Need Your Help in Basics of Quiltmaking
02-26-2012, 01:31 PM
#81
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Alabama
Posts: 649
I have such a hard time making blocks, I have good tools I have mostly worn out. I have spent this whole day working on two blocks and just got them done. I think the basics are what I need to know. I will work and work until I get things right, but it sure would be nice not to have to go through this wasting fabrics and my time!
02-26-2012, 01:45 PM
#82
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Bosque County, Texas
Posts: 2,709
Charlottemarie, if you don't mind, you need to share just what is so hard for you - just which step gives you the most trouble? I'm sure you aren't alone in this, and this type of trouble is the info that he is asking to find out so that he can teach how to overcome or avoid it. If you can help him, perhaps he or others can help you.
Last edited by TanyaL; 02-26-2012 at 01:49 PM.
02-26-2012, 06:26 PM
#85
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Western Washington State
Posts: 549
the science and math ARE what is missing. Knowing the "why's" of using chemicals, straight of grain, etc. These days quilting is more about slapping things together and calling it a quilt, instead of "learning" the art and enjoying the process of making something worthy of our time and money! While I do appreciate the fact that many are without Mentors, like elder family members, quilt shops, etc, I also realize that if they can sit for hours at the computer reading this forum, then they can also read the books that teach these skills. Perhaps not the newest books that just teach how to whack at the fabric with no regard as to what is really going on, but the older books that take your through the WHOLE learning process. I see people offering/taking beginner classes that last 4 hours in ONE day. WHAT??? How can you learn a complex art like quilting in 4 hours? A TRUE beginner class should take 10 times that! I teach 3 hours a day, two days a week for 8 weeks and often that is not enough! Those who really learn bring back more questions, which lengthens the learning process..which is always a good thing! Also there are more techniques today, more tools to learn and understand, more videos to watch, more books to ponder, etc, etc, so I think that has added to the " done is better than perfect" thought process we see so much of in today's fabric manipulators. They see pretty, they want pretty, so they start their journey knowing nothing more than that. THose who have NO prior experience with textiles will have the hardest time being self taught quilter's that is for sure! This forum does help with that in one way, but hinders it in another. Example, everyone here has "their" way of doing things, right, wrong, quick, simple, etc...so how does a novice pick their way through the info? Just what is the best way to bind, cut straight, baste, etc? Being on this forum is a lot like being a member of Congress without the paid lobbying! Everyone knows what they want, and no two want the same thing..hehehe
I admit to being a bit biased, in that I prefer things done the more traditional ways. For longer lasting "skills" anyway. If it were not for those traditions we would NOT have the industry we have now!
I admit to being a bit biased, in that I prefer things done the more traditional ways. For longer lasting "skills" anyway. If it were not for those traditions we would NOT have the industry we have now!
02-26-2012, 09:37 PM
#86
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Littlefield, TX, USA
Posts: 1,077
I would like to learn more of the math part...and designing from scratch (I took a class years ago, and even ended up teaching that class, as it's about the very basics).
I know a few who don't know how to read a ruler.."how many tics after the one is 1/4"?". That's something the basic class should go over. Also, it should include how to check the ruler against the mat...are the measurements the same? What is the best thread to use, what needles for hand and machine?
Picking the best batting to get the desired result. I've learned via trial and error...but having information from the getgo would have saved many a project's outcome.
I know a few who don't know how to read a ruler.."how many tics after the one is 1/4"?". That's something the basic class should go over. Also, it should include how to check the ruler against the mat...are the measurements the same? What is the best thread to use, what needles for hand and machine?
Picking the best batting to get the desired result. I've learned via trial and error...but having information from the getgo would have saved many a project's outcome.
02-26-2012, 10:34 PM
#87
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Australia
Posts: 4,116
Not a question, Holice, but a suggestion - which may not be the answer. I learned drafting at school and learned to draft patterns in my first quilt lessons. I think this basic knowledge helps a lot, as I can 'see' how something should fit together. I am sometimes frustrated with patterns that require you to make something and then cut it down to the correct size. I would rather make it correctly in the first place and not have waste. Even if people drew the design on grid paper first, I think it might give them a better concept?
02-27-2012, 02:36 AM
#88
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: dayton OH
Posts: 1,911
Just wanted to add briefly - First, knowing about the straight of grain is probably one of the most important pieces of knowledge - your blocks won't stretch. Pins, starch, and my iron are my best friends. I pin, no matter what - it keeps things from moving. I remember Fons & Porter doing a segment about triangles and the importance of knowing which side has your bias cut side. That made triangles go together better - less stretch - and starch when pressing!
To help w/ my 1/4" seam allowance, the magnetic seam gauge that I bought at Joann's is essential to helping me keep a consistent seam allowance.
To help w/ my 1/4" seam allowance, the magnetic seam gauge that I bought at Joann's is essential to helping me keep a consistent seam allowance.
02-27-2012, 04:17 AM
#89
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Ohio
Posts: 384
[[[QUOTE=Holice;5006593]I am developing a class to refresh/renew knowledge and skills in those techniques and/or information about quiltmaking. In reading the posts here and other sites it appears that there is a gap in certain aspects of quiltmaking that one was not either exposed to or perhaps forgot. Back in the early days of the revival of quiltmaking we learned quiltmaking from the very basic to advanced. It was the days before all the develpment in technology, supplies and euipment so we had to do it all ourselves.
What information do you find lacking today.
What do you wish you did or could learn to be a better qultmaker.
It is almost like learing complex math or science without having to do the calculations because the gadgets will do it for us. Yet we don't know how the gadget arrived at the right answer.
So I'm asking.......what would you like to know.]]]
WOW HOLICE, I would love to be able to purchase this as a booklet or even a homemade Video, once you have it compiled. I would love to learn the basics, I'm self taught (
) with very little of the basic knowledge, have looked through books and articles, but so many out there, it's confusing on whats good and whats not. There is one LQS about 45min from me, but buying fabric is a hassle because the chick that is running it right now appears put out by any and all questions. I have been reading this thread, and it has been awesome.......actually even ordered a couple of the basic books that members have suggested (last night). Wish I lived near you so I could take your class!! Best of Luck to you! And thanks for all the tips so far from the other members..........keep them coming, please 
What information do you find lacking today.
What do you wish you did or could learn to be a better qultmaker.
It is almost like learing complex math or science without having to do the calculations because the gadgets will do it for us. Yet we don't know how the gadget arrived at the right answer.
So I'm asking.......what would you like to know.]]]
WOW HOLICE, I would love to be able to purchase this as a booklet or even a homemade Video, once you have it compiled. I would love to learn the basics, I'm self taught (
) with very little of the basic knowledge, have looked through books and articles, but so many out there, it's confusing on whats good and whats not. There is one LQS about 45min from me, but buying fabric is a hassle because the chick that is running it right now appears put out by any and all questions. I have been reading this thread, and it has been awesome.......actually even ordered a couple of the basic books that members have suggested (last night). Wish I lived near you so I could take your class!! Best of Luck to you! And thanks for all the tips so far from the other members..........keep them coming, please
02-27-2012, 05:22 AM
#90
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: DC area
Posts: 417
I began to quilt a year ago after watching some YouTube videos. There were some basic skills I just could not get right until I was able to take a few basic classes, and some quilt making classes at my favorite quilt store that is now closed.
The shops I can drive too are quite a distance and are a driving adventure. So no more classes and I am on my own at 74, not much time left to conquer every element so I stay with simpler designs. But I hear in my mind the voices of my teachers guiding me to match corners, cut carefully. I suppose it is much like hearing the voice of your quilting Mother as you work. It is an encouragement and something to be thankful for. In a class setting I think I would encourage students to make regular, but small quilts-not doll quilts with small pieces, such as you do Holice, to learn basic skills, to practice as many patterns in depth to gain confidence - churn dash, 9 patch, D9P, stars, square in a square, flying geese, set in triangles, layout blocks in straight rows and diagonal. Then move on to full size quilts. In a quilt when a number of squares are to be created encourage the student to learn to develop a personal routine to move them thru with success....chain piecing, completing a segment on several squares before getting up to press. and the virtues of using a design board for layout.
The shops I can drive too are quite a distance and are a driving adventure. So no more classes and I am on my own at 74, not much time left to conquer every element so I stay with simpler designs. But I hear in my mind the voices of my teachers guiding me to match corners, cut carefully. I suppose it is much like hearing the voice of your quilting Mother as you work. It is an encouragement and something to be thankful for. In a class setting I think I would encourage students to make regular, but small quilts-not doll quilts with small pieces, such as you do Holice, to learn basic skills, to practice as many patterns in depth to gain confidence - churn dash, 9 patch, D9P, stars, square in a square, flying geese, set in triangles, layout blocks in straight rows and diagonal. Then move on to full size quilts. In a quilt when a number of squares are to be created encourage the student to learn to develop a personal routine to move them thru with success....chain piecing, completing a segment on several squares before getting up to press. and the virtues of using a design board for layout.
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