Basic Quilting And Quilt Patterns

Quilting is a method of sewing wherein two or more layers of fabric or cloth are joined together to form a thicker material. Quilting can be done with the use of a sewing machine, by hand, or by using a long-arm machine. Quilting will require a needle and thread in order to sew each piece together. A typical quilt has three layers -- the quilt top, the insulating material (batting) and the backing material.

Quilters would always sew all three layers together. That means regardless of quilt patterns, the needle and thread should be able to pass through the thick, numerous layers. Elaborate and decorative stitches are commonly done to create a masterpiece of art. Quilters normally use running, straight or rocking stitches. A variety of products such as bed spread, blanket, clothing or wall hangings can be created using quilting.
Some of the best all-time favorite quilt patters include the following:

• Thrifty
• Fox and geese
• Bears paw
• Card trick
• Twisted star
• Maple leaf
• Ohio star
• Four knaves
• Double X
• Big dipper
• Flying Geese
• Old maid's puzzle
• Windmill
• Churn dash
• Four-patch quilt patterns
• Nine-patch quilt patterns

In choosing a quilt pattern, determine the amount of time you can dedicate in quilting. Nine and four-patch quilt patterns are good for beginners. Make sure to make the back of your quilt as neat as your front. If you have ample time, try adding a decorative border as well. It can make your quilt more elegant.

Another consideration to make is the type of batting to use. If cotton will be used, quilting needs to be done every ¼" to 2" of space. A combination of cotton and polyester, on the other hand, only needs to be quilted every 2" to 3" of space.

Consider the patchwork of the material used. If it is too detailed, choose a simpler quilt design. Focus on the appearance of the whole quilt. Quilting should complement the total look and not just on one particular block. It is also important that your chosen design should not appear too big or too small for the whole space.

Quilting is an art and seeing the results can be very rewarding. Quilting can be fun and downright addicting. It can bring out the creative side in you. What is important is you can finish the whole pattern within your specified time. It would be more inspiring and motivating once you see your finished work.

Installing a New Kitchen Backsplash

When asked which room they would most like to renovate, most people will say the kitchen. However, kitchens are difficult and expensive to remodel. It is possible to make a small improvement that will yield big results. One such improvement is to install a new backsplash. A backslash is a cheap and easy way to update your kitchen. 

After choosing the tiles you wish to install, follow the steps below to complete this job:

1. Remove any light-switch covers or outlet covers that will be in the way.

2. Determine the tile layout and pattern you desire to create, and mark a center line as a reference point.

3. Grout the back of the tiles one by one. Use a V-notch trowel for the best results. Place the grouted tile on the wall. If you twist the tile a little as you set it in place, it will adhere to the wall better.

4. Continue to follow the pattern you have predetermined until all the tiles are in place.

5. After the grout has dried completely, clean any excess grout off the tiles to finish the job.

Glass or faux stone tiles work great for this project because they are often set side by side and require no spacers. However, most any style of tile will work without spacers and can be set side by side. Simply ask an associate at the store to determine the right kind of tile you need for your project.

Another way to create an attractive backsplash for your kitchen is to use panels. These panels come in various designs, and they are much easier to install than tiles. This is because, it only requires measuring, cutting and gluing the panel onto the wall in order to complete the job. However, it depends on the look you wish to create if panels or tiles would work better for you. Panels are flat, yet tiles have some pop. It really is a personal preference. It also depends greatly on the amount of work you wish to put into the project.

The kitchen is a room where many people spend a lot of time. From eating and cooking to homework and projects, the kitchen is used for just about everything. It often is the social hub of the house. For that reason, it is important to keep your kitchen looking great. Adding a new backsplash is an inexpensive easy-to-do project that anyone can accomplish that will dramatically change the look of your kitchen in a positive way.

Author bio: Michael Mears writes about interior design and spicing up any room with the proper use of unique wall mirrors from Inline Ovals.

Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/granite-charlotte/4254425120/sizes/m/in/photostream/

Why Become a Real Estate Agent

A real estate agent job is rewarding at the same time fulfilling. By becoming one, you will have the freedom, flexibility and opportunity to manage your own career path.

A successful professional real estate agent is committed, motivated, goal-focused, people-oriented and ambitious. To qualify, you must know how to specialize in a wide range of areas may it be in auctioneering, residential sales, commercial sales, property management, commercial property management, business broking, vendor or buyer advocacy or a mix of the above.

A real estate professional can work in various sectors in addition to his or her work as a running estate agencies. He or she can also work in banks, law firms, development industry, government and academia. 

How to Become a Real Estate Agent

To become a professional licensed real estate agent, you must gain practical experience by working as an agent's representative, of course under the supervision of a licensed real estate agent.

To work as one, you must also successfully complete a course with 3 units of study and meet a basic criteria approved by the Business Licensing Authority. 

To take yourself to a higher level career-wise, you must gather another 21 units and complete it. This course can be undertaken in 12 months.

Click here for more information in real estate franchise.

What do you do, Mommy Iris?

I always get asked this question whenever I tell them that I am a Virtual Assistant or VA.

A virtual assistant (typically abbreviated to VA, also called a virtual office assistant)[1] is generally self-employed and provides professional administrative, technical, or creative (social) assistance to clients remotely from a home office.[2][3] Because virtual assistants are independent contractors rather than employees, clients are not responsible for any employee-related taxes, insurance or benefits, except in the context that those indirect expenses are included in the VAs fees. Clients also avoid the logistical problem of providing extra office space, equipment or supplies. Clients pay for 100% productive work, and can work with Virtual Assistants, individually, or in multi-VA firms to meet their exact needs. Virtual Assistants usually work for other small businesses.[4] It is estimated that there are as few as 5,000-8,000 or as many as 25,000 virtual assistants worldwide; the profession is growing in centralized economies with "fly-in, fly-out" staffing practices.[5][6][7]

source: wikipedia 

My tasks depend on my boss' line of business. If he is into internet marketing, then my tasks are focused on affiliate marketing and SEO. Right now, I work for an SEO company from Utah, so everyday, I do a lot of SEO stuff for Utah-based companies like Utah floor services, St. George real estate, and Utah veterinary clinics among others.

I also do a lot of administrative work like communicating with prospective clients.

How Do You Clean Pearls?

My pearls are so precious to me, that's why I take care of them. The tips below will show how to take good care of your pearls.

Even cultured pearl with thicker coatings are more fragile than most other gemstones, so you must handle them carefully to keep them in the best condition.

• Your pearls will stay cleaner if you put them on after you've applied your makeup and perfume.

• Be sure to take off your pearl rings before you apply hand and body creams.

• Wipe your pearls with a soft, lint-free cloth as soon as you take them off. The cloth can be dampened with water or it can be dry. If damp, allow the pearls to air dry before putting them away.

• Dirty pearls can be cleaned with a mild soap and water solution (try Ivory flakes).

• Never clean your pearls with solutions that contain ammonia or harsh detergents.

• Don't put pearl jewelry in an ultrasonic cleaner.

• Don't use abrasive cleaners or rub pearls with abrasive cloth. Both can wear away the nacre coating, leaving you with a plain looking bead.

Storing PearlsDon't store your pearls with other jewelry, because they can be scratched easily when metal or gemstones rub against them. Find a special slot in your jewelry box for the pearls, or keep them in a soft bag made from chamois or another non-abrasive material.
Your fine pearl necklaces should be restrung periodically so that you're sure the silk or nylon cord holding them is in good shape.

DIY Pantry Remodeling: Some Helpful Tips

I love remodeling. If only I had the money, I'd remodel our house every year. AND if I had money, I'd build a huge pantry near the kitchen. Sadly, even our kitchen now is too small, I wonder how a pantry would fit.

If you're luckier than me then perhaps you'll find these tips helpful:

Got any of those antique pantry cabinets from your old house or garage sale? It would look definitely look good in your kitchen. All you need to do is use from remodeling and polishing magic and they'll be good as new. How?

1. Prepare --- use a screwdriver to remove the hinges and the door so you can thoroughly clean the cabinet. Grab a sanding paper to strip the old one and apply two new coats of fresh paint.
2. Replace if Needed --- all you have to do is replace the hinges or metal hardware if needed.
3. Never be afraid to Paint it! --- want the easiest way to remodel and old pantry cabinet? try painting it! Play with colors, use the staining method, etc. 
4. Does your cabinet has a glass door? Frost it! 

The best thing about remodeling is that you so little that you would enjoy it! If you live in Arizona, there are affordable limestone and travertine in phoenix.

Why Your House Needs Professional Termite Control

I hate termites. Termites can ruin even the most beautiful infrastructure. Here are some facts on termites (amazing and surprising as well)

Termites have been around since the time of the dinosaurs! Termite colonies eat non-stop, 24 hours a day, seven days a week! Termites have wings that they shed once they have found a good place to build a nest.

Termites cause up to $2 billion in damage per year! All Termites are social insects and raise their young as a group. The total weight of all of the termites in the world is more than the weight of all the humans in the world.

Source

This is why we invest in professional termite control services than doing it on our own. So I always suggest professional termite control instead of DIY. If you live near Arizona, termite control mesa is the answer instead of doing its control on your own.

Sexton Pest Control does professional termite control without breaking your budget. All year round, they have promos and discount specials on their services that shows how much they love their customers.

Professional termite control is safe, costs you less and keeps you well. There are some things in life that you have to give to professionals for your own safety.