I've learned that following a patterns saves a lot of seam ripping.
I've learned that that you should always bring the material you are with to match other materials with that patten.
I've learned to mesure tqice and cut once.

I'm with you "quilt3311".

This. Totally. I'm a believer in you sew emotions into your work, so if you're annoyed, it transfers. Which is why some projects take me forever, because i'm like "ooooh! better not touch THAT one today!" :lol: and :oops:

1) I've learned to not overcommit.
2) To clean up between projects.
3) To try to finish a project before starting a new one because I rarely go back and finish once I quit something for awhile. (Too hard to find all my fabric and pieces again.)
4) To keep my seam ripper off the bed of my machine because I keep sending it onto the floor behind my table as I sew!
5) To hide my good scissors during popsicle season (because my kids use them to cut the top of the plastic off!)

Oh... and to not feel guilty when I don't make a quilt for someone who asks me for one!

I learned, never quit learning.
That a little time spent on your quilt each day, does get it finished.
I learned that I have to practice, practice on my quilting technique (getting a bit better)
I learned that all of you are Angels.

I've learned that if I keep procrastinating, it's usually because I have a quilt problem I can't seem to solve. Maybe I can't get the right fabrics together or the pattern isn't just what I want.........

I've learned to enjoy the process and not just the finished quilt!

LOL! Me too! God bless Emmy

All of the above.

I just figured that out too.

Amen sister!

I have learned that I can make any quilt a bom if I want to. I just mentally break it up into months and do that part. It gives me freedom to work on more than one thing at a time and not feel guilty about it.

I've learned that:

A good pair of scissors is ESSENTIAL, worth the big buck$ they cost.

I've learned not to be so critical of myself.
And the ol saying "begin the rest easy" when I get in a sewing
slump.
Use starch
Read the whole pattern before beginning cutting.
Press don't iron. I still catch myself ironing. Its a hard habit to break.
:thumbup:

I've learned to be organized in my sewing room. I've become obsessive/compulsive about it! I love having my sewing room, my fabrics, notions and projects organized. It makes sewing so much more enjoyable when I don't have to dig or hunt for something I need. And having all my projects organized in clear plastic storage bins makes it a lot easier to work on my UFOs. And I've learned that I love being retired and being able to sew whenever I want. And I LOVE sewing with friends. I may not get as much accomplished, but I love being able to talk and laugh with someone while I work, see what they are working on, and show what I'm doing. And I love "ta-das" (what you do when you finish a quilt.... show it and say TA-DA!!!)

Thanks for the post. I too need to slow down and not work with a deadline. Enjoy the journey of each project. Thanks for all the reminders.

Oh I hear what yer screamin!!!! Been there, done that....It was as bad a cut as my Henckels knives can deliver....

I have learned that we all come up with are own methods and some how it all works. But ironing is my #1 thing that I think is important.

I have learned that procrastination doesn't work unless you want to spend a lot of time ripping out. If I am making too many mistakes just walk away. Also to write down the supply list before heading to the fabric store if buying for a particular quilt.

I learned that when I'm at my wits end with DH, I need to sew more... it lowers my blood pressure. and I'm learning to enjoy the process, not just the end results.

I have learned to slow down and enjoy this hobby. Learned to press and measure twice cut once (yeah... finally go that into my head, except I still find myself ironing the regular way, but working on that part). Learned that teaching myself how to quilt 4 years ago is hard, but the quilters on this board has helped me more than they will ever know. :)

I've learned that focusing on the seam I'm currently sewing and not on the finished project helps me to enjoy the process. I also learned why so many expert quilters say "that was an experiment". When I pick a project, I opt for something I havn't tried before. The first block is never as good as the last but the next quilt is better.

I have also learned to listen to my machine. When it sounds like it is pounding going over the pressed seams it usually needs a new needle. Also learned to take my time when sewing, if you try to go to fast you'll be more likely to mess up. But the most important thing that I have learned is patience, patience, patience. Unless you have a pacific deadline take your time and enjoy the experience.

That I'm not the only one who has done something stupid....

I am a beginner and what is the best way to "square" each block?????

I've learned it's ok to just sit in my sewing space and pop the bubble wrap that my last package was shipped in. Also, never start a new project on a Friday.

Seems like I have a LOT to learn. Thanks for all of you experience.

I have learned that some classes are for learning
that I'm never going to do that again. There is no point in
finishing a quilt that I hated making.

Me too!

My best way is to take a 6" wide ruler x preferably 24" and lay it on your fabric, get the corners lined up right, mark the corners, and then move down/up and across straightening your edges and marking, and then cutting the excess off. there may be an easier way, but this works for me. :roll:

Yes I have noticed that too! Why do you think that happens. I have gotten to where if I have scraps left over from scraps I toss them Unless it is at least 10x10 inches.

To be very, very patient with myself and my points!!!

Once again, sage advise from all! I have learned so much just even reading this topic.

I've learned that I can wrap clothesline with fabric and read the posts at the same time!

I've learned that in sewing a 4 patch block together, direction does matter.

Not sure if I said that right since I'm new to quilting. Basically, I was sewing alternating dark/light patches for each block. But when it came to sewing the blocks together, I quickly found out that not all the blocks lined up the same way. That's because I had stitched differently for each block so that they didn't all match. :oops:

Ditto

I find that if I take a photo of the blocks on the design wall I can see mistakes better than with the naked eye before they get sewn together.

Well Ladies, Over the short time that I have been quilting I have come to learn almost everything that has been quoted.

Actually I should have learned this, but did I? may not so good as I still keep making these same mistakes, particularly pressing on when I am tired :roll:

Maybe1day

Ditto!

I've learned that like toners the site to just take my time and enjoy the process. I also learned that people may not appreciate the time and effort of what goes into making a quilt so it's best to just let it go instead of dwelling on it.

I have learned that all of you matter, and all the help you give and all the kind words. you are all great. God bless.