I remember the first time I heard a fellow quilt club member talk about "cheater blocks". My heart skipped a beat and I felt as if someone had punched me. Some words have a real bad effect on some of us. Then I figured out what they are, and now it makes no difference to me if you want to make a quilt with cheater blocks. I do think that the quilt that Sharon Shambers uses for the tutorial on "binding the angel" is a cheater block. It's beautiful. A lot of nature quilts use such blocks with bears and wolves in them. They make wonderful quilts.

We all live and learn, and I have learned so much on this board, I am addicted to it. Sometimes things are said that are sarcastic or in jest, so we have to think the best of everyone. That makes us feel better.

Each person should do their own thing and be proud of her accomplishments. I have a Phaff that my deceased BF bought used and then I was lucky to inherit it. Have been using it for six years and hope it lasts many more years. Makes me so thankful to have had such a great friend (still miss her dearly), every time I sew.

Linda, beautiful words!!! I do all my own quilting on a Brother, I call my style primitive I love it & it makes me happy. I'm far from an expert or talented artist-just the opposite but I have made & quilted quilts for charity and a few for charity fundraisers that have brought in over $500 each. Maybe a quilt done on a Bernina would have brought it more or be more prized-but none were donated there to compare. For those of you feeling intimidated by not having a Bernina, just stop feeling that way, sew on the machine that makes you happy. 10 yrs ago before I retired I bought a TOL Bernina because I had been made to feel that was the only way to go. I never bonded with that machine, it never made me feel happy sewing on it & I'll always regret buying it. Sewing is meant to be fun, sew with fun & love in your heart not feeling 2nd class.

Well you simply could of told her to feel free to buy one for those who don't own one since this is such a strong belief of her's.

AMEN!! couldn't agree more!!

I am fortunate to have a Bernina, but for just piecing, I would rather sew on my little old FW. I certainly don't sew any better on the Bernina and my quilts still have mistakes no matter which one i sew my blocks. If asked, I always tell people to buy the best machine you can afford or look for a used older all metal machine which will outlast the majority of the cheaper machines sold at Wallyworld. Having a well made machine no matter what brand will help a new sewer not get discouraged with sewing. Saying "I don't know why everyone doesn't own a Bernina" is probably about the silliest statement I have heard. It could be so devastating to someone interested in sewing who might get the idea that you cannot produce a beautiful quilt without a top of the line machine.

very nicely stated...

I needed this today!!! I do have a Bernina--a 20 year old Activa that my mom gave me when she moved to assisted living. It's a pretty basic machine but I do love the feet. I stopped at the Bernina store today to pick up a darning foot to try some free motion quilting. I was waited on by a lovely lady, but in short order I was completely overwhelmed by all the recommendations, the high caliber of work, the gorgeous quilting, the embroidery, etc.

I love to sew. I make most of my own clothes on a 35yo Elna. I'm making friends with the Bernina. I also have a Janome 6600. I'm a very beginning quilter--good at piecing but a rank amateur at quilting. But I love it all, and I thoroughly enjoy "trying."

I have decided to aim for simplicity. I will make what I like, learn as much as I can, keep the costs affordable to me, and just enjoy. If I keep this in mind, I don't feel pressured or inferior when I cannot keep up. It's supposed to be fun, right?

Again, thank you for posting!!!!

Forgot to say---while I was in the store, a "Harriet Hargrave protégé" called to inquire about a machine. At that point, I knew I was out of my league!!!!

My primary machine is from 1972. My sister still makes her quilts on her 1947 straight-stitch Singer. Don't let the quilt snobs intimidate you!!