Which 'side' are you on?
 

There are certain topics that seem to bring out strong feelings from the responders.

Some of them are:

To wash fabrics before cutting them versus there is no need to

Buying nice fabrics wherever one finds them versus purchasing them only from LQS

Starch/size a fabric before cutting versus thinking a fabric should have enough body on its own

Using steam to press versus using a dry iron to press

WalMart/JoAnn/Hobby Lobby are nice places to shop versus I would rather die than go in any of those!

Using a nice, simple old(er) sewing machine versus top of the line new sewing/embroidery machine

Applique versus piecing

Paper piecing/strip piecing/foundation piecing versus the other kinds of piecing

Long arm quilting versus domestic machine quilting

Tied versus stitched methods to hold the layers together

Binding cut on the straight of grain versus binding cut on the bias


These topics come up over and over - and the responses still seem to be divided -

There are others - those are just the ones I could think of at the moment.

Isn't it great that we can do whatever we feel works better for ourselves??
Or that we can do whatever will be more appropriate for the project at hand?

Any other topics that people seem to feel strongly about?

- I don't wash fabrics..mainly cause I am lazy .So far no problems, but I bet my day of regret will come.
-I buy fabrics anywhere I can. I am on disability and have to get what I can afford. I Do look closely wherever I purchase to make sure I am satisfied with the , quality unless it is from online..I have even bought on ebay.
- Starch is a matter that I decide from the feel of the fabric. When I begin to cut for my GFG, I plan to starch as I will be doing these completly by hand
- My iron doesn't work on steam, so that takes care of that one.
- My machine cost me $99 at Walmart and has run great for years, including daily for the last year. That is all I need.
- I personally prefer piecing over appliques, but that is a matter of personal preference.I don't think one is better.
- I have never paper pieced, but it sounds like too much hassle to me..Not sure what foundation pieceing is, unless it is like using my muslim as a base for my string quilts.
- All my quilting is done by hand,,I can;t afford a fancy machine or to pay someone. I also enjoy hand quilting,again personal preference
- I have tied a few but mostly hand quilt..Some designs just look better one way or the other.
- When I bind, I try to buy the binding. Usually to save I just bring the overage from the back over to the front and sew...

I think that quilting is a lot of personal choices making one happy in their creativity. No one way of doing anything is right or wrong. The only thing wrong would be to let the "quilt police" take the joy out of your work!

well said!!

A GREAT AMEN!:thumbup:

Wouldn't it be sad if we all had to do things the same way. Where would be the creativity, the originality, the individuality, in that?

I suppose that is what makes quilting for each of us so personalized. I suppose trial and error for some people is thier way of doing things and others have to read and know everything before begining anything.

I personally feel that people who have quilted a while and lived with thier quilts know the in's and outs and have a lot of wisdom to share.

There are wonderful people here that share thier talent and expertese. Why not listen and save yourself some heartbreak? But everyone is entitled. LOL...

I have learned so much here on the quilt board, even though I had made quilts for years. Thanks for all of the tips and tricks everyone. It all helps me to be a better quilter.

It depends.

It's interesting, to read the many ways, of getting from point A to point B. I've sewn, for well over 50 years, and am still picking up tips . . . sometimes from newbies. Although I'm a relatively new quilter (less than 10 years and mostly done with smaller craft items), I've also "invented/discovered" easier ways of doing certain things. Having options is part of the joy of sewing/quilting! :thumbup:

I for one, really enjoy reading the discussions on any of these topics. Mainly, because it lets me get to know the poster a tad bit better.

I tend to just do what ever it is with each project. Sometimes wash fabrics, sometimes not and so forth on down the list. I am finding though, through a tip on the board, about starch and I am swaying more and more all the time to starching all fabrics. One of the greatest things with quilting and these topics is that I can always change my mind. Hee, Hee, Hee.

dont wash
buy whereever I feel like(online, joanns,walmart,LQS)-all have something to offer
do all types of piecing-no preference
pay for LA machine quilt but practicing on my domestic
love my high end machine-no interest in old machines but do have a FW coming my way one day from my aunt
binding-depends on quilt edge, scallops, straight, etc.
absolutely love steam and starch

I think people do whats best for them- if there was one way to do things life would be very boring, love that people are very passionate about what they do but some people go overboard and don't realize that its opinion and there are many ways to do things and many things that you can learn from others. No one person knows everything, but some think they do and are not open to learning new things from others. But hey its their loss. I for one love learning lots of new things and different techniques from different people which is why I love taking classes

My sentiments exactly. I have learned so much here. I like the fact that people have differing ideas about how to do things. I love reading the differing strategies. I read them all, then decide what would probably work best for me at that time. I'm glad there are more than one way to do things, places to purchase fabrics, machines to buy, etc.

Almost always!

You forgot us handquilters!! I would have said,

Machine quilting vs. Hand quilting or tying.

We have so many options, sadly there will always be some people who just KNOW that theirs is the ONLY way to do something, and they can be quite vocal about it. Just smile, nod your head, and move away slowly....

I have been making quilts for over 30 years and learned about this very early. We had made what I thought was a traditional quilt and were looking for a sales venue. Went into two different craft galleries. One said "Too traditional." The other said "Too modern". Same quilt.

Just please yourself, that is what is important.

I like the suggestions, and even tried some. Quilting to me, is a learning experience. Quilt Police dare not come to my house!

What about sending tops out to be quilted vs. I must do it all myself? Definitely two camps there lol

I use to make very traditional quilts with very traditional fabrics but after seeing all the pictures here I've changed my ways. I love the new bright and bold fabrics and the new designs now. I even started using batiks, which I swore I never would. So, other people are helping me change and become better and try new things and I love it. My quilting was getting a bit boring, by the way.

The discussions are always interesting. Sometimes they change my mind. Usually do what works for me at the time.

I wash everything that comes into the house to remove chemicals, but also find that every single piece shrinks or "reshapes" itself after washing and drying, EVEN the "higher quality" stuff from the LAQ stores!

I buy nice fabrics at garage sales for 50 cents a yard than 12.99 a yard for the same stuff at the LAQ stores...just needs to be washed!

Once washed & dried, I iron, going with the grain to keep from stretching it out of shape. I DO use sizing because it really does make it easier to cut. I thought some were nuts to say that, but found out for myself. I think it makes a big difference.

Steam? Yes

Walmart- rarely
Hobby Lobby- don't have one that I know of nearby
Joann's- often, but am picky about what I buy there, most often remnants at 1/2 off! (Ok...my "cheapness" is starting to show here. lol)

Any machine is a sewing machine as long as it sews properly. Yes, some of the newer features are very nice, but you're paying dearly for them...sort of like having a remote for your TV...does it make the show any better? No

Applique- ok, if I have to. I'd much rather piece, and love paper piecing results!

Haven't done the LAQ trip yet. I'm cheap...oops, there it is again. lol

Definitely stitched over tied.

Binding definitely cut on the straight grain- it doesn't stretch as much and I think it produces a much nicer finish to the edge.

If I had to choose a topic I do feel strongly about it would be that I cannot, I repeat, cannot work in a messy area! lol I'm a bit OCD.

Same with me.:thumbup:

Pretty much on the fence for me,too! Flannels, I definitely wash, others it depends. Fabric wherever I can find it and it is of good quality and the price is right. I learn shortcuts and tips every day and the more quilting I do the more I am learning tings on my own. Mostly, I do whatever suits me and works for me. I think I have read that a few times on the Board.

To wash fabrics before cutting them versus there is no need to

Buying nice fabrics wherever one finds them versus purchasing them only from LQS

Starch/size a fabric before cutting versus thinking a fabric should have enough body on its own

Using steam to press versus using a dry iron to press

WalMart/JoAnn/Hobby Lobby are nice places to shop versus I would rather die than go in any of those!

Using a nice, simple old(er) sewing machine versus top of the line new sewing/embroidery machine (money matter!)

Applique versus piecing---each has a place

Paper piecing/strip piecing/foundation piecing versus the other kinds of piecing

Long arm quilting versus domestic machine quilting Someone else is doing it--I don't care

Tied versus stitched methods to hold the layers together depends on quilt

Binding cut on the straight of grain versus binding cut on the bias------usually!

Something I'm adamant about is repurposing fabric-----------lots of my stuff is recycled yet almost new fabric

1. I never wash until I've completed the whole quilt--that's why I don't participate in swaps and round/row robins

2. I buy fabric I like wherever I like

3. I'm a steam/starcher

4. Walmart/JoAnn/Hobby Lobby are fine with me if they have what I like

5. I don't make clothes anymore so a simple straight stitch machine is fine for me however I do have mid range embroidery machines cause I'm a gadget person :)

6. I love both applique and piecing

7. I love pp/strip piecing/foundation piecing--all piecing

8. I think the project should dictate the need for long arming, domestic machine or hand quilting--they all enhance the quilt.

9. I've never tied a quilt

10. I'm a bias binding girl--no right or wrong answer for this one--just my preference

I feel there's no wrong or right method to used when quilting--just what's comfortable for you. Kind of like being right handed or left handed;) NO QUILT POLICE ALLOWED IN MY HOUSE!

There is also hand-sewing and quilting versus machine work, and god forbid - computerized patterns (shriek). lol

Using a brand-name sewing machine from the dealer or (gasp) a cheap model from a box store.

My favorite: Needle-turn applique or iron-on raw-edge by machine.

Of ALL the topics listed along the way the only one that will always get my goat is when someone tries to tell me how I should do it because "that is how it is done."

I agree!! If it works for you great! If I don't like it ,thats my problem! LOL If the quilt police show up here I stick them in my sewing area, tune there voices out and watch them get frustrated when I just smile and nod my head and go ahead and do it my way!! LOL They soon leave!

My answer to all the above question.
A definite maybe.

I have no strong view on this. Clearly, no one thinks there is a need to prewash until they have a bleeder!


This is a matter of personal budget. For myself, I prefer higher threadcount, because my time is short, and I have enough money to buy better quality fabric for the little amount I need. Others have more time and less money. Others care less. Whatever.

The more experience I get, the more I starch!

I have no view on this at all.

Same as the one above re quality of fabric. I certainly buy threads and notions wherever, and keep an eye out for things I would like to work with in all sorts of places!

I use a nice simple modern sewing maching!

Dont have the patience for applique but never say never!

Have tried them all. Depends on the project.

Never produced anything that I considered good enough to be worth paying a professional to quilt. But I will one day.

I only tie on tiny projects where the thread would make it too stiff, but each to their own!

Bias cut for curves. Otherwise, whatever works, and that is usually straight.


Of course they are. People have different preferences. That is normal.

I'm on my side. I don't care how or what anybody else does or doesn't do. If you don't like my way then do it your own way but don't insist or demand that I do things your way. I have seen several people on the board insist their way was the only way. Sorry, but no.

Longarm Quilter's have a fence, too. Computerized Quilting. Side 1). If you are not doing it freehand you aren't really being creative. Side 2) Creativity can be found in design selection and placement & isn't necessarily based on moving your arms around.

In all things I figure whatever it takes to get get the end results you are pleased with. I just learned about Wonder Clips and have started machine finishing some quilts. Never hold on too tight to your side of the fence. You might miss the view from the other side or at least the chance to visit with the neighbors.

I do what works for me! And that is subject to change. I like reading about everyone's experiences. Seeing that there are so many different ways to do things helps me to be less rigid about what I do. Being less rigid opens the door to new experiences. I have tossed *always* and *never* out the window. I like being open to trying different methods. Then I can choose what works best for me. :o

A subject that has seemed to get a lot of attention lately is whether buying a certain ruler is worthwhile or not. There seems to be a belief among some that if you are the one who has created an "easier to do xxxxxxx" ruler you are just trying to make money and your tool is not necessary. The other side of the fence is "gee, that tool makes my life easier and my quilting more enjoyable and I will happily give you $xx for having the idea and going to the trouble of manufacturing the tool."

I'm definitely in favor of trying out the tool and seeing if it does make my quilting more enjoyable. And I'm not bitter towards anyone who takes the initiative to create the tool. In fact, I rather admire them.

Another Subject that seems to get alot of heap by some on the board is Quilters that smoke .
I'm one of those smoking quilters and thats the one big reason I don't join in any exchange of fabric
are round robins on here. I quilt for me and mine and enjoy doing so. No Quilt Police alowed in my
home!

I wash all fabrics as soon as they come in the door

I buy fabric wherever I can find them

Have never starched or sized but plan on it

Always use steam
WalMart/JoAnn/Hobby Lobby are nice places to shop

Have a nice, simple old(er) sewing machine

I like both applique and piecing

Any and all kinds of piecing welcome

have only hand quilted

Both stitched and tied are welcome

Binding cut on the straight of grain

I feel very strongly about ironing the seams as I go along. I quilt once a week with the ladies, and none of them press as they go along. Drives me nuts, but I keep my mouth shut.

I am on the "Use whatever works for me side". I do what is best for me and makes me happy with the results, no rules, etc.

That's my stance, too (& this from me who has a stong opinion about EVERYTHING... LOL!). Some (quilty) things I feel strongly about (I always use fabric sizing) & others are more fluid (sometimes I prewash & other times I don't). I look at it that quilting is one place in my life where I get to make the rules!

Hear,hear!

I think we need to go back to basics sometimes!! Think what quilting was all about!! Women using whatever fabrics were to hand, sitting by an open fire,working in candlelight!!! No special rulers or 'gadgets'!! All done by eye!! Modern quilting is really engineering in fabric!!! So whatever suits you is fine!!!! No right or wrong ways.....just different!!!

I wash everything that comes into the house to remove chemicals, but also find that every single piece shrinks or "reshapes" itself after washing and drying, EVEN the "higher quality" stuff from the LAQ stores!

I buy nice fabrics at garage sales for 50 cents a yard than 12.99 a yard for the same stuff at the LAQ stores...just needs to be washed!

Once washed & dried, I iron, going with the grain to keep from stretching it out of shape. I DO use sizing because it really does make it easier to cut. I thought some were nuts to say that, but found out for myself. I think it makes a big difference.

Steam? NEVER, I am a stritzer!

Walmart- rarely
Hobby Lobby- not since their quality now matches Walmart.
Joann's- never, their quality also matches walmart and I would have to drive 2 hours to get to one!

Any machine is a sewing machine as long as it sews properly. Yes, some of the newer features are very nice, but you're paying dearly for them...sort of like having a remote for your TV...does it make the show any better? No

Applique- NO. I'd much rather piece, and love paper piecing results!

Haven't done the LAQ trip yet. I'm cheap...oops, there it is again. lol

Definitely stitched over tied.

Binding definitely cut on the straight grain- it doesn't stretch as much and I think it produces a much nicer finish to the edge.

I am the "quilt police" in that I do believe there are better ways to do things, and if I am going to spend my valuable time, money and energy doing something, then I am going to do it the best I can at 200% or why bother??

I am sitting there beside you. I feel if it works for me, I enjoy it, and the end result is something I am proud of, my way is just fine. If I read something here that I feel is a great idea, I sure give it a try.
I will say that whenever a copyright thread comes up, I cringe. I am pretty sure it will get ugly. LOL!

I agree. I'm still learning about quiltmaking and as when I first learned to sew, I listen to and heed those with experience. And from doing something wrong; nothing teaches like making mistakes!