Summer quilts: Soft, breathable & lightweight!
Welcome back!
There’s been so much happening over the past couple of weeks!
I have lots of exciting news to share before we get into the topic for today’s post! (And yes, if you follow The Quilting Connection on Facebook or our other social media channels, you’re probably already in the know!)
A Fabric Store in Our Future!
First, on April 29th, Rick and I announced that we’re expanding our business into the fabric world! We’ve purchased Going to Pieces, the wonderful quilt shop next to our Appleton location!
We’re officially taking over the business from Mary and Joanne on July 1st. But, as Mary has assured everyone, she and Joanne won’t be disappearing anytime soon. They’ll be staying on to help us transition into our new roles and responsibilities.
You can expect the quilt shop to retain its high level of excellence in products, customer service, classes and quilter engagement!
THREE Awards from Handi Quilter!
Rick and I were humbled and honored to receive three awards at this year's Handi Quilter Awards Banquet!
First, we were named North American Partner of the Year. This means we were selected as the top retailer out of over 400 authorized shops across all of North America! The award recognizes exceptional performance in sales and customer service, and (no surprise to those of you that know TQC’s mission) the provision of high-quality longarm education and training.
Next, we received Highest Volume Sales: Multi-Locations (in the Midwest).
And finally, we received the Technical Support Excellence Award.
Earning these awards is amazing, BUT Rick and I know we could never do it without our incredible team AND YOU! We want to recognize our fabulous customers who support us every day! It’s YOUR trust, loyalty and enthusiasm for quilting that make everything we do possible!
THANK YOU!
Okay, time to let the excitement settle! Let’s get into the topic of today’s post.
Remember how, in my last post, I talked about designing your quilts around the qualities you want to highlight in your finished project? In other words, are you emphasizing coziness, warmth, durability, weight, drape … or some combination of those qualities?
Well, today I want to build on that concept … or I guess I should say I want to zoom in … and specifically look at what qualities to focus on when making a summer quilt!
What Defines a Summer Quilt?
When most people think of quilts, they picture a warm, cuddly quilt that you wrap up in when the weather turns cold and blustery.
But quilts are meant to be used year-round. And now it’s time to bring out your cool, lightweight summer quilts!
So, what makes a summer quilt different?
Summer quilts are breathable as opposed to insulating, and they’re lighter in weight. That’s what helps to make a quilt more comfortable when dealing with humid weather conditions. Summer quilts also tend to be soft and flowing (versus stiff) and are easy to wash and dry.
Considerations When Making a Summer Quilt
Knowing that, let’s look at the factors that help you achieve those qualities when creating a summer quilt.
Factor 1: Fabric Choice
You want breathable fabrics in a summer quilt.
Natural fibers are the logical choice. They breathe better, trapping less heat. The most common choice due to availability and price is 100% quilting cotton. Other options include bamboo blends, linen or linen blends, and voile.
Avoid heavier fabrics like flannel, heavier weight cottons such as denim, minky, fleece and wool blends.
Also consider the visual weight of your summer quilt. Visual “lightness” contributes to the overall lightweight feel of the quilt even though the actual physical difference is small. Factors that can make a summer quilt feel visually lighter include using:
bright fabrics, airy backgrounds, floral or coastal prints, negative space, and lighter value color choices.
Factor 2: Batting Choice
Batting is the main factor when it comes to quilt breathability and warmth.
Again, natural fibers are the way to go. Frequently used choices include cotton and bamboo.
Cotton batting is a favorite for warm-weather quilts because it breathes well and creates a cooler sleeping experience.
Bamboo batting is excellent for summer quilts because it breathes well, feels soft and cool, and provides a beautiful drape. (Rick would love it if we just used bamboo batting for our summer quilt!)
Other alternatives include a 50/50 bamboo/cotton blend or lightweight cotton/poly blends such as 80/20 cotton/poly (our year-round ‘go to’ batting choice at the shops).
The types of batting to avoid using in summer quilts include:
polyester batting – man-made fibers that trap heat, and wool batting – natural fibers but it often retains more warmth than wanted in summer.
Another option is to go commando and skip the batting in your quilt! Simply quilt your top and back together.
Factor 3: Backing Fabric
Don’t overlook the impact of your quilt’s backing fabric!
Again, the most frequent choice is 100% quilting cotton, but you can also consider other options such as bamboo blends, linen and linen blends, or cotton sateen.
Avoid warmer backing fabrics such as flannel, fleece or minky.
Factor 4: Quilting Density
Here’s where your longarm quilting comes directly into play!
Dense quilting compresses the batting and reduces airflow. It diminishes the breathability of your summer quilts. In addition, more open quilting designs increase softness, enhance drape, and create a lighter feel … you’re letting the piecing take centerstage and using less thread.
Some options for choosing more open quilting designs include using:
open edge-to-edge designs, gentle curves and waves, light meanders, and open florals and geometric designs.
A side note related to your longarm quilting choices: consider your thread weight. Heavier thread (30 wt and below) can add visual density. In addition to actual weight, it can make your quilt look heavier – something you don’t want for a summer quilt.
Construction Tips When Making a Summer Quilt
Basically, keep your piecing simple. The more seams in your quilt top, the more fabric and thread you’re using. More seams also add bulk and, possibly, stiffness to your quilt top. Large-scale piecing results in fewer seams which help maintain your quilt’s softness and drape.
Avoid excessive embroidery, decorative stitching and applique layers in summer quilts. They add both actual weight and visual weight. They also reduce quilt flexibility.
So, there you have it! Summer is a wonderful time for quilting! Whether you’re creating a bed quilt, a coverlet, a picnic quilt or a summer throw, consider these points when selecting materials, piecing your quilt top, and completing your longarm quilting.
When all the elements work together, the result is a quilt that feels just right for summer!
With everything going on at the shop, I guess this is old news, but I’d like to take a moment to remind you of my big announcement from our last post!
Have You Seen The Latest Patreon Post?
You know longarm quilting education defines me and The Quilting Connection. (That’s one of the reasons we were honored with Handi Quilter’s North American Partner of the Year award!)
We schedule as many classes as we can to offer you in-person opportunities to grow your longarm skills, and I’ve been building the Angie’s Answers YouTube channel to give you 24-7 access to some basic skill-building and problem-solving know-how.
BUT I think I can do even better!
The Quilting Connection is now offering a subscription-based service through the Patreon platform that can give all of you, regardless of where you live and quilt, more direct access to me.
We’re offering a three-tier subscription service … with a special, introductory fourth tier designed for founding members only. Depending on which tier you sign up for, we’re offering
Angie’s Answers 2.0 – I’m giving Angie’s Answers a makeover and eliminating the ads! I’ll also be sharing some quick tips and tricks in bi-weekly posts that will only be available to our Patreon subscribers.
Angie’s Expert Answers – This tier will include everything in Angie’s Answers 2.0 plus a recording of my monthly Q&A session. There’ll also be more ad-free behind-the-scenes and in-depth content. (For example, online versions of current in-person only classes.) And, you’ll have access to printable follow-along tutorials for select videos.
Angie’s Inner Circle – This tier will include everything listed above plus membership in my Virtual Quilting Club for the first 30 quilters who join my inner circle. There’ll be a monthly live Q&A zoom (plus a recording in case you can’t make it live), free shipping for products ordered from The Quilting Connection website, and access to a group-chat where we can give you troubleshooting and technical support for our Handi Quilter machines and the Pro-Stitcher computer system.
If you’ve found my in-person Pro-Stitcher classes so jampacked with information that you couldn’t absorb everything, this service will allow you to review those classes online when you want … no waiting until they’re offered again in-person and then driving to one of our shops.
This online service may provide the level of access to The Quilting Connection’s resources that you’ve always wanted! Visit our Patreon page to join!
Okay, time to wrap up this post. We don’t have any classes or events coming up in the near future, but we do have a few sales to make you aware of!
Have You Seen The Latest Angie's Answers Post?
I LOVE these chairs not only for sewing, but for office work and longarming too. Everyone here at the shop sits on them daily and would recommend! A couple other things we love: Made in the USA, 100% customizable, and comes with a lifetime warranty!
The Quilting Connection Used and Floor Model Machine Sale
Click here for all the options!
I’m not going to list the machines available in this post because they change frequently, but if you’re interested in purchasing a used or floor model APQS or Handi Quilter at an excellent price, please visit the Used Machines page of our website to see what’s currently in inventory!
Distributor Sales
Handi Quilter
Here’s what Handi Quilter is offering through June 26th!
If you’re interested in a Moxie longarm or the Pro-Stitcher Lite …
And if you’re interested in an Amara, Infinity or Premium Pro-Stitcher …
Additional savings may be available … contact us at 262-723-6775 for more information!
Quilting Central Podcast Update
Check Out the Latest QCP Episode
Stripology Rulers Explained! Quilting Tips to Cut Faster & more Accurate
In this episode Julie, Cathy and I take a deep dive into how to use Stripology rulers to improve your cutting accuracy, speed, and overall quilting results!
In this video, you’ll learn:
How Stripology rulers work and why they’re so effective
The best way to line up fabric for accurate cuts
How to use quilting rulers for consistent results
Time-saving quilting tips to speed up your workflow
We’ve also had the opportunity to film a couple of event episodes! Check out …
and
Touring Arrow Sewing’s Warehouse, Studio & Assembly Areas
And remember, for a complete listing of all our episodes, visit the Quilting Central Podcast YouTube channel! Please subscribe and comment. We ‘d love to hear your thoughts!
Okay, that’s a wrap!
Please remember, if you ever have ANY questions or want additional information about ANY of the products and services The Quilting Connection offers, please call us at (262) 723-6775 or email us at info@QuiltingConnection.com.
You can also visit us online at QuiltingConnection.com or in person at 21 Adams Street in Elkhorn, WI (usually M-F 9-4, please call to confirm we’re open) or 1017 W. Northland in Appleton, WI (W, Th & F 10-4, S 10-3).
Finally, check out our blog at QuiltingConnection.com/blog and our Facebook posts.
And please share your thoughts and questions. I’d love to hear from you!