Personal "inviolable rules"
 

Do you have any when it comes to sewing in general, or piecing/quilting in particular?

My "rules" have evolved over time and experience.

There are things that matter to me that do not seem to matter to some other sewers - I admit to cringing when I see what they are doing (or not doing) - but I am trying very hard to keep my "other viewpoint" comments to myself.

Two of the things that are high on my list - washing (which includes soaking in hot water for a couple of hours) all washable components before cutting and straight grain lines (where feasible). I've learned to watch for off-grain prints and processing that gets the fabric off grain.

I've learned that some things can be "worked around" - and some things "are what they are" -

Example: Most musty smells can be washed or aired out. Moth ball scent is - as far as I know - there "forever."

Do you have any - what others may consider - "quirks" or "unreasonable requirements"?

Washing in cold water with 1/4 cup salt before storing new material is my only rigid rule that I can think of.

I can't think of an absolute rule. I'm always pushing the boundries...it's my nature.

For 99% rule: wash all fabric; use straight of grain; hi value contrast in each quilt; unique color palate; learn something new with each project; my time is worth something so I make quality quilts with good quality materials (and I have the resources); finished is .

Excluding art quilts: points usually match; one fabric isn't stretched to match the length of the other; fabrics are of same fabric content and weight.

There's probably more.

I am a believer in washing, pressing, and pinning.

My personal quilt rule is: No dead fish! Fish must always be upright or at least diving, no back strokes... You'd be surprised how many times the fish rule has floated to the top.

Keep all quilt police out of my life. In general, they're usually not much fun anyway.

The only in my sewing room is a Safety rule. Rotary cutters are Never to be laid down open. I ever catch someone setting the cutter down with the blade exposed they are no longer allowed to touch them- they have to from then on use scissors- and, no one under 18 gets to use a rotary cutter- and no one under 15 gets to use the iron. It’s all fun till someone gets hurt- safety comes first. No food in the sewing room, nothing other than water to drink.

each project must push my skills. No jelly roll race quilts here :)
I couldn't care less what anyone else does.

I am with ckcowl, my one and only hard fast rule, is a rotary cutter must be "closed" when finished with the cut, and never laid down unless blade is retracted or covered. And also, always cut away from you with the rotary cutter, no matter what. Safety is always first when it comes to those round razor sharp blades in my studio. I just cringe when I see one laid down not being used at classes.

I have only one rule: My sewing room must be completely cleaned before I start another project. Everything put away, room dusted, floor swept, trash taken out, and domestic and LA sewing machines thoroughly cleaned (and oiled, if needed). I never change my needles unless I start hearing “popping” sounds when I sew.