10 Things I Do That the Quilt Police HATE!
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- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
- This video might be triggering. LOL not really, but it may ruffle your feathers if you are die hard about pre-washing your fabric or pressing your seams to the dark side.
Today we just have a fun video where I go through 10 things I do all the time that the Quilt Police would have a conniption over.
But here's the deal ... I get fantastic results in my quilts even though I do a ton of things differently than "the way our grandmothers did it."
Part of that is because sewing, fabric and batting technology has changed a whole lot since the 70s when quilting became popular again, so some of the old rules don't apply anymore.
And the other part it, THERE IS MORE THAN ONE RIGHT WAY TO QUILT!!! So if you have a technique that works for you, but it isn't Quilt Police approved, you do what works and don't worry about what other people think.
Let me know in the comments the sewing habits you have that the Quilt Police hate! Maybe we'll have enough for a Part 2.
Products we featured:
Frixion Gel Pen: shop.quiltaddi...
Nifty Notions Mist Spray Bottle: shop.quiltaddi...
I just now ADORE you. I’m 80 with macular degeneration and I keep quilting and thank you so very much for this video, I giggled at most of what you said. I just love you, keep up the great work.
God bless you
I had to make sure I hadn’t posted this. That describes me to a T. Age and eye issues. 🤣🤣
My friend walks into stores and no one knows she is blind. She has macular degeneration also.she lost her sight at a young age. She can't sew anymore but does everything for herself that she can. Keep doing.
@@esthersmith33417 b❤
Tidying up quilt room found top made 30 years ago when I didn’t know much about quilting made with poly cotton will longer armer not want to quilt this
This video is so needed. I belonged to a quilting group that had frequent retreats. These were the nicest bunch of ladies, however as a beginner quilter and coming from an advanced garment sewing background, I did some things differently, they picked apart so many things that I did wrong that I wanted to QUIT QUILTING!
I had to move from Florida to Western New York to care for my Mother and now I follow my own rules.
My point is if it works for you, don’t let the rules crush your creativity!
I was shamed for making my first quilt with curves (drunkard’s path). Well ha ha it was gorgeous! The old timers wanted me to start at the beginning.
You do you!!!😂
Gramma taught me at age 7 to iron my seams open
I’m now 73 and still do it the right way
Enjoy your videos
💕😊🌺
As a “self taught “ quilter, I learned a lot of “bad” habits😂 but they work for me and my family and friends who get gifted with a quilt always appreciate the effort and never ask what rules I broke☺️
Great points made, Stephanie. You gotta do it your way. Please let quilting be freeing rather than restrictive! I can't believe I would be the only one that really, really gets the ire up by using polyester thread. Gasp! Yep, hasn't caused a problem, yet, but I don't plan to be around 100 years to find out if it does.
Polyester thread? Ooops, I just grab a color I like. Lol I'm in trouble.
Hi! I am a novice quilter but an expert "maker" for over 30 years. I love your video because it highlights one of the failings of guilds, maker communities, etc., and that is the setting of rules. There are best practices, yes. But unconstructive criticism simply holds back the art and the artist. Just look at the many makers over the centuries who broke the rules of their day and created genius work for us to enjoy today! I got a kick out of the rule to press seams to one side, usually the darker one. In sewing the seam is usually pressed open unless a particular seam is required. If pressing the seam open causes a weak seam then my garments should have disintegrated decades ago! LOL
Thanks for your encouragement and permission to find what works best for me
Thank you! I have been quilting 40+ years and I was taught almost all of the skills you mentioned. I gradually came to realize I could could do the steps in a way that worked the best for me and get the same or better results. I especially agree with not using water in the iron. Misting rarely causes me a distorted block like steam can.
The first time I saw a video where someone said they don't use steam in their iron and that helps with not distorting the blocks, it was like a revelation! I now break so many old rules. Yes, I even started pressing my seams open! This did make me smile
Amen for this video! Thank you for saying it’s ok to do what works for you. I’ve always kept all my scraps which take up precious storage space, and I’m not a scrappy quilter. I’m now so happy to give them to other quilters who love having a fresh selection of scraps. A great reminder that quilting should make us happy 😃
I got a bag of scraps and and loving them into table runners and placemats. Small things make me happy. I need to put out my post box address and drive my husband nuts lol.
Long arm quilting
I do love scraps but I am finding the same thing- that they do take up space that could be used to store other things and I am finding I really don't have time to use all my scraps. I get rid of some on a regular basis but I am beginning to rethink saving so many scraps.
A well known starcher and her best pal, who is not a starcher, say, "Be the boss of your own quilt. You don't have to do it my way. I am showing you what works for me. It might not be for you. That's OK!" That was liberating for me as a newer quilter years ago. My mom, who is 77, went from pooh poohing LAQ to embracing it, because as log as she can afford the LAQ, it allows her to make more quilts and still do the other handwork she loves. Rock on Stephanie!
LAQ, please explain. I know most other things
@@AnitaSouthall I was puzzled too, but it dawned on me... Long Arm Quilting☺️
@@AnitaSouthall long arm quilter
I usually don't prewash either. When I do wash fabric I throw in a color catcher for dark colors.
That's quite the fabric cutting kiosk...I've never seen one before. I just looked at a video showing how it works. I can see how it would be useful for a quilt shop. I'm learning that when I do a quilt with lots of seams that intersect it would be best to press the seams open.
I was taught back in the 90's to prewash fabric to avoid bleeding issues. My guru even vinegar soaked dark fabrics overnight to set the dye! Don't miss that one bit!
Oh my!
It's always refreshing to hear about other people's do's and dont's. I am so with you on avoiding the starch process. It seems even more cumbersome than prewashing, and I'm always afraid it would attract bugs since you are basically putting a layer of food on the fabric! I used to prewash but now I'm with you, who has the time?
My thing I don't do is I don't care much for perfect mitered corners. I like my binding to hug the corners of the quilt, not stand at attention. Easier to do and feels less pointy and pokey. I've been making potholders that way for years. Maybe this works for me cuz I usually use bias strips for my binding and I don't double it up first. Why waste all that fabric and add bulk? Works for me just fine!
Thanks for great video, I never have prewashed fabric for same reason and never starched fabric,
Yes, Part 2 would be good.
What I do is I use decorative stitches instead of hand stitching to finish the binding! It adds a nice decoration. I choose something graphic and I think it's sturdier than hand stitching the binding and the edges. Thank you for challenging the quilt police.
Perfect timing...agree with ALL 10 and I'm 70. I want to quilt as much as I can..no wasting time or holding onto all scraps!!!
Thank you so much ,I have RA and arthritis so bad, you made me feel that I can still make a beautiful quilt
Just came across your channel and LOVE this video! As a newish quilter I've stressed over doing things the "right way" but not after watching your video. Thank you!!!
Open seams! I am so very excited about this. The. More detailed my designs get, the more I feel challenged by the side pressing. Thanks for making this video!
Thank you for defending the Frixion pens! I love those things and I've never had a mark come back either.
I've learned quilting from videos and recently saw this video of yours. Since then I've been pressing my seams open and can honestly say have never been happier with the results! AWESOME! So much nicer. Thank you ... you little rebel you!
Yea! I am so going to stop burying threads! Thank you for sharing these tips!
I feel like you are my soulmate! Every single one of these are things I don't do too!! Especially the not putting water in my iron. We have really hard water here and I have gone through so many irons. I use a misting bottle too now and I love it!! Thank you for putting this out there!!
Wish I new more people who hate small scraps. I love them! Each to their own!
As a quilting and sewing instructor at the community college here, this is actually how I teach and sew myself. Starch is horrid, I never put water in my irons, pressing seams open makes total sense, etc. My teaching philosophy is enjoy the process, spit in the wind, and love what you do!! Nice video
I also tear fabric. Yikes!!!!
I do all of these! EVERY. LAST. ONE. I have to say though, when I first started pressing my seams open I was terrified that my longarm lady was going to say something. She didn't and neither did I. Settled. You need to sell T shirts that say "not afraid of quilt police!" Lol
I think the t-shirt could say "I press my seams open!"
Longarmers prefer open/flat seams anyways! So good for you... !
Great video! Just a note: I only use distilled water in my iron and spray mister. We have hard well water so the distilled water guarantees no minerals will stain my quilt.
OMG! Great minds think alike! I have been a professional seamstress for over 45 years, and a quilter. Except that, while I might piece by machine, I still hand quilt. I love the peace that it brings me. But I hate pre-washing, and I have no room, nor time for those tiny scraps! And there are some absolutely hideous fabrics that I would only use for dog bedding!!! And the all the books I have show to press the seams open! All of your points were true. Great video!!
OMG!! And I also will not use water in my irons!! I spent years working for dry cleaning places...I use water misters!
Thanks for sharing!! I'm starting to enjoy the seams pressed open thing because of the lack of bulk. And I will immediately remove the water from my second Oliso iron and start using my misting bottle. Who says you can't teach an old (75 years) dog new tricks? Have a great day!!
Great video for a total newb like myself. Thanks for sharing!
Love that you're saying this out loud. I've come to all the same conclusions, accept I do love my scraps!
Just found you and love your videos!! I'm a beginner and look forward to learning from you!
Love your “quilt police”😃
Yes! Love your list👍❣️
Thank you! 😃
Love #9. I do this to. No shame when I see a shining new object as you say, I run with it. Love having a few things on the go so I can work on something that interests me that day.
Thanks for the info/ideas. Its been 10ish years since ive sewn anything. My youngest (14) has a machine, but it's normally at Grammie's. Lol. I am trying to get back into sewing and need to review EVERYTHING. I couldn't even remember needle numbers. Lol. Thanks for the ideas, I'm not quilting, but daughter is. Just like her other grandma. I'll be passing some of these tips to her and having her watching this.
Brilliant!
I press my seams open as well. It just looks neater for me.
great interesting info
I totally agree! Love this ! I also cross over the line’s when quilting some designs! Lol
Hello! Thanks for a great video! I also use Frixion pens, no starch, decided not to out water in my brand new iron (I also use a misting bottle left over from sanitizer). I do still pre-wash the fabric and save scraps but not tiny ones. The “what was I thinking fabric” is what I use in the back of a sandwich that will have another backing…I love this for placemats or mug rugs! I have done things “my own way” as sometimes you just have to be creative. You have a new subbie today! Take care!
I guess you could call me a rogue quilter. I make what I like, the way it works for me. "Mistakes " become design choices, I mix "quilt shop quality fabric" with thrifted fabric, patterns are mere suggestions and I make it up as I go. If you find a perfect point or corner, it's a happy accident. I quilt for recreation and an escape from a hectic, stressful job. It's my peaceful place!
Hi. Hello. Howdy. From Texas. Thank you for sharing.
I can't afford new fabric. I've learned you can get a lot of what you need at thrift shops. I check the fabric type and it's general condition. If I like the pattern, done! I have a hunch that materials in thrift shops has already seen the wash and dry cycle once, so another wash won't hurt. Quilt on!
I do save smaller-than-fat-quarter leftovers. If there is enough, I make a matching pillow cover. I often make zipper pouches with the same fabrics as a quilt as an extra gift for the recipient. (Kids especially love the pouches.)
I’m new to quilting. I haven’t seen the police in my sewing room yet 😝
Thank you for your video. Your points are great! I will be practicing pressing my seams open from now on. It does make a much smoother block but I thought I was not "allowed" to press them open. LOL Other than that, I agree with all of your other points.
Hi Stephanie. I have the philosophy that you do you. I have never prewashed or used starch. Its interesting to know that because i dont prewash its not needed :) Love the tip about the Frixion pen. I am super picky when it comes to fabrics. We all have different tastes and im probably different to most being a guy. I've never buried my thread and have no clue how haha. Thanks for sharing. It was a great video
Thank you for sharing and giving us permission to ignore the “Quilt Police”.
So much fun! Thanks!
And for those in Australia those Spray Misters used in the 10th thing can be bought from KOH they're seriously awesome
My Singer 15-91 is way better than my Husqvarna Emerald 183, of which I paid $800 and some odd dollars. My 15-91 cost me $25 and some elbow grease after watching a few videos on how to clean and fix it. It’s all I use now.
I learned back in 1979 to press my seams open. Years later everything went to pressing them over. I hand quilt and open is much easier to quilt.
YAY! Quilt police be gone! LOL. Hello Stephanie. I'm from Moline and have yet to visit your shop. Our schedules will connect someday!
Maybe we'll run into each other! Our shop isn't open for shopping, however.
I would DEFINITELY wash anything that’s going to be a crib sheet, pillowcases, and the worst, Pak-and-play sheets that totally enclose the pad/board in the bottom!
(Ask me how I know😞)
So so glad that I’m not the only “dirty” quilter
It make any difference if you use some machine washed quilt fabric with non washed . Does it affect the policing of your block?
Hello I just found your channel so far I’m liking it but not everyone is able to get fabric straight off the bolt like y’all do we have to buy our fabric so in my case I do not pre-wash but I do starch a lot so that is my two cents
My Mom worked in a fabric store, not knowing that formaldehyde, along with other chemicals were in the fabric.
She started breaking out in hives. It was horrible. Her doctor said the levels of chemicals in her bloodstream were the highest he had ever seen.
She developed non-classical Parkinson’s. Her death was caused by those chemicals. You not only absorb the chemicals through your hands, you ingest them as you breath the fumes and the fabric dust.
She had to bake the newspaper in a slow oven overnight before she could read it. She had to wash towels a dozen times before she could use them, sheets had to be washed several times before she could sleep on them.
Clothing is dipped once again in chemicals, after it is made ( or so we were told, by a manufacturer.
Mobile homes are full of formaldehyde, as well as other chemicals, and they are supposed to, by law, warn people of the dangers.
It is in much of the food we eat, it is in paint, upholstery, etc.
killing us softly with chemicals.
I am so sorry for your dear Mother. My Dad worked in a tire factory for 37 yrs. He had 3 cancers in his later years. He died from the last one, lung cancer. his Dr said it was the benzene & other chemicals eh came into contact with over the years. I was a hairdresser for most of my life. For many years state board required that we put formaldehyde on a cotton ball & keep it in our drawers. Hated it! I often wonder how much it harmed us all those years along with hair spray & when smoking was allowed in the salons. I was also glad when smoking was banned! Hair spray cans were changed also. We live with chemicals all around us, so hard. I seldom wash fabric like I used to but maybe i should
@@quiltsick
I am sorry about your Dad. My Mom was so pitiful at the end. She couldn’t swallow, refused a feeding tube. So she actually ending up starving to death, with us begging her to rethink her decision. It was horrible.
And so. I wash my fabrics.
As you said, we are exposed to so many chemicals already.
My Mom has been gone for 23 years, but she is in my mind continually.
I’ve been piecing and quilting for 62 years, I have never washed my fabric before using it. No one has ever complained, when they received their free quilt.
I turn "Wow, that's ugly fabric, where did I even get it?" fabric as practice quilting pieces. They'd probably make good voodoo dolls as well.
Modern dying techniques use formaldehyde, among other not-good-for-you chemicals. Don't want to be touching those chemicals.
And you don't know how the fabric was stored in warehouses before you got it.
Was it sprayed with pest spray? I don't want to be touching those chemicals either.
Was it not sprayed with pest spray? There could be insect eggs in the fabric that could hatch in my house (and get on other fabric).
So, I wash all my fabrics, even pre-cuts (in lingerie bags).
I HAVE had Frixion pen markings come back to haunt me...but, then again, I live in Wisconsin, the winters are not the warmest, and the marks were faint.
My thought process on Frixion pens are this:
The inks used are newer and we don't really know how the chemicals used in the ink will react to fabric years/decades down the road. The manufacturers even say it's not made to be used on fabric.
It could very well weaken the fibers after so long a time.
I don't want to spend so much time and effort on a quilt only to have it start to 'disintegrate' where that ink was drawn.
To be on the safe side, I'll only use Frixion pens on the fabric in areas that don't need to take the 'stress load' - such as seam allowances.
You gave some good arguments about not pressing seams to the side and made me feel better about me not always doing it.
Voodoo dolls? 😂😁
@@tonimiller4340 Well, in sewing circles they're called pincushions. 😁
I am not the quilt police, at all, but just feel differently about scraps...I don't save all but I do save them because I love to make scrappy quilts and string quilts. It's also already paid for fabric and I can make another quilt.
Florals are my no go fabric and lately every month it’s been florals uh!
Do you think Verizon pens would come back if shipped by air from New Zealand to Geneva, I did a Baltimore quilt for my brother who then shifted to Geneva and I have been to scared to send it in case the markings come back.
Amen!
So I must still be a beginner presser! Do you have a tutorial on pressing seams open? Wanting to improve my points and triangles. TIA.
Also, I pretty much do EVERYONE of the other 10 like you do!
Even if I DID have time to starch my fabric or wash and iron it, I wouldn’t!!😉❤️
Quilt Police cautions: I use my seam ripper as an awl while sewing. I re-calculate and rewrite quilt pattern instructions upon occasion. I quit trimming the fuzzies from the backs of my blocks as I constructed them.
I enjoyed this video. You said the name of the pen so fast I could not understand what you said.
It's a Frixion Gen Pen. :) shop.quiltaddictsanonymous.com/product/frixion-gel-pen-black/
Where do you get the spray mister please.?
Hi Louise!
You can find them easily on amazon by searching "Fine Spray Mister". I am sure they have serval fabulous colors to choose from, but here is a link to a simple white one! Happy quilting! www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/beauty/23627244011/ref=sr_bs_0_23627244011_1
My quilt police violations: I don't add labels (who has time for that?) For me, personally, I think it takes something away from the beautiful fabric on the back. But NO JUDGMENT to those who love their lables (it's just not my thing).
I also machine sew my binding (gasp!) and it's never perfect.
I honestly think the reason pressing seams open in the past was an issue was because they hand-quilted everything so there was less quilting on the quilt. So those seams were under tension and it probably was an issue. but you stitch in the ditch on BOTH sides of that seam. That thing isn't going anywhere. The way you quilt on either side of that seam takes away all the tension. Those seams will last longer than some of the fabric will. LOL
I make old-timey looking quilts, not beautiful, just charming, and I tie them instead of quilting. Sometimes I do the no-binding method, sometimes I don't put borders, sometimes I use a bedsheet as backing or batting. Pish tosh to the quilt police.
I started pressing open. I have a hard time getting everything to match up when I do this. Do you have any recommendations to help with this. Thank you for all your AWESOME videos. Thru really do help.
I would also like to know the answer to this. And, do those tiny little irons help you press seams open? It always seems a bit difficult to get started with a large iron.
When matching points I use the two pen method to ensure they stay good and sharp. (ua-cam.com/video/ZiAqsnvTa_0/v-deo.html)
Regarding the iron size, when you're pressing small pieces or a block with many seams it's better to left the iron up and set it down rather than sliding it across the seams.
I don't change my machine needle and rotary blade with each new project.
i am so glad I don't know any quilt police, they sound really dull.
Hello I had to subscribe to your channel I’ve been buying everything under the sun for quilting I am obsessed with quilting for two years purchased a JANOME for five thousand Q hoop oh my goodness a lot so I am starting to get my first quilt made and thinking of washing it all is so depressing so I am so happy to know we don’t have to I buy mostly Moda fabrics I think that’s the name anywho I loved this information you gave us great I have a favor the fabric you started piecing together white background black thin stripe curved around can I purchase five yards where can I purchase that one it would be greatly appreciated thank you
I was under impression that garment making was the only time you would prewash your fabric and prewashing quilting fabric was a big no no...
They do not put vegetable starch in fabric..washing dark fabrics is a good idea..i dont pre wash most of the time...ps. vegetable starch attracts bugs. 😊
"Never store fabric in plastic totes, they will mildew." I've been using plastic totes for twenty years and have never had mildew.
I had to laugh about not saving every scrap! I now have permission to get rid of my scraps, some of which are decades old.
I saw a beginner quilter get upset because someone told her she put her binding on wrong. I then told her there is no "Right Way". My theory is if you do a technique and you are HAPPY with the results.Then it is right. If you are not happy and don't like the results then it is wrong. Then research, read a book, take a class, watch a tutorial, ask a friend. Just simply try another way till ""you" are happy. It is that simple.
I love you!! Permission taken to be me.
If you really want to see the quilt police freak tell them you use crayola washable markers instead of chalk or other “disappearing“ pens. They work great, there are a ton of colors to chose from, and have washed out of everything is used them on.
I think they Crayola has way more at stake financially to make sure these things wash out than any quilt pen manufacturers. I also use Crayola washable markers. Never a single whiff of a problem.
Brilliant idea!
Ooo, I love those things. I also do clothing alterations and turn into a toddler using them. They're brilliant cause everything gets slung in the wash before being handed back. I've never had a marker that didn't wash away.
I just this year learned to use Crayola water markers. I love them. I really had a face plant moment when my sister asked me why I didn't use them.
I'm 67 and was taught by my Grandma who was in her 70's at the time. We used scraps from other sewing (waste not want not) and old clothes. She taught me to press all seams open and would never have even thought of using starch (starch was only used on my Dad's work shirts) on a quilt. Another quilter's "sacrilege" she committed was using her scissors to cut anything she needed to. She only had two pairs of scissors, a small needlework pair and an 8" pair for everything else. I freely confess to also using my sewing scissors occasionally for cutting (gasp!) paper, ribbon, and yarn if they're the ones within reach. Don't worry about the small things. It is only recently that we've been told (probably by scissors and sewing supplies manufacturers) that we need all the fancy stuff to sew. Vintage sewing machines still sew as well as the newer ones at a fraction of the cost if you're mostly creating quilts.
Taught to sew in Junior High school in the late 60’s to press seams open - I definitely would not conform to the quilt police! Lol😂
😂😂
Love your videos. Thank you for all you do.
As someone who is medically blind I totally sew my own way. If the quilt police come after me I’d give them smeared specs with parts blanked out so they had my remaining sight and tell them to go for it.
It totally depends on the block I’m sewing how I press. A 4 patch I’ll press to the side for nesting seams but a “kite” block I’ll press open and taper the seam allowance to reduce bulk at the point.
I’ve been told by people that die cutting “wastes fabric” but by using my AccuQuilt dies I can independently cut my fabric, and using Bonnie Hunter’s Bonus Buddy Ruler to set a homemade fabric guide permanently on my bobbin cover I can accurately sew my seams… even a drunkard’s path block.
Because I can’t see where the pins are as I sew I don’t use pins I line up corners, edges, and seams as I sew.
Not only do I ignore the quilt police but I also ignore the disability police who tell me as a blind woman I can’t walk independently and I walk solo in the countryside near my home in the UK (I live a 30 minute train journey north of London).
Just do it your way. Let others do it their way.
Go you! No need to listen to the grump police!
So admire your free spirit. I advocate for disability awareness as I can see but people who see me can't see my non obvious disabilities. Sewing is my lifeline for my mental health too.
I LOVE AccuQuilt too! I couldn't quilt without it
God bless you for being you! Don’t let anyone undermine that!❤
❤Love your story! I’ve got essential tremor which is worsening as I get older & there’s many many things I do that these amorphous quilt police wouldn’t approve of. However, if you & I have to modify methods in order to be successful, it’s right for us, right? I’d rather be productive than correct
I love all of this! I've been a "punk rock quilter" from the day I learned. I am self-taught from a book by Marti Michell called Quilting for People Who Don't Have Time to Quilt, and thanks to that being my introduction to quilting, I have never prewashed fabric; learned strip piecing from the beginning; understood that you can make a million beautiful, interesting quilts without ever cutting a triangle; "finger-press" all my seams to the right as I go (no ironing); and let my mistakes "fall into the seams." I also send my quilts out to be quilted because I enjoy patchwork much more than quilting, and all my bindings are made from the backing fabric, folded over and stitched by machine.
You are my new hero!
Love it!
Also, there are amazing patterns the quilter can put on it! I can’t do those!
I came into quilting in the early ‘90’s and my quilting bee (of which I was by far the youngest) were horrified to find out I don’t pre wash my fabrics. I love the crispness of unwashed fabric and it just sews up so much nicer. I do have a test if I’m unsure about colorfastness. I cut a square approx 1 1/2” and put it in a white bowl, pour boiling water over it and add a dab of liquid soap. If you see no color in the water, rinse then lay on white paper towel and let it air dry (can be pressed dry on paper). If still no color your good to go. This has saved me on a lot of batiks that bled like crazy!! New subscriber to your channel.
Great idea!
Thanks for this great video. I've been sewing since I learned in home ec class back in 1945. To save you some math, I'm 92. I love making quilts to give, and love doing as much as possible on the machine. Your list frees me from feeling a little guilty when I step outside the borders with various aspects of quilting. I think quilt making should be fun and not a source of frustration and worrying about measuring up to someone else's standards.
Well done, you! Oh and I've just ordered one of those misters. Much better than spray bottles.
When the quilt police start buying my fabric and making my quilts for me I will quietly listen to their good and bad points but until then I will do it my way. Great video especially for beginners, no shaming or guilt just do what you love. Advice is only good, if it works for you.
I used to follow instructions to the letter when I was learning but now I do what is easiest for me. Do all my seams exactly meet, no, are some of my points off, definitely but I'm not showing quilts and I'm happy. Had no complaints from people I've gifted quilts to. I used to be a perfectionist but I also made far fewer quilts.
0:26 - Prewash?
2:28 - Starch?
4:08 - Pressing seams open
6:29 - Stich-in-the-ditch
7:46 - Friction Gel Pens
9:54 - Scrap management
11:27 - Ugly fabric
13:14 - Thread Tails
14:34 - New Project Syndrome
15:26 - Steam Irons V Spray Misting
Great video! I was going to say how much your tutorial on how to get perfect points helped me, but I’m busy ironing out frixion pen marks with my steamless iron. After that I’m going to get rid of a pile o scraps, and admire my heretofore guilty pile of UFOs, and tell the truth about ugly fabric regrets! Now to ponder what to do with that spray starch I no longer need…guess I’ll figure that out after I order my misting bottle. This video is FIRE 🔥🔥🔥
Love your sense of humor
Life doesn’t settle down when your children get older. It just gets crazier in different ways.
I was so sick of replacing my irons so often. Then I saw you use that mister and, I swear, a light bulb flashed over my head! Then I saw you lay your finger beside the seam to keep it straight at the end. Those tips alone would make me your fan, but there have been so many more. Thanks! I've been sewing for 75 years, almost 70 of them on a machine, but this old dog is always willing to use a new trick to make her life easier. And I love, love, love your wry sense of humor. I think you and I would get along famously if we ever sat down for a cup of tea. 😊
I stopped hand sewing my bindings. People who receive my quilts as gifts are thrilled and not one of them every notices if the binding is hand sewn or machine sewn. I ain't got time to hand sew those. Thank you for sharing this.
The most upsetting thing to me about this video is the many, many comments that say experienced quilters were so judgmental with new quilters. I’m so sorry this happened to so many people, and there’s no excuse for it! Creativity in any form is completely personal! Celebrate creators, folks, and support people new to the art! Thanks for this video, Stephanie!
Two things - One thing I hear all the time from the quilt police is, NEVER lick your thread when threading a needle. I do it all the time and I've never had a quilt spontaneously combust! My mother did it, my grandmother did it and that's good enough for me. Secondly, the "press the seams to the side" rule came from back in the day when women hand sewed the entire quilt. You just can't get as tight of a seam as you can with a machine and pressing to the side kept the seams from letting that unbonded cotton batting from travelling out. In that day and time, it made sense. Fun video, thank you!
Never lick your thread!?! Who invents this stuff? This sounds like it was filtered thru someone like a sister-in-law I had years ago. She was in weight watchers and would wash and dry each lettuce leaf individually when she made herself a salad as she was taught in the WW class. They actually did it to supposedly allow the dressing to stick to the leaves better. She truly believed she was doing it because without the water the lettuce had fewer calories!
Wonder what the quilt police think about me waxing all of the thread I use for handsewing?
I actually use some beeswax on my lips to smooth the end of the thread. 😊
Beeswax is affordable at our local Ace Hwr. Slid into my pincushion's base slot, a string end swiped needles fast, sews firm, presses clean + works up secure.
I lick the needle, not the thread, I don’t remember who I learned that from…maybe the costumer instructor in college… but even with machines, I do that…I just get water on my fingers and pinch the water around the eye of the needle…
I love you. You have removed so much guilt from my quilting. Also, you have excused some or the things I thought I had to do, and I will stop a lot of things. Life is good.
I was once told that guilt is a ‘wasted emotion’, a negative that could never be made into a positive.
It changed my life.
I no longer feel guilty about anything. I try to be a good person and live a fruitful life. So therefore there is absolutely no reason for me to feel any guilt.
Love this, and I’m also a quilt rebel! Real life is not the same thing as show quilting. I’m making my stuff for enjoyment and then also to use. I use or gift out everything I make. I have no interest in entering a competition but gifting a friend’s child with a quilt or pillow case Or softie is something I love doing! And a 3 year old doesn’t care if you pressed seams open or used a frixion pen. I love your work Stephanie!