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homecaregiver 11-09-2010 07:03 AM

Oh boy is there a "momma" out there in quilt land that would like to adopt me. I want to learn to machine quilt. No Long arm but on my home sewing machine. I have a Bernina 830.

Pat (homecaregiver)

stevendebbie25 11-09-2010 08:15 AM


Originally Posted by homecaregiver
Oh boy is there a "momma" out there in quilt land that would like to adopt me. I want to learn to machine quilt. No Long arm but on my home sewing machine. I have a Bernina 830.

Pat (homecaregiver)

If you have the same machine, this would be a nice fit...if you also machine quilt to answer her questions. Or if you feel your experienced enough on machine quilting to help her.
Here is a link, I loved these items as I was learning, even took a class where they used these panels and book to teach us.
http://www.ericas.com/quilting/tools/skillbuilder.htm
I bought the DVD and there are additional patterns you can print off and stitch on the paper to learn, or trace onto fabric (layer so you get used to the batting & how it will move, just a sample size to work / learn from). Then practice first. Then I made a really simple plain blocks in a design quilt, and I'll probably give this to the dog, as I used it to 'learn' on, to practice all types of designs before I attemped a nicer quilt. Then I made a couple baby doll blankets for my GD, and practiced how I'd like to make a full quilt look with this simple dresdon plate design, and I also tested quilt marking systems to see what I liked best.
I hope this helps.
I'm not going to "adopt" as I feel I'm a beginner myself to machine quilting. Just sharing how I'm learning too.

snipper74 11-09-2010 09:24 PM

Hi - I am about to complete a beginning quilting class and could REALLY use a mentor! I am interested in hand piecing, but not certain about hand quilting, since my one effort at hand quilting (as per teacher's instructions) was a disaster. Would love to have an on line teacher.
regards, Snipper 74

diamondee 11-11-2010 08:19 PM


Originally Posted by butterjoy

Originally Posted by amma
I would love to help someone, however mitre's and FMQ are my two weaker links :wink: and I do not handquilt...
I do love to paper piece, as well as piece and applique :D:D:D

You know more that I do. You can teach someone what you do know. I am sure there are some newbies that would like to learn anything.

I am one of those newbies that want to learn anything. :D I thought I was just interested in the old traditional patterns, but I have looked around and really love some of the new designs. Is there enough time to do all that sewing? ;D I look at all the fabulous quilts and wonder, where do I start?

babydragon 11-12-2010 12:43 PM

Adopt Me!!! Adopt me!!!!!

nonnageri 11-13-2010 05:19 AM

Up for adoption. I am a newbee and love to sew but haven't quilted yet. My son passed away 4 years ago and I would like to make a memory quilt from his clothing but have no idea where to begin. I would be grateful for any help.

stevendebbie25 11-13-2010 04:00 PM


Originally Posted by nonnageri
Up for adoption. I am a newbee and love to sew but haven't quilted yet. My son passed away 4 years ago and I would like to make a memory quilt from his clothing but have no idea where to begin. I would be grateful for any help.

I have something in common with you, I lost our son 3 yrs ago March 6, 2007, age 23. I've sent you a private message (you'll see it highlighted in red at top of your page above these newbie messages.) Please respond with private message. Hope I can help.

Dave-Jane 11-14-2010 01:09 PM

Hey, how do I obtain a copy of your quilt pox sign??---Dave B.

Momma_K 11-14-2010 09:12 PM


Originally Posted by stevendebbie25
There are different quilting stitching... and we think "stiple" means the
squiggly small lines that won't touch each other.
Micro Stipple is no open space more than 1/4"
Stipple is no more than 1/2" space
Background is 1" space between stitching
Allover is 2" space
Edge to Edge (pantos) is 3-4" space
Meander is 6-8" space (should be used for Charity quilts)
Crap is loose stitching like a store bought bed comforter.
If your a long arm quilter, and someone asks you to practice on their quilt...
you don't practice, it's all work the same.
Explain these stitches, and have mini samples of these on actual variety of
blocks and plain fabric, so they can see the difference and how the stitching
would flow in a block (make a sample of asst. most common blocks, log cabin,
flying geese, 9 patch, etc).
Have a contract signed with your quilt owner, so she has picked the type of
quilting she wants, and charge accordingly...make sure she knows the charges you
placed to each type of stitch work (size).
Some charge by square inch, most common is 1-1/2 cents/sqin, and some charge by
the hour, and literally will keep track of each 15 minutes or hour they have
worked. If your hiring, ask if they keep track on a tablet the time they work
on the quilt. You do not pay/get paid, for "thinking" time of what to do, but
actual working/stitching time.

Make sure YOUR quilt when taking to a long arm quilter, is "fixed".
Clip all loose threads front AND back. Square up each block before you sew them
together, and in stages of your quilt, and sashing & borders kept even/squared
up. Pin borders on from middle to ends (NEVER end to end). And press your
seams so they do not bunch up. If you are finished, and you find the backside
has bunched seams, repress WITH STARCH to change the direction of seams. Set
seams before pressing to one direction or another, run the iron down the stitch
line, then fold the seam over and press again. STARCH IS GOOD.

Quilters will charge to pre-press, loading time avg. 1 hr putting your quilt on
the machine, the more problems it has, the longer.
Custom work (fancy stippling, feathers, details) COSTS! Either hire for edge to
edge or pantos work, or be prepared to pay dearly for detailed work. Long arm
quilters, your time is money, if you are uncomfortable, just say NO.

Ladies, a 60"x60" quilt, when you add a 10" border, you've doubled the square
inches of your quilt, expect to double the price also.
Quilters, you can do 3x(60"x60") quilts in the same time as 1(100"x100"king)
quilt.

When your quilting, your own or professionally, divide your quilt into those
folded quilt zones, and set goal/accomplish/repeat, and you'll finish in a
timely manner. Why practice on a quilt you've spend precious time and money on
quality fabric, to piece this lovely top.... practice on plain fabric folded
into quiltable zones, or on a crap basic quilt you'll donate for charity.

Debbie you seem to be so smart or shall I say knowledgable. How long have you been quilting and did you teach yourself?
All the info I've seen that you've submitted has helped me in one way or another. Thank you so much for all you add. K. :lol: :thumbup: :lol:

stevendebbie25 11-14-2010 09:27 PM


Originally Posted by Momma_K

Originally Posted by stevendebbie25
There are different quilting stitching... and we think "stiple" means the
squiggly small lines that won't touch each other.
Micro Stipple is no open space more than 1/4"
Stipple is no more than 1/2" space
Background is 1" space between stitching
Allover is 2" space
Edge to Edge (pantos) is 3-4" space
Meander is 6-8" space (should be used for Charity quilts)
Crap is loose stitching like a store bought bed comforter.
If your a long arm quilter, and someone asks you to practice on their quilt...
you don't practice, it's all work the same.
Explain these stitches, and have mini samples of these on actual variety of
blocks and plain fabric, so they can see the difference and how the stitching
would flow in a block (make a sample of asst. most common blocks, log cabin,
flying geese, 9 patch, etc).
Have a contract signed with your quilt owner, so she has picked the type of
quilting she wants, and charge accordingly...make sure she knows the charges you
placed to each type of stitch work (size).
Some charge by square inch, most common is 1-1/2 cents/sqin, and some charge by
the hour, and literally will keep track of each 15 minutes or hour they have
worked. If your hiring, ask if they keep track on a tablet the time they work
on the quilt. You do not pay/get paid, for "thinking" time of what to do, but
actual working/stitching time.

Make sure YOUR quilt when taking to a long arm quilter, is "fixed".
Clip all loose threads front AND back. Square up each block before you sew them
together, and in stages of your quilt, and sashing & borders kept even/squared
up. Pin borders on from middle to ends (NEVER end to end). And press your
seams so they do not bunch up. If you are finished, and you find the backside
has bunched seams, repress WITH STARCH to change the direction of seams. Set
seams before pressing to one direction or another, run the iron down the stitch
line, then fold the seam over and press again. STARCH IS GOOD.

Quilters will charge to pre-press, loading time avg. 1 hr putting your quilt on
the machine, the more problems it has, the longer.
Custom work (fancy stippling, feathers, details) COSTS! Either hire for edge to
edge or pantos work, or be prepared to pay dearly for detailed work. Long arm
quilters, your time is money, if you are uncomfortable, just say NO.

Ladies, a 60"x60" quilt, when you add a 10" border, you've doubled the square
inches of your quilt, expect to double the price also.
Quilters, you can do 3x(60"x60") quilts in the same time as 1(100"x100"king)
quilt.

When your quilting, your own or professionally, divide your quilt into those
folded quilt zones, and set goal/accomplish/repeat, and you'll finish in a
timely manner. Why practice on a quilt you've spend precious time and money on
quality fabric, to piece this lovely top.... practice on plain fabric folded
into quiltable zones, or on a crap basic quilt you'll donate for charity.

Debbie you seem to be so smart or shall I say knowledgable. How long have you been quilting and did you teach yourself?
All the info I've seen that you've submitted has helped me in one way or another. Thank you so much for all you add. K. :lol: :thumbup: :lol:

Glad I can help, and it's from notes from Quilt Classes I've taken at retreats. Actually, these have been from a class with Sharon Shamber, she's won many awards, google her site, beautiful work. I took my first class 5 yrs ago, then I took a break for 2 yrs, and then started quilting again 2 yrs ago. I've taken a couple dozen classes and from 4 Natl. Teachers as well as local and state level teachers.
I invest in good books that teach tips to simplify a particular technique, to teach tricks of trade in quilting. I've also invested in about 3 doz DVDs on all types of quilting. And our local library had 2 sets about doz each of quilting lessons I've gone through. I'm always trying to learn. There are many techniques I've self taught from a book also. Once you learn basics, you can usually work out any pattern/technique from a book or DVD. And there are always friends and groups like here you can ask advice.


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