Lesson well learned
#1

Being a beginner and making my first quilt I learned a valuable lesson. I will never again mix natural fabrics such as cotton and synthetics like rayon together, not that you can't but you have to be very careful in the handling of these because of there different characteristics. I cut all of my pieces to the exact measurements and made precise quarter inch seams and after pressing the seams, looked at the match ups and was horrified at what I found. Some of the seams were off by at least 1/8 of a inch. After ripping out several seams and resewing and re ironing I finally figured out what was happening. I was using the iron on cotton setting and when I would iron the seam, the rayon would actually shrink and distort. I have sense ironed on synthetic and am more careful not to stretch the fabric when sewing. Seams are now coming out much neater. From now on it will be natural fabrics on natural and synthetics with synthetics.
#5
Power Poster
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Idaho
Posts: 11,375

My first was a stack and whack with a cotton and a poly-blend together. I learned my lesson also. I have to say it is one the ugliest quilt to me that I have made. Some people have fallen in love with it because it reminds them of quilts they had as children, but I can't stand the weird green and flowery material... SOmeday I will actually quilt it.
#8
Power Poster
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Perth, Western Australia
Posts: 10,357

Mixing it up can have its quirks...but must admit I am a sucker for punishment...my current WIP is velvets, wools, heavy cotton...you name it, it's in it. They can work out extremely well, but as you say...you certainly learn along the way. Would love to see your quilt...and thanks for sharing your experience I am sure it will help someone out.
#9

I just finished piecing the top last night except for the prairie points. When I get them done I will post a picture of it before and after I quilt it. That will be another first experience and I'm sure another lesson well learned.
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