If the "quilt police" begin arresting people, we will be in great company! Make sure and bring along your thimbles, needles, thread and a block of material we can work into a quilt! LOL

just like most everything else in life . . . it is best to know what the alleged rules are so you may break them!!! i believe every quilter every where needs to read the book: THAT DORKY HOMEMADE LOOK, QUILTING LESSONS FROM A PARALLEL UNIVERSE, by Lisa Boyer. the lessons learned by reading this will make you feel "normal"!!!

What rules? It's YOUR quilt!

Ok, so I haven't read this complete thread, but thought I'd stick my 2 cents' worth in here. It helps me if I know the "becauses"!
Avoid bias edges because they stretch and distort the shape of the block easily. (Press with iron up and down, not side to side when working with bias.)
Keep a consistent seam so everything measures out according to the pattern. And l/4 inch seam (Oh have I had difficulty with them!!!) are necessary so points are not cut off.
Sharp needles work better and dull blades cut fingers easier than they cut fabric. That's a promise.
Can't comment on interfacin from experience as I have never used it!! Saving that for the future.

Removing lint from the machine results in less problems with tension and fewer trips to the shop for cleaning and repairs.

Bottom Line: If it works for you, do it. It's your quilt and having a good time doing it is what quilting is all about.

Sew------ Happy New Year and Happy Quilting!

I think each person has her/his own method, and when they teach or write a book, it sounds like they are telling you their way is the ONLY way, but, of course, we know better. <G> I just take it as THEIR way, not necessarily the ONLY way, and I can walk through their instructions without feeling challenged or threatened. Then, if I find a better or easier way, voila! But we also know that the self-appointed quilt police are always going to be with us. That must be quilting's fly in the ointment.

I also thought quilt police were the ones who would pick apart my pride and joy that I worked sooo hard on . . . Was called "quilt police" when I noted on a board that someone was off topic. I would say do your best and know that you can always improve. There have been previous posts with basics "rules" which are really just meant to help you succeed when you put your heart and soul into your quilt. In my opinion, basics like straight when it should be, no puckers when there shouldn't be and most importantly - do you like it?? are the most important.

I like your train of thought. I think the rules only apply when one is entering a quilt in a show to be judged for a ribbon otherwise it is just like you said.

Oh my, now I'm dowdy???!!!!! lol I live in jeans and T shirts!!

:lol: :lol: :lol:

I think that quilting is suppose to be enjoyable - I just check out different techniques that various quilting authors come up with - adopt the ones that work for me & the quilting police can go to )*_)&)(^&+_)

Life is really too short to worry what others - unless entering a quilt in a show - think of my work. If I like the results I'm a happy camper.

Well, I had other words but this is a family board. Imagine what the folks on "What not to wear" would say!!!! They might not use "dowdy" either.