Let's encourage each other!
 

I was in a class and one of the ladies, very seriously said "I don't understand why everyone doesn't just buy a Bernina.". I wanted to say, but I didn't, well not everyone can afford to buy a Bernina! Then I started to listen to the conversations of quilters I was around the next few weeks. Coversations about the 'tools' of the trade. I do think it's great to talk about the best machines, fabrics, threads, fibers, tools etc.... Or if you quilted on your own machine or sent it out. Heavily quilted with complex designs or just stiched in the ditch. It helps those that are looking to choose the best their money can buy. And 'shop talk' is great! But sometimes, I think, this can intimidate or discourage those around us who are new to quilting and don't have a lot of funds available. I would like to encourage those of you that are new to quilting or don't have access to a large budget, make it your own. Put your joy into the process and don't worry too much about how others might judge YOUR 'art project' based on your 'tools'. Just enjoy!

Micha

Well said!!!

Beautiful quilts can be made from half worn out clothes, dull scissors, a bent needle and repurposed thread or one of the top of the line machines with a zillion bells and whistles. The outcome is what counts. And furthermore, the outcome in the eyes of the quilter who made it is really what is important.

Micha Thanks I wish that I could have said this to the group at quilt g. that I'm no longer a part of. can't afford the best of everthing like some. but can still make quilt to cover my kids butt.

Very well said. This is why I am thoroughly enjoying this board. Everyone seems willing to be kind and helpful, not boastful, mean and catty.

Well said Lisa. Unfortunately there are snobs in every walk of life, even quilters. As long as we enjoy what we are doing and are happy with the results that's all that counts. I would just ignore those remarks and let them roll off my back.

Applause!
....

There is no point in trying to argue that all tools are equal (some more equal than others?) but what is important is the PRODUCT you produce, not the tools you used. As my aunt used to say, a poor workman always blames his tools!

And another anecdote - a boy my son played golf with in high school, always bragging about having the best sports equipment 'Dad bought me a $500 clubr' or whatever, was simply stymied when I asked him how many holes in one he had with the new equipment. My son and I still laugh about it.

I do own a Bernina and love it, however, I didn't start there. The machine I started with was a Singer. Took a few years before I finally could afford the Bernina. Do what you are comfortable with, not what everyone else says you have to have to do the job. My Kia gets me to the same places a Cadillac would.

mltquilt

I have not yet purchased a new sewing machine. Did get a refurbished Featherweight a few years ago and got DD the basic (under $100) Brother machine for Christmas. At some point I would like to get a machine with a few more features but they are not vital to my sewing experience at this time. When they become a priority I will figure out a way to make it happen. In the meantime my Featherweight is awesome!

With you on this!!! I always tell everyone all you need to machine piece and or quilt is a machine with a straight stitch. If you like hand work just a needle and thread. I have gone to groups before that are a little snobish - I usually just try to steer away from those people and/or don't go back for seconds.

Very well put. Having the best tools in the world does not make the best quilter, it still takes some basic knowledge of quilting/sewing a lot of practice & willingness to want to continue to learn & grow as a quilter.

Having great tools does make it much easier, but it is certainly possible to make beautiful quilts with some basic tools.
This forum has some amazing examples of beginning quilters who do not own high end sewing machines & have made jaw dropping quilts.

I agree with all of your comments. I'm a new quilter and don't want to belong to a guild. This board has helped me so much already. It has answered questions that I have had. Also, if I run into a problem, I look on the internet. Thanks fellow quilters. :)

I can't have the best out there either. I don't mind at all. I am proud of the fact that I make very nice, pretty quilts. I use a Brother machine that I bought from a friend for $25. I cut and sew my quilts on my coffee table in my living room. It is a wonder that they turn out as good as they do, but that makes me happy. :) You don't have to have the best, just do the best job you can with what you do have.

I had made a comment on a different post here. A lady who has quilted forever saw my quilt. (One that I was very proud of). She said "Oh I can tell you are a newbie." She just crushed me. I'm sure she has all the most expensive tools and probably many of them. I still can't get past that comment. I would like to see what her first quilts looked like. Just because you have the most expensive top of the line tools doesn't make you the best and top of the line quilter. Thanks for letting me vent.

I do have a Bernina, but believe me it isn't a newer one. I bought it second hand at that. It's a Bernina 830 record.
Bernina makes a great machine, but it's not the only one that does a great job. One of the old Singers like the 15-91, etc, still make the prettiest straight stitch. So it really isn't about Bernina's. It should be about quilting. Money isn't the point, whether one has plenty of it, or very little of it. Cheers to all of you who have machines you love whatever make they are. And, cheers to everyone who loves quilting!

thank you for this topic. I too fell pry to the negative quilters comments. I have quilt for a year and used the word "cheat" for a question I had asked. Wow that was a horrible experience. So much so that I am VERY hesitant to post another question for help again. I will go to another board. It has ruined my experience with this board which I had used daily for tips etc. Its very sad. We have all had questions when we start and to take a question and twist it to a negative was a awful experience for me.

Thanks for the post and comments Micha. I guess I will never understand people who are so self righteous and arrogant.

We each have our own style and tools and budget. I quilt on my old singer 1951, that my dear husband bought my 38 yrs ago for $20. I have a nice computerized machine also that i rarely use. So I don't care what others think or say, we need to be happy where we are, be supported and appreciative of each other!

The American version of quilting, the "patchwork" quilt was born out of the economic need not to waste any precious bit of fabric. Woman stitched together by hand in the light of the fire, candles or lanterns the scraps left from the clothing they made for their families. They couldn't afford to waste anything. The European version of quilting always seems to be wholecloth. My mother's most precious possession for many years was the Featherweight she purchased in 1936. She was a Home Economics major in college although she never got to finish her degree. She hand carried it from Illinois to Maryland when she met and married my father. I learned to sew on it. My parents gave me a sewing machine when I graduated from high school. I'll bet it took my parents three years of monthly payments to pay it off. It was a cabinet machine made by Capital. I have never seen or heard of one since. After I had been married about ten years I got a part time job working for a Bernina dealer. I fell in love with their machines and was able to purchase one with a 40% discount. I was just as thrilled with the featherweight I found at a yard sale for just $20. It is my back up machine and I hope someday to teach a grandchild to sew on it. Over the years I have spent countless hours sewing. I started with clothes for myself and then my daughter. Now the overwhelming majority of my sewing is Linus quilts and charitable projects like the Princess Pillowcase dresses. I think my husband fell I love with me because I could and did mend his jeans and other clothes. His first wife couldn't even attach a button. Whatever machine you have or can afford can make something beautiful or useful.

I've heard comments of "I can't quilt because I can't afford a fancy machine." All you need is one that sews forward and backward. I do happen to have a TOL Bernina - not because I have to but because I wanted one. I always recommend that people buy the best THEY can afford. I hate to see someone quit quilting because their machine just doesn't work right. No one can tell what machine you stitched your quilt on. I would love to have my quilts custom quilted but just can't afford it - so I'm learning how to do my own. So sorry that some quilter's feel they have to put someone else down instead of taking the opportunity to mentor someone.

Oh no! Please don't give up on this board because of a few. There are so many nice, kind people here. Ask any question you want!

I used a basic machine for 10 years with no trouble. my quilts were just as nice. There will always be snobs, you just have to learn to tune them out. TOL is nice but not necessary, and also more expensive to maintain and repair just like expensive cars

Oh, I'm sorry you had a bad experience. Don't give up on this board. I believe the great majority of these folks are just the kindest, generous people. So much good information and help is available here. One never knows the lasting pain they inflict by one unkind remark. I don't think beginners should ever be made to feel their questions are wrong or dumb.

Micha, Hope you never have to feel bad about not having top of the line anything. Your finished quilt will be every bit as beautiful as one made on another brand machine. You certainly have my full encouragement!

I have a Bernina that belonged to my mother , the only reason I have one. Buy the best you can afford, fabric, machine etc, but MOST important is that you do the best that you can. Just remember what our fore-mothers used...what ever was at hand and some of those quilts are still around.
D.

My favorite machines are the two that belonged to my mother and Great Aunt Mae (they cot me nothing) - my very fancy machines I waited 38 years to be able to afford. I have heard people swear by the high-end machines and the very expensive LA"s - but we need to buy what we can afford - saving money for fabric, thread and batting or all you have is a fancy machine and nothing to do.

Sometimes we just have to understand that some people don't hear themselves - I know I am guilty of that - and say some very ignorant statements. And I have also had my feelings hurt by comments others have said on the Board but I do believe since I am reading the comments maybe I am not reading it in way they intended. So please don't be afraid to post - you may be asking the same question someone else is hesitating to ask, or one someone hadn't thought of yet and gets an "aha" moment from your question or comment. And I can't tell you how many pictures I copied because the quilts are new to me and I want to consider making.

Please stick with us and ignore the comments - if the comments are truly hateful, my guess is the administrator wants to know about it and will assist in the situation.

Look at all the beautiful quilts that are completely hand sewn and quilted. Always amazes me!!! I believe that our mind and creative spirit (and endurance) are our most valuable tools.

I too own a few Berninas, but started out on a $150 kenmore. My parents bought it for me for Christmas the year I was a sr in HS. My daughter wanted to get into quilting, and I could have given her my Bernina 430 I inherited from my mom, but I think she needs to "earn her stripes" . So we bought her a Costco Brother for Christmas. I agree no one has the right to make some one feel bad for having a "low end" machine. On the flip side, I was at a quilt retreat, and people were talking about the Bernina 830. I mentioned that I had the 820, and someone commented that they could not understand why anyone would pay $6000 dollars for a sewing machine , and that was silly, and money could be spent better else where. She carried on with no regard to my feelings. I made the choice to keep quiet, as I do not have to justify my spending to anyone except my husband, especially to a person I hardly know. The point I am trying to make is "to each his own" quilters come in all shapes and sizes, and so do our machines. We all have the same common goal, and that is to make the world a little better place to live in, one stich at a time. W

Hoping very much that anyone who's felt they've had a negative comment sticks around to see how supportive 99.999...% of the folks here are. I've only been here a few weeks but so far no one has laughed at me -- at least not where I can see him/her -- at the odd things I do, weird fabric I buy, etc. Everyone has been supportive and, when I've had a question, helpful without being critical.

A lot goes on here. There are people who have very costly machines and tools, people who use inexpensive machines that many dislike, and people who do everything by hand; people who can afford the best fabric, people who haunt the discount websites, and people who shop at Goodwill. As far as I can see, all of these people make great quilts -- traditional quilts, wild and crazy quilts, in between quilts ..... I love them all and want to see more of them.

Oh, yeah, and I don't care if the quilts people show here or talk about are quilted in an expert (and/or fancy) way or just SITD or shadowed by hand or tied with discount yarn here and there. I don't care if there's a pucker or a wavy bit or an "oops" bit of fabric added somewhere. I want to see the things made for fun, for art, for love .... I don't believe I've seen or heard about one project here that didn't have a smile or a thrill in it.

It is so much fun to see what can be done -- simply and not so simply; what other people thought of that I would not have thought of. I am thankful that folks here are not afraid to show their work -- whether they're professional long-armers or occasional big-stitch hand-quilters -- and that most folks are as happy to see it as I am.

I feel very fortunate for what I have access to for quilting. I am not complaining for myself. And I haven't experienced anything negative on this board. Also, I am very happy for all who can afford nice machines, tools and materials :) . It's just that I have seen so many quilters feel discouraged who do not have access to the best or 'top of the line' whatever. Sometimes, due to the insensitivity of others, even though most often it is not purposefully intended. Or just because they 'feel' they need the best or their work won't be good enough. I just wanted to encourage those who might be feeling this way to work with what they can and have fun with it.

Micha

For the comment about the machine: I've heard many people get into how great their machine is, be it Bernina or another brand. I've been guilty of being proud of my Bernina. I'm learning and getting humbled. I don't plan to hide in a cave until I'm perfect. Speaking for myself, I appreciate people who lovingly confront me when I've been rude. Once I understand I can correct my behaviour. We're all a work in progress. Let's be kind to each other. And when someone is rude, be as loving as possible to do the tough thing to maintain a relationship.

For the comment about critical reactions to the use of "cheating"; "cheating" is a very volatile word. Some people are immediately attacked by the word and respond in kind. You may have ment it one way, but because of other peoples personal history, they are offended. I think the most volatile thread was "killing Sun Bonnet Sue". She was very brave to even open the subject & handled herself beautifully. No matter how you feel about a subject, there will be someone who doesn't agree.

IMHO: I feel successful if I enjoy what I'm doing. Sometimes, it's a lousy quilt, but I learned a lot in the process. I think if I have to have a great quilt everytime, I'll be afraid to try something new. Being an artist, I'm always up for a challenge. That's me. My DH is an estimator; sits at plans and counts inches over and over. Would absolutely drive me nuts. We are both valuable, just different. So for some people it's about the beautiful quilt, for others it's meeting the challenge that makes us satisfied. Let's agree to disagree and find value in the differences and similarities.

Our grandmothers did not have the fancy machines we all seem to need these days. Our grandmothers made quilts that were true works of art as well as plenty that were just plain blankets on their treadle machines.
You are right by saying we all need to be kinder to one another in this regard.

I applaud you, Micha. Very well said.

Quilts were made as a necessity at first but made with love. I was looking a few years age at a quilt made by a mum for her11 baby as she had made quilts for each of her others. The gentleman died in his 90s I think but with his quilt still wrapped over him. The quilt had many holes and faults and you good see how mum had struggled to sew it and find fabric but it was loved and used. Keep using what you have and try different methods and techniques and patterns. From this knowledge you will slowly acquire the necessities. Go to a class and I'm sure as we did you will borrow tools from other quilters. Majority of quilters ar very generous and will share any tool idea or ven help.
I started with a pair of scissors, needle thread and old skirt oh and cardboard from breakfast cereal. I still have that project. I made many and still do make by hand. I have expensive and cheap machines each is special. If you were closer I would give you one sorry.

I understand your hesitation but I hope you don't take the reaction of some to represent the whole of QB. The people here are generally so supportive and helpful--a group unlike anywhere else I've found/seen on the internet due to the worldwide breadth and scope of the readers. We have everyone here--from all around the world and everyone from young quilters to ladies who just learned to use their computers a few years ago and know almost nothing about technology.

Since I live in a country where many people were taken back by the fact that in the 90's, I worked on the computer and produced written things (as opposed to my husband) I've learned to take a lot of flak. Just be aware that because there are so many different people here with different outlooks, there will always be someone who differs in opinions.

So, while some consider the word 'cheating' or 'cheater cloth' to be maybe inflammatory, others consider it just a word--. I probably wouldn't use the word cheating at all with reference to quilting because I don't see how one can "cheat" at a hobby. :) It is like "cheating" at fixing dinner in my book.

However, we probably learn more from people when we aren't all alike. If you leave and go to a board/forum where everyone says "ditto" all the time, then you probably won't actually learn as much as if you get some rubs and pokes along the way.

So, stick around...you may get the nerve to up and post again. And certainly, you get a lot of positive vibes if you post pictures. People all over the world like them!

I agree...that is what happened to me. So for newbies..be very careful what questions you ask. Who knew cheating is a volatile word. I sure did not mean for it to be that way. Several people have messaged me and stated that the comments from a certain few people were uncalled for and that they misunderstood. My question is this, why go negative? Lets be positive.

Well said.....it's great when you are able to buy those machines that do have a lot of things that make it easier on you.
But when you ain't you ain't.....I do everything on my 20 year old pfaff and I love it.
Buying expensive equipment doesn't mean you're a better quilter.
That saying I love the new bernina 750QE my quilting buddy bought.
She was all enthousiastic and telling me a lot about it
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Then at once she stopped, looked at me and said: "Oh...I should stop talking so much about it, I know you can't affort one".
I told her to please go on, as I'm very happy for her and I want her to tell about it.......but really, I don't mind I can buy one

TeresaS, Thank you for expressing your displeasure in regards to a bad experience on this board. It certainly behooves me to be cautious in my correspondence here. Hopefully, you will have more positive results than negative in the future.