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Need Your Help in Basics of Quiltmaking

Need Your Help in Basics of Quiltmaking

Old 02-25-2012, 06:04 PM
  #31  
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Originally Posted by AnitaSt View Post
There is such a "Zen" to the process that many newer quilters miss out on.
OH Yeah....ZEN for sure....and in those days when you your ZEN if off....no when to walk away...ehhehehe
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Old 02-25-2012, 06:09 PM
  #32  
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Originally Posted by TanyaL View Post
I would recommend a notebook of examples - cloth pages, one page each of correct seams, intersections, flying geese,curved pieces, appliques bindings, etc.instead of finished blocks. One technique per page. That way the technique can be referred to no matter what block is being sewn.

That's the way my sewing lessons were done when I bought my first sewing machine and the example book which I created in class was invaluable.
I think that this is a fabulous idea!! I think in teaching beginners, you have to straddle two things: the desire of the beginners to make something fabulous quickly; and the desire of the teacher to make sure that they master the basics, the foundational skills that will serve them well in the future.

I admire you for taking this on. I assume that your students will be mixed in their experience and skill level! Would they all be willing to create this type of book, and let you honestly critique each page, and do it over again until you pronouce it very good? I don't know.

Good luck!

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Old 02-25-2012, 06:16 PM
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[QUOTE=LeslieFrost;5008643]I think that this is a fabulous idea!! I think in teaching beginners, you have to straddle two things: the desire of the beginners to make something fabulous quickly; and the desire of the teacher to make sure that they master the basics, the foundational skills that will serve them well in the future.

I think this is because most shops that offer classes only offer project classes...the people who sign up for the classes are not required to have any skills yet. Just the $ and time to take the class.
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Old 02-25-2012, 06:22 PM
  #34  
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I wish I had had a teacher for my basics quilting class who had the will and the want to have taught us like you are proposing. I am sure, even after quilting for almost 30 years that there is tons I "don't get".
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Old 02-25-2012, 06:27 PM
  #35  
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Patrice, you are spot on

At my most recent workshop, our instructor had a set of strips for everyone to ensure they are getting their 1/4" seam accurate - and recommended that you have a stack of these ready for every time you sit down to sew, to make sure you *still* have a good 1/4" seam. You can end up making a cute rail fence out of these test strips. Two colours, three strips - 2" x 5". Finished block should be 5" square.

And my best friend - Starch!
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Old 02-25-2012, 06:28 PM
  #36  
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[QUOTE=jaciqltznok;5008656]
Originally Posted by LeslieFrost View Post
I think that this is a fabulous idea!! I think in teaching beginners, you have to straddle two things: the desire of the beginners to make something fabulous quickly; and the desire of the teacher to make sure that they master the basics, the foundational skills that will serve them well in the future.
Originally Posted by LeslieFrost View Post


I think this is because most shops that offer classes only offer project classes...the people who sign up for the classes are not required to have any skills yet. Just the $ and time to take the class.
that's why I haven't taken any classes. Can't stand the idea of learning to make someone else's quilt instead of learning to make my own. Just because it would have my choice of fabrics and my effort would not make it "mine". It would still be a copy.
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Old 02-25-2012, 06:34 PM
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I LOVE your questions/inquiries and thought to present some ideas for you.

[QUOTE=TanyaL;5007799]Due to lack of knowledge when I want curved blocks (not pieces of blocks) I have to default to appliques on top of square blocks. Is there basic knowledge for making curved blocks, curved lines in a somewhat traditional looking quilt?

Yes, the basic knowledge is to know that curves are rarely sharp as you must know how to make the threads/fibers of the fabric MOVE as it were. This is an interesting practice piece.
http://www.straw.com/quilting/articles/curvy9patch.html

I would like to know the why of things - why are seams 1/4"?
Over the years it was discovered that when "hand piecing this was the allowance that withstood the best wear, had the best ease of handling, the best matching up of points, etc.

why are quilts built along grid lines?

Not ALL quilt are! However if I were to wager a guess, I would say that is because people handle Squares easier!
I suppose it is more to do with MATH than anything else though.


why do most people like sharp contrast of color and distain low contrast unless they are watercolor quilts?

I think this is more about Marketing or personal taste really. I LOVE color, but NOT pastel or watercolor! Once the "market" is flooded with a certain color, then suddenly your eye tells your mind that you must LOVE it..or in the case of this years UGLY golden mustard color, HATE it..heheheh

Why are hodgepodge color selections of scrappy quilts considered by some preferable to careful color schemes that are more harmonious with color theory?

Again, personal choice. Though not all scrappy quilts are created equal, as not all color scheme are executed well! Personal choice/preference really. I love scrappy, but have seen a few that were just a hodge podge and hard on the eyes! Same with color schemes..not every purple monochromatic quilt is the same!

Why is texture in a quilt not a good thing usually?

Who said? where would crazy quilts, wool quilts, flannel, scrappy or applique quilts be without texture?

Why do LQS often offer a beginning class that just teaches a person how to make someone else's quilt pattern?

Because not all teachers are designers? And not all designers are teachers..(trust me on that one)

Why are bindings almost always just a flat piece of fabric along the edge, seldom a ruffle or a ruche a pleat or anything else?

The most logical answer..TOE hangers...I have seen those lovely Prairie point edgings pull the binding right off of a quilt when it got caught in the wheel of the stroller! NOT pretty! Smooth edges last longer!

I hope that helps to entertain some more thoughts!

Last edited by jaciqltznok; 02-25-2012 at 06:40 PM.
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Old 02-25-2012, 06:44 PM
  #38  
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I would love for someone to teach me the math involved in figuring HST and such....I can't tell you how many times I've tried to get the correct measurement for a HST and it ends up the wrong size....I really hate buying patterns when I can see it and how it needs to be done, but can't figure the right size before starting.
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Old 02-25-2012, 06:47 PM
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[QUOTE=TanyaL;5008684]
Originally Posted by jaciqltznok View Post

that's why I haven't taken any classes. Can't stand the idea of learning to make someone else's quilt instead of learning to make my own. Just because it would have my choice of fabrics and my effort would not make it "mine". It would still be a copy.
BUT, having said that....in this thread we are explaining just WHY you do need to take that class...so that you can gain the SKILLS to design and be creative! DO you think Carol Bryer Fallert or Holice Chaterlain started out with the quilts they are making now???...Hardly....BUT, they did learn the basic, underlying skills that are needed to bring out the creativity inside of each of us!

So you take a class to make a rail fence or a sample (which is the best) and you learn...you ask the "WHY" questions, you keep a notebook with notes and samples and thoughts that are in your head..and when all is done, you walk away SKILLED and with the knowledge that you CAN create YOUR designs!
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Old 02-25-2012, 06:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Buckeye Rose View Post
I would love for someone to teach me the math involved in figuring HST and such....I can't tell you how many times I've tried to get the correct measurement for a HST and it ends up the wrong size....I really hate buying patterns when I can see it and how it needs to be done, but can't figure the right size before starting.
This sort of explains it, the pictures do help, BUT, why 7/8", I use 1" and the square my HST down to the correct size!
http://raevenfea.com/learning/how-to...are-triangles/
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