Some Newbie Questions
10-04-2010, 01:32 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Southern Illinois
Posts: 189
Hope you all dont mind- I just had a few questions. Im sure you all remember how overwhelming it can be when you first start out and dont know a thing :-)
1. Why do you make your own binding? Is it just more customized? Cant you just buy the stuff that I see in the store?
2. What are blender fabrics?
3. What ruler/cutting mat size do you all recommend(real limited budget,so I know the big sizes are out of the question ).
4. Does it matter what size your rotary cutter is? I have one, but have no idea what size it is- i forgot LOL
5. Any helpful beginner tips or timesavers? Anything you found out the hard way?
6.With all the fabrics,batting,threads, tools etc... seems like its not a inexpensive hobby to start. Any tips to share on how you keep the cost down to a reasonable amount? (if I start shopping for fabric like I do scrapbook paper~I KNOW i'm in trouble :mrgreen:
Thanks everyone for your help!
1. Why do you make your own binding? Is it just more customized? Cant you just buy the stuff that I see in the store?
2. What are blender fabrics?
3. What ruler/cutting mat size do you all recommend(real limited budget,so I know the big sizes are out of the question ).
4. Does it matter what size your rotary cutter is? I have one, but have no idea what size it is- i forgot LOL
5. Any helpful beginner tips or timesavers? Anything you found out the hard way?
6.With all the fabrics,batting,threads, tools etc... seems like its not a inexpensive hobby to start. Any tips to share on how you keep the cost down to a reasonable amount? (if I start shopping for fabric like I do scrapbook paper~I KNOW i'm in trouble :mrgreen:
Thanks everyone for your help!
10-04-2010, 01:38 PM
#3
Power Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Northern Indiana
Posts: 20,306
Originally Posted by dasmith2
Hope you all dont mind- I just had a few questions. Im sure you all remember how overwhelming it can be when you first start out and dont know a thing :-)
1. Why do you make your own binding? Is it just more customized? Cant you just buy the stuff that I see in the store?
If you make your own it will match the quilt better as opposed to having to make do with what the stores have
2. What are blender fabrics?
My understanding of blenders are they are fabrics that are not a solid- but not a pattern- does that make sense ?
3. What ruler/cutting mat size do you all recommend(real limited budget,so I know the big sizes are out of the question ).
I use a 24x 24 mat and a size 45 cutter. I find that is a good size for my hand
4. Does it matter what size your rotary cutter is? I have one, but have no idea what size it is- i forgot LOL
Size 45 cutter - fits my hand nicely.
5. Any helpful beginner tips or timesavers? Anything you found out the hard way?
Too many to list , can't pick just one
6.With all the fabrics,batting,threads, tools etc... seems like its not a inexpensive hobby to start. Any tips to share on how you keep the cost down to a reasonable amount? (if I start shopping for fabric like I do scrapbook paper~I KNOW i'm in trouble :mrgreen:
Shop sales and use coupons as much as possible !
Thanks everyone for your help!
1. Why do you make your own binding? Is it just more customized? Cant you just buy the stuff that I see in the store?
If you make your own it will match the quilt better as opposed to having to make do with what the stores have
2. What are blender fabrics?
My understanding of blenders are they are fabrics that are not a solid- but not a pattern- does that make sense ?
3. What ruler/cutting mat size do you all recommend(real limited budget,so I know the big sizes are out of the question ).
I use a 24x 24 mat and a size 45 cutter. I find that is a good size for my hand
4. Does it matter what size your rotary cutter is? I have one, but have no idea what size it is- i forgot LOL
Size 45 cutter - fits my hand nicely.
5. Any helpful beginner tips or timesavers? Anything you found out the hard way?
Too many to list , can't pick just one
6.With all the fabrics,batting,threads, tools etc... seems like its not a inexpensive hobby to start. Any tips to share on how you keep the cost down to a reasonable amount? (if I start shopping for fabric like I do scrapbook paper~I KNOW i'm in trouble :mrgreen:
Shop sales and use coupons as much as possible !
Thanks everyone for your help!
10-04-2010, 01:47 PM
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Maine
Posts: 2,944
I haven't found a hobbie yet that doesn't get expensive. Just watch yourself!
We make our own binding because it goes with the individual quilts that way and it is of better quality usually than what I've seen in the stores.
Blenders are fabrics with texture but not much design. That are a color that goes with the other fabrics you are using ( ie it blends with them). I would suggest that you get the biggest cutting mat you can afford. When you are cutting large pieces of fabric it will help. If I could only have one ruler it would be the 6 1/2 by 24" one. I use that one the most. As for the rotary cutter, I would suggest the 45. It is up to you to find the one that works best for you though.
Hope some of this helps. These are just my opinions.
We make our own binding because it goes with the individual quilts that way and it is of better quality usually than what I've seen in the stores.
Blenders are fabrics with texture but not much design. That are a color that goes with the other fabrics you are using ( ie it blends with them). I would suggest that you get the biggest cutting mat you can afford. When you are cutting large pieces of fabric it will help. If I could only have one ruler it would be the 6 1/2 by 24" one. I use that one the most. As for the rotary cutter, I would suggest the 45. It is up to you to find the one that works best for you though.
Hope some of this helps. These are just my opinions.
10-04-2010, 01:49 PM
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: NE The Sunshine State
Posts: 3,910
Originally Posted by maine ladybug
I haven't found a hobbie yet that doesn't get expensive. Just watch yourself!
Just stick to this wonderful board, and you will learn A LOT! Good luck!
10-04-2010, 01:50 PM
#6
Power Poster
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Out searching for some sunshine :-)
Posts: 58,856
Originally Posted by dasmith2
Hope you all dont mind- I just had a few questions. Im sure you all remember how overwhelming it can be when you first start out and dont know a thing :-)
1. Why do you make your own binding? Is it just more customized? Cant you just buy the stuff that I see in the store?
It is only a single thickness of fabric, making your own you are using a double thickness and you can choose a wider variety of fabrics, too
2. What are blender fabrics?
Fabrics that are usually one color with different shades to them, they "blend in" because they don't have other distracting colors
3. What ruler/cutting mat size do you all recommend(real limited budget,so I know the big sizes are out of the question ).
Minimum would be a 12" X 24" but you will find squaring up 12 1/2" blocks a challenge, I would go up atleast one size if possible
4. Does it matter what size your rotary cutter is? I have one, but have no idea what size it is- i forgot LOL
a 45mm is good for most cutting, I only found it helpful to use a 60mm when cutting through 6+ thickness of fabric. The smaller 30mm (?) are needed to cut around curved templates
5. Any helpful beginner tips or timesavers? Anything you found out the hard way?
Read the directions atleast 3 times before starting a pattern. Measure 2+ times before starting to cut.
6.With all the fabrics,batting,threads, tools etc... seems like its not a inexpensive hobby to start. Any tips to share on how you keep the cost down to a reasonable amount? (if I start shopping for fabric like I do scrapbook paper~I KNOW i'm in trouble :mrgreen:
Joanns coupons :D for supplies, watch here for super sales at different shops/stores. You will find many tips here on the board for saving money. Used clothing for fabric is one :wink:
Thanks everyone for your help!
1. Why do you make your own binding? Is it just more customized? Cant you just buy the stuff that I see in the store?
It is only a single thickness of fabric, making your own you are using a double thickness and you can choose a wider variety of fabrics, too
2. What are blender fabrics?
Fabrics that are usually one color with different shades to them, they "blend in" because they don't have other distracting colors
3. What ruler/cutting mat size do you all recommend(real limited budget,so I know the big sizes are out of the question ).
Minimum would be a 12" X 24" but you will find squaring up 12 1/2" blocks a challenge, I would go up atleast one size if possible
4. Does it matter what size your rotary cutter is? I have one, but have no idea what size it is- i forgot LOL
a 45mm is good for most cutting, I only found it helpful to use a 60mm when cutting through 6+ thickness of fabric. The smaller 30mm (?) are needed to cut around curved templates
5. Any helpful beginner tips or timesavers? Anything you found out the hard way?
Read the directions atleast 3 times before starting a pattern. Measure 2+ times before starting to cut.
6.With all the fabrics,batting,threads, tools etc... seems like its not a inexpensive hobby to start. Any tips to share on how you keep the cost down to a reasonable amount? (if I start shopping for fabric like I do scrapbook paper~I KNOW i'm in trouble :mrgreen:
Joanns coupons :D for supplies, watch here for super sales at different shops/stores. You will find many tips here on the board for saving money. Used clothing for fabric is one :wink:
Thanks everyone for your help!
10-04-2010, 02:47 PM
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Southern California
Posts: 2,743
Good questions.
I would wait for Joann's 40 or 50% off coupons.
17" x 24" mat if you can affort it.
I have been collecting large men's shirts from the thrift store on the days they have $1 clothing sale. I currently getting plaid flannel shirts for a rag quilt.
Garage sales are good source too if you are patient.
I would wait for Joann's 40 or 50% off coupons.
17" x 24" mat if you can affort it.
I have been collecting large men's shirts from the thrift store on the days they have $1 clothing sale. I currently getting plaid flannel shirts for a rag quilt.
Garage sales are good source too if you are patient.
10-04-2010, 02:47 PM
#9
Power Poster
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Out searching for some sunshine :-)
Posts: 58,856
Yes, stretchy or thin fabrics can be used, just find iron on stabilizer to put on the backs of them. What fun memory quilts they make :D:D:D
Jeans, cotton shirts, etc... all work well too. Thriftstores and garage sales are a great source of fabric :wink: My family/friends are saving their jeans for me :D:D:D
Jeans, cotton shirts, etc... all work well too. Thriftstores and garage sales are a great source of fabric :wink: My family/friends are saving their jeans for me :D:D:D
10-04-2010, 03:12 PM
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 5,453
Originally Posted by dasmith2
Hope you all dont mind- I just had a few questions. Im sure you all remember how overwhelming it can be when you first start out and dont know a thing :-)
1. Why do you make your own binding? Is it just more customized? Cant you just buy the stuff that I see in the store?
I like it better, i use the fabrics from the project that are left over.
2. What are blender fabrics?
blenders and tonal fabrics add depth to a quilt..they "read" the main color..
3. What ruler/cutting mat size do you all recommend(real limited budget,so I know the big sizes are out of the question ).
Self healing mat at least 18x24
Ruler 6 1/2 x 24 or 18
4. Does it matter what size your rotary cutter is? I have one, but have no idea what size it is- i forgot LOL
no it doesn't matter, 45mm is the most commonly used for most of us.
5. Any helpful beginner tips or timesavers? Anything you found out the hard way?
measure twice...cut once! Read ALL the instructions,before you begin cutting fabric.
6.With all the fabrics,batting,threads, tools etc... seems like its not a inexpensive hobby to start. Any tips to share on how you keep the cost down to a reasonable amount? (if I start shopping for fabric like I do scrapbook paper~I KNOW i'm in trouble :mrgreen:
Coupons at Joanns, watch for when people on the board tell you about a great sale on fabrics!
Thanks everyone for your help!
1. Why do you make your own binding? Is it just more customized? Cant you just buy the stuff that I see in the store?
I like it better, i use the fabrics from the project that are left over.
2. What are blender fabrics?
blenders and tonal fabrics add depth to a quilt..they "read" the main color..
3. What ruler/cutting mat size do you all recommend(real limited budget,so I know the big sizes are out of the question ).
Self healing mat at least 18x24
Ruler 6 1/2 x 24 or 18
4. Does it matter what size your rotary cutter is? I have one, but have no idea what size it is- i forgot LOL
no it doesn't matter, 45mm is the most commonly used for most of us.
5. Any helpful beginner tips or timesavers? Anything you found out the hard way?
measure twice...cut once! Read ALL the instructions,before you begin cutting fabric.
6.With all the fabrics,batting,threads, tools etc... seems like its not a inexpensive hobby to start. Any tips to share on how you keep the cost down to a reasonable amount? (if I start shopping for fabric like I do scrapbook paper~I KNOW i'm in trouble :mrgreen:
Coupons at Joanns, watch for when people on the board tell you about a great sale on fabrics!
Thanks everyone for your help!
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