I'm plugging away at a scrappy row-by-row sampler, and with each row I've decided to follow one more "rule" learned from you guys and a multitude of books.
I've learned, YES, starch matters. I even starched the noodles I used.
I've learned, YES, mark carefully. I eyeballed a row of flying geese on the small stars and the result ... well, you can figure it out
I've learned, YES, you must square each block (and sometimes the components of each block)
I've learned that YES, I should test my 1/4" seam and mark my machine. And I thought I knew my machine so well!
I've learned that YES, you should re-check the design wall after a good night's sleep.
I've learned that NO, I'm not an "experienced" quilter. At best I'm a "confident beginner" who got in trouble with being lazy and over-zealous.
What have YOU learned that really matters?

...that at a certain point "being random" just ends up looking like a mess. There's got to be some ORDER to things, even if you're going scrappy.

I have learned that patience is a virtue especially when it comes to quilting. Being in a hurry does nothing but make a mess.

Amen to that!

Scraps will make more scraps! It never fails everythime I am commited to using or cleaning up my scraps , by the time I am done I have just as many if not more scraps!
Square up fabric before cutting.
One more ....sometimes its just not a quilting day, and step away from the machine.

Don't quilt when you're tired. Too many times I've said "I'll just finish this...." and that's when I make mistakes or sew over my finger! It will all still be there in the morning to finish when I'm not so tired. (And navy blue and black fabric look alike after 10pm LOL)

I have to remind myself to slow down and enjoy the process, and not be in such a hurry to finish.

I've learned that a funny clicking made when the needle insert the fabric = replace the needle.

I have learned to check the board every morning. Threads like this one helps me to realize why I love quilting so much. Thanks for the lessons learned!

Wow! Me too!

Thanks for posting this. All of those things DO matter!
I've learned that I need to try to learn from my mistakes (and those of others) and to take advise with a smile!

I've learned I need to go to Quilting School, 101, 102, 103 and 201, 202 & 203 !


Blessings,
Ruth

I can't see very well and "need" good lighting!
and never sew in the evening as my background fabrics always get flipped!
last night it was the WOW on my DWR quilt!
so this morning I am ripping!

If you keep making mistakes, or the same mistake over and over again, just walk away and take a break! This also works for me when I just can't figure something out.

I agree with that one, works for me!

when ironing, try not to stretch the fabric, especially when it is wet. it will make a mess of things.

I've learned that YES .. I NEED to starch, OR, be that person that carefully cuts and sews thier quilt ( that's not me).
Yes, you can get rid of an unfinished top if you end up not liking it at any point during construction, why take the fun out of it?

I've learned over the years that pressing EVERY seam is important...never try to put together blocks that have not been squared large or small it will make a difference.

I have learned that as much as you think you like something, if it is not working then it is time to move on. I also agree with everyone never continue to work when you are tired, you will have to fix it the next day.

Starch is my BFF, accurately cut, stop and check seamlines occasionally, press and square up after each step.
Correct mistakes as they come so they don't multiply along the way :D:D:D

I have learned that there are NO QUILT POLICE!!!!

Really?? I wondered what that meant...>_>

I've learned - Keep you fingers away from the rotary cutter blade!!!!

I have learned to relax and enjoy the process.

"I have to remind myself to slow down and enjoy the process, and not be in such a hurry to finish."

This is my favorite thing I've learned!

I'm also only an intimidated beginner after only 2 years of quilting.

I've learned that any threads on this topic always have the words "Quilt Police". I've learned that I learn so much more from all of you than I have from books and classes. I've learned that we are blessed indeed to have this wonderful hobby!

I've learned that no matter how much I love to quilt, my family comes first..... and sometimes I need to step away from the machine.

I've learn't that I am my worst critic, no QP, Nice Quilters on this Board, Know that I would be sewing no matter what, I have hot and cold spells with sewing, but can always sneek in here to get a fix :) and you all seem to inspire me, at least are back at my machine more and I like the feeling of accomplishment when finishing a UFO or Quickie New project (that only happens when using a tried and sure pattern) :)
Happy Quilting :)

O.K. off the box :oops: :D

I have learned that if I spend too much time on this board I don't get a lot of sewing done.

exactly what I do every morning over breakfast!

You are so right..... I think a lot of us have gone through the lazy over-zealous phase and discovered that every project, no matter how experienced we think we are, is still a learning experience. Boy, nothing teaches humility better than becoming a lazy quilting.

I agree with SO many of these comments, especially about keeping on sewing when I'm tired. I also learned that I love the Clover seam ripper someone suggested because it is sharp and fits in my hand.

Never sew when you are tired!!

1. I need more light (could be the progressive lenses)
2. Complex patterns with little pieces don't like me
3. It looks worse to me than to others
4. Always try several arrangements of blocks before sewing

This is my biggest lesson also.

I have learned to measure and measure twice before cutting fabric.

A few other things I learned this morning:
YES IT MATTERS to follow the instructions. lol
YES IT MATTERS that right sides go together. lol
YES IT MATTERS that when I'm "splitting the difference," I follow the corrected seam line.
YES IT MATTERS that I set the seam with the iron before pressing it to the side

I have learned that really taking your time to quilt you really put your heart into and it becomes part of you and also gives the quilt life.

I've learned I shouldn't sew if I'm tired, annoyed or distracted!

I've learned patience. Read directions MORE than once, make a sample block first. I've had patterns that were misprinted and cut a whole quilt only to find out one piece was printed incorrectly or there was a typo and one measurement was wrong.