Melanie Grace

Tag: quilting tools

  • Don’t Miss Connecting Threads’ Labor Day Sale – 20% Off Sitewide

    Hey quilting friends! 🧵✨

    It’s time to celebrate Labor Day the quilty way — with a sitewide sale at Connecting Threads! From now through September 7, 2025, at 11:59 PM PST, you can score 20% OFF everything on their site when you use my affiliate link and code. Yes, you read that right — EVERYTHING. 😍

    🛒 Shop the Sale Here: https://tidd.ly/4mFrOYM
    🔑 Use Code: 8LBW25 at checkout

    Banner promoting a Labor Day sale with colorful fabric rolls in the background, stating 'Save 20% Sitewide' and 'Use Code: 8LBW25'.

    Quilt Kits – Ready, Set, Quilt!

    If you’ve been wanting to make a new quilt but don’t want to stress over choosing fabrics, you’ve got to check out their quilt kits. The kits are perfectly curated — fabric + pattern all in one neat package — making it easy to start your next project without the overwhelm.

    Some of my current favorites:

    • Seasonal Kits – Perfect for holiday gifting or decorating your home.
    • Beginner-Friendly Kits – If you’re new to quilting, these take the guesswork out of fabric selection.
    • Scrappy and Modern Kits – For my fellow modern quilters who love bright colors and bold prints.

    The best part? You still get 20% off these kits with my link and code. That’s like getting an instant upgrade to your fabric stash for less money. 🙌

    And while you’re shopping, don’t sleep on their wide fabric backing options (shop them here). I love wide back fabrics because:

    • No piecing required (hallelujah 🙌)
    • Perfect for finishing quilts faster
    • Available in tons of colors and patterns to match any quilt

    Honestly, wide backs are a total game changer when it comes to finishing your quilt tops and you know how much I love helping you go from UFO to finished quilt. 🥳

    A colorful array of quilting fabric swatches displayed in a fan shape, featuring a variety of shades including reds, purples, greens, and yellows. A note in the center reads 'LABOR DAY SITEWIDE SALE! Save 20% on EVERYTHING.'

    Don’t Miss Out!

    Remember, this sale only lasts until September 7, 2025, at 11:59 PM PST. The good stuff sells out fast, so grab your favorites now before they’re gone.

    🛒 Shop the Sale: https://tidd.ly/4mFrOYM
    🔑 Use Code: 8LBW25

    What’s on your wishlist? Are you going to grab a kit, stock up on wide backings, or treat yourself to a little of everything? Let me know in the comments — I might need to “accidentally” place a second order. 😉

    Happy shopping and happy quilting!
    ❤️ Melanie

  • 🎄 Christmas in July:

    How to Quilt Faster & Get Those Holiday Gifts Done!

    Hey Quilty Crew!
    It’s that magical time of year — no, not December — Christmas in July! ✨

    If you’re anything like me, you’ve got a list of quilted gifts you swore you’d finish by Thanksgiving… but somehow it’s the day before the holiday party and you’re still binding.
    So, let’s break that cycle this year! Here’s how you can quilt smarter, not harder, and get ahead with ruler quilting. And my favorite gifts – the smaller projects

    A cork wallet or card holder with a clear pocket and a metal clip, placed on a textured fabric background.
    Close-up view of a handmade cork and vinyl wallet with a sparkling silver interior and a patterned outer design, held by a hand against a textured surface.
    A pink zippered pouch with a fruit pattern alongside a lavender cup wrapped in a matching fruit-patterned sleeve. A black Starbucks card is partially visible inside the pouch, set against a light wood background.
    Colorful reusable cups with decorative fabric cozies, featuring fruit patterns, arranged against a wooden backdrop.

    Why Ruler Quilting Makes You Faster

    Ruler quilting gives you beautiful, precise lines — without marking everything by hand.
    Once you get your setup dialed in, your designs flow together quickly. Whether it’s straight lines, grids, or simple curves, rulers keep you on track and speed up the quilting process.

    Must-Have Tools for Faster Quilting

    Here’s my favorite gear for efficient quilting — with direct links so you can stock up and get stitching this week:

    ✅ Ruler Foot for Your Machine — Make sure your foot is compatible with your machine. If you don’t have one yet, check with your dealer!

    My Juki TL-18 — This powerhouse helps me fly through quilting jobs.
    👉 View the Juki TL-18 here

    Creative Grids Rulers — I love Angela Walters’ designs for quick, pro-looking lines.
    👉 Check them out on Fat Quarter Shop

    Quilting Rulers — For beautiful curves and motifs, you’ll love these.
    👉 Silly Moon Quilting Co.
    👉 Amanda Murphy’s site

    Meander Ruler — One of my favorites for flowing, easy designs!
    👉 Grab it on Amazon

    ✅ Grippy Spray — Keeps your rulers steady so you can stitch faster with fewer slips.
    👉 Find it on Amazon

    ✅ Slip Mat or Quilting Gloves — For better control, try a slip mat or my go-to gloves.
    👉 Slip Mat at Sewing Parts Online
    👉 Quilting Gloves on Amazon

    ✅ Quilt Patterns — Sometimes the slowest part is deciding. Grab a ready-to-go pattern you love!
    👉 See new patterns at Fat Quarter Shop
    👉 Try Quilter’s Candy Quilt Pattern Writing Course if you want to write your own!

    Speedy Quilting Tips

    💡 Batch your tasks: Prep all your quilt tops first, then baste in one big session.

    💡 Keep your tools ready: Replace your rotary blade for great cuts, replace your sewing needle and put in the right needle for the right project!

    💡 Use simple, repeatable designs: Grids, straight lines, and gentle curves quilt up in a flash.

    💡 Practice! The more comfortable you are with ruler work, the faster you’ll fly through it.

    Master Quilting with Rulers

    Want a simple setup that helps you quilt faster?
    👉 Join the Quilting with Rulers Academy!

    Small Projects Are Your Secret Weapon

    One of my favorite ways to stay sane during the holiday rush? Smaller projects!

    This is when I pull out my stash of cork and vinyl from Sallie Tomato — they’re perfect for gifts like wallets, pouches, and bags. Quick to sew, super giftable, and no big quilt bulk to wrestle with.

    I’m also a Sallie Tomato Certified Educator, so if you want to learn how to make cork or vinyl projects, I can teach you virtually. Grab your supplies and let’s stitch up something special together!

    👉 Shop cork, vinyl, bag hardware & patterns at Sallie Tomato

    Your future holiday self will thank you!
    Stay cozy and keep stitching, Quilty Crew!