Two Tip Tuesday – Customer Finishes

Posted on April 15, 2026 by debbiewendt

I love when customers share their finishes with me!! I received a couple photos from Catherine R with the Snuggle Tails Mermaid she made for her granddaughter. In honoring her wishes, I gave her a smiley face. I love the doll version that matches the child’s tail! Well DONE Catherine!! I hope she continues to have hours of enjoyment in her very own tail!!

I also got a photo from a customer who was at the Daytona Beach AQS show last month. Her scrappy hexie quilt is a great finish! I love all the fabrics and the border to use up some half hexies. Another well DONE finish!

Are you going to the AQS Quilt Week in Paducah, KY next week? I hope you will stop by my Wendt Quilting booth, #3500 (we will be up on the 2nd floor in the River Room). There are only a few spots left in my Hexie Flower Garden class on Friday evening. It only requires 6 Fat Quarters and a background fabric. There is some pre-cutting for class, but rotary cutters, mats and rulers are supplied in class. A kit fee includes Hex-a-ma-jig tool and directions. I hope you will join me for an evening of machine sewing hexies into your own flower garden!

Become a Brilliant Binder class is FULL, but Nancy and I will be doing demos on Brilliant Bindings in the booth. We’ll also be showing the Hex-a-ma-jig templates and all the cool designs you can make with them. I heard it through the grapevine that Nancy made a small version of SEW using Hex-a-Mini. Come by the booth to see her wall hanging. We’ll be demo-ing and talking and sharing all things quilting… all week long!

A house update…. This is my studio… Loving my pine hardwood floors… Looking forward to many hours of quilty bliss in this space!!!

Tips –

1 – Check out ALL areas of Quilt Week. Paducah goes all out for this show. There are things all around town. Lots of amazing vendors, beautiful quilts and new quilty friends to meet!

2 – Don’t skimp on your studio/sewing space. I’m already thinking I need more room. We’ll see once the longarm get put in its place and all my quilting bits, fabric and sewing things are in ONE spot.

in quilting,

Debbie

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Two Tip Tuesday – BUSY

Posted on March 11, 2026 by debbiewendt

Hello Quilty Friends! We have been VERY busy since my last post. The log house in Texas is coming along. I thought you might like a peek…

And this is my studio! The large room on the left end is my studio. The AC split unit is in. I’ll add photo as it continues to progress.

With all that is going on with the build, my quilting had to take a back seat. However, I am gearing up for the AQS Quilt Week in Paducah, KY in April. I am teaching 2 classes, doing a session in the Learning Center and having my booth. That means demos! My new share is Brilliant Bindings is now etched. Nancy and I will be there to demo, answer questions and share our love of quilting.

So, come check it all out in Paducah, April 21-25, if you are going to the show! I’ll be in the same booth 3500 in the River Room on the second floor of the Convention Center. There is an elevator (or take the stairs!) Preview night is the 20th.

My Hexie Flower Garden class still has room. Become a Brilliant Binder is full, but get on the wait list (ya never know, a spot might open up).

My tips are …

#1 – Plan well ahead for National Quilt Shows! If you go and plan on taking classes, be sure to check out the dates that registration starts. Many classes fill up fast!

#2 – When you don’t have time to quilt…continue dreaming about quilts. (I have so many ideas that will come forward….as soon as I get move into my studio in my new Texas home!)

in quilting,

Debbie

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Two Tip Tuesday – Changes

Posted on December 10, 2025 by debbiewendt

YES, it has been a while since I have written any quilty news and tips. I need to start with personal changes. We have a contract on our beautiful home in Massachusetts and are building a log home in Texas. I’ll share progress photos of the log home another week. We have been 22 years in MA, much longer than we ever thought. Our yard has been inspiration for many quilting tips through the years. This is one of my favorites…

I will dearly miss the friends I made. Quilting has been a great way to meet people in each new place I have lived. Joining a quilt guild, actually I joined two guilds, kept me busy. I’ve shared stories, laughs, tears and lots of fabric. The first person I met when I moved to MA was a quilt shop owner. Terri welcomed me into her quilt group. I even taught classes for her before she closed the shop. The BEST TIP I could ever give…..find a quilt group! You’ll have an instant connection with quilting anywhere in the world you may go!!

I have had a little time to sew/quilt. My nephew and his beautiful wife are expecting and I made the Woodland theme quilt shown below.

The simplicity of this quilt really showed off the woodland fabrics. It shows what I have often said, SECOND TIP: you don’t need a fancy pattern to show off wonderful fabrics! Keep it simple and let the theme shine through!

To my MA quilty friends, I’ll be back. To all my wonderful followers, I’m still here and quilting. Things are a bit hectic and moving has been and needs to be my focus right now. I will continue to post, teach, and vend at shows!!! Two Tip Tuesday is not going away, just has to take a back seat for a while. I’ll “see” you soon right back here!

in quilting,

Debbie

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Two Tip Tuesday – Busy, busy, busy

Posted on November 5, 2025 by debbiewendt

It has been a very busy couple months. I’ve been to Houston for the International Quilt Market and Festival, teaching and vending. Then to Florida to teach at the Seaside Piecemakers Quilt Guild. All fun tines! I’ll keep my words short and get straight to the photos!

I was greeted on my first morning in Florida to this amazing CAMEL cloud! And here he is close up. Of course, camels are my favorite!!

That day I did a lecture on “Teaching the World to Quilt” and taught “Become a Brilliant Binder“. It was a long FUN day. The following day I taught Diamond Tipped Tools Quilt. We use Brilliant Bindings as a template to cut the trapezoids for this fun quilt. I love that the “block” is rectangle and it has different looks whether it is layed out quilt style (offsetting the “diamonds”) or straight for a table runner. We have lots of sewing, laughs and great progress! These are in no particular order. Ladies…well done!

That evening I was treated to a Rocket launch!! How fun to see it from the balcony and watch it light up the ocean.

Tips from class…

! – Don’t be hard on yourself if you points don’t always match. They will get better as you sew more blocks!

2 – Sometimes you are having so much fun you decide you want to change from a table runner to a quilt. YAY!!

in quilting,

Debbie

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Two Tip Tuesday – Lancaster Customer Results and a Marking Tool

Posted on September 16, 2025 by debbiewendt

It was good to be back in Lancaster. I love when customers come back and share results of quilts they have made with my patterns!! I had not one, but two show me pictures of their quilts. First up is Diann Trotman making a Tool Box quilt. She used a focus fabric from the Rainbow Fish on this baby quilt.

I LOVE how she quilted it with bubbles to keep with the theme of the quilt. And look at the pink bubbles background fabric! Sweet!

I enjoyed her comment about the pattern Tool Box, “It came together so easily and the pattern is so versatile! Thank you!” A big that you to Diann for sharing her quilt with me so I could share with you!! Well done!! You can find Tool Box on my website, HERE. It uses Brilliant Bindings as a cutting template. You don’t have to have the tool to make the pattern, but it is so much easier to cut around acrylic than a paper shape. Brilliant Bindings is also on the website, (click on the blue highlight) http://www.wendtquilting.com

I had another customer come by the booth to see what was new. She told me she was working on Won’t You Be but calling it her condominiums instead of a neighborhood. Kelly Hollis showed me a picture of her quilt and you can see why….

SO CLEVER, Kelly! She also said she is not finished. She might add more houses and borders. I’m looking forward to seeing where she “builds” next!! Great job! I loved seeing these results!

As many of you know, Houston International Quilt Festival is early in October this year. Oct. 9 – 12, 2025 with preview night on the 8th. So, I’m madly preparing for my Machine Sewn Bindings class, the Wednesday Sampler demo, packing quilts, getting my patterns ready and getting everything lined up for the 4 day drive! PLUS Quilt Market (for shop owners and industry professionals, not the general public) is the weekend before Festival from Oct. 4 – 6.

I got a late start on my latest quilt pattern (and with the show being earlier), I’m sorry, I doubt it will be ready for the show. I’m hoping it will be later this fall. You’ll be the first to know!

I did some prep work last week on the new quilt. I was marking my 1/4″ corners. My vendor neighbor in Lancaster sells these neat boards for marking fabric. Deb Eggers of “the Cottage Rose” uses her Rough Board II for marking applique shapes. It was the perfect size to mark my Hex-a-ma-jig Jr. pieces!

I was working on this gorgeous grape batik and using my favorite white marking pen by Clover. In moving my Jr. template around on the fabric, the board would rub the template. SO, I layed a Hex-a-ma-jig half hexie next to the pieces I was marking…wa-la…no more rubbing! The template slid smoothly across the fabric. I love the Rough Board II and glad I found a fix to not scratch my Hex-a-ma-jig Jr. template.

You can find the board at Deb’s website… cottagerosequiltshop.com

Hex-a-ma-jig and Hex-a-ma-jig Jr. are over at my website!

#1 – Show off your quilts! Designers LOVE to see what you have made with our patterns!

#2 – Tools HELP the process! I really glad I bought Deb’s board. She uses it to mark applique and the paper shape is place on the fabric. When I was using my acrylic template, I needed a way to move the acrylic smoothly across the board. The extra fabric next to the piece I was marking helped! Most often, there is a solution and a tool for THAT. (whatever THAT may be!!)

in quilting,

Debbie

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Two Tip Tuesday – Hello Lancaster

Posted on September 9, 2025 by debbiewendt

I’m set up and ready for the opening day of AQS Quilt Week in Lancaster, PA!! Sept. 10-13, 2025 I’ll be presenting in the Learning Center on Thursday at 11:00. “Patterns and Tools to BUST a Move on Your Stash”. In the booth during the show, I’ll be doing demos on bindings and hexies. I’m looking forward to a week of quilty fun! Come see me in booth 1337.

The booth is ready… (except my sign needs to uncurl!)

I’m next to the winner’s circle, so I’m easy to find. Here is the side of the booth…

Tips are slim pickin’ s with being at a show. I did cut out 2.5″ strips for a new quilt pattern. I’ll be sewing in the evenings after the show ends for the day. Soooo, what do you do “after show hours”? Dinner? Shopping? (quilt fabric shopping, of course) Sewing with your quilty friends? Evening events at the show? Straight to bed? Or??? Let me know in the comments about your favorite after show hours happenings.

Speaking of after hours show tips..

#1 – Take an evening class or event! It is a great time to relax, laugh, have fun with like minded peeps!

#2 – Meet up with your quilty friends or have a grand time meeting new quilt friends.

I hope you’ll stop by and we’ll see you at the show!

in quilting,

Debbie

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Two Tip Tuesday – on Wednesday

Posted on August 27, 2025 by debbiewendt

Another week, another day and a day behind. When show season is in full swing, tips get pushed to the back of the line. Not intentional, but it happens.

I was thrilled to be in Grand Rapids this year. We were on the first isle and it was great to see so many attendees! Many conversations about quilting tips and help given. I love talking quilting! Ann R came by the booth and said she finished her quilt from my Hexie Flower Garden class from a couple years ago. I’m excited to share her quilt. She said she is a new quilter, but you will see she doesn’t look like a beginner! Well done Ann!!

We ALL were beginners at one time. Please give yourselves credit for starting and doing! Quilting and sewing are a great craft/art and I’m happy so many people are doing what I love best.

I had several quilters tell me they only have done squares, no shapes like Hexagons. Expand you skills, try hexies and trapezoids!! Just because a shape is not square does not mean it is more difficult to sew. These shapes are still sewn with straight lines and go together in rows or blocks. No curves.

Do I like curves? Yes! They are fun but that discussion is for another week. Look how simple sewing half hexies can be…

Grandmother’s Flower Garden, made with half hexagons. All sewn together with horizontal rows. I challenge you to give them a try!

Tip 1 – Try a new shape, half hexagons are a great place to start. Hex-a-ma-jig templates can be found on my website…HERE

Tip 2 – When cutting and sewing hexagons, Hex-a-ma-jig templates have the “bunny ears” lopped off. This makes it easier to line up the edges to sew.

in quilting,

Debbie

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Two Tip Tuesday – Hello Grand Rapids

Posted on August 19, 2025 by debbiewendt

What a few days! I am in Grand Rapids and have spent the last two days setting up my booth. I missed this show last year, so I’m looking forward to seeing all my local quilting buds! My booth (see below!) is number 1019. I’m on the end of the first isle before the show quilts. I hope you will come by and say hi. I’ll be doing demos and talking all things quilting. I’ll be doing the Learning Center demo at 4pm tomorrow, Wednesday on “Patterns and Tools to BUST a Move on Your Stash”.

I’m right across from my friend Diane of Graphic Impressions/Toy Lady. Soooo, many fun items! Plus, we always try to have fun at show….we’ll be laughing… ALWAYS!!

My feet are tired (concrete floors in the show hall) and I need some rest before the show opens tomorrow. So where are the tips…..in the quilt show! And a few for going to the show…

#1 – Wear comfy shoes! Always!

#2 – Take time to look on both sides of the vendor isles. There are so many good things to see, I’d hate for you to miss any. And if you have time, walk the show both directions. Things always look a little different for another angle.

And hug your quilting friends EVERY time you see them. We lost a 92 year young member of one of my guilds. I always got the best hugs every time I saw her. She will be dearly missed and always had the best positive, cheerful attitude. Thinking of you Bea!

in quilting,

Debbie

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Two Tip Tuesday – Reposting Quilt Toss

Posted on August 5, 2025 by debbiewendt

YES, more travel and HOUSE things continue to put quilting on the back burner. I am reposting the Quilt Toss below. I hope you enjoyed it! I was remiss in posting the designers. I have included them below. I hope you will look for them and shop your favorites!! It was a joy to be included in this project!

QUILT TOSS

Warning: These quilts may cause sudden inspiration and mild jealousy. Proceed with awe. 😉✂️ Want a closer look? See below to follow each designer’s page and get inspired by the full story behind every stitch ⬇️

1️⃣ Plumicorn by @Wildeandpurdy

2️⃣ Goodie Two Shoos by @dragonflysquiltingdesignstudio

3️⃣ Study of Stars by @slightlybiasedquilts

4️⃣ Deco Glam by @Gingerlyquiltco

5️⃣ Never Strikes Twice by @debbiewendtquilting

6️⃣ Florals by @ronatheribbiter

7️⃣ Yellowstone Sampler by @emerald_falls_quilts

8️⃣ City Windows by @marlene.kissedquilts

9️⃣ Velaris by @palm__creations

1️⃣0️⃣ Split Diamonds by @ourcraftylifellc

1️⃣1️⃣ Ypsilon by @quilcscapades

1️⃣2️⃣ Wild Wallflowers by @craftystaci

1️⃣3️⃣ Petal Blossom by @jennbquilts

1️⃣4️⃣ Smashing Petals by @bykellyrenay

1️⃣5️⃣ Luminary by @jamiebrightquilts

1️⃣6️⃣ Moonlight and Moss by @aleebcreative

1️⃣7️⃣ Andean Echoes by @shadowvalleyquilts

1️⃣8️⃣ Focus by Hidden Stitches

1️⃣9️⃣ Soaring by @cozyquiltdesigns

2️⃣0️⃣ Mod Irish Chain by @seecassiemake

On a personal note… Our log house has started! A log cabin quilt has always been a favorite and soon my studio will be in a log cabin!!! The photo below left is the backside of my studio and the right is the studio end!

I’m home for a while before the Grand Rapids AQS Quilt Week, Aug.20-23. Will you be at the show? I love quilt shows, but this has always been a favorite. My booth number is 1337. I’ll be doing a Learning Center presentation on Aug. 20 at 4pm (Wednesday, the first day of the show). My topic – “Patterns and Tools to BUST a Move on Your Stash”. I love scrap quilts and have ideas to share!

Tips for quilt show prep…

1 – Comfortable clothing and shoes! Do you have a quilty jacket? Show it off!

2 – AQS posts the show program ahead of the show. Check it out and mark your favorites, (booths, Learning Center presentations, take a class).

Bonus – Bring your favorite bag for ease of carrying your purchases. (or more than one bags!! GRIN)

in quilting,

Debbie

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Two Tip Tuesday – Life gets in the way

Posted on July 23, 2025 by debbiewendt

Yes, life! Sometimes it gets in the way of posting. It did last week and almost this week. The sorting and boxing and clearing out has started at my house. We are building a log home in Texas and so that means our house in Massachusetts needs some care and major sorting! Unfortunately, this means that quilting has to take a back seat. I still carry my EPP Flower Garden project with me, but my big sewing machine got put in a box last week. No worries, I have a couple featherweights so I can do piecing! Plus the longarm is still going to get a workout.

So, this week I want to talk about sorting fabric…and washing fabric….and packing fabric. BUT first…did you see the Quilt Toss I was in with 19 other quilt pattern designers? It was amazing. The link is below. Please support these small businesses and enjoy the show!

QUILT TOSS

My Never Strikes Twice quilt was the one I “tossed”. It is available on my website HERE. Thank you to Lyndsey of Wilde and Purdy for putting the Toss together!!!

Washing fabric. I have washed all my fabric that has sat for a few years in my basement. It got that basement smell and I did not want to move any fabric like that. Hours of washing and drying. I’m happy I’ll be able to move clean, fresh fabric! I wash my fabric on normal cycle with natural or unscented laundry soap. Then dry until just dry, usually on a lower heat. Take it out of the dryer, smooth and fold. If I’m quick to get it out of the dryer, it doesn’t even need ironing. I measure and label with easy peel stickers, so no gummy mess is left on the fabric. I stack like fat quarters together. Larger pieces that I will use for backing go in a separate plastic bin. Yes, plastic. I made the mistake of storing t-shirts in paper boxes and they have brown stains from the box. Other yardage goes in my wire baskets by style of fabric. (my homespun bins are overflowing!)

I hope you find fabric treasures in your stash and can use the tips above for washing, sorting and storing fabric.

AND for all you Maine Cabin Masters fans….YES I am! I got to go to their Lobster Bake on Sunday. My husband gifted me/us tickets as my birthday present! The Cabin Masters are all so nice! We got to meet them and have a photo op! LOVE!! It rained the entire event, but that didn’t stop the smiles!

in quilting,

Debbie

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