Boston1954

I like that my machine has digital read out for the stitch size. Also, when I started, I cut my fabric with scissors. I love my Fiskars rotary cutter.

zozee

Certainly all the things mentioned above have improved my quilting and love of it . I'd add the rapid production and turnover of fabric lines. And the sheer volume of available fabric, machines, notions, patterns, etc is mind-blowing.

quiltingshorttimer

I've only been quilting since 2010 and didn't start until rotary cutters and templates came along! I use technology in so many ways--I design on EQ7, I use my laptop for so many things (like this Board! online shopping, quilters blogs, etc); both my machines that get the most use are computerized (and I love all those fun features--but especially needle up/down!), I've just added an Accuquilt Go Big (and loving it--just want more dies); so guess I can say I use technology all the time!

QuiltnLady1

My first foray into quilting was before rotary cutters and it was painful. When I came back in 1999, WOW that's amazing. I can do things so much faster. One thing that really excited me was being able to print pictures on fabric -- I have made several quilts and pillows that are filled with a lot of memories. I like being able to have a machine that embroiders, though a lot of what I use it for is making labels and doing other lettering. I love the variety of rulers and gadgets that have come along. I started working on computers in the 1980's (before the PC) so I think I take all the stuff available on the computer for granted -- not to say that I don't love being on this board or learning from folks on the web, but I guess I just expect all of this at my fingertips. You know, I think I am spoiled and I love it.

NatalieF

I've just begun my adventure in quilting but I was struck lately about how lucky we are, especially with the internet. Like this board and youtube. Just think...before this (even just a mere 20 years ago), if you wanted to learn anything you either had to find someone who could teach you or buy a book and read about it. Now you have the world at your fingertips. People who generously share their information and aid, encouragement and support (for free!). Patterns, techniques, styles, ideas, etc...

I'm also tickled pink by wondering what my grandmother would have made of the rotary cutter.

Onebyone

I get irritated when someone tells me their grandmother made 'real quilts' because she did everything by hand stitching, cutting with scissors and had a frame hung in the living room. Maybe my generation is the last one to remember that and it won't be repeated to the younger. I always say do you think they would have kept making quilts that way if they had the tools we have? Your grandmother would have been ecstatic to be able to sew and quilt like we do today. Some quilters do all hand stitching because they enjoy it, our foremothers didn't have a choice.

Weezy Rider

I like a lot of the new stuff, but I can deconstruct a lot of it. I've taught fancy heirloom sewing on any zigzag machine that would accept a twin needle. You can finagle an attachment for couching. You can actually finagle a lot of attachments if you put your mind to it.

But I love computer layout. One click and I can change colors indefinitely. I can resize templates and then figure out if I have anything I can use.

tessagin

My career path change made me become more tech savvy. I still have a long way to go but at 65 1/2 yo. I think I'm doing fairly well. I also have 3 devices I use on a daily basis with different apps. Different "pocket drives" I call them with information I can fit in my change purse. Hmm, Maybe better than I thought? No still a long way to go. My absolute biggest challenge is dealing with the different computer worms and viruses. No antibiotics for them.

Mariposa

I started quilting just before the rotary cutter came out. Oh my what a great tool! I've come to love my Olfa cutters, rulers, and mats. The computer has also made a huge difference. I can connect with like-minded folks worldwide, can order beautiful fabrics, notions,etc. and have them at my home in a matter of days. I can see how others do different techniques, and can try new to me projects and ideas. Whew! I could keep going with a long list!

Rebecca_S

I only started a few years ago, so rotary cutters/rulers were already common.

Probably the biggest way I use technology is to look at pictures/techniques on the internet and read posts here! This community gives me lots of ideas and inspiration.

The next biggest way technology helps me is using a digital camera with a large viewscreen (Iphone). I can record steps in my process, audition layouts and fabrics, file notes for later and check for errors more easily using digital photos.