Need Your Help in Basics of Quiltmaking
02-27-2012, 05:42 AM
#91
Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Katy, TX
Posts: 16
I learned in one class that I took, that all rulers are not the same, they may be all good but just measure slightly different, after using two different rulers to cut pieces, they didn't fit properly together. I never thought about that, now I know.
02-27-2012, 06:03 AM
#93
Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 25
As a beginner and with the type of person I am I want to know it all. I dont understand somethings and really want to.I'm like a kid and have to know all the "whys" lol. Why do you cut this way and not that or why do you have to put a binding on something? How do you know which is right? How do you pick fabric? I can go on forever but like I said I need to know it all lol
02-27-2012, 06:08 AM
#95
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Barnesville GA
Posts: 3,181
I am sure this has all been covered. But if I were to teach someone quilting I would start with the "old fashioned" way. Drawing around templates and putting together by hand and do a sampler like I did. Yes it takes a long time but I can pretty much guess how most quilt blocks are put together now. I didn't learn how to draft patterns but if someone is going to start making their own designs its a plus to know. I wish someone had thought to teach that when I was starting. I had a very basic class. Taught like a mom would have taught her kid. But it was well worth it.
02-27-2012, 06:19 AM
#97
Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Salina, KS
Posts: 91
I think a good thing to learn is that you need to measure twice and cut once. Also another good thing is to make sure that you are sewing a 1/4 inch the way that the pattern is asking you to do. That can be the difference between a really nice looking block that is the correct size and a block that is totally wonky. Also would be good to maybe include simple instructions on how to do the really simple blocks, like 9 patch, 4 patch, rail fence, ohio star, half square triangles, a pinwheel block, and maybe a square in a square block or something. that is how my mom did a class one time. oh another thing that I just thought of you may want to include a list of all of the supplies that you would need to have to be a successful quilter. self healing cutting board, rotery cutter, scissors (good quality), snips, small hand held rulers, a larger rulers for cutting and at least a 6inch square ruler, a small cutting board to put next to your machine, a sewing machine of course, and needles, (tell them what each size is used for and which ones are the best for certain things), and what thread works best for which project. and don't forget that they will need a seam ripper unfortuantly, what sewer can say honestly that they haven't used our bestest friend at least once or twice. well that is the end to my disertation. 
02-27-2012, 06:30 AM
#98
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 221
You are absolutely right in your assessment of skills lacking. As a teacher since 1976, I find that quilters take technique classes to make a specific class, but the instructor never goes into basics. When I teach my basic class, I include "use a sharp needle (and provide one for each student) and it is threaded with #50 thread, knotted at the end that is cut.' I also talk very specifically about needles, how they differ and when to use each type, then talk about different threads. Any help I can provide, let me know. You are certainly on the right track to cover the missing areas of quilting. When there is a problem, I ask, "Show me how you do it." That's when I learn how the quilter has gone astray. One lady only measured from her cutting mat!
SandyQuilter
SandyQuilter
02-27-2012, 07:57 AM
#99
Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 40
Being fairly new to quilting, I have been encouraged by many sweet quilting ladies, as well as the many tutorials available on-line, classes in LQS's, patterns and books available. It's such a fun process. And I so appreciate it when even the "elite and experienced" quilters do not look down their noses at us "newbies", but consider us to be sisters in the pursuit of creating a heritage of giving gifts of love and energy, and keepsakes for our loved one's. Thank you to all who encourage.
02-27-2012, 08:39 AM
#100
Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Lakeport Ca
Posts: 95
Originally Posted by jaciqltznok
the science and math ARE what is missing. Knowing the "why's" of using chemicals, straight of grain, etc. These days quilting is more about slapping things together and calling it a quilt, instead of "learning" the art and enjoying the process of making something worthy of our time and money! While I do appreciate the fact that many are without Mentors, like elder family members, quilt shops, etc, I also realize that if they can sit for hours at the computer reading this forum, then they can also read the books that teach these skills. Perhaps not the newest books that just teach how to whack at the fabric with no regard as to what is really going on, but the older books that take your through the WHOLE learning process. I see people offering/taking beginner classes that last 4 hours in ONE day. WHAT??? How can you learn a complex art like quilting in 4 hours? A TRUE beginner class should take 10 times that! I teach 3 hours a day, two days a week for 8 weeks and often that is not enough! Those who really learn bring back more questions, which lengthens the learning process..which is always a good thing! Also there are more techniques today, more tools to learn and understand, more videos to watch, more books to ponder, etc, etc, so I think that has added to the " done is better than perfect" thought process we see so much of in today's fabric manipulators. They see pretty, they want pretty, so they start their journey knowing nothing more than that. THose who have NO prior experience with textiles will have the hardest time being self taught quilter's that is for sure! This forum does help with that in one way, but hinders it in another. Example, everyone here has "their" way of doing things, right, wrong, quick, simple, etc...so how does a novice pick their way through the info? Just what is the best way to bind, cut straight, baste, etc? Being on this forum is a lot like being a member of Congress without the paid lobbying! Everyone knows what they want, and no two want the same thing..hehehe
I admit to being a bit biased, in that I prefer things done the more traditional ways. For longer lasting "skills" anyway. If it were not for those traditions we would NOT have the industry we have now!
I admit to being a bit biased, in that I prefer things done the more traditional ways. For longer lasting "skills" anyway. If it were not for those traditions we would NOT have the industry we have now!
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