Newbies challenge
11-29-2010, 08:19 PM
#1311
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Dayton, TN. but hometown is Rockford IL.
Posts: 1,407
Originally Posted by deb24
Hi
I am newbe and would love any guiding hands. I've been reading different quilting books, and magazines. I did complete a pillow oh about 30 or more years ago. I am looking for a new sewing machines and trying to figure out the cheeper one and best one to get. I also am trying to figure out all the items I need to get to start with. Where I start?? It almost seams to be over my head.
I am newbe and would love any guiding hands. I've been reading different quilting books, and magazines. I did complete a pillow oh about 30 or more years ago. I am looking for a new sewing machines and trying to figure out the cheeper one and best one to get. I also am trying to figure out all the items I need to get to start with. Where I start?? It almost seams to be over my head.
11-29-2010, 08:42 PM
#1312
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Washburn, North Dakota
Posts: 257
Rulers? Don't know what to buy first? Whatever project your planning, you usually need a specific ruler, the pattern would explain. BUT, it's very good to start with basics you'll almost always use: a 6"x24" is long enough to cut your folded yardage. A 6"x6" is nice to "square up" smaller blocks. A 12"x12" for medium blocks. A 20"x20" for larger blocks (didn't think I'd need this big one, boy do I use it now). Oh, and these days I believe all rulers come with a built in 1/4" so it's actually 12-1/2"x12-1/2" etc. One I love is "Shape cut" with slits every 1/2" across 12" square ruler. Then as you develope into more difficult quilt projects the triangle rulers, there is some for log cabins, degree rulers, etc. And then there are wonderful "ruler like" tools such as double diamond ruler & curves rulers.
Always look at the ruler, especially against fabric, make sure YOU can see the line markings well. Some of us have trouble with details or colors and these rulers come in a variety. A GOOD ruler will have markings to 1/8ths, yes, you'll use that detailed markings.
Next, a good self healing cutting mat.
Then a table at waist high or just below (JoAnns has a nice cutting table, use coupons to save, and it has leaves that fold down for a thin storage. Another idea, cut PVC pipe that fits over the legs of a table or folding table, and have someone help you so it's measured to the right height for YOU..some of us are tall, some of us are vertically challenged ;o
Then, a good rotary cutter. I believe we've already discussed this one. If you have little ones at home, one that auto-closes when you release the handle & locks is very important. You can buy blades & a blade sharpener or you can invest in Gingher (they seem to last a LONG time).
They have ergonomic handles, lefties, tiny, 45mm & 60mm size blades. Which one? I use the tiny rotary to trim blocks or points beside my machine. I use 45mm for almost all my fabric cuts. I use 60mm for thick fabrics like fleece.
Always look at the ruler, especially against fabric, make sure YOU can see the line markings well. Some of us have trouble with details or colors and these rulers come in a variety. A GOOD ruler will have markings to 1/8ths, yes, you'll use that detailed markings.
Next, a good self healing cutting mat.
Then a table at waist high or just below (JoAnns has a nice cutting table, use coupons to save, and it has leaves that fold down for a thin storage. Another idea, cut PVC pipe that fits over the legs of a table or folding table, and have someone help you so it's measured to the right height for YOU..some of us are tall, some of us are vertically challenged ;o
Then, a good rotary cutter. I believe we've already discussed this one. If you have little ones at home, one that auto-closes when you release the handle & locks is very important. You can buy blades & a blade sharpener or you can invest in Gingher (they seem to last a LONG time).
They have ergonomic handles, lefties, tiny, 45mm & 60mm size blades. Which one? I use the tiny rotary to trim blocks or points beside my machine. I use 45mm for almost all my fabric cuts. I use 60mm for thick fabrics like fleece.
11-29-2010, 08:52 PM
#1313
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Washburn, North Dakota
Posts: 257
Where do I start? I know we have many newbie's here asking to be adopted. I forgot who, but someone on this newbie group was matching newbie's to more experienced quilters and contacting you. It's nice when you and your adoptee have the same machine, so she can help you if you have problems. There are LOTS of tutorials on this group site.
Never forget 'google' or any search and you'll be amazed how many tips on every detail and wonderful youtube videos and tutorials you'll find. Take a class from your local quilt shop or they'll know if there is a local teacher. Ask at your church, often quilters will be happy to help you. Attend quilt shows and retreats. Often your state guild assn will have a state show with classes. Take classes specific to "Beginner" quilters, you won't be frustrated or falling behind. Watch Quilt shows on TV, BHG show, Quilting with Nancy, and Prairie Public channels.
Your local library will have lots of quilt books, usually quilt DVDs or VHS tapes to learn & take notes from too.
Invest in GOOD understandable (for you) Beginner Basic Quilt books, bible, guides...handy reference to keep near by.
Join a local quilt guild, usually they have a monthly project/lesson & are helpful.
Don't be afraid to "show & tell". We all started out as newbies, and I always find inspriation from everyone's quilts, no matter how simple the pattern, often their color choices, theme, something will inspire me...so do share your work, be proud of it! Enter a quilt show or local county fair, if not to expect to win, just to experience the event. Judges are helpful in their critique, and do NOT take it personally, they do not know you, they are just sharing what you could do to improve, or complimenting your work. NEVER listen to Quilt Police (negative comments from ANY quilter). If they don't have something nice to say, ignore them. I know a few of these self proclaimed quilt police and realized they don't do amazing quilts themselves, and one lady I don't believe I've ever seen her do a finished quilt? But she thinks she can judge other's?
Just smile and let it roll off.
Give gifts..charity or family & friends, no one is going to pick your work apart or detail search it for that unmatched corner or not exact 1/4" seam. You'll improve with each quilt project, and they'll simply love that you put that much time into making them a wonderful gift. Enjoy quilting and don't be discouraged... it's not brain surgery or rocket science, not life or death, so have FUN!
Never forget 'google' or any search and you'll be amazed how many tips on every detail and wonderful youtube videos and tutorials you'll find. Take a class from your local quilt shop or they'll know if there is a local teacher. Ask at your church, often quilters will be happy to help you. Attend quilt shows and retreats. Often your state guild assn will have a state show with classes. Take classes specific to "Beginner" quilters, you won't be frustrated or falling behind. Watch Quilt shows on TV, BHG show, Quilting with Nancy, and Prairie Public channels.
Your local library will have lots of quilt books, usually quilt DVDs or VHS tapes to learn & take notes from too.
Invest in GOOD understandable (for you) Beginner Basic Quilt books, bible, guides...handy reference to keep near by.
Join a local quilt guild, usually they have a monthly project/lesson & are helpful.
Don't be afraid to "show & tell". We all started out as newbies, and I always find inspriation from everyone's quilts, no matter how simple the pattern, often their color choices, theme, something will inspire me...so do share your work, be proud of it! Enter a quilt show or local county fair, if not to expect to win, just to experience the event. Judges are helpful in their critique, and do NOT take it personally, they do not know you, they are just sharing what you could do to improve, or complimenting your work. NEVER listen to Quilt Police (negative comments from ANY quilter). If they don't have something nice to say, ignore them. I know a few of these self proclaimed quilt police and realized they don't do amazing quilts themselves, and one lady I don't believe I've ever seen her do a finished quilt? But she thinks she can judge other's?
Just smile and let it roll off.
Give gifts..charity or family & friends, no one is going to pick your work apart or detail search it for that unmatched corner or not exact 1/4" seam. You'll improve with each quilt project, and they'll simply love that you put that much time into making them a wonderful gift. Enjoy quilting and don't be discouraged... it's not brain surgery or rocket science, not life or death, so have FUN!
11-29-2010, 09:28 PM
#1314
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Washburn, North Dakota
Posts: 257
Take this fun quiz, see what you've learned...or challenge yourself to learn. Invest in a good Beginner Quilting Basic's guide book, Quilter's dictionary, etc. Here are a few: 220 Quilting Tips, Techniques & Trade Secrets by Susan Briscoe. Tips for Quilters (Handbook of hiings, shortcuts and practical suggestions from experienced quilters)by Rachel T Pellman. The complete Idiot's guide to Quilting by Laura Erhlich. Singer:The Quilting Bible. I love Elenor Burns, she has nice detail books and wonderful fun DVDs. If you don't know the answers below, try a google search and see how you do.
1 When quilt blocks are set on point, with their corners pointing up and down, they leave open spaces around the perimeter of the quilt. If fabric triangles are used to fill in gaps along the top and sides of the quilt, they are cut with their longest edges on the bias. a) True b) False
2 When you applique, concave curves, lines that curve inwards, are easier to turn under when you make perpendicular clips along the curved seam allowance. a) True b)False
3 To add fabric cornerstones (corner squares) to straight set borders, cut squares with sides that match the unfinished width of the border. a) True b) False
4 When it's time to assemble a rag quilt, its patches are positioned wrong sides together to sew seams. a) True b) False
5 The 1000 Pyramids quilt is assembled with equilateral triangles. a) True b) False
6 To calculate the finished diagonal width (one corner to another diagonally) of a square quilt block, multiply the finished length of a straight side by: a) 1.25 b) 1.41 c) 1.61
7 What name is used to describe a patchwork piece with straight sides, 90 degree angles at its four corners and a finished size of 2" x 6"? a) diamond b) bar or rectangle c) hexagon
8 If you're cutting long strips of fabric from a piece of folded yardage, and your strips have a bend in the middle when you open the fold, what's the most common cause of the bend? a) The rotary cutter slipped when you rolled it across the fabric b) Your rotary blade was dull c) The leading edge of the fabric was not at a 90-degree angle to the folded edge
9 Half-square triangle units can be used as "parents" for quarter-square triangle units. a) True b)False
10 Equilateral triangles can be cut from long strips of fabric. Which method do you use to determine how much seam allowance to add to fabric strips? a) Determine the triangle's finished length along a sloped side and add 1/2" b) Determine the triangle's finished length along a sloped side and add 3/4" c) Determine the triangle's finished height from its base to its tip and add 3/4"
11 When you sew strips together to make a long, continuous binding, you should assemble them end to end with a 1/4" seam allowance. a) True b) False
12 Quilt borders should be cut or pieced to match the measurements along each outer edge of the quilt. a) True b) False
13 Quilters often use diamond patchwork shapes that have 30-degree, 45-degree or 60-degree angles at their narrow points. a) True b) False
14 Patchwork pieces are traditionally sewn together using which of the following seam allowance widths? a) 1/4" b) 1/2" c) 5/8"
15 A hanging sleeve can be added either during quilt assembly or after the quilt is complete. a) True b) False
Answers:
When quilt blocks are set on point, with their corners pointing up and down, they leave open spaces around the perimeter of the quilt. If fabric triangles are used to fill in gaps along the top and sides of the quilt, they are cut with their longest edges on the bias.
b) Sometimes quilters fill in the gaps with partial blocks, but when fabric triangles are used they are cut with their long sides on the straight grain, crosswise or lengthwise, because they provide the least stretchy edge and help stabilize the quilt's outer perimeter.
2 When you applique, concave curves, lines that curve inwards, are easier to turn under when you make perpendicular clips along the curved seam allowance.
a) True It's true, concave curves are easier to turn under when you make perpendicular cuts into seam allowances; convex curves, lines that curve outwards, do not need to be clipped.
3 To add fabric cornerstones (corner squares) to straight set borders, cut squares with sides that match the unfinished width of the border.
a) True The correct answer is "a".
4 When it's time to assemble a rag quilt, its patches are positioned wrong sides together to sew seams.
a) True The correct answer is "a". We want the seam allowances to be visible on the front of a rag quilt. That is indeed accomplished by placing wrong sides together to sew a seam. ( more information )
5 The 1000 Pyramids quilt is assembled with equilateral triangles.
a) True The correct answer is "a". ( more information )
6 To calculate the finished diagonal width (one corner to another diagonally) of a square quilt block, multiply the finished length of a straight side by:
b) 1.41 The correct answer is "b".
7 What name is used to describe a patchwork piece with straight sides, 90 degree angles at its four corners and a finished size of 2" x 6"?
b) bar or rectangle The correct answer is "b".
8 If you're cutting long strips of fabric from a piece of folded yardage, and your strips have a bend in the middle when you open the fold, what's the most common cause of the bend?
c) The correct answer is "c". It's important to check your leading edge often when you cut fabric strips. If the 90-degree edge becomes distorted, use my easy instructions to square it up before you cut more strips.
9 Half-square triangle units can be used as "parents" for quarter-square triangle units.
a) True The correct answer is "a". Quick piecing allows you to assemble half-square triangle units without handling stretchy individual triangles, and half-square units can be used as parents for quarter-square triangle units.
10 Equilateral triangles can be cut from long strips of fabric. Which method do you use to determine how much seam allowance to add to fabric strips?
c) Determine the triangle's finished height from its base to its tip and add 3/4" The correct answer is "c".
11 When you sew strips together to make a long, continuous binding, you should assemble them end to end with a 1/4" seam allowance.
b) The correct answer is "b". Sewing fabric strips together end to end would result in binding with seam allowances in a straight up and down configuration where seams were joined. When you sew strips like that to the quilt, the allowance would travel from front to back along the same path and create quite a bit of bulk in one spot. Sewing strips together with an angled seam allows the seam allowance to be spread along the length of the strip, resulting in less bulk.
12 Quilt borders should be cut or pieced to match the measurements along each outer edge of the quilt.
b) The correct answer is "b". Taking measurements along the edges of a quilt top will probably yield four different lengths. The discrepancy occurs because quilt blocks and other components have typically stretched a bit during assembly. Stretching might have happened during pressing, seam allowances might not all match exactly, simply handling the quilt top can cause stretch -- there are many reasons a quilt can be skewed. Adding one or more borders gives you an opportunity to square up the sides of your quilt before you move on to finishing steps, but you should not take measurements along outer edges.
13 Quilters often use diamond patchwork shapes that have 30-degree, 45-degree or 60-degree angles at their narrow points.
a) True The correct answer is "a". Diamonds of all three configurations are used in quilting patchwork.
14 Patchwork pieces are traditionally sewn together using which of the following seam allowance widths?
a) 1/4" The correct answer is "a". Although other seam widths are used for rag quilts, the traditional patchwork seam allowance is 1/4".
15 A hanging sleeve can be added either during quilt assembly or after the quilt is complete.
a) True The correct answer is "a". Some quilters believe that a hanging sleeve added during assembly, when it can be incorporated into the binding, is stronger than a sleeve added afterwards, but both methods are commonly used.
http://quilting.about.com/library/as...uilt_quiz3.htm
1 When quilt blocks are set on point, with their corners pointing up and down, they leave open spaces around the perimeter of the quilt. If fabric triangles are used to fill in gaps along the top and sides of the quilt, they are cut with their longest edges on the bias. a) True b) False
2 When you applique, concave curves, lines that curve inwards, are easier to turn under when you make perpendicular clips along the curved seam allowance. a) True b)False
3 To add fabric cornerstones (corner squares) to straight set borders, cut squares with sides that match the unfinished width of the border. a) True b) False
4 When it's time to assemble a rag quilt, its patches are positioned wrong sides together to sew seams. a) True b) False
5 The 1000 Pyramids quilt is assembled with equilateral triangles. a) True b) False
6 To calculate the finished diagonal width (one corner to another diagonally) of a square quilt block, multiply the finished length of a straight side by: a) 1.25 b) 1.41 c) 1.61
7 What name is used to describe a patchwork piece with straight sides, 90 degree angles at its four corners and a finished size of 2" x 6"? a) diamond b) bar or rectangle c) hexagon
8 If you're cutting long strips of fabric from a piece of folded yardage, and your strips have a bend in the middle when you open the fold, what's the most common cause of the bend? a) The rotary cutter slipped when you rolled it across the fabric b) Your rotary blade was dull c) The leading edge of the fabric was not at a 90-degree angle to the folded edge
9 Half-square triangle units can be used as "parents" for quarter-square triangle units. a) True b)False
10 Equilateral triangles can be cut from long strips of fabric. Which method do you use to determine how much seam allowance to add to fabric strips? a) Determine the triangle's finished length along a sloped side and add 1/2" b) Determine the triangle's finished length along a sloped side and add 3/4" c) Determine the triangle's finished height from its base to its tip and add 3/4"
11 When you sew strips together to make a long, continuous binding, you should assemble them end to end with a 1/4" seam allowance. a) True b) False
12 Quilt borders should be cut or pieced to match the measurements along each outer edge of the quilt. a) True b) False
13 Quilters often use diamond patchwork shapes that have 30-degree, 45-degree or 60-degree angles at their narrow points. a) True b) False
14 Patchwork pieces are traditionally sewn together using which of the following seam allowance widths? a) 1/4" b) 1/2" c) 5/8"
15 A hanging sleeve can be added either during quilt assembly or after the quilt is complete. a) True b) False
Answers:
When quilt blocks are set on point, with their corners pointing up and down, they leave open spaces around the perimeter of the quilt. If fabric triangles are used to fill in gaps along the top and sides of the quilt, they are cut with their longest edges on the bias.
b) Sometimes quilters fill in the gaps with partial blocks, but when fabric triangles are used they are cut with their long sides on the straight grain, crosswise or lengthwise, because they provide the least stretchy edge and help stabilize the quilt's outer perimeter.
2 When you applique, concave curves, lines that curve inwards, are easier to turn under when you make perpendicular clips along the curved seam allowance.
a) True It's true, concave curves are easier to turn under when you make perpendicular cuts into seam allowances; convex curves, lines that curve outwards, do not need to be clipped.
3 To add fabric cornerstones (corner squares) to straight set borders, cut squares with sides that match the unfinished width of the border.
a) True The correct answer is "a".
4 When it's time to assemble a rag quilt, its patches are positioned wrong sides together to sew seams.
a) True The correct answer is "a". We want the seam allowances to be visible on the front of a rag quilt. That is indeed accomplished by placing wrong sides together to sew a seam. ( more information )
5 The 1000 Pyramids quilt is assembled with equilateral triangles.
a) True The correct answer is "a". ( more information )
6 To calculate the finished diagonal width (one corner to another diagonally) of a square quilt block, multiply the finished length of a straight side by:
b) 1.41 The correct answer is "b".
7 What name is used to describe a patchwork piece with straight sides, 90 degree angles at its four corners and a finished size of 2" x 6"?
b) bar or rectangle The correct answer is "b".
8 If you're cutting long strips of fabric from a piece of folded yardage, and your strips have a bend in the middle when you open the fold, what's the most common cause of the bend?
c) The correct answer is "c". It's important to check your leading edge often when you cut fabric strips. If the 90-degree edge becomes distorted, use my easy instructions to square it up before you cut more strips.
9 Half-square triangle units can be used as "parents" for quarter-square triangle units.
a) True The correct answer is "a". Quick piecing allows you to assemble half-square triangle units without handling stretchy individual triangles, and half-square units can be used as parents for quarter-square triangle units.
10 Equilateral triangles can be cut from long strips of fabric. Which method do you use to determine how much seam allowance to add to fabric strips?
c) Determine the triangle's finished height from its base to its tip and add 3/4" The correct answer is "c".
11 When you sew strips together to make a long, continuous binding, you should assemble them end to end with a 1/4" seam allowance.
b) The correct answer is "b". Sewing fabric strips together end to end would result in binding with seam allowances in a straight up and down configuration where seams were joined. When you sew strips like that to the quilt, the allowance would travel from front to back along the same path and create quite a bit of bulk in one spot. Sewing strips together with an angled seam allows the seam allowance to be spread along the length of the strip, resulting in less bulk.
12 Quilt borders should be cut or pieced to match the measurements along each outer edge of the quilt.
b) The correct answer is "b". Taking measurements along the edges of a quilt top will probably yield four different lengths. The discrepancy occurs because quilt blocks and other components have typically stretched a bit during assembly. Stretching might have happened during pressing, seam allowances might not all match exactly, simply handling the quilt top can cause stretch -- there are many reasons a quilt can be skewed. Adding one or more borders gives you an opportunity to square up the sides of your quilt before you move on to finishing steps, but you should not take measurements along outer edges.
13 Quilters often use diamond patchwork shapes that have 30-degree, 45-degree or 60-degree angles at their narrow points.
a) True The correct answer is "a". Diamonds of all three configurations are used in quilting patchwork.
14 Patchwork pieces are traditionally sewn together using which of the following seam allowance widths?
a) 1/4" The correct answer is "a". Although other seam widths are used for rag quilts, the traditional patchwork seam allowance is 1/4".
15 A hanging sleeve can be added either during quilt assembly or after the quilt is complete.
a) True The correct answer is "a". Some quilters believe that a hanging sleeve added during assembly, when it can be incorporated into the binding, is stronger than a sleeve added afterwards, but both methods are commonly used.
http://quilting.about.com/library/as...uilt_quiz3.htm
11-30-2010, 08:58 AM
#1315
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: soCal
Posts: 1,495
Wanted:
Someone to ask questions of - who won't think that it is a silly question.
I have joined a guild and I do get great ideas from there, but alas there is no time for small talk. The guild has smaller sewing circles that meet regularily, however; there are no openings in those circles right now.
Please let me know if you are availble for question :)
Someone to ask questions of - who won't think that it is a silly question.
I have joined a guild and I do get great ideas from there, but alas there is no time for small talk. The guild has smaller sewing circles that meet regularily, however; there are no openings in those circles right now.
Please let me know if you are availble for question :)
11-30-2010, 09:07 AM
#1316
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Dayton, TN. but hometown is Rockford IL.
Posts: 1,407
Originally Posted by carslo
Wanted:
Someone to ask questions of - who won't think that it is a silly question.
I have joined a guild and I do get great ideas from there, but alas there is no time for small talk. The guild has smaller sewing circles that meet regularily, however; there are no openings in those circles right now.
Please let me know if you are availble for question :)
Someone to ask questions of - who won't think that it is a silly question.
I have joined a guild and I do get great ideas from there, but alas there is no time for small talk. The guild has smaller sewing circles that meet regularily, however; there are no openings in those circles right now.
Please let me know if you are availble for question :)
OH!! She's just above you here on this thread!!
11-30-2010, 12:35 PM
#1318
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Dayton, TN. but hometown is Rockford IL.
Posts: 1,407
WOW! Over 30 is awesome! Well any questions you have I'm sure StevenDebbie25 can help! Good Luck! I would offer but I'm not that greatly experienced and too I stay pretty busy. It's rained here so bad to there it's flooded my apartment in the bedroom, livingroom and kitchen! Taking a break now so I don't go nuts!
11-30-2010, 02:33 PM
#1319
Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Cabot Arkansas
Posts: 24
Thanks Debbie (stevendebbie25)
I am working on clearing space - that will take me a while. I have been taking notes from the things you put up today and what you sent to me. I am still looking for the abbreviation in this section - haven't found yet, but will.
I am working on clearing space - that will take me a while. I have been taking notes from the things you put up today and what you sent to me. I am still looking for the abbreviation in this section - haven't found yet, but will.
11-30-2010, 04:02 PM
#1320
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Washburn, North Dakota
Posts: 257
Originally Posted by carslo
Wanted:
Someone to ask questions of - who won't think that it is a silly question.
I have joined a guild and I do get great ideas from there, but alas there is no time for small talk. The guild has smaller sewing circles that meet regularily, however; there are no openings in those circles right now.
Please let me know if you are availble for question :)
Someone to ask questions of - who won't think that it is a silly question.
I have joined a guild and I do get great ideas from there, but alas there is no time for small talk. The guild has smaller sewing circles that meet regularily, however; there are no openings in those circles right now.
Please let me know if you are availble for question :)
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