Q: Where is Ladysmith?
Ladysmith is located on the 49th Parallel on Southern Vancouver Island. Accessible by three different ferry routes, ferries run multiple times each day, all year.

Q: Do I have to Pre Wash My Fabric?
Quilting fabrics today are so well manufactured that is would be rare for the fabric to run. Shrinkage is also very nominal. It is a personal choice whether to pre wash or not. If you are using batik fabrics or red fabrics I would recommend prewashing. If ever in doubt, it is safe to wash your fabrics. When you pre-wash, you are also removing the sizing which has been applied to the fabric. If you want your fabric to keep that ‘crisp’ feel, you can apply a product called “Best Press” which is referred to as The Clear Starch Alternative.

Q: Do I Have to Prewash My Batting?
Batting should always be prewashed according to the Manufacturer’s instructions. There are numerous types of batting available and each can have a different method of prewashing so be sure to read your instructions carefully. If you are buying batting from your Quilt Store off a large roll, ask the staff to provide you with washing instructions.

Q: What is a Walking Foot?
A walking foot is a special foot required in quilting. It is used when you are sewing through two layers of fabric and batting. The Walking Foot feeds all three layers through your sewing machine evenly.

Q: What is a Fat Quarter?
A fat quarter is a quarter of a meter of fabric that has been cut 20 x 22inches, rather than 10 inches by the Width of Fabric in a strip.

Q: How do you interpret needle sizes and what size of needle should I use for my Quilting Project?
Needles contain two size numbers and the smaller the numbers, the smaller the needle. You should use needle sizes 9 to 12 for most quilting projects. Needle packages contain two separate numbers, for example 70/10, 80/12 or 90/14. These two separate numbers mean the same, one number is quoted in metric sizes and the other is quoted in Non Metric sizes.

Q: What are standard mattress top sizes?
Twin/Single: 39 x 75 inches
Double: 54 x 75 inches
Queen: 60 x 80 inches
King: 76 x 80 inches

These measurements refer to the mattress top only, if you are making a quilt to cover a bed you should ensure that your quilt size includes an overhang on the two sides and bottom of the mattress. There is no standard size of overhang. I like to have an overhang of at least 12 inches on all three sides. Check the thickness of your mattress and add at least that amount.

Q: What are Thangles?
Thangles are paper template strips used for turning same sized straight grain strips of fabric into half square triangles. They are fast, easy and accurate. Worth a try on your next project.

Q: What is a Hera Marker?
A Hera Marker is a small hand tool with a sharp edges that allows you to make temporary crease marks on fabric.