I taught my 10 year old granddaughter how to sew on my Pfaff Performance Icon. I demonstrated French seams just for fun. The next day, while I was out on errands, she made her own tote bag with French seams that are better than mine. She now has her own Brother machine and makes all kinds of stuff. It's great having a sewing companion.
Wow! That's fantastic! It's so fun when our children and grandchildren enjoy the same hobbies and activities as us, isn't it? You set your granddaughter up for a lifetime of enjoyment!
I've been told I'm too old to learn quilting or machine embroidery, at 72. Well, I ignored the naysayers and bought a Baby Lock Aurora. I love your channel and think I can learn a lot from you. Thank you for being a Teacher instead of a Preacher! Big hugs...Donna
Don't listen to nay-sayers. Quilting is not difficult if you start with basic squares - I did my first one with zero instruction and just knowing how to use my mom's sewing machine (which is now my sewing machine). From there, you just learn to improve and get fancier as you go. Most importantly, have fun! Also, you can start with some smaller items such as placemats, etc for practice vs taking on a huge quilt.
I was tidying up an old cupboard recently and came across a patchwork quilt that my mum made on a singer treadle machine back when I was a child and I am 71 and it gave me the buzz to start a quilt of my own. My mum’s quilt was made with bits of material from dresses we wore as children and it brought back so many memories. I haven’t started yet but am in the process of building up my collection of things I need. My fear (or one of them) is the design - I am not a naturally creative person and a bit scared to take that first step. Your video has given me that confidence to take my first step. I will check out your tutorials. I live in Ireland and quilting is not as popular as it is in the US. It’s difficult to get books as a lot of companies don’t send to Ireland so it’s great to have the online guidance and encouragement from the likes of yourself. Thank you.
21:58 Yes!!!! I didn't even quilt for a year and barely made about 3 super simple strip piece charity quilts before I took on my most ambitious quilt project... my own pattern! And boy was it a pattern lol. My math wasn't mathing, I messed up several times, some points didn't meet up, and there were sooo... many... pieces.... but it actually turned out beautiful and got the praise of everyone in my quilting group who had quilted for 10+ years. Even with the mistakes, I felt so proud that I took on another self-made pattern. Those ambitious undertakings taught me a lot and really honed in my skills. I'm not afraid to take on "complex" projects and the shortcomings don't stress me out because it's all a learning experience and I'll never get good if I don't try. "Take chances, make mistakes, get messy!"
I started trying to teach myself to quilt in about 2007. For a few years I wasn't able to sew but I just recently set up a sewing station after being able to organize my house just right. And I decided to give it a try again. This time I'm having so much success so much faster because of your wonderful UA-cam ladies. The first time that I was trying to learn to quilt back in the in the late 2000 and aughts I would get very frustrated when things did not come out the way I pictured them in my mind or the way that the instructions patterns or book was telling me. Now when I get stuck or have a question I can just put it into Google and surely one of your wonderful UA-cam ladies have an answer to my question. You are such a blessing keep doing the wonderful work you do.
I am so glad I found you. I am a 69 year old beginning quilter, once was a theater costumer and primarily a lifelong learner. Key, to me was you saying”go ahead and do it”. We learn as we go, right, and we do it for us. Just seeing your daughter so joyous reminds me that that little creative spark is so vulnerable. What a luckily child to have a mom who understands that.
I am an A type personality. I have been the most impatient person I know. I'm now 75 years old and found quilting during the COVID lockdown. Two years on, I'm the most patient person I know, I feel like I'm ten years younger and, I'm learning something new everyday about the world and art of quilting. Other than the odd A-line skirt or box blouse, hemming and the odd rudimentary alteration, I've done little to no sewing in my life. I bought a second hand Janome Quilters Companion, and haven't looked back. The quilting rabbit hole has lured me in and I'm hooked. I laughed when you said you gave all your early quilts away. I'm doing the same thing. My friends and family are getting all the learner's projects. But I'm tickled with every one I've made. I refuse to hear critcism unless it's constructive, I'm gradually gathering proper tools, and gradually learning about fabrics and the world of textiles. I also am a huge KF fan! Oh my gawd. Thank you for these 15 reminder tips. Most I've learned, but I believe that a good student goes into every new project with an open mind, and open heart and a willingness to step into the unknown.
I love that I randomly found you! I have made all those mistakes (even the binding) and I am still new to quilting and I am happy to see you are so encouraging and supportive! I am subscribing and will be watching! Thank you for making me want to start quilting again.
My mom is a seamstress by trade and owned a fabric store growing up so sewing was always in my blood. I made doll clothes and stuff but never quilted. When I met hubby and he told me his first wife used his old shirts to make a quilt, I thought it was brilliant so I thought I'd give it a try. I always loved being in her store but since I was on a mission, it made it more intoxicating and bought a "Quilting for Dummies" book - 30 years ago, I threw caution to the wind and fell in love. I didn't have the luxury of the internet and videos. I'm self "taught" and was focused on the "hug" than perfection. Today, I decided to actually sit and watch videos since the 2 I'm working on have their own special challenges. I ran across this video and I kept saying "OH! That explains the thread" and "Sewing through all 3 layers for binding" was a quickly learned lesson after the first binding. Some of these things I figured out on my own but this video was PERFECT! I'm so glad I went down the rabbit hole! THANK YOU!
I like most all of what you say here. I will say though I spent $300 on my sewing machine. I've used it now for years. It's a great machine. I would be cautious telling someone how much to spend on a machine. $500 can be a lot of money for some and we don't want to discourage people from learning to quilt One thing I learned, when it comes to sewing machines, it is almost always the operator that is the problem. Good video.
Thank you for these words of encouragement. I am turning 71 in a few days and gifted myself with a long arm machine and frame. Do I ever have so much to learn as I have no one to teach me or turn to for guidance. O. Top of that the arthritis in my hands makes life difficult but I do not give up easily. Wish me luck. Suzy H in Florida.
I am 82 and I finally learned to listen to the advice 'TAKE BREAKS" When I feel the first twinge of arthritis or any pain, I stop and usually take a drink of water. I am not like these younger generations who live with a water bottle attached to their hand. I have to remember to grab that H2O
Thank you for taking the time to do this, especially since its not even your channel. It is much appreciated. I wish more channels out there would do this.
My nine-year-old granddaughter made her first quilt. it was all wonky and hot mess, but she loved it so much she threw the quilt I made off her bed and she sleeps with her quilt every night. I love it!
Your daughter is so cute and amazing!!! I hope I can be like her, not afraid to make mistakes and excited to show off her work. You're an amazing mom for giving her the keys to your machine.
Gurrrllll!!! Sitting here watching this video just nodding my head in agreement with all these pro tips! Even the first part talking about how your were such a busy college student and then you graduated and were like “now what?! I need to fill my time.” Same!!! I started a few years out of grad. school and just took the attitude of “let’s figure it out”! I had people tell me that I should not try a t-shirt quilt because of the difficulties with stitch and I now have a line customers waiting for me to make them custom memory quilts! 🥳 I also won our county fair after only 4 years of quilting! You made such good points that I hope will help take some frustration out for our fellow quilters…quality fabric, a quality machine, willingness and patience. Also, I have never had someone give a quilt back to me because my points didn’t match🤣🤣 thanks for all that you do!!
How true! Having a quality machine you can afford that has a dealer nearby to help when problems arise is priceless and money well invested. Service your machine at least once a year to keep your baby humming along.
Thank you and i have done my mistakes too. I started to quilt after COVID-19 and was 70 years old. Before started to quilt the last time I touched a sewing machine i was 18 years old. Watching videos (over and over) in my IPad computer have help me a lot and still have a lot to learn. Know I’m sewing everyday and making things for family and friends. It’s my therapy since COVID-19, I don’t go out as much as i used too. Thank you again.
I started quilting when you marked around cardboard templates and cut with scissors. Rotary cutters and quilting rulers are relatively new tools for me. Thank you
Me, too! The rotary cutter cane out just after I was making my first quilt! The rotary cutter and mat are a miracle! They are largely responsible for the renewed interest in quilting that happened in the 1970’s!
Exactly, as I stated, I was 14 and mom wanted something we could do as mom n daughter, so we joined a quilters circle at our local Long Island Firehouse. We then each had a project to make on our own and had 10 weeks to complete n bring in. All done by hand, cardboard templates we made, scissors, a regular flat school ruler and chalk to mark. My mom's came out flawlessly( she does all crafts) and mine.. let's just say we all laughed, some gave constructive criticism, a few shook their heads and one old quilt police asked me if I liked to bake. It was a glorious lesson to learn to do all that by hand, make projects that took FOREVER and spend precious time with my mom, and the elders of our community. I will never forget that time, lovingly❣️
When I started out I thought smaller would be easier! 😂 yes I began with mini quilts. When I took my first actual class and the pieces seemed so huge (3” squares were the biggest I’d used up to that point) I was amazed at how easy it was to line things up!!!
My boyfriends grandmother taught me to quilt the first time I ever went to visit her and I fell in love so much that I taught both my sisters how to quilt we all have much to learn. Sadly I don’t get to visit grandma more than once a year due to distance and I’m so happy I get to learn some tricks here thank you for all you do ❤
Thank you for all of the information. I'm a very beginner and I'm gathering information before I get all of my materials to make my first quilt. Ohhh my there's a lot that entails on quilt making.
My first quilt made in 1971&72 was a Noah's Ark for my new baby boy. I used scraps from my own sewing for myself and my hsuband. It has double knit, velour, corduroy, and denim among the cottons from my scraps. I quilted it with large stitches and embroidery floss. Eric loved it and slept with it for many years. It is in
OMG, I didn't know how bad of an idea it was to take my bias cut HSTs and spray them with waaay too much starch and steam iron then while pulling and tugging them into submission. It was a hot mess! But, I made it work and I'm snuggled up with that quilt right now. :)
I've been quilting for about 20 years when my daughter moved to Wisconsin and we had great teachers. Because of corvid, I didn't quilt, I just concentrated on staying alive. But now, I'm 87 and have quilts I want to/ need to finish. For me, your presentation was a refresher course, I sincerely thank you. And I agree with you about the quality of fabric, just touch it or hold it up to the light, you'll know quality when you see. Thanks again
No matter what don't give up. My first quilt was worse than her's. My dad loved it for over 10 years before it started to fall apart. Frayed holes everywhere. I ripped that baby apart and redesigned and made him a new one saving what I could. He LOVES it still. Each quilt brings a new challenge but also something you learned before to help make the next one a little easier.
I knew how to sew but learned quilting by watching TV shows on PBS and home channel. I entered a quilt contest at our local fair. I won my category, but the one judge gave me some tips which I appreciated. I still like to check out tips like yours.
Ok, this was me. And some of it still is me. Thanks. I am into my third big, Queen or king, quilt. My first one is still in the unfinished pile. In between I spent a lot of time on small projects. I wish I had a quilting guild near me, I am always learning and thank goodness for UA-cam.
20:03 as a traditional seamstress who is delving into quilting (I've been sewing clothes by hand and machine since i learned to sew at 4, and I'm 25) I would like to *politely* dispute buying a brand new machine or saying you need to spend at least $500 on something. if you *know* what to look for and are willing to learn how these machines work (I am a tinkerer so I get this doesn't click for some people) you can buy a vintage machine at thrift or online for a fraction of that cost and get a MUCH better machine. I *hate* new machines with a firey passion and I know they won't last like what was made last century. I have a lot of antique machines and vintage ones, but my ride or die is a Kenmore that was made in the 40s (158.19412 model) that I bought for $25 at a thrift store. I have had it for over a decade with little maintenance and its the best, most reliable machine I've ever worked with. idk. this got ranty but the cost of machines is what people balk at getting into sewing and I hate when people end up thinking new machines are the only option. for anyone interested in vintage machines, I would caution against Singers from the 60s and 70s. anything newer than that as well from Singer. I'm certainly biased but I have noticed that's when they went down hill. lots of bad engineering and plastic parts which often break that are hard or impossible to replace
My first (legit) quilting project was actually a christmas tree skirt. The pattern pieces had these odd curves and angles and I had no idea that it was probably not the best starter project until well after I had finished it. Even random people at my husbands work saw it and were amazed it was what I chose to do for my first project. I am now on my second quilting project, which is also ambitious. It's a king sized quilt I am hand quilting. Its been a few years in the making...
Many years ago, the late 80's, I went to a "Fast Patch" quilting class, essentially strip quilting. I has heard about rotary cutters but thought they were just some expensive toy that would go out of style. When I attended the class the heavens parted, the angels started singing and I was awestruck. It made so much sense and seemed a much more efficient was to make a quilt. I had been interested in quilting but the though of sitting for endless hours cutting out one tiny piece at a time was too daunting. Today I am the proud owner of several rotary cutters, rulers, templates and cutting mats.
This was fabulous information. I've been quilting for a few years and I still make lots of mistakes, but when I've given the quilt to someone they love it even though there are mistakes and they don't see them. I still have trouble with points and especially my cutting. I'm going to start using some sort of weights to keep me from shifting the ruler. As I tell everyone, I do a little quilting, but I’m not a “quilter”. I can say if you love to quilt keep at it as you continue to learn from your mistakes. Again thank, for your videos.
Hi Helen, I started using a weight after seeing one being used on yt. As I didn't have a dumbbell I used the base of my pestle/ mortar (never sure what that's called). Worked beautifully. Point being you're bound to find something heavy enough in the kitchen or hubbie's toolshed.
I don't use weights to hold down my rulers. Instead, I pasted on small Sandpaper Dots to underside of my rulers to keep them from slipping while cutting w/ rotary cutter.
@@jacquelenebennett4028 Yes!! I learned from Donna Jordan of Jordan Fabrics on YT! I have a rubber coated 5# weight I use and it solved the problem! Also works well as a door stop in my sewing room! 🤣
Wonderful video! Totally agree. My suggestion is to buy fabrics for projects and not build a stash. Having a stash is overrated and expensive. Congrats on all of your hard work with your company and tutorials!
I went to quilting classes many years ago and then I didn't do any quilting for many years. When I decided to try it again, I had no idea what anyone was talking about. I thought I had gone to a baking website instead of quilting. When I took the classes there were no precuts (layer cakes, jelly rolls, honeybuns) and we used scissors only. As you were saying with the strip cutting, I made a full size quilt and cut out every piece from yardage with scissors. Maybe that's why I had quit so many years ago.
I've never done quilting, but it feels like the most fitting textile art for a bunch of small projects I have stewing in the back of my mind - dust covers for our sewing machines to stop my son's cat trying to eat the thread, a wip bag for my small petit point so I can take it with me when I leave the house, that sort of thing. If I study up while I'm embroidering, hopefully by the time I'm ready to start sewing I won't make a disaster of it. : )
I just had two daughters that live sort of close to me. Both gave birth to two precious girls last week. I my head, I’m suddenly excited about teaching them to quilt. We’ll see how I’m doing in seven years. 😂
As I take my passion for sewing into the quilting space I give myself permission to practice at the level I am at right now, with the tools I have on the budget I can afford. It's the pleasure of the journey alongside the increasing knowledge that makes functional things I can celebrate finishing. All you said is true, I just don't yet have access to everything I desire but I've come a long way since I started to seriously apply myself to a more quilting focused practice. More prolific in numbers of projects, more interested in patter and design. You just start where you are at dream, make goals happen and keep moving forward. Yes this last month I've been doing binding. One small thing after another so it becomes like muscle memory and easier each time. Even doing pieced binding. Plus today yes I ironed lots of seams open because it made sense to do ut. Cheers to all the Noobies out there like me 🇦🇺💜🇺🇲💚👍😊🖐
I am so encouraged by what you said, (sentence that starts with "start where you are...) that I intend to make this a sign and hang it in my studio. Thank you so much for your sharing.
Thank you! What I would give to have a walking foot and really nice material! But at 70 and just getting started, I love my $200 Brother. I hit estate sales during the summers and have got some beautiful fabric for pennies on the dollar. I'm just so afraid to mess things up..lol. Just got done with my first "semi quilt". Beautiful birds in autumn forest panel turned into dining room drapes. Bordered and lined. My lines on both sides match up perfectly. I am so proud of that 😊. Love all the help from this channel and the commentors. Thank you all so much!
Pls try not to be so afraid of making mistakes, we ALL do it. Pls remember that when babies are learning to walk, they fall down & then learn to get up. It's only frabic after all & can often be redone if the mistakes were really big. Often quilter's mistakes are only obvious to the Quilter & the User or Observier, never knows about it.
My husband and I just listened to your video and chuckled. Thanks for voicing all the "oops" that we have encountered on our journey. Keep up the great work.
Re the cost of big box store fabric: Recently I bought some batting for my latest quilt at JoAnn's and walked over to check out the fabric out of curiosity. I was shocked! The prices were very close to those of my local high quality quilt shop, only about dollar a yard less. It is so worth it to me, even on a fixed income, to buy the good stuff. My labor is worth it. My skill is worth it. My time is worth it. The love I put into each quilt is worth it!
I agree I'm Canadian we have Fabricland and they actually charge quite a bit more or the same as my local quilt shops these days. I'm a little spoiled there's like 5 quilt shops within a 30 min drive. And each one has it's specialty in what they carry. Like one is obsessed with Disney. Another the Kay Fawcett prints, another more regal. It's pretty awesome.
I completely agree with not discouraging people from trying something they want to try, and I also think that sometimes they can become so frustrated with trying to do something beyond their skill that they will just quit. So weighing how to say that they might want to try something a little less challenging is also important. I had this happen with a friend, who wanted to make a quilt, she wanted to design it and do some very complicated things with circles and applique. I didn't want to discourage her so I let her go at it and she got so frustrated with how hard it was, that it took another year before she'd try quilting again. I talked her into trying something a lot more simple and now she loves it. She has the skill now, to do what she had wanted to do and this time I'm confident she will do much better.
Hi. I just recently found out that if you are having some tension issues it might be because you have to change the needle. This is what happened to me. I hadn't changed my needle in all the time that I was quilting. I found out that I need to change it with every new project. I felt silly but no one told me this. And now my tension is great!
Gosh, the whole thing about quilt design being difficult... you aren't kidding. I spend most of my time creating and so I'm used to designing things, using color and contrast and shapes, etc. So imagine my surprise when I was trying to design my purple and pink quilt. I was fumbling around with it, when my mom handed me some graph paper and told me to do some scribbling on it. The design happened under my nose and we were all impressed by the final product. The same with the second quilt, but this one is way better. I'm glad i didn't freak out about whether a design was a bad idea. I just went for it and it turned out alright.
I love your videos! Your daughter's reaction to her own accomplishment is incredible...she just jumped in! She didn't know she couldn't! That's perfect!
My 7yo niece was the same way as your daughter. I took her to the quilt store, but it was closed. She didn’t want to wait to start her small quilt, so to WallyWorld for some fabrics we went! She had her own idea of what she liked, but made a pretty cool doll quilt with puppy & kitten fabrics along with a solid or 2. We were proud of her perseverance to do the sandwich & SITD quilting almost completely by herself!
Girl! You are so fun and honest… just so precious 😅 I didn’t know anything at all when I agreed to do a BOM from Quilters Newletter Magazine, with alternating star blocks and applique blocks, with 1.5” pieces! Teeeeny tiny HST’s and flying geese😱 but I did it and it’s my treasure!
One time I was making a pinwheel quilt with some charm packs I won at a class I took.. learning to embroidery with my machine… So I brought my 84 yr old mom to see what I was doing … it was turning out quite nice… I had no home for the project.. just wanted to learn piecing & lining up seams… She says …. Will that fit on my bed??? Um… how could I say anything but, “yes it will…”lol.. So now I was PRESSED TO FINISH IT… also I showed her the embroidery side of my Bernina 770… as the demo started… suddenly she had a pillow cover she wanted made with the embroidery hoop .. lol it was FUN.!! She was a hoot… the very next day she calls me & says she wanted me to stop by her retirement home… next thing I know…. I’m hemming pants coats, & darting clothing… lol I did love & enjoy the time with her. It was so awesome I could help her & give her something from me… She’s shrinking in stature & store bought clothing is a challenge for her. So I bought the machine from funds SHE HAD GIVEN ME… & I wanted her to see I was using the gift… & learning to quilt has given back to her fancy pillow tops, & clothing she can wear… yes the quilt made it onto her bed..
I'm a self taught quilter. I got several quilting books way before I started quilting. I started my first quilt 6 years ago, finished it a year later. Auctioned it off. My grandmother use to quilt, crochet and more. I learned the quilter's knot from her, I just didn't know what it was called. I started learning how to sew in Jr High School. I made clothing, pillow covers, bags and did repairs. (Still do repairs) I also did a lot of Crocheting. Now, I just quilt. Finances are tight so, I get a lot of my materials from thrift stores, people who are getting rid of a lot of scrap materials and more. I also shop at Walmart a lot. I've made something like 6 quilts, 5 quilted pillow covers, table cloths and have 9 plus pre-quilts cut and ready to sew together. I just finished a DC Comic quilt, Batman, for my nephew and an elephant quilt for his youngest daughter. I'm in the process of making a Log Cabin quilt for my mom. My goal is to make and donate many throw quilts for cancer patients at the cancer center that my husband was at. I'm having fun with quilting!! 😁
just found you. I enjoyed this video. It was like going back in time. I didn't have anyone to help me either. I bought all the tools and books. I had them for at least three months before I actually started quilting. But I finally took the plunge with a Mother's Day magazine with a small "quilt in a weekend" pattern. I did quilt it from start to finish in a weekend. I was so proud and my daughter as well. She was 3 yrs old at the time. She is now 30 yrs old. I still quilt. And she is still my only judge. She was the one who said, "You have quilted forever. More than anything else." I didn't realize it until she said it. I consider myself a knitter and I also crossed stitched and sewed many of her clothes, over the years. But quilting has been something I never let go. I could lie and say I don't know why I never let it go. I wanted to work with color. I still do. It's easy to work with fabric. It allows more freedom and forgives many mistakes, as you stated in your husband's quilt. I never want anything I make to win a prize except from the person I made it for. Because it was made with love.
Thank you for this. I have never quilted. But I received the beautiful gift of what I estimate is hundreds of yards of fabric from a Master Quilter's estate ( a friend of the family with whom I always relished talking with about sewing in general). The thing is, about half of that fabric is already cut for quilting, and organized by color. Half the battle is already won :).....I'm 60 and already possess advanced sewing skills-----except for quilting......I look forward to the quilter's journey. The products I make will be donated to worthy causes.
Your daughter looks so proud of her quilt and she should be - at 60 years of age and a newbie to quilting, I'm not sure that I would attempt that. Super impressive!!!
You are such a sweet, lovely person. I learn so much from you. My sewing machine that is marketed as a quilting edition did not come with a 1/4 inch foot. 🤷♀️🤦♀️ I'm sure if I had never quilted before that I would have done the same thing you did with the foot that came on the machine.
Just starting Know nothing So thankful you are sharing I’m just starting basic blocks So much to learn when you know nothing about sewing. Yet! 😊 but I’m determined to learn! With God and you all things are possible!😅 Ty for helping me
You will never know how much you encouraged me through all your tutorial series, but none were as encouraging as this one. I know you are going through major changes in your journey that are deeply discouraging, but I will always appreciate you, your team and your love of creating that knows no bounds or limitations. Your next best version is just around the corner. Meanwhile I appreciate all the content you’ve created to help me along my quilting journey. God bless you and yours
Thanks! I tried quilting 10 years ago and thought I would enjoy it, as I have been sewing garments, curtains, baby and doll clothes since I was 12 years old. Now 69. This quilting place was horrible, they were condescending and negatively critical. I stopped trying. Last year I met up with a. Old friend tha makes beautiful quilts with her mother for the church bazzar every year ro sell. She knew I sewed and asked why I did not quilt and listen ed to my story. I am so glad you said to be encouraging an make it fun as she did for me I have been quilting this past year and now love it. Sometimes the person teaching can make or break your learning ability. That is a great way to learn and should be taken seriously with any instructor. R Thanks for your great tips Jill P
I discovered you with your demo on a strip rug made in greys. You are such a wonderful teacher. I’ve been sewing since I was 10, quilting about 20+ years and at 75 still learning from you. I giggled through your 15 mistake video as I’ve experienced some of the same. But still learned something new. I highly recommend to newbies to follow your videos. You are so kind to offer discounts with purchases.
My mom's first quilt is my baby blanket, and I still love and cherish that thing and me and my mom bond over patching it up throughout the years, it's changed so mutch since then but I love it even more after we patch it up!
THank you!! I love the encouragement for everyone. I have been fighting with my machine for a long time, trying to tell myself if I did, thus and such better, all would be well. I'm going to check out your video about buying a new machine and quit fighting with this dinosaur!
Thank for this video and all the helpful tips! I got into quilting in 2020 after making a million masks but quickly hit my (entry level) Brother machine’s limit after quilting a few large projects and therefore hit my creative quilting limit in 2021. My machine let me down and I had no confidence. I couldn’t even sew a badge on my daughter’s Girl Scout vest and felt defeated. I got into plants and put away the sewing machine. My mother passed this month and my first completed quilt was returned to me. It has inspired me to quilt again. Just bought a JUKI 2010Q and am so excited to start over again. These tips will come in super handy!! 😊
Good video. I am a new quilter. Two other things I wish I knew when I started quilting. 1. Pin pieces when you sew. I cut precisely, but without pinning, my stitching for a log cabin square was just a little off. Pinning helped keep everything more accurate. 2. Use a dry iron. Do not use the steam. Steam can stretch the material and alter how the quilt comes out. Enjoy the journey.
THANK YOU! When I decided to make my first quilt, (king) for my only child, I went to a quilt store. The woman ran through all of the reasons I couldn’t do it. She was trying to discourage me from attempting such a difficult quilt as a first timer. Well, challenge accepted! Perfect? No. Made with love? Yes! Please be positive to others, in all aspects of life. I’m so very glad I found your channel I am now a subscriber.🎉
What a wonderful video, Stephanie! Every quilter needs to see this. I started quilting in order to use up old fabrics I did not want to toss and many of my 'masterpieces' fell apart in the wash or needed constant repair. Once I began using better fabrics I realized the difference and never looked back. Quilting is definitely a learning experience.
I now use a couple of my first quilts to try different machine quilting patterns etc. I didn’t have any idea the first time I put a quilt together that the corners were supposed to line up. I was just sewing along as fast as I could 😅. I have learned over time the quality of fabric makes such a difference. I am now (5 yrs later) learning about the difference in thread. I had always just used a multi purpose thread .. whoops! Tools are a big thing too - from rotary cutter to needles .. it’s a learning process and I am so thankful for UA-cam and teachers like you!
Loved this video! One of the things I learned was "change your needle" after each project, or even during, if it's a large project. Made a world of difference for me. Oh, and my next quilt will be the first time I'm using your method of pressing my seams open. I'm sure I will get much better results, because pressing them to one side isn't working for me especially if there's a lot of bulk. Thanks for that tip!
Someone in a class I took recommended to me to press the seams open because she felt it was the best way. However, the instructor was upset because she felt that weakens the seem. Who to believe? I’m now afraid to do it.
@@MyMickey52 I've seen it traditionally regarded as making for weaker seams. After 30+ yrs. of Quilting myself, I still press to the side, to the dark side. Have improved my ironing techniques instead, from 'ironing' to 'pressing' (see Karen Brown of Just Get it Done Quilts).
Oh my! I didn’t know about the presser feet size either! Lol. Went to a class and that poor teacher……she had her hands full with me. But it taught me so much. And that’s been so many years ago. Never looked back and just kept learning more about quilting. Thanks for the video. Guaranteed someone out there learned from your mistakes.
Love your attitude! My very first quilt was a queen sized pattern. I have designed every quilt since then. “Are they going to win any awards? Hell no!“ but I designed them with love and gave them to people I love. I am in the middle of my first collage quilt - a whole new world!
Hello thank you for all your tips, my name is Tammie and I'm making my second quilt, baby quilt for a friend's baby. Thanks for all the great tips, a lot of them I did not know. I need to get my walking foot.... I heard of a walking foot before but I never did try one now I must try one.
#10 got me! I didn't know it was supposed to be hard. Did the same with my first quilt. Friend sent scrubs and I was like I'll make each of these squares individually and put them together like so. LOL And I love #14 too! Wasn't sure where you were going then you said, Cut them off!! So true for all things life.
I didn't know about the 1/4" foot until I saw someone using it on a UA-cam video. Blew my mind. I already had sewn together a whole jelly roll at 5/8" and couldn't figure out why it didn't fit together nicely with the sashing.
I taught my 10 year old granddaughter how to sew on my Pfaff Performance Icon. I demonstrated French seams just for fun. The next day, while I was out on errands, she made her own tote bag with French seams that are better than mine. She now has her own Brother machine and makes all kinds of stuff. It's great having a sewing companion.
Wow! That's fantastic! It's so fun when our children and grandchildren enjoy the same hobbies and activities as us, isn't it? You set your granddaughter up for a lifetime of enjoyment!
This story reminds me exactly of my ‘sewing relationship’ with my nanna 🥲 it’s so special!
Love pfaff!
This is absolutely wonderful! Congratulations to you both!!🎉
23:48 fantastic video@@Everyoneisanartist776
I've been told I'm too old to learn quilting or machine embroidery, at 72. Well, I ignored the naysayers and bought a Baby Lock Aurora. I love your channel and think I can learn a lot from you. Thank you for being a Teacher instead of a Preacher! Big hugs...Donna
I'm 75 and just beginning with a Brother.....hang in there!
Don't listen to nay-sayers. Quilting is not difficult if you start with basic squares - I did my first one with zero instruction and just knowing how to use my mom's sewing machine (which is now my sewing machine). From there, you just learn to improve and get fancier as you go. Most importantly, have fun! Also, you can start with some smaller items such as placemats, etc for practice vs taking on a huge quilt.
I'm 72 and just beginning also. For me, it is harder than I thought it would be, but I plan on sticking with it. I have a Brother Stellaire..
Preachers have a bad rap don't they😂
I am 77 and just getting starting on quilting.
I was tidying up an old cupboard recently and came across a patchwork quilt that my mum made on a singer treadle machine back when I was a child and I am 71 and it gave me the buzz to start a quilt of my own. My mum’s quilt was made with bits of material from dresses we wore as children and it brought back so many memories. I haven’t started yet but am in the process of building up my collection of things I need. My fear (or one of them) is the design - I am not a naturally creative person and a bit scared to take that first step. Your video has given me that confidence to take my first step. I will check out your tutorials. I live in Ireland and quilting is not as popular as it is in the US. It’s difficult to get books as a lot of companies don’t send to Ireland so it’s great to have the online guidance and encouragement from the likes of yourself. Thank you.
21:58 Yes!!!! I didn't even quilt for a year and barely made about 3 super simple strip piece charity quilts before I took on my most ambitious quilt project... my own pattern! And boy was it a pattern lol. My math wasn't mathing, I messed up several times, some points didn't meet up, and there were sooo... many... pieces.... but it actually turned out beautiful and got the praise of everyone in my quilting group who had quilted for 10+ years. Even with the mistakes, I felt so proud that I took on another self-made pattern. Those ambitious undertakings taught me a lot and really honed in my skills. I'm not afraid to take on "complex" projects and the shortcomings don't stress me out because it's all a learning experience and I'll never get good if I don't try. "Take chances, make mistakes, get messy!"
I started trying to teach myself to quilt in about 2007. For a few years I wasn't able to sew but I just recently set up a sewing station after being able to organize my house just right. And I decided to give it a try again. This time I'm having so much success so much faster because of your wonderful UA-cam ladies. The first time that I was trying to learn to quilt back in the in the late 2000 and aughts I would get very frustrated when things did not come out the way I pictured them in my mind or the way that the instructions patterns or book was telling me. Now when I get stuck or have a question I can just put it into Google and surely one of your wonderful UA-cam ladies have an answer to my question. You are such a blessing keep doing the wonderful work you do.
Great sweing
I am so glad I found you. I am a 69 year old beginning quilter, once was a theater costumer and primarily a lifelong learner. Key, to me was you saying”go ahead and do it”. We learn as we go, right, and we do it for us. Just seeing your daughter so joyous reminds me that that little creative spark is so vulnerable. What a luckily child to have a mom who understands that.
I am 60
Who cares about age
Mmm I did for awhile
I am an A type personality. I have been the most impatient person I know. I'm now 75 years old and found quilting during the COVID lockdown. Two years on, I'm the most patient person I know, I feel like I'm ten years younger and, I'm learning something new everyday about the world and art of quilting. Other than the odd A-line skirt or box blouse, hemming and the odd rudimentary alteration, I've done little to no sewing in my life. I bought a second hand Janome Quilters Companion, and haven't looked back. The quilting rabbit hole has lured me in and I'm hooked. I laughed when you said you gave all your early quilts away. I'm doing the same thing. My friends and family are getting all the learner's projects. But I'm tickled with every one I've made. I refuse to hear critcism unless it's constructive, I'm gradually gathering proper tools, and gradually learning about fabrics and the world of textiles. I also am a huge KF fan! Oh my gawd. Thank you for these 15 reminder tips. Most I've learned, but I believe that a good student goes into every new project with an open mind, and open heart and a willingness to step into the unknown.
❤
I love that I randomly found you! I have made all those mistakes (even the binding) and I am still new to quilting and I am happy to see you are so encouraging and supportive! I am subscribing and will be watching! Thank you for making me want to start quilting again.
My mom is a seamstress by trade and owned a fabric store growing up so sewing was always in my blood. I made doll clothes and stuff but never quilted. When I met hubby and he told me his first wife used his old shirts to make a quilt, I thought it was brilliant so I thought I'd give it a try. I always loved being in her store but since I was on a mission, it made it more intoxicating and bought a "Quilting for Dummies" book - 30 years ago, I threw caution to the wind and fell in love. I didn't have the luxury of the internet and videos. I'm self "taught" and was focused on the "hug" than perfection. Today, I decided to actually sit and watch videos since the 2 I'm working on have their own special challenges. I ran across this video and I kept saying "OH! That explains the thread" and "Sewing through all 3 layers for binding" was a quickly learned lesson after the first binding. Some of these things I figured out on my own but this video was PERFECT! I'm so glad I went down the rabbit hole! THANK YOU!
I like most all of what you say here. I will say though I spent $300 on my sewing machine. I've used it now for years. It's a great machine. I would be cautious telling someone how much to spend on a machine. $500 can be a lot of money for some and we don't want to discourage people from learning to quilt
One thing I learned, when it comes to sewing machines, it is almost always the operator that is the problem. Good video.
I am one of these discouraged people.
I have been quilting for 30 years and never knew about the quilters knot…my life is changed!!!
Thank you for these words of encouragement. I am turning 71 in a few days and gifted myself with a long arm machine and frame. Do I ever have so much to learn as I have no one to teach me or turn to for guidance. O. Top of that the arthritis in my hands makes life difficult but I do not give up easily. Wish me luck. Suzy H in Florida.
I am 82 and I finally learned to listen to the advice 'TAKE BREAKS" When I feel the first twinge of arthritis or any pain, I stop and usually take a drink of water. I am not like these younger generations who live with a water bottle attached to their hand. I have to remember to grab that H2O
3:14 - Presser Foot Size
4:32 - Walking Foot
5:41 - Pressing Seams
7:28 - Threads
9:36 - Rotary Cutters
10:57 - Batting 'Sandwich'
11:57 - Safety Pins
13:09 - Binding
15:00 - Quilters Knot
15:57 - Strip Quilting
16:40 - Pricing/Quality of fabrics
18:16 - Fabric Styles
19:27 - Sewing Machines
20:47 - Quilt 'Police'
21:59 - Designing is hard??
S
You are a legend!
Thank you for taking the time to do this, especially since its not even your channel. It is much appreciated. I wish more channels out there would do this.
Yes, thanks for the time frame. I'm new and to be able to refer back is outstanding.
Cs#xZ. barn quilt
My nine-year-old granddaughter made her first quilt. it was all wonky and hot mess, but she loved it so much she threw the quilt I made off her bed and she sleeps with her quilt every night. I love it!
This is such an encouraging video and I love that your husband still uses his quilt!
Awesome information. I'm in the process of sewing my first quilt
Great to hear! Let us know how it goes!
Hi from Guernsey, Channel Islands, UK
Hello!
I have relatives on Jersey
Your daughter is so cute and amazing!!! I hope I can be like her, not afraid to make mistakes and excited to show off her work. You're an amazing mom for giving her the keys to your machine.
Gurrrllll!!! Sitting here watching this video just nodding my head in agreement with all these pro tips! Even the first part talking about how your were such a busy college student and then you graduated and were like “now what?! I need to fill my time.” Same!!! I started a few years out of grad. school and just took the attitude of “let’s figure it out”! I had people tell me that I should not try a t-shirt quilt because of the difficulties with stitch and I now have a line customers waiting for me to make them custom memory quilts! 🥳 I also won our county fair after only 4 years of quilting! You made such good points that I hope will help take some frustration out for our fellow quilters…quality fabric, a quality machine, willingness and patience. Also, I have never had someone give a quilt back to me because my points didn’t match🤣🤣 thanks for all that you do!!
How true! Having a quality machine you can afford that has a dealer nearby to help when problems arise is priceless and money well invested. Service your machine at least once a year to keep your baby humming along.
Thank you and i have done my mistakes too. I started to quilt after COVID-19 and was 70 years old. Before started to quilt the last time I touched a sewing machine i was 18 years old. Watching videos (over and over) in my IPad computer have help me a lot and still have a lot to learn. Know I’m sewing everyday and making things for family and friends. It’s my therapy since COVID-19, I don’t go out as much as i used too. Thank you again.
I started quilting when you marked around cardboard templates and cut with scissors. Rotary cutters and quilting rulers are relatively new tools for me. Thank you
I learned like that too. The rotary cutter is AMAZING!
Me, too! The rotary cutter cane out just after I was making my first quilt! The rotary cutter and mat are a miracle! They are largely responsible for the renewed interest in quilting that happened in the 1970’s!
Exactly, as I stated, I was 14 and mom wanted something we could do as mom n daughter, so we joined a quilters circle at our local Long Island Firehouse. We then each had a project to make on our own and had 10 weeks to complete n bring in. All done by hand, cardboard templates we made, scissors, a regular flat school ruler and chalk to mark. My mom's came out flawlessly( she does all crafts) and mine.. let's just say we all laughed, some gave constructive criticism, a few shook their heads and one old quilt police asked me if I liked to bake.
It was a glorious lesson to learn to do all that by hand, make projects that took FOREVER and spend precious time with my mom, and the elders of our community. I will never forget that time, lovingly❣️
My brother was a quilter and I can remember using cardboard and scissors to cut squares for him. Hours and hours of work.
Me too!
Thanks for the great tips. I’m a beginner and I’m excited to get started.
When I started out I thought smaller would be easier! 😂 yes I began with mini quilts. When I took my first actual class and the pieces seemed so huge (3” squares were the biggest I’d used up to that point) I was amazed at how easy it was to line things up!!!
Im just gaining interest in quilting, purchased some fabric and some beginner items yesterday. I cant wait to start.
My boyfriends grandmother taught me to quilt the first time I ever went to visit her and I fell in love so much that I taught both my sisters how to quilt we all have much to learn. Sadly I don’t get to visit grandma more than once a year due to distance and I’m so happy I get to learn some tricks here thank you for all you do ❤
Hi, i'm Esther from milwaukee WI. I loved this video. i'm about to start my first quilt and this video is going to save my life.
I hope it all went well! Were you able to finish your quilt?🎉
Loved the story about handing your daughter the long arm -- such an awesome teaching moment!!
Thank you for all of the information. I'm a very beginner and I'm gathering information before I get all of my materials to make my first quilt. Ohhh my there's a lot that entails on quilt making.
My first quilt made in 1971&72 was a Noah's Ark for my new baby boy. I used scraps from my own sewing for myself and my hsuband. It has double knit, velour, corduroy, and denim among the cottons from my scraps. I quilted it with large stitches and embroidery floss. Eric loved it and slept with it for many years. It is in
OMG, I didn't know how bad of an idea it was to take my bias cut HSTs and spray them with waaay too much starch and steam iron then while pulling and tugging them into submission. It was a hot mess! But, I made it work and I'm snuggled up with that quilt right now. :)
I have watched this video a few times and always good to revisit.
I've been quilting for about 20 years when my daughter moved to Wisconsin and we had great teachers. Because of corvid, I didn't quilt, I just concentrated on staying alive. But now, I'm 87 and have quilts I want to/ need to finish. For me, your presentation was a refresher course, I sincerely thank you. And I agree with you about the quality of fabric, just touch it or hold it up to the light, you'll know quality when you see. Thanks again
You're a breath of fresh air! Awesome piece. 😉
Thank you for your video, I have never made a quilt but I’m cutting pieces to try making my first quilt.
You can do it! We have an entire series for beginners if you find you need help!
No matter what don't give up. My first quilt was worse than her's. My dad loved it for over 10 years before it started to fall apart. Frayed holes everywhere. I ripped that baby apart and redesigned and made him a new one saving what I could. He LOVES it still. Each quilt brings a new challenge but also something you learned before to help make the next one a little easier.
Oh my goodness!!! I needed to hear all of this!! Thank you!!
Don’t beat yourself up! We all started somewhere! 😊
I knew how to sew but learned quilting by watching TV shows on PBS and home channel. I entered a quilt contest at our local fair. I won my category, but the one judge gave me some tips which I appreciated. I still like to check out tips like yours.
Ok, this was me. And some of it still is me. Thanks. I am into my third big, Queen or king, quilt. My first one is still in the unfinished pile. In between I spent a lot of time on small projects. I wish I had a quilting guild near me, I am always learning and thank goodness for UA-cam.
We agree, UA-cam is a saviour at times!
I had no idea how much I didn't know! Thanks for your information 😊
Eye opener for so many things. Thanks.
20:03 as a traditional seamstress who is delving into quilting (I've been sewing clothes by hand and machine since i learned to sew at 4, and I'm 25) I would like to *politely* dispute buying a brand new machine or saying you need to spend at least $500 on something. if you *know* what to look for and are willing to learn how these machines work (I am a tinkerer so I get this doesn't click for some people) you can buy a vintage machine at thrift or online for a fraction of that cost and get a MUCH better machine. I *hate* new machines with a firey passion and I know they won't last like what was made last century. I have a lot of antique machines and vintage ones, but my ride or die is a Kenmore that was made in the 40s (158.19412 model) that I bought for $25 at a thrift store. I have had it for over a decade with little maintenance and its the best, most reliable machine I've ever worked with.
idk. this got ranty but the cost of machines is what people balk at getting into sewing and I hate when people end up thinking new machines are the only option. for anyone interested in vintage machines, I would caution against Singers from the 60s and 70s. anything newer than that as well from Singer. I'm certainly biased but I have noticed that's when they went down hill. lots of bad engineering and plastic parts which often break that are hard or impossible to replace
You got me when you said, it can be a hot mess and still be loved.
My first (legit) quilting project was actually a christmas tree skirt. The pattern pieces had these odd curves and angles and I had no idea that it was probably not the best starter project until well after I had finished it. Even random people at my husbands work saw it and were amazed it was what I chose to do for my first project. I am now on my second quilting project, which is also ambitious. It's a king sized quilt I am hand quilting. Its been a few years in the making...
Thank you for the positive spirit you share!
Love your positive attitude and encouragement!
Many years ago, the late 80's, I went to a "Fast Patch" quilting class, essentially strip quilting. I has heard about rotary cutters but thought they were just some expensive toy that would go out of style. When I attended the class the heavens parted, the angels started singing and I was awestruck. It made so much sense and seemed a much more efficient was to make a quilt. I had been interested in quilting but the though of sitting for endless hours cutting out one tiny piece at a time was too daunting. Today I am the proud owner of several rotary cutters, rulers, templates and cutting mats.
This was fabulous information. I've been quilting for a few years and I still make lots of mistakes, but when I've given the quilt to someone they love it even though there are mistakes and they don't see them. I still have trouble with points and especially my cutting. I'm going to start using some sort of weights to keep me from shifting the ruler. As I tell everyone, I do a little quilting, but I’m not a “quilter”. I can say if you love to quilt keep at it as you continue to learn from your mistakes. Again thank, for your videos.
Hi Helen, I started using a weight after seeing one being used on yt. As I didn't have a dumbbell I used the base of my pestle/ mortar (never sure what that's called). Worked beautifully. Point being you're bound to find something heavy enough in the kitchen or hubbie's toolshed.
@@jacquelenebennett4028 Thank you for your comment. I have the tendency to move my ruler and try to do better.
I don't use weights to hold down my rulers. Instead, I pasted on small Sandpaper Dots to underside of my rulers to keep them from slipping while cutting w/ rotary cutter.
@@jacquelenebennett4028 Yes!! I learned from Donna Jordan of Jordan Fabrics on YT! I have a rubber coated 5# weight I use and it solved the problem! Also works well as a door stop in my sewing room! 🤣
Wonderful video! Totally agree. My suggestion is to buy fabrics for projects and not build a stash. Having a stash is overrated and expensive. Congrats on all of your hard work with your company and tutorials!
I agree about the stash thing. When I look at mine, all I see is a huge waste of money. Feels burdensome also.
I went to quilting classes many years ago and then I didn't do any quilting for many years. When I decided to try it again, I had no idea what anyone was talking about. I thought I had gone to a baking website instead of quilting. When I took the classes there were no precuts (layer cakes, jelly rolls, honeybuns) and we used scissors only. As you were saying with the strip cutting, I made a full size quilt and cut out every piece from yardage with scissors. Maybe that's why I had quit so many years ago.
I've never done quilting, but it feels like the most fitting textile art for a bunch of small projects I have stewing in the back of my mind - dust covers for our sewing machines to stop my son's cat trying to eat the thread, a wip bag for my small petit point so I can take it with me when I leave the house, that sort of thing.
If I study up while I'm embroidering, hopefully by the time I'm ready to start sewing I won't make a disaster of it. : )
I just had two daughters that live sort of close to me. Both gave birth to two precious girls last week. I my head, I’m suddenly excited about teaching them to quilt. We’ll see how I’m doing in seven years. 😂
As I take my passion for sewing into the quilting space I give myself permission to practice at the level I am at right now, with the tools I have on the budget I can afford. It's the pleasure of the journey alongside the increasing knowledge that makes functional things I can celebrate finishing.
All you said is true, I just don't yet have access to everything I desire but I've come a long way since I started to seriously apply myself to a more quilting focused practice. More prolific in numbers of projects, more interested in patter and design.
You just start where you are at dream, make goals happen and keep moving forward.
Yes this last month I've been doing binding. One small thing after another so it becomes like muscle memory and easier each time. Even doing pieced binding. Plus today yes I ironed lots of seams open because it made sense to do ut.
Cheers to all the Noobies out there like me 🇦🇺💜🇺🇲💚👍😊🖐
* I give myself permission to practice at the level I am at right now, with the tools I have on the budget I can afford* beautifully stated
I am so encouraged by what you said, (sentence that starts with "start where you are...) that I intend to make this a sign and hang it in my studio. Thank you so much for your sharing.
Thank you! What I would give to have a walking foot and really nice material! But at 70 and just getting started, I love my $200 Brother. I hit estate sales during the summers and have got some beautiful fabric for pennies on the dollar. I'm just so afraid to mess things up..lol. Just got done with my first "semi quilt". Beautiful birds in autumn forest panel turned into dining room drapes. Bordered and lined. My lines on both sides match up perfectly. I am so proud of that 😊. Love all the help from this channel and the commentors. Thank you all so much!
Pls try not to be so afraid of making mistakes, we ALL do it. Pls remember that when babies are learning to walk, they fall down & then learn to get up. It's only frabic after all & can often be redone if the mistakes were really big. Often quilter's mistakes are only obvious to the Quilter & the User or Observier, never knows about it.
Thanks! You have just inspired me to seriously consider starting to learn to quilt...love the craft!
Go for it!
I love your daughters quilt.
My husband and I just listened to your video and chuckled. Thanks for voicing all the "oops" that we have encountered on our journey. Keep up the great work.
ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL! MANY THANKS FOR ALL THE INFORMATION. IT IS A PITY THAT THE USA HAS SUCH FANTASTIC SHOPS. I LIVE IN THE UK.😊
Re the cost of big box store fabric: Recently I bought some batting for my latest quilt at JoAnn's and walked over to check out the fabric out of curiosity. I was shocked! The prices were very close to those of my local high quality quilt shop, only about dollar a yard less. It is so worth it to me, even on a fixed income, to buy the good stuff. My labor is worth it. My skill is worth it. My time is worth it. The love I put into each quilt is worth it!
I agree I'm Canadian we have Fabricland and they actually charge quite a bit more or the same as my local quilt shops these days. I'm a little spoiled there's like 5 quilt shops within a 30 min drive. And each one has it's specialty in what they carry. Like one is obsessed with Disney. Another the Kay Fawcett prints, another more regal. It's pretty awesome.
I completely agree with not discouraging people from trying something they want to try, and I also think that sometimes they can become so frustrated with trying to do something beyond their skill that they will just quit. So weighing how to say that they might want to try something a little less challenging is also important. I had this happen with a friend, who wanted to make a quilt, she wanted to design it and do some very complicated things with circles and applique. I didn't want to discourage her so I let her go at it and she got so frustrated with how hard it was, that it took another year before she'd try quilting again. I talked her into trying something a lot more simple and now she loves it. She has the skill now, to do what she had wanted to do and this time I'm confident she will do much better.
Hi. I just recently found out that if you are having some tension issues it might be because you have to change the needle. This is what happened to me. I hadn't changed my needle in all the time that I was quilting. I found out that I need to change it with every new project. I felt silly but no one told me this. And now my tension is great!
Gosh, the whole thing about quilt design being difficult... you aren't kidding. I spend most of my time creating and so I'm used to designing things, using color and contrast and shapes, etc. So imagine my surprise when I was trying to design my purple and pink quilt. I was fumbling around with it, when my mom handed me some graph paper and told me to do some scribbling on it. The design happened under my nose and we were all impressed by the final product. The same with the second quilt, but this one is way better. I'm glad i didn't freak out about whether a design was a bad idea. I just went for it and it turned out alright.
I love your videos! Your daughter's reaction to her own accomplishment is incredible...she just jumped in! She didn't know she couldn't! That's perfect!
My 7yo niece was the same way as your daughter. I took her to the quilt store, but it was closed. She didn’t want to wait to start her small quilt, so to WallyWorld for some fabrics we went! She had her own idea of what she liked, but made a pretty cool doll quilt with puppy & kitten fabrics along with a solid or 2. We were proud of her perseverance to do the sandwich & SITD quilting almost completely by herself!
Girl! You are so fun and honest… just so precious 😅 I didn’t know anything at all when I agreed to do a BOM from Quilters Newletter Magazine, with alternating star blocks and applique blocks, with 1.5” pieces! Teeeeny tiny HST’s and flying geese😱 but I did it and it’s my treasure!
One time I was making a pinwheel quilt with some charm packs I won at a class I took.. learning to embroidery with my machine…
So I brought my 84 yr old mom to see what I was doing … it was turning out quite nice… I had no home for the project.. just wanted to learn piecing & lining up seams…
She says …. Will that fit on my bed???
Um… how could I say anything but, “yes it will…”lol..
So now I was PRESSED TO FINISH IT… also I showed her the embroidery side of my Bernina 770… as the demo started… suddenly she had a pillow cover she wanted made with the embroidery hoop .. lol it was FUN.!! She was a hoot… the very next day she calls me & says she wanted me to stop by her retirement home… next thing I know…. I’m hemming pants coats, & darting clothing… lol
I did love & enjoy the time with her. It was so awesome I could help her & give her something from me…
She’s shrinking in stature & store bought clothing is a challenge for her.
So I bought the machine from funds SHE HAD GIVEN ME… & I wanted her to see I was using the gift… & learning to quilt has given back to her fancy pillow tops, & clothing she can wear… yes the quilt made it onto her bed..
Your mom is very lucky! Thank you for sharing!
I'm a self taught quilter. I got several quilting books way before I started quilting. I started my first quilt 6 years ago, finished it a year later. Auctioned it off.
My grandmother use to quilt, crochet and more. I learned the quilter's knot from her, I just didn't know what it was called.
I started learning how to sew in Jr High School. I made clothing, pillow covers, bags and did repairs. (Still do repairs) I also did a lot of Crocheting.
Now, I just quilt.
Finances are tight so, I get a lot of my materials from thrift stores, people who are getting rid of a lot of scrap materials and more.
I also shop at Walmart a lot.
I've made something like 6 quilts, 5 quilted pillow covers, table cloths and have 9 plus pre-quilts cut and ready to sew together. I just finished a DC Comic quilt, Batman, for my nephew and an elephant quilt for his youngest daughter.
I'm in the process of making a Log Cabin quilt for my mom.
My goal is to make and donate many throw quilts for cancer patients at the cancer center that my husband was at.
I'm having fun with quilting!! 😁
Never heard of a quilters knot. Thank you!
just found you. I enjoyed this video. It was like going back in time. I didn't have anyone to help me either. I bought all the tools and books. I had them for at least three months before I actually started quilting. But I finally took the plunge with a Mother's Day magazine with a small "quilt in a weekend" pattern. I did quilt it from start to finish in a weekend. I was so proud and my daughter as well. She was 3 yrs old at the time. She is now 30 yrs old. I still quilt. And she is still my only judge. She was the one who said, "You have quilted forever. More than anything else." I didn't realize it until she said it. I consider myself a knitter and I also crossed stitched and sewed many of her clothes, over the years. But quilting has been something I never let go. I could lie and say I don't know why I never let it go. I wanted to work with color. I still do. It's easy to work with fabric. It allows more freedom and forgives many mistakes, as you stated in your husband's quilt. I never want anything I make to win a prize except from the person I made it for. Because it was made with love.
Thank you, for sharing your story! Yes making a quilt with love is what makes it so special! Keep quilting!
Thank you for this. I have never quilted. But I received the beautiful gift of what I estimate is hundreds of yards of fabric from a Master Quilter's estate ( a friend of the family with whom I always relished talking with about sewing in general). The thing is, about half of that fabric is already cut for quilting, and organized by color. Half the battle is already won :).....I'm 60 and already possess advanced sewing skills-----except for quilting......I look forward to the quilter's journey. The products I make will be donated to worthy causes.
Your daughter looks so proud of her quilt and she should be - at 60 years of age and a newbie to quilting, I'm not sure that I would attempt that. Super impressive!!!
Beautiful Quilt!! Your daughter did a Beautiful job!!
You are such a sweet, lovely person. I learn so much from you. My sewing machine that is marketed as a quilting edition did not come with a 1/4 inch foot. 🤷♀️🤦♀️ I'm sure if I had never quilted before that I would have done the same thing you did with the foot that came on the machine.
Just starting
Know nothing
So thankful you are sharing
I’m just starting basic blocks
So much to learn when you know nothing about sewing.
Yet! 😊 but I’m determined to learn! With God and you all things are possible!😅
Ty for helping me
Thank you for watching! The best way to learn is through doing, so you're on the right track. Happy Quilting!
LOL. I love the binding story. It reminds me of a test I took . . .
You will never know how much you encouraged me through all your tutorial series, but none were as encouraging as this one. I know you are going through major changes in your journey that are deeply discouraging, but I will always appreciate you, your team and your love of creating that knows no bounds or limitations. Your next best version is just around the corner. Meanwhile I appreciate all the content you’ve created to help me along my quilting journey. God bless you and yours
Thanks! I tried quilting 10 years ago and thought I would enjoy it, as I have been sewing garments, curtains, baby and doll clothes since I was 12 years old. Now 69. This quilting place was horrible, they were condescending and negatively critical. I stopped trying. Last year I met up with a. Old friend tha makes beautiful quilts with her mother for the church bazzar every year ro sell. She knew I sewed and asked why I did not quilt and listen ed to my story. I am so glad you said to be encouraging an make it fun as she did for me I have been quilting this past year and now love it. Sometimes the person teaching can make or break your learning ability. That is a great way to learn and should be taken seriously with any instructor. R
Thanks for your great tips Jill P
You're very welcome and thank you!!
Thank you❤
I discovered you with your demo on a strip rug made in greys. You are such a wonderful teacher. I’ve been sewing since I was 10, quilting about 20+ years and at 75 still learning from you. I giggled through your 15 mistake video as I’ve experienced some of the same. But still learned something new. I highly recommend to newbies to follow your videos. You are so kind to offer discounts with purchases.
I remember that video! One of my favorites. I also laughed at some of her beginner mistakes as I remembered some of my own.
My mom's first quilt is my baby blanket, and I still love and cherish that thing and me and my mom bond over patching it up throughout the years, it's changed so mutch since then but I love it even more after we patch it up!
THank you!! I love the encouragement for everyone. I have been fighting with my machine for a long time, trying to tell myself if I did, thus and such better, all would be well. I'm going to check out your video about buying a new machine and quit fighting with this dinosaur!
Thanks for sharing - can resonate with many of these tips , always learning 💞
I loved this video. I needed to hear some of these things, especially about going to the encouraging people. Thank you!
I'm so glad you found it helpful!
What is a good sewing machine brand to start quilting
Thank for this video and all the helpful tips! I got into quilting in 2020 after making a million masks but quickly hit my (entry level) Brother machine’s limit after quilting a few large projects and therefore hit my creative quilting limit in 2021. My machine let me down and I had no confidence. I couldn’t even sew a badge on my daughter’s Girl Scout vest and felt defeated. I got into plants and put away the sewing machine. My mother passed this month and my first completed quilt was returned to me. It has inspired me to quilt again. Just bought a JUKI 2010Q and am so excited to start over again. These tips will come in super handy!! 😊
Love it. Hugs from Sweden.🧷🪡✂️🧵
OMG thanks for the 1/4" thing. I have been so confused about that.
Happy to help!
Good video. I am a new quilter. Two other things I wish I knew when I started quilting. 1. Pin pieces when you sew. I cut precisely, but without pinning, my stitching for a log cabin square was just a little off. Pinning helped keep everything more accurate. 2. Use a dry iron. Do not use the steam. Steam can stretch the material and alter how the quilt comes out. Enjoy the journey.
Omg seeing your daughter with that quilt was so sweet!!!! Thank you for letting her be creative!
❤
THANK YOU!
When I decided to make my first quilt, (king) for my only child, I went to a quilt store. The woman ran through all of the reasons I couldn’t do it. She was trying to discourage me from attempting such a difficult quilt as a first timer. Well, challenge accepted! Perfect? No. Made with love? Yes! Please be positive to others, in all aspects of life. I’m so very glad I found your channel I am now a subscriber.🎉
I'm so glad you didn't listen to her and did it anyway! Great job!
Shame on them for being discouraging. There is ALWAYS a way to be otherwise!
What a wonderful video, Stephanie! Every quilter needs to see this. I started quilting in order to use up old fabrics I did not want to toss and many of my 'masterpieces' fell apart in the wash or needed constant repair. Once I began using better fabrics I realized the difference and never looked back. Quilting is definitely a learning experience.
I now use a couple of my first quilts to try different machine quilting patterns etc. I didn’t have any idea the first time I put a quilt together that the corners were supposed to line up. I was just sewing along as fast as I could 😅. I have learned over time the quality of fabric makes such a difference. I am now (5 yrs later) learning about the difference in thread. I had always just used a multi purpose thread .. whoops! Tools are a big thing too - from rotary cutter to needles .. it’s a learning process and I am so thankful for UA-cam and teachers like you!
super glad I found your video. Going to try my travelling foot on the next sandwich I have ready. Thank you
Loved this video! One of the things I learned was "change your needle" after each project, or even during, if it's a large project. Made a world of difference for me. Oh, and my next quilt will be the first time I'm using your method of pressing my seams open. I'm sure I will get much better results, because pressing them to one side isn't working for me especially if there's a lot of bulk. Thanks for that tip!
Someone in a class I took recommended to me to press the seams open because she felt it was the best way. However, the instructor was upset because she felt that weakens the seem. Who to believe? I’m now afraid to do it.
@@MyMickey52 I've seen it traditionally regarded as making for weaker seams. After 30+ yrs. of Quilting myself, I still press to the side, to the dark side. Have improved my ironing techniques instead, from 'ironing' to 'pressing' (see Karen Brown of Just Get it Done Quilts).
I like your tips #14 and #15 the best.
Yes, they are good tips. 👍
Glad you like them!
This was really run to watch! I love your upbeat vibes and your ‘Go For It’ philosophy!!
Oh my! I didn’t know about the presser feet size either! Lol. Went to a class and that poor teacher……she had her hands full with me. But it taught me so much. And that’s been so many years ago. Never looked back and just kept learning more about quilting. Thanks for the video. Guaranteed someone out there learned from your mistakes.
This was very helpful information, and I love how you said to run away from the negative Nellies
Great info! And I've been quilting for 30 years.
Love your attitude! My very first quilt was a queen sized pattern. I have designed every quilt since then. “Are they going to win any awards? Hell no!“ but I designed them with love and gave them to people I love. I am in the middle of my first collage quilt - a whole new world!
That is awesome! I love YOUR attitude!
Hello thank you for all your tips, my name is Tammie and I'm making my second quilt, baby quilt for a friend's baby. Thanks for all the great tips, a lot of them I did not know. I need to get my walking foot.... I heard of a walking foot before but I never did try one now I must try one.
#10 got me! I didn't know it was supposed to be hard. Did the same with my first quilt. Friend sent scrubs and I was like I'll make each of these squares individually and put them together like so. LOL And I love #14 too! Wasn't sure where you were going then you said, Cut them off!! So true for all things life.
I didn't know about the 1/4" foot until I saw someone using it on a UA-cam video. Blew my mind. I already had sewn together a whole jelly roll at 5/8" and couldn't figure out why it didn't fit together nicely with the sashing.