This is exactly why I don't say much on message boards. I do what's right for me.
Scant 1/4 inch- Still don't understand that one.
Change needle after every project- I use it until it breaks, get's dull or I hear a ticking sound.
I prewash everything- they use alot of poisons on the fabric when they ship it over, bugs love the fabric finish.
Dont use steam I'm a spritzer when needed.
I have a straight stitch-only machine so I machine quilt what I can and send out the bigger stuff,anything over a queen. I don't hand quilt, don't have the paitence
I buy fabric wherever I can find good quality, and I have bought good stuff at Wal-Mart and Hobby Lobby.
Binding on the straight of grain- it's what works for me.
I'm also a smoking quilter- I don't smoke in the house so not worried about swaps, but I have seen alot of griping about people not making their block's perfect and frankly I don't worry about something being a little bit off, so I stay away from swap's.
I love to read how other people do thing's, I do what works for me and forget about the rest.