10 yrs. later & it still looks great!
 

Who says ya have to do it the "right" way all the time?
This was the 3rd quilt I made, 10 yrs. ago, when I started this obsession with quilting. I had only the knowledge gained through the internet and even less experience using that knowledge. All fabrics were from Wal-Mart and only the jungle print was a 100% "Quilters Cotton", the rest were poly-cotton blends and the batting was whatever was cheapest at Wal-Mart too. It was even pieced with the 2 for $1 spools of thread, and quilted with the same thread using just the regular old foot on that ancient White machine my MIL gave me (because it would only sew straight stitches as the other functions did not work on it). LoL! I washed it the other day for my son, for what seemed like the millionth time I swear, and noticed that it has held up just beautifully. It is so soft and cuddly, a real favorite of his and my grandson. None of the seams are 1/4", I'd bet money on it, and the quilting is minimal. But, not one seam has popped in all these years, nor has this one ever needed any mending. Some of my more recent ones that have been "made the way they should be" can't claim any of these things. Beginners Luck, maybe? Or just maybe doing it your own way IS the way to go?

Nice quilt. My kind of quilt.

I've made lots of quilts not in the" right" way! Over the years I've also learned that there is no right way but your own way!!!! NICE QUILT!

You know, I have always thought this myself. Then I checked out the "Why Quilts Matter" dvd at my library last week. I was getting just a bit miffed while watching this series, as she keeps saying how "machine piecing will de-value your quilt", or that "machine quilting will de-value your quilt".. This series was recommended by many on the sites I go to but so far, I am not liking it. I thought it would be informative regarding the history of quilting and the whys and whos, not directed at collectors and dealers. This just got me thinking about all the Quilt Police out there, none come to the shack I promise ya, and just who do they think they are to tell the makers .. "this is wrong" or "that is wrong"?
I just wanted to put this one up so others can see that there is no wrong way to do anything, if it's what works for ya.
To encourage others to do it their way and enjoy the process, for it all comes together in the end.

Very nice quilt. When I started making quilts about 45-46 years ago I worked with what I had. The poly-cottons hold up very well, better than the cottons - most times. Machine sewing is the best in my book and machine quilting also. I can sure make lots more quilts since I started machine quilting about 10 or so years ago. I like the modern ways best.

My take on quilting is this: in centuries past, most women made quilts from what they had to serve a need. They weren't concerned with posterity, just functionality. I'm sure there were artists then, too, who had time and energy to create art. So, if your goal is to create something that will hang in a museum and last for eons, it makes sense to follow the "rules" and do it right. But the majority of us don't have that goal. I just gave my first-ever quilt to my nephew, and I told his mom in no uncertain terms that I expected it to be ruined. Picnics, forts, sleepovers, whatever a little boy can imagine to do with a quilt is fine by me. While I hope he doesn't decide to take a match to it, I can make more.

It's a shame that some quilters take the joy of creating away from others with their rules. Do what makes you happy, it's a blanket, for Pete's sake. AS much as I would love to be able to create some of the works of art I see, I don't have that kind of talent. So I just make what I can with what I can afford, and enjoy learning as I go.

I love quilts that look like they are meant to be used - and can take the use that they get!

thanks for sharing your experience with a different way of doing things. looks like it is a family treasure.

Boy it still looks really good!!!!

I too, do not believe in quilt police. I want to make a quilt and have it be used as one, not folded away and put on a shelf. So if the sewing is not perfect, it will not matter because it will still be warm. I do strive to do my best but if a seam has a wobble, I just say it was planned that way! So glad yours is a family treasure.

Have you ever heard: It's not really a quilt unless it is all hand done? Well, let's think about it! How many "true" statements can we come up with that tell us ONLY the way it used to be, is valid.

It really isn't dinner if you used a range top.
You didn't really go to the store if you drove.
If it's not in the paper it's not news.
If you didn't birth the child it's not yours.
It's not really a letter if you used email.
If you are not facing each other while you talk it's not really a conversation.
If you are skyping (?) and looking at the other person on your computer as you talk, it also is not a conversation.

I bet there are a million ideas out there, all not valid because not done the way they used to be.

Think, if no one did anything "their" way, instead of the "right" way, we'd all be doing the same ol' same ol', and there would be very little point to QB.

I don't believe there is a "Quilt Police"; I think there are "Quilt Snobs". It matters very little to me if someone thinks that using cheaper thread, fabric and batting makes my quilts less then theirs. What does bother me is when someone new to quilting asks for opinions about fabric, thread, machines, etc and the more economical items are poo-pooed and the more expensive products are touted. Quilting can be very expensive and for a newbie, they should test the waters before they jump into the deep end. I have a friend who wanted to learn how to quilt. He took lessons from a LQS and his first (and only!) quilt cost him over $3000! That was over a year ago and his brand new higher end Janome hasn't been used since!

Thank you for posting what is a great testament to what quilting is really about!

What a great story and good to hear for this newbie!

You said it...that's precisely why my 'starter' sewing machine was a low-end Brother with 60 stitches. It was less than $100, 6 years ago. It was either dropped or something fell on it during our summer 2012 travels, so it doesn't work anymore. But that wasn't a fault of the machine.

I have some good memories from using that machine. My great niece and nephew made their first quilts on it, their first pillow cases and a quilt for their younger brother. (All their projects used walmart fabric, too.) Simple stuff, for sure, but fun and creative. My nephew even went out and spent $4 on a little sewing machine at a flea market! He also designed and made me a shopping bag on his own, with no pattern - just used what he'd learned and worked some magic using my scraps. That little machine was worth its' weight in gold to me when he presented that bag to me!

My grandson (then 10) made a quilt for his new baby nephew and marveled at the 'new fabric' that the piecing made.

I would have missed a lot of fun, great memories, missed meeting some wonderful friends at quilt guilds and been bored out of my mind if I was afraid of the 'quilt police'. And If I only used 'quality' fabric, well, most of the quilts I make wouldn't have been made! As many before me have said, I've seen many of the Walmart fabrics in LQS for more $$, but paying extra for them didn't make them any better.

I have met the quilt police - in my very own home - and she looks just like ME! I have no idea how she gets in, but I sure wish she'd leave me to sew in peace. Maybe I wouldn't have to rip out so many seams then.

Luckily, she never follows me to guild meetings. At least, she hasn't yet!

Exactly. I contend that if our great great grandmothers had had machines, they would have used them too. Making quilts is a personal experience and it should be done as it works for us. I also think that machine pieced and quilted hold up better.

the best "rule" for me.....
if you want it made according to Hoyle...
Hoyle isn't here working on it.....

I too, quilt for the pleasure of the process. If a point doesn't match, so what. My quilts are machine pieced and quilted to be used, not put away for later. That's also one reason I always wash my quilts before giving them away, so the recipient knows it is washable. (Washing also hides some issues, as well.) :o

A nice quilt I to have quilted with poly cotton and they do last and do not lose the color like 100 per cent cotton I do not use the scant quarter inch seam every one talks about as I believe the quarter inch is scant enough but I learned to quilt the Mary Ellen Hopkins way called PPM personal private measurement and I never had any problem with anything going together no quilt police in this house by the way poly cotton is still the best for pillow cases

I had the same experience with my first quilts. I used all the "wrong" supplies and they held together just fine.

That's wonderful!! I agree, I knew nothing and the first quilt is still going strong. I can't say that for a few others, especially the free motioned ones that I purchased "special" thread for.They will be looking for medical attention sometime in the future, lol!

Absolutely wonderful!

you have just encouraged me to finish a few of my first tops. I look at them and then look at a few pics here on the board and was always SURE that nobody would want em if I did finish em. your quilt is great, it's loved and well used. My daughters are right and as long as the quilting PoPo don't show up-I'm gonna warm up 4 of the kids beds. and several folks at the mission too. lol thanks for sharing

How great that it has worn with love. quilts are real treasures, I've made #'s of them for kids/grand kids they love them.
thanks for sharing.

Very nice job.

Sometimes marching to a different drummer can take us on a fantastic journey. I made a bright blue/black triple Irish chain for my son, my third quilt, using very thin polyester batting (now I only use Warm & Natural) and a 6-yard remnant of a small leopard print (his choice) for $1/yd.at a discount store. I think he was about 12 at the time I made the quilt, and it stayed on his bed, went with him when he moved in with his first "girl-friend", it camehome with him every time they fought and then came back again when the relationship ended (thankfully, she was not a nice person), but that quilt could tell quite a story I'm sure. I'm still amazed that it looked good after all that.

Beautiful story and a great quilt.

If it works that's what counts. I made my niece a quilt out of polyester blocks with a polyester back and knotted at the corner of the blocks. It has lasted over 30 years. Cudos to it's survival not necessarily its maker or materials

This is one of the best threads I have seen in a long time. I get tired of being told that a quilt is not quality unless you purchase the fabric from a LQS. Or, it is not going to last if you buy fabric from a "chain" store because that fabric is not of good quality. Thank you so much for making me feel good about my quilting. Merry Christmas.

My first quilts where all done with scraps from garments. We paid no attention to what the fiber content was... we just used what was available. Quilts were some of the original upcycling. I too used whatever thread was in the (at that time 5 for $1.00) , batting choice was so limited... and poly was the only thing available ...and yes they all survived some extreme use !
Would we have some artists if they all followed one set of rules?! Would have inovation if tradition was the only method?!
Sew what makes you happy!

Thanks for sharing your wonderful story and quilt. As stated by another board member, that's how quilting started! Women are resourceful!

Your attitude is the best and so very true. To many rules today and it takes the fun out of so much. So sew/quilt and enjoy. Homosassa, FL neighbor.

I agree with you! Doing it your way is the only way!

It still looks great, do what you like and you can't go wrong!

This is such a great topic!! Thanks for sharing your wonderful quilt. I agree with one member that there aren't quilt police, there are quilt snobs. I love to make quilts and a lot of the joy for me is giving them to people I care about. I can't afford to use LQS fabrics for all of them. I shop for bargains and am not ashamed to admit it! It doesn't detract from the joy of the person receiving (or giving) the quilt. I have had Guild members tell me that where I purchase my fabric just wasn't good enough quality for them. OK, all the more for me!!! LOL! I still have quilts that my mother and grandmother made out of every kind of fabric imaginable. They are family treasures and I love each and every one of them!

I am so happy that so many people have responded with support for your sewing adventure! Yup - sew for yourself, sew how you want, and with what you want. Innovation comes from stepping outside the box and doing something your own way. How many people are highlighted on shows and are raved over for doing something that the masses of people don't do or try? Gee......you have something special going on in your sewing room!