Hi,

My name is Brenda and I am a new quilter. I am having problems in getting my fabric straight before cutting. I have a couple of really "wavy" examples. I want to learn to do it right the first time.

Thanks for any suggestions!

Brenda

Hi Brenda And welcome. I found you a page that tell you exactly what you want to know a lot better than I could explain. So here it is

http://www.fiber-images.com/Free_Things/Articles/before_you_sew_knit_crochet_quilt.htm

Brenda,
A teacher told me to fold the selvages together. Hold the fabric up and let gravity help you. Now shift the selvages left or right until there is no twist in the fold area. When you have it straight lay it down on the cutting table. Now, line up a line on the ruler with the fold and trim the edge of your fabric. The rest of your cuts should be just fine, as long as you take time to line up the ruler with the fold.
Once you move the fabric you may have to straghten up the edge again. Take your time. The old saying about haste making waste is so true in quilting! :?

Hi Ruthie,

Thanks so much for the information. I went to the site you suggested and printed it out. I will try the tips right away. I appreciate your help.

Yours in quilting,

Brenda

Yvonne, I learned that way, too, in Home Ec classes of the 60s. Opps, giving the age away. Oh, well, y'all know I'm old. lol

Hi Brenda, hope you enjoy it all. Just don't expect perfection. Quilting is an art built of imperfection.

sharon

I really don't remember that far back, my sewing was in middle school late 50's................Am I one of the oldest here?

I don't know Ruth I'm turning 51 in May. I think I started 1st grade in 62. I started sewing with a classmate in 4th grade, we created Barbie Doll wardrobes by hand. Then I took home-ec sewing and cooking throughout school until I graduated in 1975. The last major piece I created was my 1st wedding dress. With beaded silk. that was for Valentines day 2006. I used a retro pattern and white beaded silk for the skirt and jacket and white silk for the bodice. I received compliments on the dress but what else are they going to say at your wedding! :lol: .

Come on, Ruth, the early 60s aren't that far away. I rmember well, I'd been sewing since I was 10 and I know that was 50s as I'll be 59 next month.

I'm almost 62 I think I'll call it a senior moment and forget

kathy is oldest. remember? she just turned 100