By Jerri Perry


When temperatures drop, there's nothing like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket or throw and having a cup of hot chocolate to drive away the winter cold. It's even better when that warm covering is one you made yourself or that has been passed down to you through the generations. With the help of an online quilting store, you can make your own quilt that will not only keep you warm but that will become a favorite family heirloom.

The craft of quilting has been around for thousands of years. An early example was a garment on a carving from Ancient Egypt and dates back over five thousand years. In Mongolia, archaeologists discovered a quilt that was used as a floor covering and this one was made about two thousand years ago. During the Crusades, European knights brought quilted items from the Middle East and often wore quilted garments underneath or even over their armor.

Quilts as bed coverings date from the late Middle Ages. However, they're usually associated with colonial times. In faraway colonies like America and the Cape Colony, fabrics were expensive and difficult to get. For this reason, women made sure that nothing went to waste and they used up scraps to make lovely quilts. Sometimes a quilt was used to tell a story or to convey a secret message.

A quilt, whether it's a bed cover or a garment, consists of three layers. The top layer is the one you show off because it has the design on it. The bottom layer forms the backing. In between is the batting, which gives the quilt its padded effect. A regular layer of fabric can be used instead to produce a light summer quilt.

There is almost no limit to the type of fabric you can use to make your quilt. Some people prefer solid colors but a very popular trend is to use reproductions of the cheap printed cottons that were used in the 1930s. If you're not very confident in your own design abilities, visit the websites of online suppliers and see what kits they have available. With these you receive all the fabrics you'll need to copy existing designs.

It's not only the fabric that you'll be able to order over the internet. Many suppliers are a one-stop shop that sells batting, thread and needles, scissors and everything else you may need for your project. They also have patterns and books on the craft of quilting.

If you've never quilted anything before, there is no need to worry. You'll find plenty of websites with tutorials that will show you how it's done. There are sites with tips for everyone from beginners to more advanced quilters too. You can even take online courses.

After you've received the goods you ordered from the online quilting store, you'll be amazed at the many possibilities of the craft. You don't have to stick to making bed covers but can turn your quilts into anything you want. Sell them for some extra cash and soon you may even have your own business. Now you only need to inspire some friends to join you in this hobby as a social activity, like it was in the olden days.




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