Well, I finished my center so far. It is not anything to brag about though. I tried to match the vertical lines, one matches and one doesn't. I did a hem stitch on the sashings because it looked like the stitching would not be on the lines of the front of the quilt. I made a mistake the first time I tried to put 2 blocks together and stitched the back sashing to the wrong side of the block. I did not press it towards the next block. So, I had to take the seam out. I will post a picture tomorrow.

MaggieMay - Hello, hello :). . I also want to invite you to share your QAYG experiences with us and participate in the discussions. And Questions are always welcomed.

Charlottemarie - I love your Halloween Blocks. I notice your blocks are not trimmed and squared prior to you making your first sash joining. If you are following different QAYG variation that is great. My concern is if you are trying to follow the technique I am currently sharing. You possibly could run into some problems with not trimming and squaring up your quilted squares before attaching them with the sashing strips. The advantage of doing the trimming and squaring step is the ability to smoothly align your square edges nicely butted up against each other. And your corners to match up. This is important to aligning your vertical sashing strips when you begin to attach the rows. Keep us posted on your progress.. with your Halloween QAYG quilt. :thumbup:

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VickiM - Great Input :thumbup:

Ssnare - I look forward to seeing your completed center today.


Everyone - I would hope that my pointing out or asking questions in regards to our shared progress does not offend anyone. I would never want to do that. Our pictures and posts are the avenue for which we can interact in our virtual classroom thread. :thumbup: :thumbup: I want to be sensitive to the individual learning process and at the same time be helpful. Mistakes are part of the learning process. I Personally have become very adept at picking out seams and resewing. :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup: I try to share my mistakes as well as my successes with everyone because I know that awareness of a potential mistake helps to give me that extra mental nudge to avoid making the same or similar mistake when I am ready to try. This is why I also invite input on my shared Steps. (so called Tutorials) It seems easier for sharing to be called that. As I said in the beginning I really don't like to call what I am sharing a tutorial because I am just sharing my attempt at recreating what I have read, and learned via watching others instruction. I will continue to encourage to everyone to share their learning efforts and input. We have a wonderful virtual learning center here on the QB and I'm very pleased to be a part of it and that in this process I am learning as much from you ladies as you may be learning from me. I just want to be clear of not offending anyone. I write and respond off the top of my head. I write as if I'm speaking... more or less. So other than editing glaring mis-spellings. I can't say that I put a lot of thought into what I am writing ... I am just sharing my thoughts and experiences. I am counting as much on you Ladies to help me as I want to help you.:thumbup: When I am posting the tutorials, again I am just taking pictures as I do each step and then I relate to you what I did along the process along with any extra tidbits of info I have read or experienced. :) I write all of this because we are not in a physical classroom and those extra laid back stance of the body, light tone in voice, and smile don't always translate through words. Gasp, Charlottemarie what Im trying to say .... Is I just want to help you. Am I? or Did I just splat myself on the ground as I fumble the ball.? :shock:

Thanks for the testing and comments. Thought I'd try it but since I do have a higher-end machine, I'll stick with my basting spray to be on the safe side.

Jenniky - You explained yourself well. I also noticed the joined blocks were a little off so helping fellow quilters learn this cool technique is important to learn it correctly. As I've mentioned before, I've been using this specific technique for over 2 years now and as long as I'm doing it correctly, my quilts turn out nice and square (or rectangle LOL) as you can see with my t-shirt quilt posted earlier.

Although I'm working on some other projects I need to get done (small stuff - not quilts), I'll take some time today and take pics of some of my other stuff (including the Christmas blocks I want to finish with this group) and post later.

The one great tip I've picked up from jenniky is the stitching down the edges around the blocks. I haven't done this before but it makes total sense and will definitely eliminate some of the problems I've run into.

Keep up the great work everyone!! You'll love this process once you get the hang of it. And, Jenniky, thank you for doing this.

Thanks Vicki for your reassurance. Being my first time hosting a thread ya'll know I worry. I have taken some pictures of the QAYG squares I am working on today. The pictures hopefully will give a better view of the prepped squares then I showed before with the Purple Pixie QAYG project. These squares are for a quilt I have dubbed my PINK NIGHTMARE quilt. :D

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It is very important to match up sections and either pin them in place prior to sewing. Or as we have been learning about the uses of glue basting. You can glue baste your strips in place prior to sewing them to prevent them from shifting off alignment. I hope this is helpful and clearer than my first post regarding the squaring up and matching process. :thumbup:

Here is my center so far.

Great job Snare. :thumbup: Your quilt is coming together so very nicely. :thumbup:

Thank you ladies. I have 14 smaller star blocks that I think I will add to this quilt, after we learn about the borders. So, maybe I will try an alternative method for QAYG when that tutorial comes along. I also have some batik star blocks. Who knows what will be next.

I appreciate your input. I was hanging on to that space for batting, but that is what I didn't understand. It looks bad so I am going to trim them all. Thanks, Will get back to you later with hopefully a better looking block. Don't mind telling me, I am learning from you and I appreciate your help so much. You are going to save me a lot of longarm fees which my husband is greatly appreciative of as well.

Thanks JeanieG :) for you encouragement.

I was pondering the glue basting. I had a thought about something I commented on and then also Vickig626 replied in way of comment. I have been shopping for a high end machine. Trying to decide which, what and so forth I like the best in the various models. With this thinking in mind. Will I feel confident enough using glue products around a two thousand plus dollar high end machine. Off the top of my head Im screaming no....but I would not hold that as a truth down the line as I become more comfortable and adept at using glue products with care and a bit more precision. (NO GUNKING) :D

It has become so automatic for me to Spray Adhesive or Now Glue with Liquid or STick Baste before I am quilting. Im forgetting that I also have other options. So I decided it was only fair that since I have showed these glue basting techniques to also Share some Quilting using Pins to baste (hold) the fabric in place prior to quilting. *** This is the time for all you ladies who don't care for glues and adhesive sprays to give your positive input on methods not involving Glue Products.*** Question: Would the Wonder Under Scrap use Idea be considered a glue product?????


I started Pinning my sandwiched quilt block at #1 in the middle, Then I moved to #2 and pin around in the secondary area. Finally I placed pins in the four outer corners and then in the middle of all outer edges.

Once I had completed these pinning steps. I ran a stitch around the edges of my quilt sandwich as we have done with all the other methods.

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I left the pins in and started my quilting in the corner of the middle square. I removed the pins as I worked my way out.

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Here is the front and back of my completed sandwiched and squared quilt square.

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RESULTS: It actually took me less time from start to finish. Quilting this square.

Discussion: How do you think the different methods I have shared compare in my finished squares. I'm going to wait and see what you ladies have to say before; before I reveal my findings. :thumbup::thumbup::thumbup::thumbup: Im excited to hear your thoughts, comments and experienced insight.

Charlotemarie- Thank you so much for checking back in with me. :thumbup: I have been going to town quilting my orphaned blocks and they are thrilled. Some of them never thought to see the light of day again because they were what I call my learner blocks and I didn't deem any of them worthy of going into a quilt that would have to go to long arm service and as it was; I was really struggling quilting the few lap and youth size quilts I have pieced. :thumbup: Now "NO "SQUARE" WILL BE LEFT BEHIND...um or in the closet!" :D :D :D

Good try! :p

Since we have begun our learning journey on this thread. Actually for QAYG I have decided that spray basting adhesives have fallen to the bottom of the list for my personal preferences. At the moment there are two runner ups for my preference in basting... Also I believe there is another method I have yet to share. :thumbup: If no one posts the difference in my squares by tomorrow afternoon. I'll give a hint. LOL... Mystery, Intrigue.. Alright I heard someone's eyeballs rolling! :D:D:D

You are correct on the pinning. Yes I like the fact that I dont have all the extra ironing. I did not think I was seeing any shrinkage in my batting. However, My pinned blocks are puffier for sure. I have been using the polyester setting on my iron also. So I really had not noticed a difference until I placed all the different methods of basting finished squares next to each other and compared the level of loft taking into account the stitches per square.

I know that the 100% polyester is notorious for shrinkage; but I purchased a huge roll of the low loft polyester batting from JoAnns for like 19.00 on sale. I wanted a cheap batting for learning with my orphaned squares. I had been using the more expensive warm and natural batting. I cant say that the results would of been the same if I used a higher quality batting.

I keep forgetting to order or purchase them. I was looking at those tips you can put on end of the pins. I've seen that many people post good reviews on them. But yes, JeanieG I have to be extra careful to not poke myself. :thumbup:

I have tried pin basting a complete quilt with safety pins. I experienced many frustrating problems. Then I was introduced to the adhesive spray and had great success. So I suppose you can say I got stuck on adhesive spray (PUN INTENDED!) :D Most of the QAYG tutorials I reviewed used the spray baste so naturally I would follow suit. Now though, using the pinning method with the individual squares, is FASTER, CLEANER, LESS IRONING and I get the same if not maybe better results when using low quality batting. The KEY though is once I get everything smooth before I start quilting - I need to machine baste around the edges of the square. This really makes a big difference. Either if I am quilting from the center outward or from one corner outward. If I have bunching at the edges I can easily pull out the machine basting and smooth out the fabric and then resew around the edges prior to attaching the squares together. So far I have had really great results. Great Job JeanieG. :thumbup:

I hope there will still be more discussion on this subject. I would love to hear other opinions and experiences and results. :thumbup::thumbup:

QAYG Samples
 

Hope the attachments get posted ok.

This will be the Christmas QAYG project that has been sitting around for around 3 years now. The scary part is that I have all the connecting strips and binding all ready to go so I'm more than half done with this one. I think I did 1 or 2 QAYG projects prior to this one.

As you can see on the quilting, you can experiment a little. Since I was still pretty new at this technique, I used straight lines.

Interesting results Jenniky. I really like your samples with using the pins. Though I haven't started on my blocks yet, I will have to go with one of the glue methods or spray basting as my arthritic hands will not handle pinning with the curved pins or straight sewing pins. My hands ache for quite a few days afterwards when just working on small quilts with pins. I am very thankful for 505 spray and am hoping I will be happy with little dots of liquid glue for basting. I have tried stick glue but it isn't my favorite.

Beautiful QAYG Christmas blocks Vicki.

Combination QAYG Technique
 

This is a quilt I just finished for my SIL. I used a new technique for the main section then the traditional one (what we're learning now) to attach the borders.

I don't want to be limited to only quilt patterns that can use the connecting strips so want to learn other variations which I'm sure Jenniky will cover as time goes by.

This technique is a bit harder to work with because you're working with larger chunks of sandwiches but is still do-able.

I'm only posting this now to show that you can use different techniques to complete the quilt. Besides, I'm quite proud of this quilt since it's 95% made from scraps and not cut-down fabrics. The only fabric I had to buy was the border.

VERY PRETTY, Vicki!

Vicki...love your quilts! Hopefully I will be able to post my finished center in a couple days & how I achieved it (hopefully it will turn out correctly).

And Jenniky...you are doing a supurb job!!!

Vicki G. Those blocks are absolutely beautiful!
Jennicky I'm posting a picture for you to approve before I go to the other parts (rows)

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Better? I can't wait to put my Boom7 blocks together after this is done!

Beautiful QAYG Christmas blocks Vicki. Charlottemarie, that looks great.

I have use wonder under and various fusibles for years, and in regards to if they gunk up needles etc - I DO consider them a glue product. One of my favorite parts aobut using scraps of wonder under - I deliberately place the wonder under in spots I am fairly sure I will not sew, or will only touch glancingly. that way - no gunk build up. Despite a love for fusing, I actually stay away from them if I will be doing heavy quilting in that spot. Which is where fabric glue has saved me. I found refils and the fabric glue pen I was talking about in the fons and porter quilting gadgets area of Joanns this week. that glue goes on thin and doesnt seem to gunk things. for commisioned items or show items I tend to stick with that glue more than any other, because i totally trust what it will do in the long run. I am getting to that point with the elmers craft glue, but i do find it can gunk things up if i am not careful and get blobs in spots. i would think that is true of any glue though.

Great job Charlottemarie on squaring up your blocks. :thumbup: Looking great. I see you added another fun pumpkin. May I say WOW, can't wait to see your finished center. If something seems unclear or awkward when you are attaching your rows, please ask. We have several experienced QAYG quilters following this thread and we are ready to help. :thumbup:

Vickig626 - Your Christmas quilt colors and fabrics are awesome. I can see why you are so proud of your Combination QAYG Scrappy. It looks so precise. When I get to this technique I'm sure I will be leaning on you for advice. You have shared many beautiful pieces of QAYG examples with us and I want to thank you for the time you took to take pictures and share with us. Seeing what can be achieved helps to inspire me and Im sure others to move ourselves towards jumping in and trying for ourselves. IMHO :thumbup:

VickiM - Thanks, I'm looking forward to seeing your center. :thumbup:

Vagabondindigo - Thanks for answering my question. I'm taking note of your suggestions on when and where to use the wonder under. I was thinking it would be also considered a glue product, however I wanted to confirm. I completely agree with what you said on the glue products as well. I am grateful for awesome input and opinions such as you and the other experienced quilters have shared with this thread. :thumbup:

I'm so happy with all the results and learning so many different techniques to achieve the same end. I want to thank you and everyone that has actively responded with posts in the thread making it possible for me and others to learn from each other. Thanks Again :thumbup:

Jenniky - I don't think there's much difference in any of your testing results but maybe it's just my old eyes LOL
My guess is whatever works best is the best one for the quilter.

But I have a separate comment about the glue -- I do use Sewline glue sticks for installing zippers and no gumming up of the machine or needle. But being a little pricier, I would use these on glue basting the quilt squares only because of the expense. I do use regular glue sticks occasionally without any problems but not on a regular basis. I do notice the needle gums up a little but I replace that needle as soon as I'm done with whatever I'm sewing.

I have a Babylock Esante and it's a little over 4 years old. It's a workhorse and very reliable. I'm hoping to add the Symphony next year and dedicate my Esante to strictly an embroidery machine. I wouldn't trade it for the world but there's some nice new features on the Symphony that my older Esante doesn't have.

Hope I've cleared up any worries about glue sticks and the computerized machines. But, liquid glue, I can't speak to that.

SewExtremeSeams -- Thank you for your kind words. I totally forgot about these blocks so looking forward to getting this one completed and maybe be a Christmas gift.

I have a question on the wonder under - if you use it is strategic spots, do you run into the problem of possible puckers since the fabric doesn't move around it? I saw Nancy Ziemen demo this and wondered the same thing so have been afraid to try it.

I also have tried Fons & Porter's glue stick but I think it is very similar to Sewline's which I really like. I buy it in bulk when I run across a good price.

Wow - Thank you everyone for such nice comments!!! I can't take credit for the fabrics in the Christmas blocks since these were a BOM at a LQS. It was crazy because she offered it in 3 or 4 color ways and I was tempted to do all but only did 2. My crazy quilting buddy did all of them except the 30s and still not sure she's done with them LOL But it was a fun BOM.

On my SIL's quilt, it's similar to a stitch and flip method but on a larger scale. I'm sure Jenniky will get to this down the road. This was my first attempt at this technique and wasn't very happy with the bulk where it was combined. But after seeing Kaye Wood's 6 hour quilt, I will use my serger next time before I add the next piece. But we're getting ahead of ourselves....sorry Jenniky. Just getting excited to see so many learning QAYG and all the tips I'm picking up here.

[QUOTE=vickig626;5434320]This is a quilt I just finished for my SIL. I used a new technique for the main section then the traditional one (what we're learning now) to attach the borders.


I like this method, the front doesnt look like a QAYG, from looking at the back of the quilt I'm guessing it is put together in sections....is that right? Hope we cover this method.

Thanks Jen for this great tute.

Viv

The original glue pen I got was sewline. Where do you get the refills in bulk? I tend to wait for sales ont he fons and porter items, as they seem to have taken over my local shops. As you may know, thats few and far between.

Do the wonder under dots allow sewing movement - like any fusible if its a heavy duty one they dont move, but light weight ones allow a bit of movement. I find, like any basting and quilting, the 2 keys seem to be - when you baste make sure its all as flat as it gets, and when quilting use the right pressure foot, usually my walker. If freehand, use the freehand foot. If I follow those rules I have very little issue with shifting or puckering.

And, since nothing in life is perfect - with the wonder under dots, if you keep them smaller than an inch, (i tend to go for about 1/2 to 3/4 an inch max) then you can do a quick reposition as needed, even under the machine.

And, since nothing in life is perfect - with the wonder under dots, if you keep them smaller than an inch, (i tend to go for about 1/2 to 3/4 an inch max) then you can do a quick reposition as needed, even under the machine.

I wonder if they have a hole punch in 1/2" or 3/4" size. Maybe we should look into that!!!

So here are my quilted blocks. I tried the Elmer's School Glue, a fabric glue stick & a basting spray. I like the Elmer's Glue best. I haven't decided what I'm using for the sashing, so will have to look to see what I have that matches. Did some free motion, but mostly played around. Some are better than others. I like using the walking foot. I'm improving & iike this method QAYG. Have lots more blocks to add to these too.
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Ok everyone...I spent the day working on putting my center together...got as far as getting all the blocks put together in rows & 2 rows put together. So here goes on hoping to make it alittle easier for others to put together & getting good results.

But, first, I have used the gluesticks for a few years; have never had any problems with my machines or needles. Janome 9000, Viking Designer I, Janome 6600P, & have occassionally used when using my Babylock Evolution serger.

Ok, back to today. :thumbup: to Jenniky's hint about pining the 2 sandwiches together before taking to the machine--kept everything tidy & squared! Pinned the front, then the back & sewed the 1/4" (all in 1 step) for the whole quilt. Then I pressed front up, turned to the back (left that down & everything matched nicely & layed really flat) Here I quickly hand basted the back together (see pic #1), then pressed the back sashing up & glue stick to keep down (no pins), then SITD from the front (I used invisible thread on top, matching thread to sashing color in back & lengthen my stitch to 3.5 to make up for all the thickness.)...turned out perfect! (pic #2) So happy I took the couple extra steps (basting & glue stick); went quickly & was very accurate! Same for putting the rows together. No pins used when sewing the back sashing down--SITD from the front was perfect for the back. And NO frogging at all!! :) I was very surprised--stayed very relaxed during it all & am enjoying the process! I'm sure it was because I patiently followed all the steps I had taken to ensure I stayed accurate--no hurrying or short-cutting. Hope everyone else has as easy a time as I did. I must say it's alot easier than I first thought it would be! :) Also, I love the accufeed & ditch accufeed foot on my 6600!:thumbup:

I am taking a day off from sewing tomorrow...you know, life...will get back to it on Tues. to finish & will post pics then. Keep going everyone, you can do it!

BTW, I think I forgot to say in my first posting, that only 1 of these blocks is my orphan block (the sewing machine)...the other 5 are blocks I rescued from an estate sale a couple years ago...I often rescue other quilters orphaned pieces I occassionally run into...I just picked out the orphan I had that matched best for the coloring the others had. Also, the backing fabric is from a different estate sale, as is the batting (don't know the kind of batting; flat like W&N, but white & looks to have some polyester in it but didn't melt when I pressed), & the cream on white for other 6 blocks & sashings is from my stash. No outside shopping or expense on this quilt!:)