on the fence of what to do, my best advise is use your best judgement.  While I consider myself on one side, I will take the time to check and ensure there will be no issues for my products designed for my customers.

Thanks for stopping by and let me know what side you are on!  

~ Desiree

For those of us that run our own business we are always researching ways to research and market our products... We are after that one chance to get noticed and make the sale.  Here, in this post, I am going to focus on how to keep my business in the buyers mind. I do not want them to forget me and the services and products I can offer for their next purchase.

I have tried a couple techniques:

• Coupon codes for their next purchase
• Free item, based on their purchase

While sitting in my craft room, I came up with a promotional item that be part of every purchase made from my shop...so this is not an item that will be sold, but rather my gift to say 'Thank You' and another reminder for them!

Introducing the Cord 'Minder', below is how I have created my item and hopefully will inspire you to come up with a promotion that will work for your business!

Below are the materials I used to make this product, you can adapt any way you see fit.

• (2) pieces of material CUT 2 1/4" x 5 1/2" - print (use your specific fabric made that represents your brand) or plain (for stamping)
• (1) piece Medium Weight Interfacing CUT 2 1/4" x 5 1/2"
• (1) Complete set of Plastic Snaps
• Iron

Optional (Stamping)

• Company Logo Stamp
• Pigment Ink (I use ColorBox - Black)

To begin you want to cut your pieces and iron your interfacing to the wrong side of one piece of the fabric.

Once the interfacing is secured,you will pin your fabric pieces together with right sides facing each other and sew around your pieces with a 1/4" seam line.  Here you want to make sure that you leave an opening so you can turn your piece.

Prior to turning your piece you want to clip the corners close to the seam line, but you do not want to cut into the seam line.  By doing this you are able to create crisp corners.  To help with turning you can use a chopstick to help push out the corners.  

My husband just loves it when we go to one of our favorite restaurants, their chopsticks are perfect for this, I always stock up!

After turning you want to press.  This helps to lock in the stitches and also gives your piece a nice crisp finish.

Next you want to sew a seam line to accent your piece.  I always choose to use a scant 1/8" around the edge, just to finish it off...

If you are using a specific fabric created just for your business you can skip this next step and scroll down to the snap installation...  The next steps will show how to stamp on fabric!

Create your own stamp with your Logo or just simply say THANK YOU!!!  You want to use a pigment ink stamp pad, a rubber or clear stamp, and your iron.

If you are a stamper then you already know the process of stamping. For myself I had a lot to learn and yes I am still learning and I hope I do not pick up yet ANOTHER craft, LOL!

You will Stamp your logo or statement on your piece in the center. And set aside to let dry.  I like to wait for at least 2 hours and then press with an iron.  This will set the pigment ink onto the fabric.  Since I already know the fabric I will be using, I plan to set up a sheet of fabric with my Logo and then set them aside.  This way they will be ready for when ever I need them...

And now for another tool, and this one was a gold mine when I found it and so easy to use!  There are plenty of videos available to watch to learn more about this product. (Plastic Snap Pliers-KAM Snaps) I bought mine from www.ilikebigbuttons.com.

When placing your snaps you want to make sure they are positioned correctly based on how you are closing your product.

There are soooo many options to choose from.  For me I am waiting on my logo stamp to be sent to me, and yes cannot wait!  You could also use a 'Thank You' stamp like I did here in this tutorial, use another saying, create your tag line or motif, or use that special fabric the represents your brand...  Whatever you choose it will represent you and be that special item to make people remember you and your business and come back for more!!!

I hope you ENJOY this tutorial and it inspires you to bring your business to the forefront!!!

Please show me how you are going to create your promotion item for your business below...

Have a Great Day!

~ Desiree
Made at Home Quilts ...and then some!!!

As a crafter I am always trying something new!  Recently I was trying to figure out a way to use my scraps of fabric, because I cannot get rid of anything... (really I am soooo running out of space in my quilt room!). While I was getting my google on with this topic, I came across paper beads!  Who knew this was as popular as it was!  I have realized I live in a shelter and do not get out much...

So I bought my tools, glue, paper and storage cases to stay organized and off I went...  I am now completely and totally addicted to paper beads!  (and yes I did also find great ways to use my fabric scraps creating fabric beads as well!... that to be shown another time...).  They even have their own section within my tons of fabrics and they are bonding very well...

While creating these thousands of paper beads, I did the whole give them away (because of course I made the 'Pandora' style beads)!!!  But I realized they could be a part of my products for my business, and boy did the ideas flood in...  The most recent are zipper pulls and embellishments for my coffee cozies!!!

Below are just a couple of photos of some of the zipper pulls I have created so far, and through all this I have found a very strong respect for all those jewelry artisans out there!!!  I may manipulate fabric to bend at my will... but the bending of the wire is at another level!!!

Check the photos out and YES I you will see our version of the Coffee Cozy... 

SORRY for the fuzzies - been cutting ALOT of batting for upcoming clutches we have designed!!!!

...and here is how we embellished our Coffee Cozies - they will be available for purchase soon here at our store!!!

Hope you all enjoyed this...  and remember COVER YOUR WORLD IN FABRIC!!!

~ Desiree
Made at Home Quilts ...and then some!!!

Hello AGAIN fellow Fabric-a-Holics...

Just when you think you are ahead we get behind...  Does anyone else out there have any issues with connecting this social media to this social media, and then where do they pull the photos when you create these accounts.  i find it amazing...  I have two Master Degrees and I get lost on a lot of the concepts within this area, LOL!!!

~ Desiree
Happy Sales and Much Success!!!

Hello my fellow Fabric-a-Holics...

Spending today working on our product designs and our website.  While some may feel this is mundane and should be passed on to another to complete. I TOTALLY disagree, I love learning new experiences...  I feel as if I am able to close the each chapter for all my products that are developed.

So while working on photography (which I have found I really am not a photographer...), Product titles, tags and descriptions (still need to work on this area), and of course the wonderful concept of SEO (search engine optimization), which is a fascinating process...  I felt the need to add one more item, and this is my BLOG...

What better why to connect with all my future followers (who I know are just right around the corner)!!!!

So please tell your friends!!!  This is the best way to stay connected to us...  KNOW when we are showing new products, holding a Sale, or you just want to know what I like or don't like!!!

We are now connected to Bloglovin' and you can follow us using your email!  So ENJOY and welcome through this wonderful journey we are embarking on!!!

And remember - it is best to COVER YOUR WORLD IN FABRIC!!!!!

~ Desiree

This video really shows how great these pens from Pilot are for marking and making your templates right onto your fabric!!! And it only takes heat to remove the markings...

I was always a die hard user of the air erase pens, but I am finding I am using these just as much!

If the video is not appearing please make sure you contact me...

Have a Great Week Everyone!!!

Desiree
~MAHQs

The Gathering Foot for your sewing machine.  I saw this technique and found it to be really interesting.  As a quilter/seamstress I am always looking for interesting ways to implement other sewing techniques into my product designs.  This one I found helpful and looking into ways to incorporate 'gatherings' into some of my product designs.

It is from the Crafty Sewing Blog (you may have to log in or create an account to be able to read it in its entirety).  

Blog Article:
'How to Sew Ruffles in No Time Flat with a Gathering Foot...'

Welcome everyone!  Starting our blog...  and yes if you have been following me here, we once ran our blog from here but we went to another.  We have realized not a good idea, so we are BACK and we are here to stay!

Stop back often so you can keep up to date on our new designs, products, upcoming events, or anything else that just peaked our interest!

Have a GREAT day ...and then some!!!

~ Desiree