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What else do Quilters know, that we can help new Quilters out with?
NYSue brought up a great point in another topic -- Color Catchers!!
We use them because "we" know about them, and some people have been quilting for a while with all this great knowledge to pass on.
Can you think of other things that Quilters may use automatically we can share with the "New" folks joining the forum to learn how to quilt?
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Re: What else do Quilters know, that we can help new Quilters out with?
Two yellow school pencils taped or rubber banded together will mark a perfect 1/4 inch line.
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Re: What else do Quilters know, that we can help new Quilters out with?
Oh and an Index Card the lines are 1/4" apart so you can test your machine this way too -- Good one Nancy!
I read about quilting 1 month before I caved in and got addicted. Don't buy everything you read! I have 3 nice sized cones of 100% cotton thread that MY sewing machines hate... oops. So you don't have to buy it all at once?
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Re: What else do Quilters know, that we can help new Quilters out with?
my main pin box is metal so I keep a magnet in the bottom it helps keep the pins inside if it tips over
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Re: What else do Quilters know, that we can help new Quilters out with?
Can you use it for bobbin thread?
My machine is not picky about bobbin thread!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
HdWench
Oh and an Index Card the lines are 1/4" apart so you can test your machine this way too -- Good one Nancy!
I read about quilting 1 month before I caved in and got addicted. Don't buy everything you read! I have 3 nice sized cones of 100% cotton thread that MY sewing machines hate... oops. So you don't have to buy it all at once?
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Re: What else do Quilters know, that we can help new Quilters out with?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
bhaggerty
Can you use it for bobbin thread?
My machine is not picky about bobbin thread!
Thank you, I haven't tried it in the bobbin only -- was thinking of gifting it to someone who's machine likes it haha! Just putting it here as one of those - *don't run out and buy* several before you know if you machines can use it ;-)
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Re: What else do Quilters know, that we can help new Quilters out with?
There is so much to learn and purchase as a new quilter. Be kind to yourself and know that everything comes together with practice...lots of practice. Enjoy the journey...not just the finished quilt.
I keep an adhesive lint roller in my sewing room for picking up stray threads on my cutting mat, ironing board and myself. Precuts with pinked edges can leave a huge amount of lint behind. Also, I recommend that you keep a journal (with pictures) of everything you make. Years from now you will be glad you did this. Do a little write-up on each project (fabric line, pattern name, finished measurements, who it was given to (if gifted), how it was quilted and by whom....etc.
Most of all - enjoy being a Lady of the Thread! Hugs, Barb
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Re: What else do Quilters know, that we can help new Quilters out with?
Cool thread!! I'll becoming back here a few times to read all the tips! I too, keep a journal or notebook with the quilts I work on. It's to help me with the calculations and patterns, etc. I also recently heard of the sticky roller idea and now have one dedicated to my sewing room.
I think a tip I could share is: don't worry if your quilt isn't perfect. I look at is as a personal challenge - maybe the seams on this particular quilt don't line up, but I will learn how to do better next time. Like a golfer - they really play against their own scores and not really against others.
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Re: What else do Quilters know, that we can help new Quilters out with?
I have sewn nearly all my life but just this last month as I have been working on this quilt did I realize that different threads take different needles. Also that it is ok to adjust the top tension of your machine for doing different projects. I discovered that you use a different weight thread for quilting than you normally use for piecing.
As one of those newbies that is some of the major things I have learned this month.
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Re: What else do Quilters know, that we can help new Quilters out with?
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!
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Re: What else do Quilters know, that we can help new Quilters out with?
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Originally Posted by
GuitarGramma
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!
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Re: What else do Quilters know, that we can help new Quilters out with?
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.
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Re: What else do Quilters know, that we can help new Quilters out with?
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..
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Re: What else do Quilters know, that we can help new Quilters out with?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
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..
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
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Re: What else do Quilters know, that we can help new Quilters out with?
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!
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Re: What else do Quilters know, that we can help new Quilters out with?
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.
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Re: What else do Quilters know, that we can help new Quilters out with?
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
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Re: What else do Quilters know, that we can help new Quilters out with?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Loonwatcher
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
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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
Way? So clever!
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Re: What else do Quilters know, that we can help new Quilters out with?
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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Re: What else do Quilters know, that we can help new Quilters out with?
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Originally Posted by
melinda in tulsa
Always keep your sewing machine manual next to your machine. You WILL need to refer to it.
This is true.
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Re: What else do Quilters know, that we can help new Quilters out with?
this thread is great and I will come back regularly to read all your tips. Thanks a lot at first, that you all share your knowledge with us.
The best tip I got was: if you setle your seams and press open the pieces, to not move your iron back and forward or left to right. Just press the iron on the seem for a short while, lift it up and go to the next part.
I always wonderes why (cutting exactly, sewing exactly, taking care of everything), my pieces never fittet together that exactly I worked befor. It was because of the ironing I did with a lot pressure and movement. Since I only press and do not move the iron, my pieces fit together perfectly.
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Re: What else do Quilters know, that we can help new Quilters out with?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
madampolo
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.
Love coming back and continuing to read the great ideas - I want the carpet replaced (but in an unused spare bedroom so it looks new hehe DH has not come MY way yet) so I love this idea of a clean toilet brush!!! Not bending down so far to try and pick all that up, or clogging your vacuum. Thanks Joyce!
**edited to say NEW clean toilet brush
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Re: What else do Quilters know, that we can help new Quilters out with?
Girls, I could spend hours with you!!! Unfortunately I have to work a little bit inbetween, but I am back every now and than to watch your new posts.
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Re: What else do Quilters know, that we can help new Quilters out with?
Save your used dryer sheets to clean a gunky iron. I put a few sheets on the ironing board and run the hot iron over them again and again. They will curl up but they will clean the sole plate. They MUST BE USED - not new out of the box!
I also keep a spiral-bound graph-paper book for figuring out the next project. I sketch out the block and try different coloring schemes. Then I sketch out all of the cutting sizes and mark the size and how many of each color. It has helped me keep track of large projects in the past. Plus, if I want to do that pattern again, I only have to go back to that page.
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Re: What else do Quilters know, that we can help new Quilters out with?
*Bumping up* such great tips!!
