2.19.2014

{ fancy nancy's nifty quilt row markers }


As I began to quilt more,
I needed a practical yet fancy way
to keep track of my quilt pieces and layouts.

I wanted something a little more elegant than
scrap paper or post it notes.


These sweet, original creations of mine are
my Fancy Nancy solution to my dilemma.

You'll need pins (I love corsage pins),
alphabet and/or number beads,
decorative beads and
a fast setting glue.


Decide on your design, put a dab a glue
right below the head of the pin,
slide the first bead (alphabet or number) on, 
a little more glue and your last bead.
I lay them down on a piece of aluminum foil
(just in case there's any glue leakage) to dry.

My first set was done with shorter pins and
I soon realized that by the time I put the
number or alphabet bead and an anchor bead on,
I didn't have much pin left.


My next set was done with longer pins with colored heads.
Better, but I still wished for 
a little more 'pin' on my marker.

Then I found corsage pins at Joann's
(you can find them at craft stores and Walmart).
They have a beautiful head and a LONG 'pin'.


Perfect!

Beads come in alphabets and numbers,
colored, clear and white.
I love having a little bit of everything.


I especially have loved the alphabet set
for quilts that have pieces labeled by letters.
My snowmen went together quickly
with all of my pieces labeled.

25 comments:

  1. I tried to do this with a safety pin; couldn't get past the curl without taking the head of the pin off. I made a bunch of beads, marked with my sharpie, # and letter; and ended up letting the grandkids play with them, because my project was a flop. ...taking my trays of beads back!! Grandkids have gone to Africa, so they won't even notice ! You are a genius Nancy!! Found your blog on a cross post on Facebook by "Diary of a Quilter". Glad she posted your link. :)

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    1. Wanted to let you know my pins were a success - pix on my blog here - https://stitchinggrandma.wordpress.com/2015/03/20/one-block-wonder-row-marking-pins-finished/
      Now, I must admit, I did not give you credit, and I am going to remedy that today by sharing your blog and updating mine! Thanks again. Note, I have a great set of pix on my posts.

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    2. Just wanted to let you know I DID go back and add a link to THIS post on two of my blog posts - https://stitchinggrandma.wordpress.com/2015/03/20/one-block-wonder-row-marking-pins-finished/ and here - https://stitchinggrandma.wordpress.com/2015/03/17/one-block-wonder-pins-tutorial/ and here - https://stitchinggrandma.wordpress.com/2015/11/30/project-updates-mystery-quilts-and-trains/ . When Bonnie Hunter shared your blog yesterday, it connected the dots that your blog was the one where I got the inspiration from. So, many many thanks.

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  2. What a superb idea Nancy! I'm definitely whipping up some of these, I think I even have number and letter beads left over from childhood projects! Thank you for sharing the idea :)
    ~Brandy

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  3. I have been wanting to make some of these lately....thanks for the tut,

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  4. Thanks for the tutorial! I made a couple of sets - alpha & numeric - and am loving using them on a mystery quilt I'm doing. I'm making two of them, in different colorways, so having a couple of sets is very helpful. Wish I could share a pic with you.

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  5. I just saw your link on a Mystery Quilt and love them! Off to the store for materials, THANKS! for the great idea :)

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  6. Where did the teapot come from. So cute!

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  7. Great idea and tutorial! Love that teapot too! :)

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  8. I'm having trouble with the e6000 not working. Did you do anything special?? I let them dry a few min and the beads came off with just a little tug.

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  9. Hi Nancy. I found your link through Diary of a Quilter and I absolutely love this idea. They are not only pretty but practical, too. Thank you so much for sharing.

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  10. Hello. Found your link through Diary of a Quilter. Thank you! The number pins are the perfect gift for my Mom's stocking. I am making extras....Thanks for a wonderful tutorial. Merry Christmas!!

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  11. Excellent idea you are too smart! I also love the teapot.

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  12. What a wonderful idea! Thanks for sharing.

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  13. I would love the teapot pattern! I like the pin idea for small projects, but I still prefer my flannel quilt wall for larger.

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  14. Hi Nancy: I want to make some, but before I order beads, can you tell me how I know if the holes are big enough for corsage pins? did you worry about that?
    strings[at]mts[dot]net

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  15. I love your idea but also your pin cushion, It is bright and colorful and happy. thank you for sharing your ideas. GOD bless

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  16. Great idea for markers, thank you. (I found you via "Diary of a Quilter")

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  18. I remember corsage pins. My mother had some back in the 50's. Neat idea. I will try it. Thanks for sharing.

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  19. How many of these pins would a pretty avid quilter like? I wanted to make some for my mother-in-law but I'm not sure how many to make. Thanks!

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  20. I want to make some for my quilting friends. I don't quilt so I have no idea of how many numbers or letters I would make for them? Thanks

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  21. These pins are terrific. I found that they sometimes come loose from the fabric so put a little plastic earring back on them to keep them in place.

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