What I've learned about Quilting....
 

I've learned some pretty cool ideas since I started to read this board...what is the most unique thing you've discovered.... for me it was the difference between ironing and pressing OR maybe using a cookie tray to smooth out the quilt backing (I don't have the recommended boards, but the cookie sheet worked pretty well, especially with the Elmers glue method and polyester batting) OR I don't have to "speed sew", I can go as slowly as I want because there is no such thing as the "Quilting Police"

That quilters are the most generous people on the internet, with their time, supplies and comfort for those in need.

that it is impossible to learn all there is to know about quilting. what a wonderful source this board is.

The only person I need to please is myself. There is no right or wrong way.

All that matters is that I am enjoying myself.

That I can take 1 technique from 1 teacher, another from you-tube & another from this board and make a beautiful wall quilt!

There have been so many tips and good ideas on here that I can't think of one that was better than others.

Amen to that!!

This quilting board helps with all those problems etc not put into books. Quilters give freely their advice and you can take it or leave it as we are all aware that no one way is correct. It is the way you feel happy doing.

The most unique thing I have learned is basting with Elmer's school glue. And that is not glue, but a very thick starch. The Elmer's school glue stick has also become my new favorite quilting/sewing tool that I can't be without.

Not a technique, but the most surprizing thing I've discovered is there are so many quilts I want to make. I'm retired and a life long sewer, but only have been quilting 3 years. When I started, I had 4 quilts planned. Figured I'd make them then go on to another hobby, but looking at all the quilts everyone else has made has made my bucket list really grow. If I'm still quilting at 100, I still won't be done.

Somehow I missed the one on the cookie sheet. I can't narrow it down to just one or even a few tips and techniques. Everything I know about quilting I learned here or on youtube. I love this board and the internet. I haven't met a "french model" yet.:D

I've learned that no matter what question I or another quilter comes up with, some great quilter or lots of quilters will have information on how to solve it! I've found links to sites and resources that give me inspiration, directions, and encouragement. And I've found access to a community of caring, giving people!

I think the cookie sheet one is probably one I discovered on my own. Whatever I make has been too big for the floor, so I've had to use the dining room table and I found that pressing down on a cookie sheet when using the Elmer's glue method helped me. Smoothing with my hands worked to some extent, but the glue and the polyester filling didn't really come in contact unless I used the cookie sheet, just like an iron - but without the heat, which would melt the polyester filling - it works for me!

Lol love this! I have learned everything I think I know from this board!

Lol love this! I have learned everything I think I know from this board!

I learn something new almost every day from here. I have also been inspired to try new things by looking at the many pretty quilts pictured on here.

There is so much to learn and so many techniques to try - there isn't just one way to do anything - you just have to pick the way that makes sense to you.

I had not heard about the cookie sheet, but now I just thought about using my wooden rolling pin. I wonder how that would work? I have learned a tremendous amount, I use to write it all down the first few months, and look at the notes and laugh and say to myself "why did I write that down?"

Glue basting. I'd tried the glue stick before, but it got stuck to everything including my hands.

I think the Quilting Board is a great place and like everyone else I have learned so much more, especially lately. The cookie sheet is new to me too. I find quilters are very generous with their info and time and that is true on this board and in other places I have been with quilters.

How freely the quilters here are with sharing their experience and know how!!

This was my fave too. I had no idea regular ironing stretched out the fabric! What a difference doing it the correct way!

I've learned that I don't even need a pattern much of the time. I just find a block I like, or make one up, and then add whatever borders I want and use the colors I like and combine them however I choose and voila! a quilt that I love emerges!

a rolling pin sounds like a great idea, especially with smoothing the backing

So many ideas, designs, tips and encouragement on this board. Quilt police are banned from my house. If they enter on a Trojan horse, they get shot out like a rocket.

Okay, seriously, somebody has to post a link to this cookie sheet tip, because I've never heard of it either! :) I'm always up for a new technique using household items!

Is it just - use the cookie sheet instead of your hands to smooth out the top/batting/backing? Because you can smooth more all at once?

agree, for the little quilting i do do, most of the time it's made up of different patterns.
What I've learned most from this board is that the world is not as bad as it's made to seem when you've got the love of complete strangers on your side, there to help whenever you call.

I really enjoy everyone's input on a question or problem that are on the board. It is enjoyable to read all the input. I am a self taught quilter and cannot believe how many of the board members are self taught too. Thanks for being there all of the members.

I too, have learned so very much from the members of this board..thank to all of you for sharing your opinions, directions, experience and tips to those of us who need it. Experience info is the best way to learn, at least from me, I am a person that learns from looking at the directions, either printed or on pictures, therefore this Board is a no brainer for me.

The last quilt I sandwiched, I thought about using a rolling pin to press the glue into the fabrics and backing, but I didn't do it. I WALKED on it. It was on the floor, so I stepped to the left, brought my other foot up to that one and stepped again - across the quilt.

The cookie sheet would be used for that also. Pressing the fabrics together; a larger area at a a time. I don't think you can use it for smoothing.

I have a note book that I have been writing in since I started on this board. I have looked back and found things that I was looking for. What a mountain of information I get here; and sometimes I just go back and read my notes and find things that I had forgotten about.

Cooking Tray for Smoothing Backing????
 

I did a quick search on this site and came up with nothing...just what is the cooking tray method of smoothing out the backing?

to know i'm a quilter even if i don't long-arm

One thing I have learned is that the most important thing about quilting is to enjoy the process and practice, practice, practice!

Learning how to baste quilts with Elmer's. Glue sticks are good for piecing when needed.

I have learned so many things since I found the QB, and that there is more than one way to do anything with quilting. Quilters really are some of the nicest, most caring and giving people in the world. I'm not sure what I would do if I couldn't quilt as I've tried dozens of other crafts, but I always come back to quilting. It's a great lifetime hobby as well as a way to work through problems, quilting or otherwise.

I have learned that this board is very addictive and I have to check in with all you quilter friends before I start my day!

Things I have learned: that using Washable Elmer's glue is fantastic, learned how to finally make that darn quilter's knot, if it pleases me then it is okay, that there are more quilts that I want to do than I have time to do, that I have friend's available to help me, that with U-tube tutorials and this board I am not afraid to try any pattern, that quilt police are not welcome and the latest is the use of a cookie sheet or rolling pin when sandwiching a quilt with glue.

Hahahahaha That is so funny! I also thought I would make a couple and go on to another hobby. It's been over 25 years and I'm still loving it and no where near finished with this hobby.

Because I've been using a rolling pin for a number of years (more than I want to admit to), I would suggest putting a sheet of wax paper between the rolling pin and the quilt sandwich -- reason, even though I wash my rolling pin, I don't immerse it in hot sudsy water. Your rolling pin could have "grease" or "oil", etc. -- You don't want to transfer this to your quilt! I thing I would consider buying a "new" separate rolling pin for using on quilts! LOL Just a thought! "Grease Spots" can be the very devil to get out!

Jeanette Frantz

I am hoping to come back to Poland after our visit to the states with some of that completely washable (washes out) school glue.

the cookie sheet one is probably one I discovered on my own. Whatever I make has been too big for the floor, so I've had to use the dining room table and I found that pressing down on a cookie sheet when using the Elmer's glue method helped me. Smoothing with my hands worked to some extent, but the glue and the polyester filling didn't really come in contact unless I used the cookie sheet, just like an iron - but without the heat, which would melt the polyester filling - it works for me!