Narrow-minded for material selection for quilt making
 

I know a couple that works with a church group that make quilts - they made 99 of them last winter.

I've seen some of the quilts 'in person' and photos of the last ones.

They are lovely - they are well made, the fabric selections are pleasing. They are tied.
The husband and wife make up kits to distribute to the other members of the group. He does the cutting - He stated his accuracy is to within 1/64th of an inch - and it makes the pieces go together ever so much better.

They use just about anything that is washable and not slippery.

So after seeing what they use - and it turns out lovely - I've started to think that I am very narrow-minded in what I think is "acceptable"

You have to be true to yourself. If you are going to be forever critical of the quality of fabric you used in your quilt, perhaps you need to continue using what makes you happy. That being said, make a simple, small project using less expensive fabric. Put it to the test of frequent washings then make your determinations.

Maybe you are fussy about fabric for the quilts you make because you want the fabric to look good, wear well, and make a statement about your craftsmanship. I know I wouldn't want to take a chance on some 'not slippery' fabric shrinking up or fading after a wash or going to pieces in the dryer, or gathering lint, or pilling ....

It sure is a lesson, though, isn't it? The value of their quilts is in the careful labor and design choices.

Good thought for a Sunday!

I am not narrow minded in my fabric selection. I shop at Joann's and love my local store and that's mostly because I love the employees there. But also because I am on a budget and can not afford to use name brand fabrics all the time. I have a creepy obsession with charm packs. Lol and I love moda fabric so I have to be very selective in what I but name brand to make my money go further.

I made my niece a flannel quilt using all joann flannels and it's been a year and it is holding up great even if the binding looks like poo. I used Walmart fabrics for a tie quilt and pillow for my niece as well and it's holding up well also.

I just pick and choose fabric as I go and whether I buy it from Joann's, an online shop or eBay even Joe Schmoe down the block as long as I am happy with it and it's not falling apart as I sew and cut then I am happy. The only thing I steer clear from now is broadcloth because I didn't know it wasn't all cotton and melted some while pressing seams. Lesson learned and thankfully a cheap on at that.

The only thing sewing wise I am snobby about is my machine. I will never ever buy a big store machine again because after having two break down in less that 8 mths I will stick with my very awesome janome dealer. Nothing like having the kind of customer service that makes you feel important.

When I first started quilting I was not picky but I have had several experiences where material I bought on sale was flawed and did not hold up. I also bought some cheap material that stretched and was hard to work with so I am a little more picky than I use to be. I am sewing by hand so I want my material to be easy to sew on. I have stupidly bought material that was too heavy and hard to work with. I guess everyone has to decide for them selves but I want my things I make to be usable and hold up to washings and they do if I use good quality matrial.

When I first started quilting, I thought I needed to use fabric from one line when I made a quilt. I think it was because I was a "color idiot" LOL! It took a long time, but I no longer feel the need to use one line, one manufacturer, or "better" fabrics all the time. I use what catches my eye, plain and simple. As long as it holds up to the prewash, I'll use it :) All in all, I think my problem was color-coordinating. I found that using one of those "peepholes" for doors really helped me there. Looking at the fabric far away can really make the wrong fabrics stand out!

If you're going to put in the time, love and effort to make a quilt, I would think it's better to use materials that make you happy.

I think I didn't make what I was trying to say very clear -

They are just more innovative and creative n what will work than I am/was.

They use cotton interlock and single knits - for example - for backings - (Probably no more bizarre than using t-shirts in a top?)

They will use used blankets (that are not wonky) as fillings/battings.

She mentioned several times how varied textures can be appealing.

I had a chunk of a weird green of interlock - and another cotton with a rough finish - she put the two pieces together and it was BEAUTIFUL!

They are very particular about what looks good - and is NOT sleazy.

So after being with them for a while - my horizons of what might work have been broadened.

Thank you G and R.

PS - Their group makes "love quilts" - not "charity quilts"

I like the term love quilt much more than charity quilt.

Give it a try to see if it works for you. I know our church made "50" for 50 years and they turned out lovely also. At least some did, some made me shudder. I know true scrappys of the past used anything and everything, maybe you like the look. There is alot of commercialism in todays quilting, patterns that require their rulers, expensive machines, ect. You may open a door to new creative possibilities.