Basically a quilt is a sandwich that consists of three layers. The top of quilt is a decorative layer created from small fabric pieces or 'patches' sewn together in a creative and artistic manner.

The second layer is batting. Batting is a cozy thermal layer of matted cotton, wool, polyester or silk fibers that give quilt warmth and volume.

The third layer is backing that is made from one continuous piece of fabric.

Quilting is stitching which holds three layers of quilt 'sandwich' together while forming a decorative design. Quilting can be done either by hand or machine.

The three layers are held together in one of three ways...

The oldest method is hand quilting. This is perhaps most labor intensive choice for those just learning how to make a quilt. Hand quilting is usually done in a quilting 'hoop' or on a quilting 'frame' using special needles, called 'betweens', and quilting thread.

The easiest method is machine quilting. Machine quilting involves use of a sewing machine to stitch layers of fabric sandwich together.

The third method is called tying which involves using evenly spaced knots or bows to hold layers together at wider intervals than quilting. Done by hand or machine, this method makes a generous, puffy quilt called a comforter.

Those learning how to make a quilt should be familiar with term piecing or patchwork as it is sometimes called. This is an exacting method of sewing small pieces of fabric ('patches') together to produce a decorative pattern or 'block'. This can be done either by hand or with a sewing machine.

Here are just a few ideas:

Scrapbooking: Show off your creative projects. You can design scrapbook pages and enhance them with clipart using software like Paint Shop Photo Album or FotoFinish and then upload them to a photo sharing site for everyone to enjoy.

Hobbies: Perhaps you belong to a cross-stitching club or other end of spectrum, a motorcycle or classic car club. You can share your best cross-stitch projects or pictures of you with your Harley or ’57 Chevy with other club members.

Class Reunions: What better way to share reunion photos with former class members across miles than in an online photo album, so all can view and reminisce.

Arts and Crafts Portfolio: Do you design jewelry, paint or make woodcarvings or other crafts to sell? A digital photo gallery is a great way to show off your pieces, and you can add your own captions, prices, etc.

Genealogy: If you are in charge of recording your family’s history, organize old family photos in a digital album to share with distant family members. Chances are, old photos will need some repair for cracks, fading, spots, etc. You can easily repair photos yourself using photo software like Photoshop Elements or Paint Shop Pro.

School Events: Create an online album for pictures of football or basketball games, proms, graduation parties and other school events to share with classmates.

Weddings: You can design an elegant photo album and let those who couldn’t attend wedding see bride walk down aisle and “virtually” experience conga line at reception. Weddings were made for photo sharing!

Rubber Stamping Designs: A photo gallery of your rubber stamp creations is a great way to showcase them for fellow stamp artists.

Okay, you get picture. Use your imagination and you’ll find dozens of opportunities for sharing your photos.