I hate quilting!
03-11-2021, 12:11 PM
#21
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Mars
Posts: 2,549
You can do this seated comfortably, and it works for any size of quilt.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMP4iSeYAy4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMP4iSeYAy4
03-11-2021, 12:48 PM
#22
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Central NM
Posts: 1,587
Yesterday I ordered Marti Michell's Quilt in sections book. Should be here Monday. I have enough tops to keep me busy for a couple weeks. Plan to read the book while taking quilting breaks. (Some people call these breaks lunch, snack, coffee, special drink breaks.) Then I'll know how to sew the tops together.
I toast all of you who do not enjoy the quilting process. I raise my glass to you!
I toast all of you who do not enjoy the quilting process. I raise my glass to you!
03-11-2021, 04:23 PM
#24
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Mendocino Coast, CA
Posts: 4,893
I hear ya...not my favorite part either. I've learned that my quilts are easier to quilt and look, "ok" to "good," if I just sew long lines. I even let them curve here and there and sometimes, if I want to get fancy, I make them look like a wood grain, or water, but basically, they are just long lines of stitches in a free form fashion. This has relieved a lot of stress for me.
03-11-2021, 06:35 PM
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 432
I think it is important to develop skill sets only as far as you are still having fun. Most of my quilting friends fret because their quilting does not match their piecing, particularly as they begin that learning curve.
You have to find that sweet spot where you are both happy with the process, and happy with your results. It does not have to be perfect or show-worthy.
You have to find that sweet spot where you are both happy with the process, and happy with your results. It does not have to be perfect or show-worthy.
03-12-2021, 03:51 AM
#27
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Davenport, Iowa
Posts: 3,809
We all know your pain. Each and everyone of us hate something about quilting , whether it be picking out just the right fabric, cutting it, or putting on the binding. Last week I was ready to sell all my quilting supplies and go into something more peaceful like cross stitch. Why? Because for months my machine I quilt on (Janome 1600P) had been skipping stitches left and right and I was spending all my time ripping out stitches and cussing. Machine has been in the shop twice and for regular sewing it's o.k....just not free motion quilting. So the problem is me right? I keep trying, but can't send ME back to the shop for repairs! LOL I have enough quilts to decorate the house, family members all have quilts....but I do Project Linus also and love doing those little quilts to brighten a child's face.
03-12-2021, 09:18 AM
#28
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: lexington ky
Posts: 1,418
You don't have to invest in a long arm. I have a Brother PQ1500 S and it has an a Nine and a half throat. I can do a king size on that (although a King is a bit of a struggle. I usually don't do any larger than a Queen . It also has a large extension table which helps. Granted, I don't do really elaborate designs but it gets the job done.
04-09-2021, 05:21 PM
#29
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Southern California
Posts: 6,254
I hate the quilting part of this hobby. My DMS has the "normal" throat space so I end up wrestling with the quilt. Don't have room for long or mid arm quilting and not sure I have the creative talent to invest in a machine. Even wrestling with lap size quilts is a pain. Seems the only quilting I'm able to manage is fancy straight line quilting.
After I finish piecing I do the Gib's smack and think why didn't I plan for quilt as you go?
Don't get me wrong. I love love the process of creating the tops. Choosing a pattern, the fabric, cutting, sewing the blocks and finally seeing the quilt coming alive. And yes...love sewing the binding on.
I'm almost done with this quilt and have two more glue basted waiting for me. Right now the only thing that keeps me going is I'm committed to sewing for Project Linus.
OK...thank you for the rant. Back to the machine. (I really just have to rotate in my chair and there the quilt and machine sits waiting for me,)
After I finish piecing I do the Gib's smack and think why didn't I plan for quilt as you go?
Don't get me wrong. I love love the process of creating the tops. Choosing a pattern, the fabric, cutting, sewing the blocks and finally seeing the quilt coming alive. And yes...love sewing the binding on.
I'm almost done with this quilt and have two more glue basted waiting for me. Right now the only thing that keeps me going is I'm committed to sewing for Project Linus.
OK...thank you for the rant. Back to the machine. (I really just have to rotate in my chair and there the quilt and machine sits waiting for me,)
04-09-2021, 05:56 PM
#30
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Virginia
Posts: 231
With me, the issue isn't so much the throat space as it is the sheer weight of the quilt sandwich. When you watch online videos of FMQ, they are always demonstrating on an 18 inch sandwich! Slip a 60 inch quilt underneath that needle and it's a different story. I wind up tossing the bulk of it over my shoulder or running it up my lap and chest to right under my chin. Looks crazy but it helps manage the weight.
I like the ideas about determining for yourself what skills you're comfortable with. When you stop enjoying the process then it's time to do it differently. I have recently discovered quilting with a walking foot. I did a quilt of fish blocks and stitched across the blocks in waves. It looks like fish swimming through water! Sometimes a little out-of-the-box thinking can produce delightful solutions that are a very satisfactory alternative to FMQ.
I like the ideas about determining for yourself what skills you're comfortable with. When you stop enjoying the process then it's time to do it differently. I have recently discovered quilting with a walking foot. I did a quilt of fish blocks and stitched across the blocks in waves. It looks like fish swimming through water! Sometimes a little out-of-the-box thinking can produce delightful solutions that are a very satisfactory alternative to FMQ.
