Giving some serious consideration to hand piecing/quilting
10-12-2012, 07:01 AM
#21
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Central Ohio
Posts: 1,370
While most of my quilts I piece on the machine, I always have one or two quilts going that I piece and quilt entirely by hand. We travel a lot with our 5th wheel camper and I can sew while riding in the truck, or sitting outside at the campground. I have found the I love the process of hand sewing because of the accuracy and the calming effect of it. I still usually have a sewing machine in the camper also, depending on what I am working on at the time, but always have my hand sewing project also.
I believe that with hand piecing, it is not nearly as necessary to press each seam as you go, because of the control you have over each seam.
Also, the process of hand piecing goes so much faster than I ever thought it would! I thought it would take forever to hand sew a long seam, but it goes quickly.
Enjoy the process!
I believe that with hand piecing, it is not nearly as necessary to press each seam as you go, because of the control you have over each seam.
Also, the process of hand piecing goes so much faster than I ever thought it would! I thought it would take forever to hand sew a long seam, but it goes quickly.
Enjoy the process!
10-12-2012, 07:34 AM
#22
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Southwest Kansas
Posts: 4,820
Ya know, I don't do as much sewing as I'd like because it just sometimes seems like such a chore to go to the sewing room, get everything just set up perfect, lighting ect.
My mom did everything from start to finish by hand. No fancy rulers, no rotary cutter, just scissors, pattern, needle, thread, and thimble. And she made many, many beautiful, intricate quilts!
When I think about all the time I waste, watching tv, or waiting on appointments, or just generally sitting around resting...I think although slower, I would still get a ton more things done by hand.
Hmmmm,
Maybe I'll at least start one by hand and see how it goes.
My mom did everything from start to finish by hand. No fancy rulers, no rotary cutter, just scissors, pattern, needle, thread, and thimble. And she made many, many beautiful, intricate quilts!
When I think about all the time I waste, watching tv, or waiting on appointments, or just generally sitting around resting...I think although slower, I would still get a ton more things done by hand.
Hmmmm,
Maybe I'll at least start one by hand and see how it goes.
10-12-2012, 07:37 AM
#23
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: North Texas formerly The Burgh
Posts: 3,392
We also travel a good deal in our small motorhome, sometimes up to a month or so. My space is very limited, but I am sure I can find a spot for some handwork. I really miss my quilting when we're on the road, so this is just another reason for me to give it a try.
I did hand-quilt my first quilt a couple years ago. Now it's time to try piecing.
Also, a question about pressing. I normally have my iron set up by my machine and press almost every piece as I sew. Is that necessary with hand piecing?
Thanks for your encouragement and tips!
I did hand-quilt my first quilt a couple years ago. Now it's time to try piecing.
Also, a question about pressing. I normally have my iron set up by my machine and press almost every piece as I sew. Is that necessary with hand piecing?
Thanks for your encouragement and tips!
10-12-2012, 09:54 AM
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 862
Until I needed bifocals, I always crocheted or knitted while watching TV. Yes, since I was 11 years old and I'm now middle-aged. You can work on quilt projects as well - binding and hand pieced hexagons are really popular. Currently, I can't do both - I hope to fix this with the next pair of bifocals. However, I'm one of those persons who will only do handwork that I can't do by machine easily.
One problem to consider - if you have cats (and maybe even dogs), you need to work out how to prevent access to your needles and thread. Many pets die when they ingest thread - it wraps all up in their intestines. Don't assume that because they haven't done it in the past, that they won't do it in the future. If you don't have a box that CLOSES, then you need to remove your sewing stuff from the living room every time.
One problem to consider - if you have cats (and maybe even dogs), you need to work out how to prevent access to your needles and thread. Many pets die when they ingest thread - it wraps all up in their intestines. Don't assume that because they haven't done it in the past, that they won't do it in the future. If you don't have a box that CLOSES, then you need to remove your sewing stuff from the living room every time.
10-12-2012, 02:57 PM
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Arcadia, Ca.
Posts: 397
I love to have something to work on while watching TV. I hand quilt & hand applique. Also I substitute teach and hand quilting is a good way to keep myself busy while the students are doing their work. But there are also times I like work at the sewing machine.
10-12-2012, 08:59 PM
#26
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
It is not necessary to iron hand piecing. In fact, when Jinny Beyer irons her hand-pieced tops she doesn't pay any attention to which way the seam allowances fall! She just irons from the right side and that's it. (At least in the video I borrowed from the library years ago where she demonstrated her hand piecing techniques.)
10-13-2012, 02:47 AM
#27
Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Maine
Posts: 120
I just started a class at the local high school on hand quilting. I love it so far. only made 2 squares but it is relaxing and when each square is done you have a good feeling like evey hand stitch is a little more love going into this quilt. We are even making out own templates and only hand sewing. No rotary cutting either only scissors.
10-13-2012, 02:54 AM
#28
Super Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: NE Pa.
Posts: 1,738
I got my Grandmothers Flower Garden done by english paper piecing while watching Tv going to appts. etc. Hand piecing and quilting is very relaxing however I now do everything by machine cause arthritis has taken over .
10-13-2012, 03:03 AM
#29
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Stanley NC
Posts: 981
I totally agree with PenniF. I keep my piecing/quilting beside my chair. I can pick it up and do as little or as much as I want to do without a lot of prep time. It becomes an enjoyment rather than "I don't really have time to set up the machine, etc." It's more relaxing to me when it's not a lot of trouble. Just enjoy the process and don't make it a chore! I also take the time to mark the 1/4 inch seam because that makes the piecing much easier. I also quilt around each block just about 1/8 inch (more or less) from the seam. I don't mark those, though.
10-13-2012, 04:41 AM
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Illinois
Posts: 909
I also love hand piecing. It is very relaxing for me. I do English paper piecing and regular piecing. Progress is slow but I'm not into quilting as a competition to get things finished. I know I will never complete some projects and others get put aside when I'm bored and pulled out at a later time. Like other quilters I have my UFO's and my To Do list.
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