What else do Quilters know, that we can help new Quilters out with?

[Hulamoon]

Binding! If you trim your quilt sandwich so it's all nice and even with your quilt top then you HAVE TO make a quarter inch binding. BUT it's OK to trim the quilt wider than the top if you want a wider binding! Oh, do I wish someone had told me that early on!

Thats a good point! On one of my ufo's I wish knew that too!

[toggpine]

The magnetic pin holders are great for "sweeping" over the carpet to catch any strays.

A couple of soft artists paintbrushes (one round & one flat) are great for dusting out the machine.
Tri-flow lubricant (hardware store) comes with a long flexi-tube and works marvelous in the sewing machine. I use it in my sheep and goat shears.
The hangers with the built-in clips are fabulous for hanging up blocks, flimsies or other fabrics you don't want to get all wrinkled.
You can also buy shelf brackets that hold a dowel and you can use that to hold more fabric items.

When you make your quilt journal add in samples of the fabrics you used. It's pretty interesting to see years later. Handy too, if you ever need to repair a bit.

Keep a note book with things that inspire you. I cut out photos from catalogs, draw out the block construction on graph paper and tape them to paper and drop them in to sheet protectors. I also add a note as to which catalog I found it in.

Post it notes are fabulous for many different things. Keep the colors mild so if they get damp, the dyes in the paper don't bleed on your fabrics.

[shannonsaulter]

The biggest thing I have learned since Oct is go slow be patiennt..it comes with practice..my lines are getting straighter..waiting for my 1/4 foot now..

[countrywench]

The biggest thing I have learned since Oct is go slow be patiennt..it comes with practice..my lines are getting straighter..waiting for my 1/4 foot now..

Yes yes and yes .. Every time i sit down at my machine i mentally try to slow down .. I find myself holding my breath and speeding up ..I always seem to be in such a hurry to get it finished , so i MUST learn to breath and slow down ..
Mindy
xx

[cindyinohio]

This is what I love about this site...advice from all the quilters
I keep a folder of "next projects"...have about 10 yrs worth
My motto is: If it were perfect it wouldn't be hand made!

[Sharyn J]

PATIENCE! If I have learned one thing, it is to be patient. If things aren't going well, put the work aside and come back another time. There are so many things to learn and it takes time, practice and experience. Sometimes I go back to my work and find a silly little mistake, like my machine not threaded properly, or thread slipped out of a guide, etc. I learn something new every time I start a new project. This forum is such a great place to share tips and advice and such a wonderful group of helpers.

[Hulamoon]

I learned to clean as you go or as least when your done for the day, so when you come back in you can start all fresh and ready to conquer. lol

[kensington]

Two yellow school pencils taped or rubber banded together will mark a perfect 1/4 inch line.

I did not know that. #2 pencils, making a note. thanks

[kensington]

my main pin box is metal so I keep a magnet in the bottom it helps keep the pins inside if it tips over

Way? So clever!

[kensington]

I've learned to use the best quality fabric I can possibly get. It's a quilt I'm making and I want it to last for generations, like my great granny's have.

And, if you see it, you want it, buy it. It may not be there when you come back or look again. HTH.