Archives: 2010 February

Quilting is a sewing method done to join two or more layers of material together to make a thicker padded material. Quilting is done on bed spreads, art quilt wall hangings, clothing, and a variety of textile products. Quilting can raise one area of the material so that it stands out over another. Quilting is done by machine or by hand. Quilting originated for its utility, producing a thicker padded fabric either for warmth or for protection. There are Egyptian sculptures which show figures weating clothing which was quilted; probably to fight off the chilly desert evenings.

A quilter is the name given to someone who works at quilting. Typical quilting is done with three layers: the top fabric or quilt top, batting or insulating material and backing material. “Paper” quilting was used during American pioneer days. The two most widely used methods of quilting are hand-quilting and machine quilting. Hand Quilting is the process of using a needle and thread to sew a running stitch by hand across the entire area to be quilted. A quilting frame or hoop is often used to assist in holding the piece being quilted off the quilter’s lap. The Amish in the United States are known for their hand quilting practices. With the home sewing machine the layers are often tacked together before quilting. Quilters can use threads that contrast the fabric to emphasize the design patterns of the quilt.

So, you’ve been trying to think of a good present for your Thomas locomotive obsessed nephew?  But you don’t just want to get him yet another little wooden locomotive that he pushes around.  He has all the stories and DVD’s already and even if he still needed some you wouldn’t know which one to get him?  A Thomas the train coloring book just seems too cheap?  Your brother will just give you that “what a skinflint” look again like he did last year when you bought his son some Thomas underwear?  Okay well I have the solution for you.  Bachmann has just the starter kit for your favorite little Thomas follower.

What’s so great about Bachmann’s Thomas the Tank Engine [starter|beginner] set?

Well, to begin it’s Thomas the Tank Engine! 

If the kid spends half of his time with one imaginary foot on the island of Sodor, this will just make you his most loved family member.  The beginner sets are great for both boys and girls, since they usually include Claribel as well.  Kids really like to watch as Thomas actually takes off by himself, no more pretending to contro him manually.  Bachmann really gets it right, even including the moving eyes that imitate what the little ones are used to on the TV program.

One more word: Bachmann! 

Making soap is a hobby that many people enjoy, and learning how to make soap isn’t that difficult for those who are interested. There are many websites full of information, not to mention books, supplies, molds and even soap making kits. You’ll need to start by looking for a good recipe. If you’re a complete beginner, then choose one that looks fairly easy with which to begin. You’ll also want to reassure yourself that the ingredients are natural and healthy, since you’ll be using this soap on your body. Virtually all recipes use lye, which means you’ll need to handle the material with great care; however, many websites teach the safe handling of this substance.

If you are planning to engage in making soap as a pastime, then you might start with a soap making kit, just to try your hand. However, a kit like this normally relies on existing soap that gets liquefied, in addition to pre-measured ingredients that you just integrate. If you like doing it that way, then it’s likely not going to be long until you want to avail yourself of different ingredients and recipes, and discover how to make soap from scratch. At that time, you will begin learning about the widespread array of recipes that are out there in addition to the assorted kinds of elements that go into making soap.