Originally Posted by
asheryl
Thanks for the links Slbram17 and Stitchnripper. I think they might help me.
And thanks Bree for letting me know I certainly picked the wrong quilting project to start with. The picture of it looked so easy since other than the applique, it looked like just some simple stitching of strips together. I never knew the whole process could be difficult. My pattern says to cut 5" strips but then use 1/2" seams so maybe I'm going to have stitch in the middle of each strip.
I really want to be able to make this quilt since I've already bought all the supplies and I just love the material I bought and the pattern. I have some scrap material so I think I'll do a little experimenting before I do any cutting with my actual material.
I'm also hoping to get to a shop in my hometown tomorrow that has different sewing classes. I'm not sure if they have any quilting classes going on right now but maybe they'll be one in the near future.
I've done lots of different sewing in my life and I've never been afraid to try something new so I'm hoping I can figure this all out.
Kaye Wood suggests 6 inch strips in her tutorial, but honestly, I use the technique in general. In other words, I sometimes use smaller or larger strips, and I do a little free motion quilting on the strips after they are attached to the previous strip. I am thinking of tackling the normal quilting process again. I have made regular size quilts but it has been a very long time, and I don't look forward to a struggle on my machine. But even quilt as you go gets a little tough as the quilt gets bigger. I usually make queen size quilts, but did make one king size using quilt as you go.
You may also want to consider a craftsy class. I am taking one for hand applique and it is very well done. You can submit questions to the instructor at various points during the video. I am only in lesson two, but it seems to be very thorough.
http://www.craftsy.com/class/piece-b...echniques/5160
Best of luck. It will work out if you don't give up on the process.