Nothing Says Comfort Like a Quilt

No matter what your decor, a quilt suggests warmth. Quilts are tactile art that can express the quilt maker's design style. Be warned, however, because once you snuggle under a handmade quilt, or you hang one like a tapestry, you're hooked. You'll have quilt fever.

I've been sewing quilts--and giving them as gifts--for years. The one you see in the photo is the only one I kept because its neutral color palette is pleasing and acceptable in traditional, transitional or country decor. The quilt pattern is an adaptation of the broken star, but you'll find that quilt names aren't synonymous among quilters. Just choose one you like and get started.

Many times I have been asked to write articles on quilt design, include step-by-step instructions and illustrate the graphics showing how to assemble the pieces. It's always fun to share the how-tos with a fellow quilter, beginner or advanced. But there are a few Websites that offer free quilt patterns. This is one of my favorites: http://www.freequiltpatterns.info/

From time to time, I'll share some quilting patterns, but for right now, start gathering your fabrics. Men's ties (who wears them anymore?) make a treasure trove for quilts or other sewing projects. Don't throw away the stained cotton shirt. Keep it and cut pieces from the parts that have no stain.

Store your fabrics by color family in plastic tubs, a file cabinet or whatever method organizes your stash. For a quilter, she who has the most fabric wins...or so I've been told.