I’ve had a subscription to the American Patchwork and Quilting magazine for about ten years, and I still love it. Even though I don’t always make something from each issue, I still read them from cover to cover, including the ads. I also love their seasonal magazine Quilts and More, which comes out four times a year.
One of my favorite regular features are the Workbook Pages, where the editors provide tips and techniques on fabrics, thread, sewing needles, pins and more.
I especially love this guide on thread and sewing machine needle recommendations for various stitching.
Since I don’t have a lot of space to save old magazines, and I’m not a saver, these are exactly the types of articles I would tear out and put into plastic sheet protectors to save for future reference. I thought this might be another small best practice worth sharing with you.
Terri's Notebook 
i NEED these magazines in my life. I already subscribe to way too many magazines but I give the ones I read to the library down the street and save only a select few. Like I could really throw away Martha Stewart Living! 😉 But these magazines… I would keep these around for life!!
Thanks for sharing this Terri. I am always wondering if I should get a subscription to a quilting magazine, will I read it, and what is a good one to subscribe to. Also there is the cost. So maybe I can politely tell my MIL instead of getting me Readers Digest (that I never look at anymore) please can you get me an American Patchwork & Quilting one!! HEhe…
That’s exactly what I do if I want to save something from AP&Q! 🙂
Hi, Terri. I’ve been wondering about thread and needles lately. Is that article from the latest issue, or just one that you have saved from a previous issue?
Joan, I think that article about the thread and needles was from the June 2010 issue. Let me know if you don’t have it; I can send you a copy. ~Terri
This was such a great post. I had started organizing the tutorials I have printed out, but needed to fine tune my system. This is perfect!! Thanks.
Great idea to tear out the best articles/projects/tips. I keep the whole magazine but am starting to find that I am running out of space.
I have never seen the forked pins that are in that article. They look like they would be something fantastic to use. I agree with you about storing clippings in binders. Periodically, it pays to just sit down and look through the binders to remind yourself what you put in there!
I’ve been trying to decide which magazine to subscribe to, there are SO many! I haven’t been quilting that long and a 10 year subscription…well that speaks for itself! I suppose this one will be the winner 🙂 P.S. We have that last workbook page tacked up on our board at Wish Upon a Quilt. I couldn’t figure out where it came from-good to know!
I have been getting their magazine for many years too! I look forward to every issue.
But I have to admit, I have a really hard time giving them up! I save all of them, but then, I like to save everything! lol!
Thanks for the reminder of all of the great tips they include!
Great idea…and AP & Q is by far my favorite of all the quilting magazines…I love their Quilts and More and Shop Sampler magazine too…I also go through and save pages…I have a big stack right now to go through, though! Thanks for the reminder!
great idea! unfortunately, i can’t say the same. the only patchwork magazine i can buy here regularly (other than going to one of the fabric shops and getting some international magazine) is a brazilian one who is really basic and poor. but a friend of mine went to london recently and brought me one magazine that i loved, i think i’ll take you up on that advice and keep my favourite articles in a plastic sheet for the future.
the thread/needle guide would really be helpful! i’m inspired by your organizational skills. i wish i wasn’t so much of a saver all the time. sometimes it DOES come in handy, though. 🙂
Terri I really can learn from you and your organization skills. I need to go through my magazines and save only what I’m interested it. The magazines are really starting to pile up! Thanks for another hint. 🙂
I dog eared that thread/needle page too. I had an a-ha moment. I’ve been using sharps for my piecing ever since and I’ve been so happy.
I’m thinking I need some forked pins now. Those are awesome!
Thanks for sharing. : )