Grunge is a material that looks textured. The material is dyed then a printed texture is applied to one side. See below example of Grunge material. The Grunge look reminds me of the bedroom accent wall from the 80’s and 90’s where the wall would be painted a solid color, dried and then a second complementary color would be randomly sponged over to give the textured look. Gunge material is use in quilts more today than it was a few years ago. Grunge material gives quilts a modern look.
So your quilt top is unfinished and is sitting on the table or packed away in a box. Life has got busy and you just don’t have the time to finish your project. Life happens. Not to worry… Lady VanWinkle’s is a full service studio. If you need your Quilt Top finished or, just need your quilt bound Lady VanWinkle’s is here to help. See Stitch Pattern of the month.
When you are ready to to finish your quilt, click on one of the links below.
I recommend adding borders to quilts for a few reasons. Borders add a nice touch to a quilt. It is like putting a frame around a picture; it adds dimension and gives the quilt a finished look. I like using a one and a half inch to two inch wide border that contrasts the colors in the quilt, then add a four inch to six inch border fabric that matches or complements one of the patterns used in the quilt.
Another reason the you might want to add borders is that adding borders is a quick way to add to the width and length of your quilt. Have you ever found a quilt pattern that you really liked but the pattern dimensions were too small. Don’t let that stop you. Use the pattern and add borders to the desired width and length.
The final reason why I recommend borders is that sewing the borders around your quilt ties in the edges of the piece work. If you decide you do not want borders you will need to sew a stitch around the edges of your quilt to prevent the pieces from separating and stretching. The longarm quilter will most likely charge you an extra fee if it’s not done.
Lady VanWinkle’s does restore quilt. Over time quilts get worn around the edges and sometimes the backing wears out. As long as the quilt top, piece work, is in good shape we can restore your quilt for you.
Our process is, we remove the backing and batting and depending on the the condition of the borders we may remove part or all of the borders. Once all damaged material is removed we apply new batting, backing and borders for you. This is the perfect time decide if you want a larger quilt than your original quilt. We can make your quilt larger by adding or extending your borders. You can provide the new materials or we can match your quilt top and select your materials for you. We have the batting on hand.
If you are looking to restore your quilt, click on the Contact Us link below to contact Lady VanWinkle’s. In the message box indicate that you are wanting a Quilt Restoration consultation .
20 year old quilt was restored with new batting, backing, small border, new binding. All restored quilts are finished with decorative stitching of your choosing.
You will choose from several longarm stitch patterns we have available. If we don’t have what you are looking for, we can purchase a pattern that meets your needs. You will meet at the Lady VanWinkle’s studio, or an agreed upon location to review pattern options and thread color options that best fits your project. I’m here to help you finish your quilt. Together we will select the best pattern and thread color for your project. We use a high quality 40 wt. thread. We have Omni and Madura high quality thread available in many colors. If we don’t have exactly what you want, we can get it as long as they make it. Our passion is to add value to your project and to deliver your quilt in the shortest lead-time possible.
Lady VanWinkle’s provides a Longarm quilting service to quilters who want to enhance their hand crafted projects with high quality edge to edge stitches.
The owner, Diana Reedy VanWinkle, is passionate about working with you to choose the best pattern and thread color for your quilt. She provides a smoke free environment so your quilt leaves the studio smelling fresh.
All quilting is done using the Bernina Q24 Longarm machine with the Q-Matic computer that produces high quality stitches for the quilt you want to SHOWCASE or HEIRLOOM Quilt you want to pass down to a loved one.
Lady VanWinkle’s Studio is located in Cascade Locks.
It all depends on what you want out of a quilt. Are you looking for a lightweight or a heavyweight quilt? Do you want high or, low loft? Or is your quilt a piece of art?
If you want a heavier warm quilt with medium to high loft you might want to use a 100% cotton or an 80/20 cotton/polyester blend with a high loft that has been needle-punched. The benefits of using needle-punched cotton batting is that the batting will not separate or bunch up, even after many washings. You can purchase cotton batting with low, medium or high loft. The cotton/polyester blends have higher loft.
100% polyester batting gives a lightweight, high loft and holds up with repeated washings and heavy use.
If you are looking for lightweight and warmth you might use a 100% wool or a wool blend. Wool batting produces a lightweight quilt with lower loft and excellent loft retention. I use Hobbs Tuscany Collection which can be hand or machine washed. Use little agitation or wash in machine with no agitation. Too much agitation or steam could cause felting in wet wool. I have had much success using a front-loaded wash machine. Wool batting is available needle-punched. The wool gives warmth without the weight. The fiber breaths, allowing excess heat to disperse away from the body.
If you are wanting a batting for wall art, I would recommend using wool batting for the lightweight and the lower loft.
Used Cotton Batting Used Cotton Batting
About Lady VanWinkle’s
Are you looking to buy a handcrafted quilt. Check out our Quilts for Sale. If you are looking to customize your own quilt? We are here to help you, click the following links for Longarm Stitching services or contact us.
It’s because there are only a few Longarm Quilters out there. This is primarily due to the expense of the Longarm Quilting machine. These machines cost anywhere from $30,000 to $45,000 dollars. These machines are anywhere from 10 feet to 14 feet long and require approximately 3 feet on all sides with 5 feet of comfortable working space in the front of the machine. If you are looking for a Longarm Quilter? Visit Lady VanWinkle’s Website. Click on Services and Pricing.
Batik is a centuries old tradition for dyeing material using wax to create designs on the fabric. So is Batik fabric difficult to work with? Yes, and No…One reason quilters may say it’s difficult to work with is that while sewing they experience skipped stitches. That can happen when working on a large project, but there is a remedy. When starting your project always begin with a brand new needle. I use the Schmetz brand. If you are sewing a Queen size quilt or larger, review for skipped stitches about 3/4 of the way through. If you experience skipped stitches just change your needle and you are back in business. I also, recommend a good quality thread. Mettler thread is a strong thread and comes in many brilliant colors. When I use new needles and good quality thread, I find Batik fabric is easy to work with.
I like to use Batik fabrics on quilts because of the bold and brilliant colors and after many washings the fabric still holds it’s color.
Are you looking for a Longarm Quilter? Look no further! Lady VanWinkle’s has many beautiful quilt patterns to choose from and the pricing is very reasonable. Visit Lady VanWinkle’s website and Click on the Services and Pricing page. And, while you are there, Click on the Testimonials page and see what people are saying. If you are still not sure, take a look at the Quilt Gallery.
At Lady VanWinkle’s studio you can schedule an appointment to choose your pattern and thread color in a relaxing smoke free environment.
Are you looking for high quality service? Lady VanWinkle’s the place to go!
