Question about quilting in general
 

Having read the extensive responses to the comment about quilting and quilt shows, made me think about quilting in general. Hence, I am starting to wonder has the quilting part of the quilting experience become more in vogue than the piecing part?
Of course that does not mean it is good or bad it just means different. I am wondering if the advances in technology have just naturally lent themselves to this new path? While no one has implied one aspect of the quilting process is better than the other, it does seem that the emphasis is on the quilting process. For example, at a recent quilt show, I counted many more long-arm quilting machine vendors than home sewing machine vendors. Also many more workshops and demonstrations dealt with quilting techniques, etc rather than piecing.
After all as a fairly new quilter, 3 years, the aspect I am struggling the most with is the quilting part. Hence, it does not seem surprising that quilting the quilt top appears more significant than piecing. Though, if I am honest I have been drawn, and still am, to quilting because of the piecing. But I understand as someone on this board previously noted, basic patchwork quilt designs have been around for ages and can only be changed so much, while machine and computerized quilting a quilt top are fairly new and still developing.
What is everyone else thinking about the shift of importance in the quilting experience? Again I am not making a value judgment. There is no need for this to be judgmental. There will always be room for anyone's personal preference. Anyone's choice will always be appreciated on its own merits, still some things become more in vogue than others. So is the same things happening in the quilting world?
Sorry this is so long.

Everyone has their own preferences....some love the piecing and send all their quilts out to be quilted. Some rush through the piecing to get to the quilting to make it a work of art. I have a cousin that loves the piecing and hand quilts all her tops. When she's hand quilting, she talks with God about all the things she can think of and asks for guidance. I ponder with him while I am ripping out seams. It's my quiet time.

Me, I like all of it, the piecing, and machine embroidery, and applique and quilting on my long arm. I would absolutely love to have the computer assist for the long arm, but I don't want to invest several more thousand dollars, so I mostly do pantographs. All of my quilts are loved and that's enough for me. If I make a really special top, I will consider sending it out to a good professional, but I find the price of over $600 for the quilting to be out of my price range right now.

I did notice at the Quilt festival in Houston that there were several new long arm manufacturers there this year. I believe this means there are more people quilting now and they believe there is a market for these new machines. Also, some of the manufacturers who have been around for many years, are really expensive. It's hard to believe that you have to pay anywhere from 15 to 25 thousand dollars for a long arm and it isn't computer assisted.

You still have to have a top to quilt. I don't see a whole lot more whole cloth quilts, so even though some quilts have more quilting, I think there's still a whole lotta piecing going on.
I like the entire process, including shopping & petting the fabric!
The thing I see more of is pictorial art quilts.

Because of being disable, it is difficult for me to do the quilting on larger quilts but that shouldn't stop me from still getting some enjoyment from piecing. But since I do mostly piecing now a day, I STILL consider myself a quilter.

I too love the whole process, from picking the pattern, buying the fabrics, to putting on the binding. I don't hand quilt anymore, unless its a small project. I love to piece, machine and by hand. I still consider myself a Quilter. I have been making quilts since the mid 70's. My children (4) and Grandchildren (10) know all the work that goes into making a quilt and love them. I don't worry about what will happen to the quilt tops that don't get quilted, I know they will get them quilted and love and appreciate them.

I love the whole process. The part I like the best is the designing. I think the quilting can make or break a beautifully pieced top. The advancement in technology has allowed more people to do the quilting which makes it the trend right now. Just like sewing machines made it easier for everyone to enjoy piecing a top! I can't wait to see what happens next!

I must say that the quilting part intimidates me. I know that is because I have not had enough practice especially with FMQ. I do the best I can and send some to an LAer.

But I love the designing (altho fabric selection also intimidates and frustrates me at times.) and piecing parts of the process. I love the math--even when it makes my head ache. I love working with fabric. I have always wanted to paint, but cannot draw worth a darn. Fabric allows me to stretch myself and create that picture--just not on canvas.

I am so happy that quilting has come back into vogue. I am seeing new ideas, new fabrics, innovation in every aspect and it excites me. There will always be the purists and those who never willingly colour inside the lines and I know I can learn something from every single one of them.

To me quilting is a lot like coloring, just like the person in the previous post...there is the design and then filling in the design. Piecing makes the lines, whatever the style, technique or inspiration and the quilting, longarm or hand effort, is designed and executed to highlight the design and artistically marry the top, filling and backing and create a beautiful whole. The problem is always balance and, like life in general, sometimes things get a bit wonky. Critics seem to always feel that that means you have to find something negative. I used to be a writer and one critic bashed his preview copy over the layout and never mentioned the content and it was mostly a book about content and directions...talk about missing the point. I get constructive criticism, but always finding something wrong because that is your calling...maybe you need to chill a bit?
The same thing holds true in quilting. Sometimes less is better, but it seems as though a lot of “ quilting technicians” feel that if there is a space it needs to be “filled” and suddenly a quilt becomes a battlefield between the two camps...maker v quilter. When I look at a quilt or anything that combines various elements to create a whole, I feel it should be harmonious and that does not preclude its being bold, even bodacious and incredibly complex, but when the “coloring” between the lines overpowers the initial design...then maybe this should have been a plain cloth quilt. I am in awe of what people are able to create by hand in stitching and dazzled by what these new longarm machines and their operator’s can produce, but when the background overpowers the foreground...you need to find another person to better interpret your vision.

Yes, I think the advances in technology do have a lot to do with the current popularity of and emphasis on the quilting stage of quiltmaking. The difference I see is that now the sky's the limit where the act of quilting is concerned. Amazingly elaborate quilting, which would be impractical from a hand quilting standpoint, or perhaps even from a DSM machine quilting standpoint, is now within everyone's reach because of the stand up machines. So I think it's natural that some people would gravitate to that as a new skill to acquire, and reach for new levels of artistry, and the impact of that would be seen in the quilt shows.

I think of the quilting stage of quiltmaking as a practical, utilitarian step necessary to turn a top into something that can be used and enjoyed. This is not to say that it can't be beautiful, but in my mind, the quilting is in service to the goal of creating a quilt. Or in other words, I piece a top because I want to end up with a quilt, and the way to get there is to quilt it. I don't piece a top because I want something to practice the art of quilting on.

I just love the look of hand quilting. The thing I like less about machine quilting (and I'm learning to machine quilt myself, because I know I can't finish all the quilts I would like if I stick to hand quilting), is that it doesn't have the lightness of hand quilting. There's twice as much thread being used, and there are no spaces between the stitches, which give such a unique effect. So heavily quilted machine quilted quilts, which are certainly the current trend, don't appeal to me personally the way elaborately hand quilted quilts do, although I am totally in awe of the skill level being demonstrated.

ManiacQuilter 2, you are definitely a quilter. You can't machine quilt without a top.. I feel everyone who works at making or finishing a quilt is a quilter, regardless of what or how we do it. Barny

What an interesting discussion. I think the advancement of technology for long arm quilting has opened a door for new art forms. I've seen some quilts that should be in the category of thread art. I'm still wondering if digitized quilting is art or science. I do know that the process of design and color selection give me a sense of satisfaction I would wish for everyone.

I used to get a little discouraged with all of the LA quilts. I haven't been able to do any part of quilting for awhile due to some health issues so I have had time to think about it a little. I found joy in all parts of making a quilt. There was always some frustration as I learned something new or made a mistake etc. but I always found the joy again. That is the point, the joy. I never sent my quilts to a LA. I always found a way to quilt or tie it myself and the recipients loved them. I now have a great appreciation for LA quilts and maybe someday I will will send a quilt out to have it done. For now I live vicariously through all of you wonderful members.

Being a new quilter, I enjoy most all parts of the process. Selecting fabrics and determining how I will use them in a quilt design lets me feel creative. I enjoy the piecing and can't wait to get a top put together. However, I do struggle with the quilting ... but I keep trying. I am basically doing straight line quilting (which isn't as simple as it sounds) but I so badly want to learn FMQ. I quilt primarily for local charities and I want my quilts to bring joy to those who receive them.

Sharon

They call me the "Queen of the Quilt Tops"...I love finding the pattern, choosing the fabrics and piecing the top. That's where I stop. I absolutely hate, hate, hate sandwiching, quilting and binding them! Can't afford to send them out and so they sit. Hence I AM the Queen! LOL

My *Favorite* part of the process is the design from drawing it out on graph paper to selecting the luscious fabrics. I've improved my piecing skills too and I love to see the design I had on paper come to life.

But doing just that was unsatisfying. Lots of beautiful designs but....so the last year and a half, I've been really focusing on actually quilting the tops. From overall quilting, FMQ individual blocks, to now I'm working on FMQ negative space.

And...guess what! I never in my wildest dreams thought that the quilting would become part of my DESIGN process! That has been a wonderful gift. Now when I draw my designs on graph paper, I'm also drawing the quilting. It's taken this hobby to a whole new level of art for me.

My favorite part is piecing because I think that is where the creativity is. I have never sent my quilts elsewhere to be done and never will even though I am much better at piecing than quilting and really all I have for it is a domestic home sewing machine. I would rather all of them were 100 percent made by me rather than perfect and someone else did the quilting. Sorry to offend anyone, but I think the only people that really notice quilting stitches are other quilters. Everyone sees the piecing.

You should pair up with someone just starting out in a long-arm business. Often they will quilt tops free of charge to gain enough experience to build their business.

I find the whole process of making a quilt exciting and pleasurable as I am creating something unique and the end result is always a surprise. No matter how much I try to visualise what my quilt will look like when completed, it's almost like an 'unveiling' when I sew that last stitch and lay my quilt out on the floor to look at. Each stage is exciting as it is one step closer to a completed quilt so I like to take my time to enjoy and absorb the stages without rushing and turning it into a process that I just want to 'get done with'.

I wonder how much influence these online forums have over trends and fashions worldwide?

These days we can all see and examine photos of quilts and designs which were created anything like 3000 miles away, while we drink our morning coffee. 15 - 20 years ago this was not possible.

We can observe new techniques, all made simple with tutorials. We can discover what new equipment is available, all with a click, and the despised adverts tell us where to buy them quickly.

So now we can all be inspired to do more in ways which we would not be if we were working alone.

Personally, up to now, by the time I've finished piecing I'm usually in a hurry to get the quilt together and done, so mainly do quick and easy quilting, especially if I'm on a birthday deadline. However the more I see beautiful bespoke designs online the more I'm tempted to have a go myself. So I am definitely influenced by what I see online.....

Cheers, Kate

For myself, the wonderful online instruction from people like Leah Day ,Wendy Butler Burns and Cindy Needham made the quilting process seem like something that I could manage to do myself. I am enjoying it so much that i can't imagine letting someone else have all the fun. Although if there was a spray basting service, I'd be all for it :-) .
It's great that what each of us enjoy is different because it would be boring to go to a quilt show and see a room full of my quilts all quilted and pieced the same as mine.

Well said, Siodach. The internet is changing the quilt world just as it has every other aspect of our lives. But, in this case IMO, it can be beneficial just as it has been in medicine. We quilters, whether purists who never have a machine touch any part of their quilt, or the most modern of us using all the new techniques and technology, create works of comfort and beauty. That is the end purpose of a quilt is it not? To bring beauty, art, to others while also proving warmth and tangible love. Someone has the word PIECEMAKER as part of their tag. With this board, in particular, we talk with others from all walks of life from all over the world. We support one another through trials and joys of life.
We are PEACEMAKERS who bring truth, love and light to everyone we touch; be it up close and in person or far flung.
I enjoy learning of quilting styles and customs from other lands. Our forefathers and foremothers would be amazed at what we are achieving.
So, enough rambling, it is wonderful that everyone is thus far, expressing their musing with acceptance. We celebrate our differences and know in our own heart, th. All aspects from pattern and pattern selection to the application of the binding is a process allowing us to be creative and practical just as our ancestors.
Quilters are overall an accepting lot. We tend to support the newbie---not "eat our young".
Keep up the good work everyone and enjoy your day.

I love every aspect of making a quilt from start to finish.

I'm right there with you. I don't take on anything too complicated for my skill level if it is a quilt for someone else, and I play around with techniques for myself. Some work, some don't. Some I like, some I don't. When I cut the last thread when it is done I get a feeling of satisfaction. I quilt on a DSM and have done some hand quilting when I feel like it.

Coffeecozy-I so agree with you. A basting service would be great as that is the process I don't like so well. Especially if the quilt is larger than a double. I do manage getting it done somehow and am finding tricks that are making it manageable and once it is all basted, I so like the FMG process. It's so relaxing FMGing my quilt and every quilt I do gets better. Am getting comments now like "you did that" and that is so encouraging. I know not everyone feels the same about FMGing and that is why we are all unique and have our own special things we enjoy. Good conversations on this topic.

I haven't been into quilting very long (couple of years) so I can't really say from first-hand experience how much the emphasis has changed. Judging from quilts my grandmothers made, though, it seems to be something quite modern and new. I realize it copies and mimics a lot of hand-quilting patterns, so it's more of a twist on an old technique rather than something brand new in the world.

I don't think it's all that surprising though; I think as technology become available to quilters, there will be rushes of techniques that flow through the quilting community as they become available.

I'm sure when the rotary cutter became a thing, it swept the quilting community like a brushfire. Anybody here still use a cardboard template and a pair of scissors to cut blocks? I remember my grandmother doing that, I bet she would have LOVED a rotary cutter in her day! My grandmothers both did hand embroidery on blocks in quilts they gave me; what would they have done if they'd had embroidery machines at their disposal? How would that have affected their quilt planning?

I wish my grandmothers were still around, I'd love to hear their opinions on FMQ quilting. I think they both would have liked how it looked, but I think only one of them would have wanted to start adding it to her quilts.

For myself...I'm not as concerned about creating a perfect quilt as I am about simply creating something with my hands for someone I love. 99% of my quilts are made for a specific person, and for me, the time I spend working on that quilt and thinking about that person are an integral part of quilting, so sending it off for someone else to quilt is not appealing to me. Maybe if it were a quilt for myself, but those are too valuable for practicing on! LOL

But I sure do like looking at those intricately quilted works of art at the shows. I will probably not ever reach that skill level myself, but that doesn't bother me. It's not necessary for my quilts to be works of art...I call them "hugs trapped in fabric" and there's no judging a hug; you just enjoy them. :)

I think there is more value placed on machine quilting than on the piecing now. I have viewed many quilts here on the board that are beautifully pieced and quilted on a long arm, and it seems to me, the quilting gets more remarks. I have just bought my first long arm and while I will use it on all my quilts, I do not expect to become an fabulous quilter. I personally do not like all the extreme quilting that is done on quilts. I have used plain lines of stitching on my quilts and think they have turned out great. I read blogs of some modern quilters and they do not ever use the fancy feathers and swirls all over their quilts and I find that very refreshing, and they do not use long arms either. I believe the focus on all the heavy quilting will pass and something else will begin, it's life and there is always change.

Thank you so very much for all of your insightful and thoughtful responses to my query. It does seem to be more based on personal preference and individual skill level. And most significantly I gather from this discussion we are a great and open-minded dedicated group of quilters, making it a life mission to bring happiness to our world. Thank you indeed. Keep on quilting.

I love all aspects of quilting, EXCEPT sandwiching the quilts, for some reason that part of the quilting process leads me to procrastinate getting my quilts ready to be quilted. I have even machine quilted 2 king size quilts on my DSM, which was very interesting, but I did it. If only I could find a little quilt fairy who would sandwich my quilts, I'd probably get a lot more quilted. LOL. That said, although some blocks have been around for years, making color and fabric choices can give a whole different look to a block, so something old can be made new again, it's all in how you look at it.

Dclutter said every thing I was going to say so, I will just say "ditto."

I agree with what joe'smom says here:

"I think of the quilting stage of quiltmaking as a practical, utilitarian step necessary to turn a top into something that can be used and enjoyed. This is not to say that it can't be beautiful, but in my mind, the quilting is in service to the goal of creating a quilt. Or in other words, I piece a top because I want to end up with a quilt, and the way to get there is to quilt it. I don't piece a top because I want something to practice the art of quilting on. "

I am a beginner at best on FMQ and I do this on my domestic machine. It is challenging no question. When I see quilts that are elaborately quilted my mind automatically says, WOW that's great, but the quilt goes into a category of "computerized" quilting. I love piecing so that's what I personally focus on when I look at a quilt unless the quilting is such that it becomes the focus instead...does that make sense? That said if I could afford it, I would send some of my tops out to be long arm quilted because they are large or I want them done so I can get on to the next one :-)

Well said, Joe'smom. My sentiments, exactly.

I do think that technology has changed the world of quilting--from the rotary cutter to long arm quilting, to our use of this QB, blogs, Pinterest, ability to get free patterns via the internet, etc. I love long arming but view the entire process as quilting. I see the piecing portion of quilt making as the chance to "play" with color to create something wonderful and unique, even if the block design is a traditional one. I view the quilting process as chance to "dress" and enhance the quilt top with texture.

One thing that I see changing the quilting aspect in the 2 year since I purchased my LA is the sales boom in the sit-down, mid-arm machines.

I very much disagree. I think pattern choices, fabric choices, piecing choices are advancing every day. And the type of quilts. 50 years back, you'd never see "art" quilts as decorations. And "rag" quilts are more popular than ever, offering people like me more opportunities than ever before

This has been a great discussion....almost a pause in the road to look forward and back and see where we are. Each of us loves our quilting for our own reasons and it seems those reasons can change based on comments from quilters about initially loving piecing and how that love transferred itself to applique, etc.
Technology has been such a gift to this art form and it's only going to keep going, which means ultimately the price of longarms will start coming down, and that's a blessing in itself. But in spite of all the technological advances, there will always be some little girl or boy who takes a piece of fabric, cut's two shapes, threads a needle and sews those shapes together. It's a wonderful life!

I like the piecing part of quilting and not the sandwiching part. I think if I had the room/tables to spread out my quilt I wouldn't mind it but as it is I glue baste part - let it dry for a while - move it - glue it, etc. What I really love is chain piecing twosies & foursies and string foundation blocks. If I could afford it I would have a sit down quilting machine.