As I was quilting the other day, I realized that I've learned so much on this board, and I've changed or improved how I do things. I'm curious to know what others have changed. Here's what I have, based on posts here on QB:

1. Double-layer binding for a stronger edge. I particularly liked this tutorial which also introduced me to an easy approach to mitred corners:
Sharon Schambers:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PE0Yq9iGlc

2. Using starch to reshape pieces. (I never used starch before!) In particular, Sharon Schamber's great set of tutorials here really helped me turn a monster of a problem quilt into something at least acceptable when I ran into problems. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQkF02vpVuw

3. Hand-basting of quilts (including the starching of backing). This has totally changed the quality of my finished quilts, reducing puckers. (I used to do minimal basting on the floor.) Using Sharon's boards method has made basting quick, enjoyable and I know that I'll end up with a better product.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhwNylePFAA

4. Free Motion Quilting. I didn't even know about this before, much less that I could do this on a plain ol' sewing machine. I particularly enjoyed Leah Day's "Free Motion Quilting Project" at http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.c...tart-here.html
She has great tutorials for a slew of different FMQ patterns, but it is her energy and straightforwardness and simplicity that drew me in, and made it seem like even I could try it.

I still have a lot more to learn, but these four have really changed how I do things. What about you? What have you changed or strengthened as a result of using this board?

-- Jillaine

OMG I have learned SO much here.
I've learned about glue basting.
I've learned about putting mole skin on the machine bed for a more-accurate scant 1/4" seam.
I've learned to make HSTs bigger and trim them down.
In fact, I've learned how to square up and trim at all points in the process so my quilts are more "technically correct."
Most important is that I've overcome my fear of FMQ. It's a whole new world and I'm getting better each time with the knowledge and encouragement from all board members.
There are so many other things I've learned that I can't even remember!
Enough for now.

Everything CompulsiveQuilter said and more. I just can't name them all right now. ;)

The blocks of the month really helped me improve my piecing skills.

Glue binding. Great method that I use all the time. Thanks Sharon Schamber'

Just being on this board has changed my life for the better,as for quilting well thats got a whole lot better,when I can get to it and am not in here that is. ;) :D

On FMQ, I would also add the videos of "patsern" such as:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVQC4YzhJYU

She's a great teacher as well. Great advice. Calm voice.

I didn't have anyone to teach me anything about quilting so this board has been my teacher for everything that comes to quilting. My list would start from how to pick fabric to finishing a quilt and everything in between. I knew absolutely nothing about making a quilt but now there is no stopping me. :-)

cjomomma, how did you stumble upon QB?

We are never too old to learn new things and I have learned alot just listening to the comments of others on the board. Met a new friend or two and can share skills I have learned over the years.
Information such as we have been exchanging cannot be bought and paid for; friends helping friends, that is life at its best.

Carol J.

Far too much to list!!! I love this site!

The first thing was the tube quilting, glue basting, and just all around "no fabric police allowed" has given me the freedom to make things to my liking and not be worried if I break an instruction rule or not. Best thing, is when I am in a slump there is a string I have bookmarked that answers the problem or a quick post and I have help. Before I spent so much time buying fabric and projects that when I hit a problem I just UFO'ed them and went on hoping that the thing would fix itself. I too am a self taught quilter and the lessons have been invaluable.

It's a long story but I will try to shorten it. LOL!
When I was pregnant with my 4 year old about 3 months in my hormones went wacky and I started having severe anxiety and panic attacks. I couldn't sleep when the anxiety kicked in so I would spend my nights surfing the internet trying to occupy my mind. I had been quilting for a few years but I wasn't very good at it so one night night I did a search for quilting and it brought me here. I was a lurked for 3 years before joining the QB. So I guess you can say I've been here for 5 years now just not as a member. :-)

I hope that was short enough?

Wow, how in the world did you lurk for 3 years! :shock: I lurked for 5 minutes before joining! :lol: I'm glad you joined anyway, I love posting with you. :thumbup:

What I have learned from the QB is that quilters all over the world are just as friendly and helpful as they are locally. I cannot imagine not being a part of the QB now.

cjomomma, thanks for sharing your story. I have found that quilting has been a wonderful anti-anxiety drug myself. It's been a tremendous contribution to me the last year or so.

You are welcome. I always say that quilting is what keeps me sane.

The lurking was part of my anxiety. What made me join was that someone had requested fabric to make doggy beds and I really wanted to donate to her. I'm so glad I finally joined because I have made so many many friends that have made my life much happier.

That is me exactly! No teacher, but the desire to learn! So many great teachers here on the quilting board....who needs classes? All of you are like a best friend to me!

I just got interested in quilting when I found out you could use a machine to do it. That clinched it for me I was all in. I found this board through another crafting board I was hanging out on.

I've learned how to press seams to one side (I always opened them up for clothes), I learned about using starch, and I learned that some of the cutest patterns are really easy to do but they make you look like a geometry genius.

Love, Love, Love Quilting Board.

"What have you changed since using Quilting Board?"

Honestly??? More than anything I've "changed my mind" the most. Everytime I cruise the board I change my mind about the next project I want to do. Just when I think I've picked a pattern and fabric and colors someone comes along and posts something that catches my eye and I have to start the planning process all over again. Not complaining though, it keeps my creative juices flowing and I love it. Thanks everybody for the inspiration!!!

Ditto!!!

The way I did my household chores!!LOL So much has changed for me . Now I have daily friends to be with who enjoy the things I enjoy and I think that has been the most important thing. I am a self-taught quiter, many years ago, so you can imagine all the new methods I have learned( or at least read about). I think that starching has probably been the thing that helped me most, and tips about rotary cutting.

to much time on the borad and not in the sewing room. HA HA love it here. just need about 20 more hours in my day.

I could write pages on this great topic.
The board has really expanded my horizons in quilting. I don't think a day goes by that I don't learn something new or a different way to do something. Before this board I never machine quilted, never used starch, did terrible bindings,
the list really goes on and on.
Believe it or not I'm actually making more quilts now, even though I spend a lot of time here.
Thanks everyone!

Companionship and good advice from fellow quilters. I also like the creativity displayed here.

My father died unexpectedly over a year ago, my mother is in a nursing home with Alzheimer's, the owner of my sewing shop (who was a great friend and inspiration)died last year and my husband and I decided to close our business after 20 years due to the economy and being tired of fighting a losing battle. The QB is always there for me. There are those of you who are shining examples of what is good about the world and you(maybe unknowingly)inspire me to keep going and keep quilting. You model a life of kindness, doing good works, encouraging each other, sharing and caring. Thank you so much!

I have learned a lot of new things, been reminded of some old knowledge, learned new tricks, discovered templets, The greatest change for me? Everything does not have to be perfict! I have learned to stand up for the way I make my quilts. The Quilt Police do not bother me anymore. The last one I ran into was during a class and down right rude! So I told her I was very glad that she knew so much about the pattern and how it should be done , asked to see her verson, (she had never done it) and told her since my quilt is so "dredful" ,her word, she did't have to look at it. Shocked the rest of the group, and the instructer, but she shut up and did't critize anyone elses project. Made some new friends that day. The instructer smiled and said I was doing great,(I think she ment the quilt)LOL

When I was quiliting more actively, I loved belonging to quilt groups mostly for the show and tell. Now that computers are incorporated so much, I can't wait to start back up again and sharing my progress and get such genuine feedback from such a caring, supportive community. Thank you all for being out there!!!

I didn't really start quitting till I joined. My very very very first quilt is still unfinished and more of a giant pillow case right now. What I have learned since joining is starch your fabrics for better accuracy and to look twice and cut once. Also that there is no right way to do anything. Just the way you like best. I have also learned new patterns and found that I love batiks more than any other fabric type out there. I have also learned that I am not as bad a quilter as I thought. Realized this this last weekend when I went to a local guilt show by my house. One of the venders I was showing my dds top that I am still trying to figure out the next set of blocks for and she was shocked and amazed at it. And my age and the fact it has been almost two years that I have actually been quitting closer to a 1 1/2 years for really quitting.

I've learned everything thats been listed but also
I can do it! With help and practice, practice, practice!
There are wonderful, loving and helpful people here. Some who are nicer than my own family! I've lived in this area for 20+ yrs and don't have many ppl I would call " true" friends but been part of the boared a few years and know plenty! Can't wait to make more! Thank you all for brightening up my days!! :)

Mostly knowing that I can stop when I have a problem or questions and come here and ask or search and instantly get help!! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

How true!! It's having experts right at your fingertips!! :thumbup:

I've learned I don't have enough hours in the day to learn everything I can learn from here! Y'all Rock! (so they say)
Thanks for everyone posting bits and pieces to help us learn
new ways to do things, or tips make other things easier!

I forgot to mention the wonderful spirit of the board: people I feel I know and definitely love- kindness, humor, caring- this board has it all :D

The best thing I have learned is that each quilt is unique in its own way. The board has given me the confidence to try new things and realize that it doesnt have to "be perfect"...Just adds character. lol

The board has offered many techniques that I can choose to use and most of all given me friends that I never would have met that are now precious to me---Thanks to all the board members!!!

I love the Quilting Board! I learned about glue basting and how to pin blocks better. It's also an inspiring place. I see a lot of love going on as well as gorgeous-gorgeous quilts!

I'm a newbie. I've learned the importance of pre-washing fabric before cutting. Also I read the tip on snipping all four corners of a piece of fabric before washing to cut down on the fraying during the washing process. Haven't tried it yet but will on my next quilt. Also, learned not to expect perfection on my hand quilting. Just keep practicing and the stitches will get better and better.

I think that starching is the best thing I have learned. next are all the tutes and video links that are so helpful, but the biggie is having a large group of friends, because everyone is so friendly and helpful. I moved across the country from CO to WV in my old age and left behind all my friends and former co-workers who all keep in touch and meet together regularly. I have been bereft here as I am now handicapped by a piched nerve in my back and cannot even walk for exercise, which was always my best form of exercise, being used to walking 3 miles a day. So, now, here I am, no exercise, no old friends and a very few people I know here. Now, I feel as if I have a vast amount of friends who will help me if I need it at any time.

I think I learn something new everyday. These plus so many more. I also appreciate the comments of others and love, love the pictures of others quilts share here. I look forward to each day's journey through the eyes of these talented quilters. I am also amazed that we are so diverse, from young quilters to those up in their years, to the fact we have this common bond all over the world.

The knowledge gained here has become a way of life, to the point of not being conscious of the origin. The QB is my private 24/7 live in instructor, friendship circle, and often my meal companions.