Thread: Border-phobia

I LOVE my BROTHER sewing machines! They are work horses. My go-to machine can sew fleece without any special attachments or ball point needles, and does a nice job of it. I found that out because I was too lazy to change the needle.

I used to write user manuals for business computer systems,and I can honestly say that Brother machines have the best user manuals I have ever seen/used, bar none - even the ones I wrote.

The best sewing machine for anyone is the one that is both affordable and enjoyable to use.

Your friend means well, but controlling is probably a good description. Forgive her; she can't help it. Then broaden your circle of quilting friends.

Originally Posted by ocydroma

Thanks everyone!! She says that I need to upgrade my machine because it's a brother. I have never seen in my life and wanted to learn to make a quilt. IMO it was stupid for me to spend $1000+ on a machine that I didn't even know if it was something I would enjoy doing doing. I really like my machine. It's easy to operate has a few extra bells and whistles. She has higher end machines but what I have suits me just fine. I'm not going out and buying something else. I have just come to the conclusion she's a very controlling person.

I appreciate everyone making me feel more at ease. In theory, I know how I'm suppose to do borders but I guess she really has me questioning my abilities. I have been in my sewing room getting the fabric I have purchased for borders for my tops with the tops to dive in and work on it. Hopefully after getting through the first one, I can be more confident.

I have a Brother 650Q quilting machine. There is nothing wrong with your machine. Others will tell you theirs is better, and it may be, but your machine will do whatever you need it to, so buying a different one should be personal preference not because someone said to. Your machine will last you years as long as you keep it cleaned out, particularly under the foot feed plate. Clean it at least once a month or more often.

Originally Posted by ocydroma

I am a perfectionist.

Nothing wrong with that; I am too. You will make beautiful quilts and impress everyone with your skills!

Originally Posted by ocydroma

When I got to the point of adding borders, my friend told me that if not done as close to perfect as possible, the entire quilt will basically be a moot point. I am not doing mitered borders because my friend told me I wasn't ready to tackle that and there's a higher chance of making mistakes.

You know what I think? I think she's not ready to help you with mitered borders and doesn't want to admit it.

Originally Posted by ocydroma

She says that I need to upgrade my machine because it's a brother. I'm not going out and buying something else. I have just come to the conclusion she's a very controlling person.

Atta girl. I own 7 machines of varying brands and ages, and by far my favorite is my Brother. "Because it's a Brother" is the dumbest reason I've ever heard for getting a new machine. If you drive a 15 year old pickup, would she make you upgrade to a brand new Mercedes? Who cares what you drive, as long as you can get to the local quilt shop?

Originally Posted by ocydroma

I guess she really has me questioning my abilities.

This is NOT what a teacher or mentor should be fostering in a pupil. Time to move on.

Originally Posted by Jan in VA

Stop it!!
Fire that "mentor" aka obsessive, manipulative, quilt police!! No wonder she offered so enthusiastically to "teach" you without pay...an opportunity for her own agenda easily instilled without questions.
My word, how DO we let these people loose on the unsuspecting quilting newbies?!! They should be required to wear signs around their necks.

WHAT JAN SAID.

Originally Posted by Sheilz

And out of sheer damned cussedness on my part I'd make those borders with mitred corners

Me too!!

rules? I didn't know there wee rules and neither did all the quilters of my mother's and grandmother's generations. Are you planning on entering competitions? If not I suggest you break all the rules and be creative and do what pleases you. Look at all the wonderful scrappy quilters and the historic Alabama GEE quilters and as if they really cared about rules. Only rule I have is to have fun with the fabric!

You have gotten some great advice here. I wanted to chime in with my two cents worth.

I have 2 Brother machines. A higher end, combo sewing/embroidery machine which usually sews like a dream. It weighs about 35 pounds, so I don't really like lugging it to classes and sew-ins, so I have my little Brother, purchased from WM for about $150 that only weighs about 17 pounds. It goes to all classes with me. It doesn't sew quite as good as the Big Brother but I have not had anyone make fun of my baby Brother. Sewing machines are like cars....we all have different preferences. I wouldn't upgrade until you feel the need for something different or yours goes to the great sewing machine heaven.

Now, on to the borders. A wise quilter once told me one time that a quilt that is finished is worth much more than a quilt half done. I square up all the parts/blocks or rows as I go. When I get to adding the borders, all I have to do is make sure the borders are cut and sewn fairly straight. I have the problem of getting to the borders and not knowing what to do. I finally figured out that laying the quilt out with my choices of borders tucked under the outside edge in the widths I am thinking of and taking a picture with my camera gives me the best perspective on what the finished product will look like. And, yes, It does take me several pictures sometimes. Once I make up my mind, I go with it. Remember....that finished quilt is much better and more satisfying than sitting there agonizing over what to do.

On some of my earlier quilts, I did the borders too narrow. I look at them now and think "I wish that last border was bigger." Am I going to do anything about it? No. It's finished. Learn from the experience and move on. Thanks to my wise friends advice, I am now able to finish quilts and I really need to. I have ended up with almost 40 UFO's to finish in 2015. The good news is I have completed 4 already this year. Three were bindings only. One had borders to be added and had to be quilted. The feeling of getting them completed has spurred me on. I'm off to do another binding today for one I quilted several days ago.

Bottom line....as Larry the Cable Guy says.....Just Git 'er Done!

Edited to add: This board loves giving advice on borders. Start a new thread and show us what you are thinking about for the borders. We might can help with your process. My MIL never did quilts but did a lot of clothing sewing....he famous motto was "As you sew, so shall you rip." My ripper is my best friend and helps me get those little areas where my seam went astray back into the straight category. And if that quilt is 1/2" longer on one side than the other, no one really cares. After washing, sometimes, it adjusts itself and sometimes not...but it's okay. I enjoy every quilt I make and so do the people I give them to.

Great guidance here! I would add just GO for it as you have done the research! Good luck.