quiltnurse

hi, A wonam named Geirgia Bonesteel started doing 'quilting on the go" back in the late 70's. She did hand work and did a block at a time style. Cotten just took it one step further. I think they are OK for laps or utility but do not care for them as a craft or art quilt. To each his own, one of the things I like best about quilting is there ae no rules.lol.

Norma Luikart

Hi Ceanna,

Right you are, just happen to have one of those big jars from Costco!!

What kind of long-arm did you buy? I've looked at several on internet but would like to hear from you or anyone else as to their likes or dislikes of their long-arms.

I considered getting one of the racks that you can use your own machine with and saleslady at Viking told me unless your machine has a really big "throat", it's almost impossible to get the whole quilt inside it, unless it's a baby or lap quilt.

Talk to you later and thanks for any input.

Norma

Norma Luikart

Hi Gloria,

If I can help you with anything or suggestions, just let me know. We're all in this together!! I may not have all the answers...that's why this is such a great chat line, because somebody out there surely will!

Hang in there and keep on quilting!!

Norma

wilma osmond

Hi Norma , I've been doing some quilting in sections for the past year and having great success with it. One pattern that works particularly well is "Trip Around the World" ,Its done in quarters and is just like doing a baby quilt.I find it much easier to handle the smaller pieces.

Norma Luikart

Hi Wilma,

Thanks for your suggestions and input. Will give it a try, for sure now.

Norma

Addlee

I read your message about quilting as you go. I have just begun to start quilting. I am trying to learn how to do this type of quilting. I think I have it figured out. However,I may find I don't once I start!
My mother hand embroidered butterflies on 20 muslin squares. the squares are probably 9x9 inch. I want to make a quilt out of these squares. I want to make this a "quilt as you go quilt"..I also want to do it on the sewing machine..
As I said, quilting is new to me. Do you have any suggestions for making a quilt top by machine out of them. I would like to know the best and lighest weight batting to use. I will appreciate any information you can give me. ..Thanks, Addlee

GeeGee

Thanks for the link! My sister and I tried to do this using Betty Cotton's technique, but found it confusing. Maybe this will be an easier technique to try, at least for starters.

Norma Luikart

Hi Addlee,

Thanks for your messsage. Your squares should make a beautiful quilt. Just be sure you soak and rinse lightly your squares before quilting and making your "sandwich" (quilt top, batting and backing). Muslim will shrink, unless your mom washed the muslim before she used it to embroidery on.

Amazon.com has several books out on quilting in sections and I think I mentioned them in a message to Becky on Page 3, of this particular subject. There are lots of ladies that have written books on this way of quilting and I, too, am going to try it. Local quilt shop is even going to have a class on it so will try that first. Don't know where you live but if you have a quilt shop you go to you might ask if they have a class in this. I think other folks in this column have mentioned Betty Cotton, who sounds like she is very good, too. You can get her books on Amazon.com, too.

As for batting, a friend recommended using Warm and Natural, 100% cotton for 4 lap quilts I am making that I want to be light and yet comfortably warm. It seems to be just perfect on the ones I have finished so far. Just remember, if you want an antique look (crinkly) to your finished quilt, don't soak and dry your batting beforehand. If you want your finished quilt to look smooth after you finish, then pre-soak and lightly spin dry and dry on low heat. Smooth out and fold before using the batting .

Hobb's makes a wonderful batting that is 80% cotton and 20% polyester that is really nice, too, for regular sized quilts or ones that you want a little thicker. Washing before or after quilting is the same results with Hobb's. My personal favorite for all around is the Hobb's 80-20. Think I will stick with it from now on.

If you're looking for a marvelous, all-around excellent quilting booking that covers everything from A-Z about quilting, Better Homes and Gardens has a wonderful big, thick book that is easy to read and understand. Better than Quilting for Dummies!! I got mine at BooksaMillion but you can get a lot cheaper at Amazon.com under the new and used books.

Hope I was able to help you out a little. I'm no expert but have had some wonderful teachers, so glad to pass on any of the "good stuff" I have learned.

Good luck, Addlee! Norma

wilma osmond

Would love to know the namesof those books also ,and where they can be purchased Thanks Wilma p.s I have one called " Machine Quilting in Sections" by Marti Mitchell

Marylou

Hi - I have been thinking about quilting in sections, but cannot figure out how to sew the back together. Do you do it by hand? I am trying to learn how to machine quilt on my standard sewing machine and think that quilt sections would be much easier to learn on than trying a hugh quilt. Good luck - Marylou