Quilting - Handmade and Machine work

Quilting is an ancient art form that perhaps originated in countries with cold climatic conditions. Quilting involves attaching several layers of cloth in the manner of a bed sheet in order the keep the body warm. From the knights in the Middle Ages to people in northern China, Quilts have given their warmth to people of all times.Quilts became so popular in America at one time that quilting was the pride of every woman. Nowadays; Quilting has been made easy by the free Quilt patterns that are easily available online.

Hand quilting

The hand quilting technique is a simple one where the quilt is made by hand. It is recommended that you start quilting from the centre as this would help keep the fabric even. It is better to use a short needle as this would increase your speed. A smooth and strong quilting thread that would prevent knotting.

Machine quilting

The advent of machines into the filed of quilting has made quilting fast and easy. Colossal quilt art can be done by machine quilting. For making straight and curved lines, machine guided quilting is done whereas for regular patterns free motion quilting is done.

Tools for machine quilting

The tools that are used for machine quilting are as follows:
Sewing machines can be used for machine quilting but certain sewing machines may need attachments or certain adaptations. The points to be considered are the opening size between motor and needle and the size of the motor being used,

Quilting threads:

The best quality threads have to be used for good results. Selection of threads according to the quilt being made is of utmost importance. If you are making a baby quilt, then using 100% cotton thread is advisable whereas if you are making a wall hanging metallic or rayon threads are recommended. Quilting fabric must be selected accordingly.

Quilting needles:

A sharp and new needle is essential for every new quilt you make. If the needle becomes dull, then it is better to discard it and start with a new one. The schemtz quilting needles come in two sizes and can be used for quilting. For quilting with metallics, the Lammertz metafile needles are used.

Types of Quilting :

The various types of quilting procedures are

• Pantograph quilting is cheaper and easier to do. It involves quilting the same quilting pattern from one side to the other in many rows.
• Outline quilting involves quilting for star quilts and log cabins. It is a difficult and expensive form of quilting.
• Free hand Meandering involves a curve pattern to the quilt.
• Custom design quilting helps in giving a circle and stippling effect to the quilt.

Quilting techniques

The various quilting techniques that are in vogue are

• " Snowball Block and Quilts which can be used in combination with other blocks or used alone.
• " Half Log cabin quilts where two different techniques are used and it is fun to make.
• " Contrary wife block and quilts is a technique where a combination of simple blocks and half square triangles are used.
• " Raggedy edged quilts are made from old jeans or home spun material. They are used as travel quilts or picnic quilts.
• " Stack and slash star quilt blocks gives you a star shaped block pattern on the quilt.

Tips to improve machine quilting

Certain tips need to be followed to improve machine quilting technique.

• " Preparation of quilt layers is important. Necessary adjustments have to be made before operation.
• " Machine should be regularly serviced once in 6-12 months. After every quilting session, clean the bobbin area and throat plate of the machine.
• " Use seam guides to maintain space when stitching parallel rows.
• " A good set of needles and high quality thread is essential. Changing of needles should be done once in 4 hours of the procedure.
• " Practice makes one perfect and you must keep doing it till you get it right. Use a rough cloth for practicing before you start your quilting.

Quilting software

With the advent of computers, the field of quilting has been revolutionized. Computer quilting soft wares are available in the market in the form of design software, CDs, and software for creating quilt art. Free quilt patterns are available online that make it easier to design your quilt. Designing quilts on the computer has made quilting easier and quicker. One can evaluate the design and modify it accordingly on the computer. Complex designs can be made by using the software. If you are a beginner in computer quilting, then you can follow the step by step instruction booklet that comes along with the software. The Electric Quilt Company has many products, books and packages.

The types of programs available to the software quilter are as follows:

• " Quilt label software
• " Quilt design software
• " Quilt block library CD's
• " Clipart
• " Draw and paint program
• " CD's with Fabric scan
• " Quilting software that is theme based
• " Software with special effects
• " Foundation piercing software

Quilts are pieces of art and have to be treasured. Proper maintenance is required by regularly washing them in a short program washing cycle. Quilting as a hobby can be a wonderful experience. By using the latest techniques and free quilt patterns that are available, one can make quilts easily. So; start making your quilt today!Graffiti art showcases the present conditions of the society. It has influences of the present economic, social and political conditions. It helps in proper awareness of the system that we are in. It is an art form that can be used to communicate, express your self or make a statement if it is done legally.

Government responses to illegal graffiti

Governments all over the world have cracked down on illegal graffiti. The Philadelphia Anti Graffiti Network was established in 1984 to check gang graffiti work. The Anti graffiti task force was established in 1995 in New York .Graffiti blasters was founded by Chicago Mayor for eliminating illegal graffiti. The Anti social behavior Act 2003 In Britain is the largest legislation against illegal graffiti.

Legal graffiti can be taken up as a hobby and you can enjoy doing it to express yourself or make a statement. This can be done easily in the confines of your home on a wood plank or your own studio.