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Help! I am new to quilting!

Help! I am new to quilting!

Old 01-24-2013, 08:58 PM
  #21  
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This is good advice. My Mom left my sister and I a few UFOs (Un-Finished Objects). So far, we put one together. In the process, we found out why it was a UFO! I think it was one of her early efforts - cutting was terrible and the blocks were sewn, well, like my first blocks were sewn! My sister adjusted some of the blocks, but left the majority of them 'as is' and sewed them together. While quilting it, I had to make a few more adjustments to them. Nonetheless, it turned out very pretty and gets lots of compliments. One of her 'grands' will eventually get it and they won't care about the imperfections.

Long story short, first learn the quilting craft, then tackle the UFOs. I would not have known how to modify that little quilt 5 years ago...so would have destroyed it.
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Old 01-24-2013, 09:01 PM
  #22  
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VERY smart to wash it. I got some once that had cat pee on it - didn't smell anymore, it was so old. But when I washed it - whoooooeeeee! That found the trash as soon as it was done in the washer.
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Old 01-24-2013, 09:25 PM
  #23  
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I agree with others about (1) take a beginner's class; (2) put unfinished quilt tops (UFOs) with like material for future completion; (3) become an every day visitor to this Board with your questions and updates (put your topic in Search and the answer may already be posted).



(4) May I add a hint for washing of the fabric?
Sometimes fabric will 'bleed' onto other fabric. Color Catcher is a product that can be put in the washer to cath the dye that bleed from the fabric. Use the Search function of this board and learn about colors that bleed and what to do. I am sure you know to wash like colors together. Washing quilting fabric is worth a few minutes of researching the 'how to' and prevent disasters.



Sometimes the cuts of fabric will become tangled and frayed.
I will take my fabric and put the selvege on a flat surface with selvege to my left, the other selvege side will be to my right. Fold entire fabric cut in half....the cut edges will be at the top of the fabric. At this point, fan fold the double thickness of fabric being sure the cut edge is inside the folded cut of fabric. When this is folded use large quilters safety pins and pin through all thickness of the folded fabric at each end (left end and right end). Pins should be placed about every two inches . I place mine through fabric and over the end of the selvege. Note: be sure that all thickness of fabric are pinned. You will have a long strip of folded fabric which will probably be the width of the fabric.

These can also be put in the dryer with the pins in tact. I usually take mine from washer, take the pins out and hang using hangers that have clips (i.e. pant hangers). Normally I only have a couple of yards of one kind of fabric.

Good luck with learning a new craft and with washing your mountain of fabric.
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Old 01-24-2013, 09:26 PM
  #24  
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One more washing hint: a cup of baking soda in each load might help remove any musty odors.
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Old 01-25-2013, 04:03 AM
  #25  
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I started one of those embroidered quilt block quilts years ago. It was put away for years, when I finally finished it, I had no trouble getting the blue markings out. I use 1 part Dawn to 2 parts peroxide in a spray bottle, it removes just about everything. It has removed stains, when nothing else worked.
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Old 01-25-2013, 05:41 AM
  #26  
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Linda Faye what an organized thoughtful suggestion! Everyone has been so helpful. Enjoy your stash.
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Old 01-25-2013, 06:55 AM
  #27  
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I envy you. I wish I had a problem exactly like yours. Have fun with everything and post some pics when you are finished.
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Old 01-25-2013, 07:47 AM
  #28  
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My sister uses a cut lemon to blot on the stain before setting it in the sun - juice of lemon contains natural materials that help the stain come out. There is also a commercial soap, frequently sold in quilt stores, which is good for this, in case you want to purchase something. Grandma's is one brand, and there are others.

Originally Posted by loves_2_quilt View Post
I was told at a local quilt shop the other day that the best way to take stains out of old quilts. On a HOT sunny day spread the quilt in the grass and spritz with distilled water and allow the sun to take out the stains. Do not use water from the faucet but only distilled. It is something about the reaction between the sun and the cholophyl(sp?) in the grass.
Debbie
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Old 01-25-2013, 08:56 AM
  #29  
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That sounds like a wonderful inheritance! And letting the quilts dry in the sun has worked well for me in the past, but let us know how it turns out!
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Old 01-25-2013, 09:16 AM
  #30  
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A couple people beat me to suggesting a quilting class. The only problem is that you WILL get hooked. Then you'll take a paper piecing class and an appliqué class and a quilting class and some project classes. Find your way through all of that and decide what you like to do the best. Then sift though your bounty. Nothing says you have to finish every piece that your friend/relative didn't finish. Join your local quilt guild. Maybe you can get some help finishing some and donate them. I've seen quilt tops at auctions that the winning bidders are SO happy to get their hands on. (and then you have a few bucks for more classes!) The possibilities are endless. Enjoy!
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