Quality of Tools
#61
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Bosque County, Texas
Posts: 2,709
Here's my question, Tanya. You imply that we should use lesser quality supplies and equipment until we reach a certain level. By whose standards? The teacher? The art community? Magazines? I'm guessing this would be why so many of us don't consider ourselves "art quilters" because your implication is there's a hierarchy in the art world, where you would be very pretentious to use "professional" equipment as a beginner. Not so in the quilt world. We can use whatever we want, and if we can afford better equipment and supplies we get them, not when we feel we've graduated from' student" to 'professional', and we all try to be supportive of the work we produce. Just read all the positive comments quilters have received when they show us a photo and say "This is my first quilt"...I can't imagine us saying. "Well, she's just starting, she shouldn't be using a Bernina". I've been to lots of art galleries and lots of quilt shows. Give me a quilt show any day of the week!
#62
No, you misunderstood. When a beginner has asked in different threads what is needed to begin quilting; what should they have, what should they be wary of, etc. Many members have recommended buying the best sewing machine they can afford; buying the best fabric from a LQS as many members are very vocal that big box stores do not carry fabric of sufficient quality to warrant the effort involved in quilting. There has been much advice offered by some members along that line while some members offer more practical advice. But most of the advice is geared to buy what you can afford to spend implying that if you can afford to start with a $5000 sewing machine then get it, if you can afford a $300 machine get that. My question implied that the beginner status would have nothing to do with what person could afford, but what would do the job. And when the skill level exceeded the tool then a more expensive tool with more capabilities was a practical consideration. No one seemed to consider the poor beginner who could afford the $5000 machine and got and discovered quilting was boring for her. And the questions were geared to the artist quilter not the hobbiest. The hobbiest will spend anything for the sake of the hobby. The artist will spend what is needed to further the art. The art for the artist is the main thing and the striving to achieve something different and original and compitive is a driving force for an artist. That's why galleries are so full and the field of fine arts, fiber arts, etc. is so popular.
However, what I think you might be missing is the rest of the sentence: "Buy the best you can afford"...to spend on a new pursuit, something you aren't sure you'll continue past a year. Most of us just assume the reader has enough common sense not to spend $5k on a lark -- unless it's a negligible sum for HER, since budget is a relative thing. If it fits her budget to try something new in an expensive way, why not spend the money if she wants? In the vast majority of comparisons a more expensive machine really WILL be better than most cheaper ones, and she can always sell it later if she decides not to continue quilting.
Yes, some people are brand snobs, true of ANY type of group. Everybody has their thing, some with good reason and some not. But for the most part we're a group of people who've been through the fires and know ourselves, and trust others to know what's best for themselves, too.
#63
Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Ohio
Posts: 52
TanyaL, I'm not at all offended......You brought up some good questions and it was interesting to get the feedback. I feel that quilting was born out of necessity and is now considered a hobby by some and an art form by others. I feel that either way your quilt is created it is a part of, and an expression by the person who made it and it matters not how it was created.
I have learned soo very much from the members here and am totally impressed by their willingness to share their knowledge. I also think that what you experienced was not members being offended, I think it was people being passionate for a hobby/art form they love.
I have learned soo very much from the members here and am totally impressed by their willingness to share their knowledge. I also think that what you experienced was not members being offended, I think it was people being passionate for a hobby/art form they love.
#64
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Bosque County, Texas
Posts: 2,709
I actually don't think it matters if you are a hobbiest or a professional or something in between. I do many different crafts and have learned that nothing discourages a beginner more than struggling with poor quality equipment. No matter how skillful I am, it would be very difficult to make a quality piece of furniture on a tablesaw with a warped table or a wobbly fence, to make an accurate cut with a poor quality ruler or paint a fine line with a poor quality brush. I often loan my tools to new craftsmen so they can learn if they really like the craft before making a huge investment in equipment. I recommend they take a class where equipment is provided. Sometimes equipment can be rented for those first attempts at a new craft. Often you can find good quality used equipment. However, don't hand a beginner poor quality equipment and then wonder why they don't enjoy the new craft! It is hard enough to learn new skills without the extra handicap of poor quality equipment.
#65
#66
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 151
I am a violinist and teacher. When a student asks what kind of violin should I buy, I advise them to pick the price range they know they can afford, and try out several violins. Most of the time they end up picking the more expensive violin. They sound better and are easier to play. There are exceptions, of course, but on the whole, the more expensive violins are easier to play and have a better sound. A person can spend anywhere from $100 to thousands for a violin. Even when buying a violin for a beginner, I urge the parents to buy the best they can afford. Children are much more willing to practice on an instrument that has a pleasing sound, rather than one, that no matter what you do, it sounds terrible.... even when the teacher plays it!
As far as buying a more expensive sewing machine, I feel one should buy the best they can afford... and definitely try them out... as with violins, they are all different.
As far as buying a more expensive sewing machine, I feel one should buy the best they can afford... and definitely try them out... as with violins, they are all different.
#67
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Maine-ly Florida
Posts: 3,926
I am really grateful that when I took a graduate printmaking class, my professor encouraged me to experiment printing on some lovely handmade paper she had in her supply closet. I may never have the chance to do so again and now I have four beautiful prints to display in my home. It didn't matter to her that I was a beginner or that my skill level might mess the paper up. Not sure if this has anything to do with this discussion and am certainly not trying to stir anything up but I am truly grateful Think I'll write her a note and pass that thought along.
#68
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Bosque County, Texas
Posts: 2,709
What do we say to all those quilters who are using older mechanical sewing machines who sew such beautiful 1/4 seams? My Pfaff zig-zag 360 bought new in Germany in 1964 and my new Brother embroidery machine using a 12 inch hoop can not sew a straight stitch as well as my Singer 201. And it has never since 1947 been in the shop for a repair. But it is not the best that I can afford; but certainly the best for putting a quilt top together. And I send the tops out for quilting by choice. There's room for all of us.
#69
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Florida
Posts: 3,832
I agree that the difference between student grade and professional grade tools, equipment and supplies is more prevelent in fine art than fiber art. In whatever I'm doing I don't want to be frustrated by what I'm working with. So I buy the best I can afford. I think most quilters aren't doing it to make a living, but because they enjoy it. And most quilters aren't "students" (whatever that emplies) when they start quilting, they're experienced adults. Many women are/have been part of the work force + mother/wife/partner and know the value of their time. And then, most quilters are women.....does this make the discipline different from a male dominated field? If this were a male dominated discipline what would the sewing machines be like? I think they would have faster speeds and be a work horse. And each machine would do one thing exceptionally well. An embroidery machine would be an industrial model, no horsing around. For what it's worth.....some of my brainstorming.
#70
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,165
Some are confusing "best" with "cost" - The most expensive isn't always the best. Sometimes the name is just snob value. Check reviews on some camera lenses.
The TOL machines cost more - some are mini computers. If you blow a circuit, that's it - major $$$ for a new board.
Those that use the older mechanical and newer quilting mechanical machines have a fighting chance of getting it fixed for far less expense.
It also depends on how you feel about challenges. I can do quite a bit of the fancy stuff like cutwork and a lot of heirloom on a plain zigzag machine. It's more work, but also satisfying. (I collect old books)
I have an old book of the most fantastic machine made lace - made on the first electric Singers. This was an art form.
All mfg would like you to buy the TOL. Those are the most usually reviewed machines. There's good machines and lousy machines manufactured, and there's good machines and lousy machines from your point of view. If you don't want to be bothered with having to adjust a machine almost every time you turn it on, the best tool for you would be a non-computerized model, where the default stitch is where you left it. Just because you are paying a lot less, doesn't mean the machine isn't "quality" if it's well made.
The TOL machines cost more - some are mini computers. If you blow a circuit, that's it - major $$$ for a new board.
Those that use the older mechanical and newer quilting mechanical machines have a fighting chance of getting it fixed for far less expense.
It also depends on how you feel about challenges. I can do quite a bit of the fancy stuff like cutwork and a lot of heirloom on a plain zigzag machine. It's more work, but also satisfying. (I collect old books)
I have an old book of the most fantastic machine made lace - made on the first electric Singers. This was an art form.
All mfg would like you to buy the TOL. Those are the most usually reviewed machines. There's good machines and lousy machines manufactured, and there's good machines and lousy machines from your point of view. If you don't want to be bothered with having to adjust a machine almost every time you turn it on, the best tool for you would be a non-computerized model, where the default stitch is where you left it. Just because you are paying a lot less, doesn't mean the machine isn't "quality" if it's well made.
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08-25-2009 02:41 PM