What are some lessons you've learned while quilting? (perhaps a little too late, even.)

#1 Plan ahead.

And not just the colors and pattern you want to use, but the size as well. I spent nearly an hour debating on what size to make my blocks. I even used construction paper to cut out a template of what each size would look like. :lol: (I finally went with 12")

#2 A little fabric goes a long way.

I bought 5yrds of fabric for the pattern. I only needed 1yd.
I bought 5yrds of solids for the sashing and pieces around the window. Probably only needed .5yrd of each.

:lol:

So it looks like I'll be doing a lot of Mickey Mouse projects. :lol: At least the solids can be used for other projects tho, so that's not that big of an oopsie. but I sat there laughing at myself last nite when I realized how much I over bought.

One "a little too late lesson" was never assume that the patterns in books or magazines give the correct mesurements to cut pieces :evil: That is lesson # 1

#2 always make a practice block before cutting all your peices out

#3 buy extra fabric in case you forget lesson #1 and lesson #2 :roll:

MG...I will agree on that about patterns not being correct.

My favorite is a PERFECT 1/4" seam...if you are off,even a teensy bit, you will be even farther off the farther along you are in the quilt...

:D

Always, ALWAYS read the fine print on EVERYTHING!

Don't assume all the directions are on the directions page, sometimes they are in tiny small print on the bottom of template pages where you least expect them. Always make sure you read EVERYTHING before you cut.

Don't ask me how I know this.......

Well, if you have lots of the MM fabric and it's for a child - make a pillow case... take it from this grandma - kids LOVE a pillow (slip) that matches their blankey ...
use the MM for the main, then the red or the blue stars for the hemmed part and maybe the yellow for a narrow strip....

Maybe even a bag to stuff their sleeping bags in :D or one to carry their quilt to grama's house? :D

Measure twice and cut once :!:
Stop when you are tired or getting frustrated
Take a picture of your quilt blocks laid out, show it to a few people before piecing it together

Always remember this is supposed to be fun - if it starts feeling like work, stop and put everything away until another day!

This is exactly what I plan on doing. My boy LOVES pillows and has 4 of them on his bed. Plus 4 more in his closet. :lol: So the material wont' go to waste. ;) Hey, maybe this will get him to sleep in his own bed even!! :idea:

You could always make the quilt reviserable and put Mickey on the back too. :D

1 minute of quilting time is equal to 5 minutes of real time...Time goes by sooo fast when I'm sewing!

Nothing good ever happens at the sewing machine after midnight!

:lol: :lol: :lol:

If it came together quick and easy you better look at again, usually you've put something together WRONG! :shock:

Don't ask how I know this? :lol:

LMBO

Pressing with the iron can distort pieces. I found that pressing with a large iron works best for ironing the fabric but for piecework the travel iron dosnt distort the piecework like a heavy iron can. Even when I am very careful the weight of the iron can make a seam uneven. I never realized this until I used my large iron one day after using my travel iron for awhile.
Squareing up the corners of the quilt with a 12 inch ruler before sewing on the binding keeps seams more even when you stiche in the ditch later.
Most of all its the lessons from watching quilting shows on the web that have helped the most, especially Eleanor Burns.
I also use a wooden skewer to hold seams in place while sewing. A whole pkg is only two dollars. Much cheaper than a stilletto.

When husband/significant other asks how much you spent at the quilt shop looking at your pile of great new fabric, just say "oh about that much." They might have a heart attack on you. :-) :-) :-) :-)

One thing I have learned is when placing your blocks (assuming they are random or mixed colours) lay them out and look at them through the weong end of binoculars. It is amazing how "wrong" blocks stand out. Rearrange and try again and perhaps again...........
Jane

Post process pics on this board for feedback...cause DH will always say.."its just fine honey", when in fact..ITS NOT!

Its ALWAYS better to buy more fabric than you think you'll ever need than to try to scrimp.

When you suspect it is going wrong.....it most definetly is...