Re: What else do Quilters know, that we can help new Quilters out with?
The first quilt I did was a wall hanging. I struggled to square it up and started looking up quilting tools for the job and knew I needed something more. I talked with Dad and hubby about what I needed and they came up with a plan. Hubby went to Lowe's and got me a metal right angle square and a metal yard stick. I love them. They are heavy enough that there is no way I the quilt will move unless I remove the square and or the yard stick. I don't think I could square up my quilts without them.
Re: What else do Quilters know, that we can help new Quilters out with?
Sign and date your projects. I am guilty of not doing either.
Mar
Re: What else do Quilters know, that we can help new Quilters out with?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Iris Girl
my main pin box is metal so I keep a magnet in the bottom it helps keep the pins inside if it tips over
I was told not to do this because it magnetized your pins and the can get sucked into your machine and mess with the computer components.
Re: What else do Quilters know, that we can help new Quilters out with?
as long as you dont put the magnet near your computerised sewing machine BIG problems if you do, as my friend found out much to her expense
Re: What else do Quilters know, that we can help new Quilters out with?
If you need to pick up threads from carpet use a new clean toilet brush. Just run it over your carpet or design board for a quick clean up. For more than just a few threads, get a nylon broom. Sweep the carpet with the broom and clean the broom frequently.
Re: What else do Quilters know, that we can help new Quilters out with?
If you ocassionally replace your throat plate with a straight-stitch plate, make up a sign & tape it to your machine. You'll break fewer needles. I tend to forget & when I swith to a decorative or zig zag stitch, SNAP!
Re: What else do Quilters know, that we can help new Quilters out with?
Don't be so hard on yourself...you are usually your own worst critic.....occasionally set your work on a table or design wall (if you have one) and step back a few steps and then try to find what was driving you crazy...chances are you will have to look for it....we are right on top of our work and notice every little thing that is off......when you step away a few feet you can't find it...unless it is a block put in upside down and sometimes we design that way!
Re: What else do Quilters know, that we can help new Quilters out with?
I had a reminder today that I really do make silly mistakes. I was embroidering and yet my bottom stitches kept coming through. After an hour of fighting with my tension I took the embroidery unit off to start all over setting it up and low and behold I had forgotten to drop my feed dogs. Silly mistake. Always start at square one is the best way to figure out why something to do with fabric and sewing is just as good as the right tool to have.
Re: What else do Quilters know, that we can help new Quilters out with?
When I started quilting I had a basic machine and there wasn't enough surface on the left side of the machine to rest my hands when I quilted. I found that I could use an upside down bread pan as a surface for getting more control of the quilt. You will also need a shelf gripper to keep the pan from sliding.
Re: What else do Quilters know, that we can help new Quilters out with?
Always keep your sewing machine manual next to your machine. You WILL need to refer to it.
