We learn by DOING, and practice leads to improvement.

Patience. And the you can do it. I like when someone shows a picture of their project then ads a tute to go along with it.. :thumbup: Learn lots that way.

i am a sort or new quilter. I read where you recommend starch, starch, starch. WHY? I spray some water on then press (water is easy to get). But I would like to know the reason for starch and the difference of using that or water. Thanks all. I am sure I will have more questions as I go along. Good thoughts

Wow! Do you have to put a flea collar on those?? :lol: :lol:
(just kidding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

it doesn't REALLY matter to me if it's 'square', or it has 'points', as long as the colors in it are pretty.

Connie we like the starch because it makes the fabric more stable, makes cutting, peicing and pressing easier; I only used water for years , I like a nice sharp crease... but my cuts weren't always straight when I trimmed, and my blocks would end up distorted from pressing ... starch helps with all those problems. you should try it , if you don't like it, you can change again.

I'm a newbie...help me understand how you use the starch and what kind. Thanks! (Love all the photos of quilts!)

I have learned so many tidbits here and there, but the best thing I enjoy about this site is that I get sooooo much inspiration from all your pictures!!! Gets me in the mood to quilt!

Too Funny!!! Marsye

Patience. Walk away when I start making mistakes. Don't worry over the small mistakes. Enjoy my work and the end results even if it is not perfect. Also learn from what everyone else says.

I'm with you.

And when I can get to a DIY store and get a thick sheet of styrofoam, I'll surround my Janome 1600 with it, as I learned to do through this QB.[/quote]

Weezie, Just curious... please explain why you are "surrounding your Janome with styrofoam" ??? I must have missed that on the QB? Thanks :-)

What I've learned and why I love quilting.....There are no mistakes. There are errors but there is nothing that can't be fixed. The result....might not be what we planned or expected....but NO ONE knows that but us, the maker.

And, the love that goes into a quilt is worth all the frustration or excitement we feel.

Just think "How far that love travels"? One of my quilts is now in Germany. My niece and her husband are stationed there.

Ain't Love Grand!!!!

"Scant 1/4 seam"? I think I missed something....lol

Take my time and even if it a mistake it is not the end. Keep going

Connie, hi! Do a search for "starch" Lots of info on its uses!

To clean my machines regularly -- and to discard fear and dread!

But be sure you've got the correct measurement! Unlike what I did. :roll:

Love your answer, I was just thinking "slow down", but you covered it all.

Patience

Do it YOUR way!

And everything everyone else has said so far. PLUS I have learned that Quilters have the biggest hearts and kindest spirits.

amen to that !!

Yes, to all of the answers - It is always amazing the wealth of knowledge out there.

Starching & how to figure the correct angle when putting binding on

That connecting with other quilters like this is priceless.

First instinct was to say 'stop her from using it' :roll: It is to extend and give level surface of her work area for quilting!!!

Yeah, to your reply - I agree entirely :lol:

I learned there is no quilting police!! Most people will love a quilt, mistakes and all...if they don't....let them make thier own!!
Most quilters are friendly people willing to share what they have learned.
505 basting spray is a++++!
Starch is my friend. :P
If you are not sure, ask...someone here always comes up with the answer.:D
Cheap thread is not my friend. :-(
Ugly fabric is in the eye of the beholder and maybe in your stash! :wink:
I love this place and all you great people!:)

Ditter

There are no dumb questions.
Use the back of your cutting mat.

Other people make mistakes just as "interesting" as I do . . .

I want to try my hand at the verticle spray basting technique. I will have to set up my garage to do this!

I am new here but in reading this, I hear starch, starch, starch. At what point do you gals starch the fabric? What is the benefit? I love learning new tips!!

I don't know I haven't learned it yet? :(

I hardly every starch. I usually use fabric that has enough body to be usable "as is."

Exception: If I'm cutting something like kites or shapes with two or more bias edges.

how to make a hanging design wall and also putting together the quilt sandwich together on it. I like the ladder stitch for sewing down the binding also

about the scant 1/4 in. seam, and starching

I agree with you on this one it changes your whole view of the project that you thought before was !!!

ENJOY!!! learn, relax and be willing to share with others.

Mind your seams!