Hi, from a Dutch lady living in France. I just want to say thank you for your wonderful videos and also let you know that I’ve NEVER quilted YET, but.when I do (and that will be shortly (am getting the essential tools together) it will be because of the inspiration and courage that I get from watching your videos. I think you are LOVELY 😊 🙏 For your son and sending you and your family loads of hugs 🤗🥰
For practice quilting, I made a lot of quilted dog beds for shelters with any cheap fabric I could get my hands on - from old clothing, table cloths, bed sheets, etc. I did not care if it was stained or faded or a cotton-poly blend or whatever. I also used the cheapest thread and standard needles my machine would accept. I just cut the fabric up according to a pattern or attempted my own pattern and just sewed. Tackled partial seams/Y-seams and the like, paper piecing and curves this way. Dogs don't care if it ends up being out of square, lost points, crooked triangles, wonky curves, not quite matched up sashing, ugly colors, etc. They just want something comfortable to sleep on. I did not have to fret over ruining expensive fabric, thread and needles to practice. To this day if there's a new technique or new pattern I want to try out, I make a few dog beds first to even see if I like the technique or pattern. I learned that I really am not suited for teensy tiny piecing patterns this way, and did not lose a small fortune in fabric in my learning process. Although I love those types of quilts, they're just not for me.
Karen, You mentioned on your 10 tips about pre-cuts, that it was 4 months in the making! I had no idea that much work is involved in a video. As a new quilter, I watch most of your videos. Of all quilting videos on RUclips, I get the BEST tips from you! Thank you for your honest and direct guidance. In this video, I learned how to line up blocks across the width of my quilt, amazing marking tips for placing the sashing my on not so perfect blocks, and telling us that our quilting WILL get better, not to worry. You answered all of my questions. Just about to give up, this and other videos of yours, give me renewed hope. Georgia
Most shops offer kits, an easy way to get started quilting as all fabric requirements should be included. I have found not all patterns are created equally, some assume you know what you are doing, others are very detailed - find a style that works for you and you understand. Great to see you Karen, you always make us feel welcome.
Speaking of changing rotary blades, I place a strip of masking tape on the handle of my rotary cutter with the date that I changed the blade. I also "flip" my rotary blade and get a little extra use of the blade.
I am glad I didn't miss the first seven minutes. 👍I decided after years of coloring to stop 2 yrs ago. I constantly get compliments and questions of how ladies wish they had my color grey, it is more white. 🤣 Go for it grey is the new in color. So many wonderful tips and helpful suggestions. Your videos are so easy to watch, I think because you are friendly and real. Love your sighs and bf moments. 🤔 Me moments are a real thing. 🤣👍
LOL I love how real, honest and fun you are. Our hair all has the COVID touch! Thanks for making us all so happy. Hope things are a little better for you and your family!!
I so enjoy your videos, thank you so much for all your tips and tricks! I’m a fairly new quilter and your lessons have been invaluable to me! After watching this Q&A I went back and watched “A really good ironing technique “ again and what a difference in the blocks I’d been struggling with! Thank you and stay well! ❤️
About hexagons, I had a bunch of ISpy hexagons that I used to make a placemat for my 2 yr. old great granddaughter. I’m enjoying all you present to us. Keep it going,please.
Hand piecing - great for hexagons, anything that’s got weird edges coming together (like lots of points), and anything you want to work on in the car, plain, train, etc. Hand quilting - start out with a 2 ft x 2 ft cheater cloth with 100% POLYESTER batting. Needle will go through like butter. By the end, you’ll have enough skill to use other battings. Also be prepared to spend $ on a bunch of different thimbles until you find your favorite size and style. Mine was a piece of adhesive “moleskin” wrapped around my nail bed and finger before covering with a metal “clover open sided” adjustable thimble. Love your videos. Your yawning is curious but just makes you more endearing to us.
Love your idea about using adding machine tape! Perfect for those crazy and little sized pieces of fabric that you don't want to throw out but are too little in a traditional quilt block. Keep sighing, too. Brings more oxygen to that intelligent brain of yours ;) Thank you for sharing all your great ideas.
Karen and others: Sighing can be a symptom of anemia. It is your bodies' way of getting extra oxygen to compensate for less blood to carry the oxygen. I hope this makes a difference for someone! I enjoy your videos - I always learn something new.
I have short arms 😂 and I have found using a 5 pound kettle ball weight on the top of my longer ruler helps with keeping my cutting straight for longer cuts. No wobble from my table or my ruler. I’m so glad to watch this morning with my coffee. A wonderful start to my day! Thank you for posting this. Been praying for your son! (Hugs!)
I use two 2 pound hand weights, one at each end, and a vacuum shower hand grip attached in the middle of my 6"x24" ruler. It has made a world of difference for me and my short arms.
Shana from California I've been watching what seems like forever. Such a huge influence on my life, yet this was the first video that finally convinced my stubborn head to not always go large with my quilts. I remember the first two questions, one how to pick color despite watching the many color tutorials. I will remember to bring my swatch card with me to the store and purchase different hues in that long list. The second was someone trying to finish a queen size quilt with one inch squares and how to actually get through the grind of it and get it done. Your answer helped so so much to sometimes start small and there is no shame in that. Because I will get better. Thank you hun. Your an amazing gift in my life. Thoughts are with your son! Plus sighing isn't bad, I tell the kids mommy forgot to breathe, Haha. Much love. Thanks again!
My grandparents and parents were my outstanding role models for values and social justice and they all were gray haired role models. When I got my first gray hairs and told my stylist that I was keeping them, she said "We'll call them your natural highlights" which pleased me no end. Welcome to the club - it's so carefree during the pandemic.
If you put a hand weight(a ssmaller dumbbell, even a can of something) on the far end of your ruler it will help stabilize your ruler when doing long cuts. Donna Jordan of Jordan Quilts shows this. I've tried it and really like it.
Sighing so much is a sign that you’re feeling a lot of stress. It’s a way to calm your nerves. Totally understandable with the COVID stuff and life changes we’re all dealing with. I hope things get better for you and I’m glad your son is doing well.
I’m glad someone else posted this - I also wanted to reassure her - it just means you’ve had stress in your life. I did this also after my mom passed - it does go away eventually. You’re ok.
Thankyou so much for your fantastic videos and the Q and A. You cheer me up and teach me something each and every time! You and your family are in my prayers.
I started my first quilt in March 2019 and just finished it May 2020. Not having a clue what I was doing, and not using any pattern, I ambitiously started a double size rail fence quilt, although I didn't know it at the time. I just made it up as I went along. It turned out beautiful in my eyes, but I would recommend people start much smaller. As Karen said, you learn so much as you go along. I'm working on a throw size now... so much easier! Why didn't I start there?
I'm sorry I missed the live event, but thank you for posting this replay video, and big thanks for your teachings that enrich my quilting life so much. Hugs to you, your son and family.
Just managed to catch up on this, I'm not a modern quilter, but you talk such sense , everything is grounded in earned knowledge , I always look forward to your videos. Thank you for spending time with us.Keep safe , sane and well. Best wishes o all of you.
My 1st project was 9 patch block. I still have it and have a Christmas cactus sitting on it on my coffee table. Glad to hear your son is doing very well, hope he continues to improve.
I'm so sorry that I missed the Facebook live! I haven't been getting on Facebook much these days. The tip about folding the block...priceless! You never fail to teach me something every video. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Yup. Let the hair go. Not worth it and the freedom is amazing! Look at mine! Loved the video even though I'm an experienced quilter, I can always glean something. Keep sighing!!
My daughter let hers go gray as well. At first I was not a fan but given a bit more growth I absolutely love her hair with its natural highlights. So if you don’t like it at first give it a bit more time and you might love it.
Bulletin journaling....I have done this for years and have learned that I need to make sure to write notes in a way I can understand in a year or 2. I go back now to read some of my entries and I have trouble deciphering what exactly I was wanting to do. So I encourage all to do this because you too can forget exactly what you were wanting to do on that project! Great Q&A!
Thank you for another great video. I sat with a pen and paper taking notes. There was SO much information you shared with us. I also wanted to tell you that after watching your colour videos I sorted all my fabric into the 12 colours on the colour wheel and chose the colours for my last quilt in FIVE MINUTES. I have struggled with this for the three years I've been quilting. Have a happy day and thanks again.
For everyone asking about basting, there is a board/pool noodle method that is very easy. Sharon Schamburg has a video on RUclips that shows how to do it.
Hi Karen, Thanks for the tips and advice . I appreciate the informality of these sessions. You are giving me confidence to tackle bigger projects and your encouragement is appreciated. I started as a "quilt groupie"; attending shows and exhibits with my quilting friends and now I have been quilting for a few years, doing many baby quits for family and friends. I have gifted my first full size quilt and have finally given myself permission to call myself a quilter. Thanks for your contribution to my confidence. .... P.S. Sighing loudly is a stress release, but I bet you know that. I also am a sigher.
Your weekly rotary blade change frequency is my quilting relationship goal, LOL! My first quilt was a queen size bargello my son requested out of traditional train engineer bandanas that needed squaring up before I started ... with a quick little training on cutting and pressing and a pattern I discovered partway through was incomplete. I went completely anal matching seams on alternating rows, fell in love with the quilting process and community, and bonded with my son as he watched my progress. Thank you for your encouragement and help here.
Hi Karen, thank you for this video I love your tips you have helped me so much. Deep sighing is a sign of frustration,disappointment, boredom etc. in the times we are experiencing it just means you've had enough of the current situation and you would like things to be back the way they where. Hang in there I'm the same I sigh so much, I try and meditate but that's me. Maybe increase your walks in the sun around your beautiful town. Much love.
Loved this. Thanks for keeping me company and inspiring me to JUST GET IT DONE! During this stay at home some days are not so productive. This should be my new mantra JUST GET IT DONE! Thanks Karen.
Thanks Karen. Great video Q&A! I don’t usually get to catch you “live”, but I sure do learn a lot every time!! So happy to hear your son is doing better. 😊
I'm sorry I missed your live Q&A. Luckily being a subscriber I got a lovely pop up on utube. I really enjoyed the show. Someone asked you how they could stop the last inch or two of a long cut going awry and I think I might be able to help. Using a small weight to keep the faraway end of the ruler in place has been productive. I'm glad your son is bearing up well under treatment. God bless
I introduced my sisters to using the black and white photo feature on their phones to determine value when we worked together making a tumbling blocks quilt. It turned out beautifully with over 80 different fabrics. It was so much fun to make!
Hi from Switzerland. Wonderful Q&A - I learnt so much! I am personally more the garment sewer so it is great to be reminded of the issues of quilters. Sending you all the best in this crazy time. If you need anything let me know. Sarah
Hi Karen, so good to see you. Are you getting outside for walks. Let some fresh air in under your mask. Lots of great tips and tricks as usual and I really enjoy your enthusiasm. Prayers for the whole family. It’s funny how we think about our hair both color and cuts. My mom kept her hair colored till she died at 80. My MIL never colored hers and I followed her lead. Next I’m thinking I might let it keep growing and have a ponytail again. Maybe it’ll make me feel like 50 again ! 😀
Maureen Smith I have never colored my hair, but when I grew it long at age 55, an old friend said I looked like a witch. Luckily, he was a much loved friend! I cut it right away, and haven’t gone back! ......I do need a cut now, after isolation! My hair guy is in his 70’s, and I haven’t wanted to expose him to any germs I might have.
Dear Karen, Thank you for another wonderful q &a. Please check out your breathing. I have low volume and the sigh is actually a deep breathe to catch up with needed O2. I am being more mindful of taking deeper and even doing yoga breathing once an hour. 4 seconds in, hold for 4 seconds, out for 4 seconds. It has really helped. Prayers for you and your family.
If I were you, Karen, I'd let my grey hair grow out. Yours looks like you've had it professionally highlighted! Mine's kind of like that, and I use a silver-enhancing shampoo to make sure that the greys look really bright. My hairdresser and others who comment on my hair colour think it's been done professionally, but it's just me! You're beautiful! Go with what the Maker gave you. And your hair will love not being "chemically dependent." xx
My second and third quilt (30 plus years ago) were made from scraps that I had around my house from my girls dresses etc. Some was poly cotton. In many cases those fabrics came apart at the seams. it was very saddening. They were a matching set of quilts for my girls bunk beds. I don't know if today's fabrics would be better but I have not used poly cotton since. This is my experience however other quilters may have had better luck. I would use caution. I would also be interested to find out if newer fabrics with polyester hold up better. I have been scared to try it again.
My very first quilt was an Ohio Star made from scraps from my instructor's stash. The final size was about 12 inches by 18 inches. It was perfect for a first project!
Just received the color tool and wheel, and have printed out the sheets from your color video. Looking forward to practicing as soon as I choke down a giant frog!
I looked for the course Karen suggested on Melissa's site but couldn't find it exactly. I was hoping there would be a link in the notes above. Thanks for reminding me Juls. I'm loving these Q&A's.
I just might have to join FaceBook to take advantage of Q&A in real time. But your presentations are always quite enjoyable and informative. //. I think I’m going to do the grey thing, too. I like other people’s grey hair. //. Very glad to hear of Cameron’s progress. Candle still lit in Crestone, CO fir him. Godspeed!
Ah ha! TY for the answer to just about the first question. I think the problem and reason I never finished my first quilt top was that I bought my favorite colors in too narrow a range. I got a certain number of the blocks put together, love them still, and then needed something to go with it. But I could not figure out what would play nicely, go in the gaps. Next time I go and look at those squares in storage, and wonder how to finish that quilt, I will have a clue!
Newbie mistake, started it for my queen size bed. Because I had been sewing all my life I thought I could start with a large quilt... It was too big a project for me, especially pre- RUclips days, when advice when I got stuck was not easily come by. I have a different quilt on my bed now and think I might make these blocks into a wall hanging.
P S. Again... I really appreciate that you allow people to submit questions ahead of time for your live chats. Works really well as it seems hard to take questions on the fly.
Thank you for this nice Q&A, I watched it just now from the Netherlands. Learned some and smiled a lot. Allways a pleasure to watch your video's. Stay well.
I sigh too. Your sighs made me laugh. When you took the block off the wall it surprised me. Didn't realize it was not sewn. Lol! Always enjoyable watching your videos. Thank you.
I love your videos but I don’t agree you can’t use bold big designs! I only use Kaffe Fassett fabric and me and thousends of other people all over the world LOVE them. I don’t say they work for every patchwork block, but boy, the do make amazing quilts! So joyful, so full of colour, exactly what people need in these Covid times.
Karen - Love your hair, (mine's gone totally gray) love your laughter and even love your big sighs, aaahhhhhhh….. Also love your videos. I always enjoy watching and learning. Never quit making them!
Hi Karen. I have been a quilter awhile but hate doing sashing. Your tip is so easy to understand, but I had never heard it before. Thanks for that eureka moment! Praying your son is doing well. Take care and be safe 😊. P.S. Love your background quilt.
I'm a heavy sigh-er too, as was my grandmother. It's a way of calming myself- taking a deep, slow breath. It's my theory that heavy sigh-ers are patient people and we stay calm in a crisis, so sigh away, Karen! Thanks for this video. I look forward to every one. Recovering from surgery, can't quilt- and have another on Thursday, so I'm watching videos instead. A question for another time, maybe: I hand quilt my quilt sandwiches. I smooth repeatedly, pin baste carefully, quilt from centers out to edges in quadrants, etc.Why do my quilt backs always get wrinkles and bubbles, although the fronts are smooth?
I’m going to google the sighting thing... we might be a special group 🙂🙃🙃 I’ve never herd anyone else mention it before but, I know I do it... I try not to but... then I find myself doing it 😌
When you quilt, you are compressing three fabrics into one. And they all have their own mind. So there is always a wave as the fabrics roll away from the quilted area. And much of quilting, either FMQ or long-arming, is managing that. Most tops are not flat so you have puckering of the top to manage as well. We can see the top so we can make corrections there but it's usually at the expense of the back. I have found since I switched to spray basing I have very few issues on the back...but I am still smoothing and checking.
I got the copy of the magazine. It was great, very full of interesting information and projects. Always enjoy your videos they help a lot. Prayers and good vibes headed your way for your son as usual. :)
Loved this weeks Q&A! I learned so much. Thank you! For your next one, can I ask when building a stash how much should you purchase? 1/2 yard cuts, 1 yard cuts, more? Do you find there is an amount you usually get?
I heard a lot of questions yesterday about building a stash she was correct in saying that having a budget is the best way to do it but also if you put some money aside and wait for holidays Memorial Day Mother's Day that kind of thing there's usually some kind of sale with most online venues and also places like Jo-Ann's has craft stuff on sale on a regular basis With Coupons you just have to pay attention to their sales and keep an eye out for stuff that you want that's on sale
Wow this was so much fun!!! Even though I have learnt quite a bit of this already ...i could listen to you all day. I am sure that you could make a post on ripping out seams and it would be fun and interesting to watch and listen to. Lol Thank you so much for posting. And btw your hair looks great.
Love the color on you. I always love your videos. I feel like we are sitting at the kitchen table and you are talking to me. Praying your son is doing well. Thank you for sharing. Have a blessed holiday weekend.
Hello, (from Canberra ACT, Australia)...you commented that 'big' prints are not good for quilting projects. If I may, I'm inclined to disagree..particularly because I've been buying a lot of new fabrics lately from Henry Alexander, TulaPink, Anna Horner, Amy Butler etc etc....and have seen their larger prints in many many quilts. When I first started P & Q (seriously) 4 ½ yrs ago I created a 'reproduction' style conservative stash, plus numerous other smaller print designers.e.g. Tilda, French General etc However, I'm finding now (in 2020) that I've changed my colour taste, hence new range of larger brighter prints are finding their way into my stash storage boxes...& hoping like heck that I won't regret this! But I do really enjoy your videos and have only just become a new subscriber. I love your practical advice and suggestions and your delightful down to earth presentation style. I especially loved your earlier video about your own journey into P & Q....so beautifully & honestly told, & my so so many of us (I'm sure) were able to completely relate...I sure did! And yes, I too have stopped colouring, & now a shiny silver (again!)
Someone asked about building their stash, another place to watch for is Local buy and sell sites where people are destashing and you can get great deals this way
So, just bought a new sewing machine; Babylock Soprano. I’m thinking of taking up quilting and found your channel. Hopefully, with some guidance from you and a few others, I can learn quilting. Hopefully...
Hello Karen, great to hear that your son is going well. Will you do another q and a? I will look at the fb site. Cheers from Melbourne. Have you used the Deb Tucker Rulers or SNS system by Jodi Barrows. Getting the new Grande Ruler shipped to Australia soon I hope.
Thanks for the tips, as always. Looking forward to your Meadowland quilt video! I see you are not using the background color in the centers of the blocks. I was considering that, but wasn't sure whether that would compromise the contrast factor.
Oh my gosh, I use the add machine tape too! And there's a place in Florida, USA called POS printing or something and they have add tape in 4.5" wide. Whoo hoo! You have to order a case to get the best price so share them with your guild.
I’m watching your new and “old” videos and I learn more info. Someday, maybe you will do a video on foundation piecing -I’m still trying to do a small New York Beauty. The technique are confusing to me. Your answering questions about colors are great , too. Any ideas would help me- Thank you, every time I see you on video is inspiring🥰
Hi, from a Dutch lady living in France.
I just want to say thank you for your wonderful videos and also let you know that I’ve NEVER quilted YET, but.when I do (and that will be shortly (am getting the essential tools together) it will be because of the inspiration and courage that I get from watching your videos.
I think you are LOVELY 😊
🙏 For your son and sending you and your family loads of hugs 🤗🥰
For practice quilting, I made a lot of quilted dog beds for shelters with any cheap fabric I could get my hands on - from old clothing, table cloths, bed sheets, etc. I did not care if it was stained or faded or a cotton-poly blend or whatever. I also used the cheapest thread and standard needles my machine would accept. I just cut the fabric up according to a pattern or attempted my own pattern and just sewed. Tackled partial seams/Y-seams and the like, paper piecing and curves this way. Dogs don't care if it ends up being out of square, lost points, crooked triangles, wonky curves, not quite matched up sashing, ugly colors, etc. They just want something comfortable to sleep on. I did not have to fret over ruining expensive fabric, thread and needles to practice. To this day if there's a new technique or new pattern I want to try out, I make a few dog beds first to even see if I like the technique or pattern. I learned that I really am not suited for teensy tiny piecing patterns this way, and did not lose a small fortune in fabric in my learning process. Although I love those types of quilts, they're just not for me.
Good idea
Great idea!
Karen, You mentioned on your 10 tips about pre-cuts, that it was 4 months in the making! I had no idea that much work is involved in a video. As a new quilter, I watch most of your videos. Of all quilting videos on RUclips, I get the BEST tips from you! Thank you for your honest and direct guidance. In this video, I learned how to line up blocks across the width of my quilt, amazing marking tips for placing the sashing my on not so perfect blocks, and telling us that our quilting WILL get better, not to worry. You answered all of my questions. Just about to give up, this and other videos of yours, give me renewed hope. Georgia
Most shops offer kits, an easy way to get started quilting as all fabric requirements should be included. I have found not all patterns are created equally, some assume you know what you are doing, others are very detailed - find a style that works for you and you understand. Great to see you Karen, you always make us feel welcome.
Speaking of changing rotary blades, I place a strip of masking tape on the handle of my rotary cutter with the date that I changed the blade. I also "flip" my rotary blade and get a little extra use of the blade.
I am glad I didn't miss the first seven minutes. 👍I decided after years of coloring to stop 2 yrs ago. I constantly get compliments and questions of how ladies wish they had my color grey, it is more white. 🤣 Go for it grey is the new in color. So many wonderful tips and helpful suggestions. Your videos are so easy to watch, I think because you are friendly and real. Love your sighs and bf moments. 🤔 Me moments are a real thing. 🤣👍
LOL I love how real, honest and fun you are. Our hair all has the COVID touch! Thanks for making us all so happy.
Hope things are a little better for you and your family!!
Thank you! You too!
I so enjoy your videos, thank you so much for all your tips and tricks! I’m a fairly new quilter and your lessons have been invaluable to me! After watching this Q&A I went back and watched “A really good ironing technique “ again and what a difference in the blocks I’d been struggling with! Thank you and stay well! ❤️
You are a quilting encyclopedia! Thanks for sharing your vast knowledge. Great job! 💟
About hexagons, I had a bunch of ISpy hexagons that I used to make a placemat for my 2 yr. old great granddaughter. I’m enjoying all you present to us. Keep it going,please.
Hand piecing - great for hexagons, anything that’s got weird edges coming together (like lots of points), and anything you want to work on in the car, plain, train, etc. Hand quilting - start out with a 2 ft x 2 ft cheater cloth with 100% POLYESTER batting. Needle will go through like butter. By the end, you’ll have enough skill to use other battings. Also be prepared to spend $ on a bunch of different thimbles until you find your favorite size and style. Mine was a piece of adhesive “moleskin” wrapped around my nail bed and finger before covering with a metal “clover open sided” adjustable thimble. Love your videos. Your yawning is curious but just makes you more endearing to us.
Love your idea about using adding machine tape! Perfect for those crazy and little sized pieces of fabric that you don't want to throw out but are too little in a traditional quilt block. Keep sighing, too. Brings more oxygen to that intelligent brain of yours ;) Thank you for sharing all your great ideas.
Karen and others: Sighing can be a symptom of anemia. It is your bodies' way of getting extra oxygen to compensate for less blood to carry the oxygen. I hope this makes a difference for someone! I enjoy your videos - I always learn something new.
I have short arms 😂 and I have found using a 5 pound kettle ball weight on the top of my longer ruler helps with keeping my cutting straight for longer cuts. No wobble from my table or my ruler. I’m so glad to watch this morning with my coffee. A wonderful start to my day! Thank you for posting this. Been praying for your son! (Hugs!)
Me too. Just a 5 pound weight on my long rulers. Easy peasy.
I use two 2 pound hand weights, one at each end, and a vacuum shower hand grip attached in the middle of my 6"x24" ruler. It has made a world of difference for me and my short arms.
I have an antique iron I use, which weighs about 10 pounds.
great idea with the weight! I have very painful arthritis in my left index finger, and I think this would help keep my ruler in line!
I have a rock, about 2 pounds. : )
Shana from California
I've been watching what seems like forever. Such a huge influence on my life, yet this was the first video that finally convinced my stubborn head to not always go large with my quilts. I remember the first two questions, one how to pick color despite watching the many color tutorials. I will remember to bring my swatch card with me to the store and purchase different hues in that long list. The second was someone trying to finish a queen size quilt with one inch squares and how to actually get through the grind of it and get it done. Your answer helped so so much to sometimes start small and there is no shame in that. Because I will get better. Thank you hun. Your an amazing gift in my life. Thoughts are with your son! Plus sighing isn't bad, I tell the kids mommy forgot to breathe, Haha. Much love. Thanks again!
My grandparents and parents were my outstanding role models for values and social justice and they all were gray haired role models. When I got my first gray hairs and told my stylist that I was keeping them, she said "We'll call them your natural highlights" which pleased me no end. Welcome to the club - it's so carefree during the pandemic.
I quit colouring my hair years ago so that I could deal with aging. It didn't work but my sisters liked it so much that they let their hair go too.
If you put a hand weight(a ssmaller dumbbell, even a can of something) on the far end of your ruler it will help stabilize your ruler when doing long cuts. Donna Jordan of Jordan Quilts shows this. I've tried it and really like it.
Yes that does help too
Sighing so much is a sign that you’re feeling a lot of stress. It’s a way to calm your nerves. Totally understandable with the COVID stuff and life changes we’re all dealing with. I hope things get better for you and I’m glad your son is doing well.
I’m glad someone else posted this - I also wanted to reassure her - it just means you’ve had stress in your life. I did this also after my mom passed - it does go away eventually. You’re ok.
Thankyou so much for your fantastic videos and the Q and A. You cheer me up and teach me something each and every time! You and your family are in my prayers.
Thank you
I'm praying for you & for your son. I've been thru cancer & prayer & reading the Psalms for me thru. Take care
Grey is natural and easy to take care of and much cheaper.
Welcome to the club.
Queensland, Australia
Let my hair go three years ago and I’m so happy I did. I have used large scale prints in a log cabin and it’s so cool, adds depth and variety.
I started my first quilt in March 2019 and just finished it May 2020. Not having a clue what I was doing, and not using any pattern, I ambitiously started a double size rail fence quilt, although I didn't know it at the time. I just made it up as I went along. It turned out beautiful in my eyes, but I would recommend people start much smaller. As Karen said, you learn so much as you go along. I'm working on a throw size now... so much easier! Why didn't I start there?
I'm sorry I missed the live event, but thank you for posting this replay video, and big thanks for your teachings that enrich my quilting life so much. Hugs to you, your son and family.
Sorry I didn't get to see your show ☹️ Eileen from Ireland
Just managed to catch up on this, I'm not a modern quilter, but you talk such sense , everything is grounded in earned knowledge , I always look forward to your videos. Thank you for spending time with us.Keep safe , sane and well. Best wishes o all of you.
My 1st project was 9 patch block. I still have it and have a Christmas cactus sitting on it on my coffee table. Glad to hear your son is doing very well, hope he continues to improve.
I'm so sorry that I missed the Facebook live! I haven't been getting on Facebook much these days. The tip about folding the block...priceless! You never fail to teach me something every video. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Thank you for your wonderful, informative and so human Q&A. When you sigh, you release so much for all of us! Xx
Yup. Let the hair go. Not worth it and the freedom is amazing! Look at mine! Loved the video even though I'm an experienced quilter, I can always glean something. Keep sighing!!
Yours is gorgeous
My daughter let hers go gray as well. At first I was not a fan but given a bit more growth I absolutely love her hair with its natural highlights. So if you don’t like it at first give it a bit more time and you might love it.
Bulletin journaling....I have done this for years and have learned that I need to make sure to write notes in a way I can understand in a year or 2. I go back now to read some of my entries and I have trouble deciphering what exactly I was wanting to do. So I encourage all to do this because you too can forget exactly what you were wanting to do on that project! Great Q&A!
Thank you for another great video. I sat with a pen and paper taking notes. There was SO much information you shared with us. I also wanted to tell you that after watching your colour videos I sorted all my fabric into the 12 colours on the colour wheel and chose the colours for my last quilt in FIVE MINUTES. I have struggled with this for the three years I've been quilting. Have a happy day and thanks again.
Glad it was helpful!
I know it’s off topic, but I love that you use “lie” and “lay” correctly.
😅
It’s time to show my gray. This gives me more money for my sewing hobby 🤣
For everyone asking about basting, there is a board/pool noodle method that is very easy. Sharon Schamburg has a video on RUclips that shows how to do it.
Hi Karen, Thanks for the tips and advice . I appreciate the informality of these sessions. You are giving me confidence to tackle bigger projects and your encouragement is appreciated. I started as a "quilt groupie"; attending shows and exhibits with my quilting friends and now I have been quilting for a few years, doing many baby quits for family and friends. I have gifted my first full size quilt and have finally given myself permission to call myself a quilter. Thanks for your contribution to my confidence. .... P.S. Sighing loudly is a stress release, but I bet you know that. I also am a sigher.
My dog was a sigher too...we were quite the pair
Your weekly rotary blade change frequency is my quilting relationship goal, LOL! My first quilt was a queen size bargello my son requested out of traditional train engineer bandanas that needed squaring up before I started ... with a quick little training on cutting and pressing and a pattern I discovered partway through was incomplete. I went completely anal matching seams on alternating rows, fell in love with the quilting process and community, and bonded with my son as he watched my progress. Thank you for your encouragement and help here.
nice 👍
I have been told that sighing is a good way to relieve stress. Your videos are awesome, so sigh away!
Hi Karen, thank you for this video I love your tips you have helped me so much. Deep sighing is a sign of frustration,disappointment, boredom etc. in the times we are experiencing it just means you've had enough of the current situation and you would like things to be back the way they where. Hang in there I'm the same I sigh so much, I try and meditate but that's me. Maybe increase your walks in the sun around your beautiful town. Much love.
Loved this. Thanks for keeping me company and inspiring me to JUST GET IT DONE! During this stay at home some days are not so productive. This should be my new mantra JUST GET IT DONE! Thanks Karen.
You have the best tips! Thank you for all your great videos which I have been binge watching. I’m new to quilting and you have been very helpful
I started letting my gray grow out in September. So FREEING! A lot of celebs are going gray, too! My hair has never felt this soft and healthy!
Great tips!! Thank you! And so glad to hear your son is doing well through chemo.
We were all sighing with you. I bought the 3 in 1 tool and I will be employing it when making my grandbaby's quilt.
Love your videos. Always learn something. I've been sighing a lot too so you are not alone! Hope your son is doing well and wish you peace!
Thanks Karen. Great video Q&A! I don’t usually get to catch you “live”, but I sure do learn a lot every time!! So happy to hear your son is doing better. 😊
I let my hair go natural years ago. So glad I did it.
I am glad your son is doing well! Thanks for the video!
Thank you!
You are such a lovely person, and so kind. I appreciate your tutorials.
I'm sorry I missed your live Q&A. Luckily being a subscriber I got a lovely pop up on utube. I really enjoyed the show. Someone asked you how they could stop the last inch or two of a long cut going awry and I think I might be able to help. Using a small weight to keep the faraway end of the ruler in place has been productive. I'm glad your son is bearing up well under treatment. God bless
I introduced my sisters to using the black and white photo feature on their phones to determine value when we worked together making a tumbling blocks quilt. It turned out beautifully with over 80 different fabrics. It was so much fun to make!
I do this too because I am not great at selecting color fabrics that work together and I want as much contrast as possible.
Hi from Switzerland. Wonderful Q&A - I learnt so much! I am personally more the garment sewer so it is great to be reminded of the issues of quilters. Sending you all the best in this crazy time. If you need anything let me know. Sarah
Hi Karen, so good to see you. Are you getting outside for walks. Let some fresh air in under your mask. Lots of great tips and tricks as
usual and I really enjoy your enthusiasm. Prayers for the whole family. It’s funny how we think about our hair both color and cuts. My mom kept her hair colored till she died at 80. My MIL never colored hers and I followed her lead. Next I’m thinking I might let it keep growing and have a ponytail again. Maybe it’ll make me feel like 50 again ! 😀
Maureen Smith I have never colored my hair, but when I grew it long at age 55, an old friend said I looked like a witch. Luckily, he was a much loved friend! I cut it right away, and haven’t gone back! ......I do need a cut now, after isolation! My hair guy is in his 70’s, and I haven’t wanted to expose him to any germs I might have.
Dear Karen, Thank you for another wonderful q &a. Please check out your breathing. I have low volume and the sigh is actually a deep breathe to catch up with needed O2. I am being more mindful of taking deeper and even doing yoga breathing once an hour. 4 seconds in, hold for 4 seconds, out for 4 seconds. It has really helped. Prayers for you and your family.
Ok will do
If I were you, Karen, I'd let my grey hair grow out. Yours looks like you've had it professionally highlighted! Mine's kind of like that, and I use a silver-enhancing shampoo to make sure that the greys look really bright. My hairdresser and others who comment on my hair colour think it's been done professionally, but it's just me! You're beautiful! Go with what the Maker gave you. And your hair will love not being "chemically dependent." xx
ditto !!
My second and third quilt (30 plus years ago) were made from scraps that I had around my house from my girls dresses etc. Some was poly cotton. In many cases those fabrics came apart at the seams. it was very saddening. They were a matching set of quilts for my girls bunk beds. I don't know if today's fabrics would be better but I have not used poly cotton since. This is my experience however other quilters may have had better luck. I would use caution. I would also be interested to find out if newer fabrics with polyester hold up better. I have been scared to try it again.
Great Q an A. Thanks for answering so many of our questions at one time. You are an amazing woman and I love watching your videos. Stay safe.
My very first quilt was an Ohio Star made from scraps from my instructor's stash. The final size was about 12 inches by 18 inches. It was perfect for a first project!
That's a win
Just received the color tool and wheel, and have printed out the sheets from your color video. Looking forward to practicing as soon as I choke down a giant frog!
Terrific video! Melissa Marginet‘s books on quilting designs with a walking foot look amazing! I‘m going to order them today! Thanks for the tip!
I looked for the course Karen suggested on Melissa's site but couldn't find it exactly. I was hoping there would be a link in the notes above. Thanks for reminding me Juls. I'm loving these Q&A's.
I just might have to join FaceBook to take advantage of Q&A in real time. But your presentations are always quite enjoyable and informative. //. I think I’m going to do the grey thing, too. I like other people’s grey hair. //. Very glad to hear of Cameron’s progress. Candle still lit in Crestone, CO fir him. Godspeed!
I inherited a hand rotary blade sharpener and I tried using it last month. When you need a sharper blade quick It does work. At least it did for me.
👍
Sorry to focus on hair... I am so glad I grew out my gray which is actually white. SO glad I did. It is very freeing.
I see your quilt blocks in the background and am jealous because I haven't even got my first block done. I've barely got anything cut so far.
Ah ha! TY for the answer to just about the first question. I think the problem and reason I never finished my first quilt top was that I bought my favorite colors in too narrow a range. I got a certain number of the blocks put together, love them still, and then needed something to go with it. But I could not figure out what would play nicely, go in the gaps. Next time I go and look at those squares in storage, and wonder how to finish that quilt, I will have a clue!
P.S. Don't do FB. Thanks for posting so we can watch afterwards.
or you might use them for another project too
Newbie mistake, started it for my queen size bed. Because I had been sewing all my life I thought I could start with a large quilt... It was too big a project for me, especially pre- RUclips days, when advice when I got stuck was not easily come by. I have a different quilt on my bed now and think I might make these blocks into a wall hanging.
P S. Again... I really appreciate that you allow people to submit questions ahead of time for your live chats. Works really well as it seems hard to take questions on the fly.
Thank you for this nice Q&A, I watched it just now from the Netherlands. Learned some and smiled a lot. Allways a pleasure to watch your video's. Stay well.
I sigh too. Your sighs made me laugh. When you took the block off the wall it surprised me. Didn't realize it was not sewn. Lol! Always enjoyable watching your videos. Thank you.
Go for the gray! It is the best thing...no more touch ups!
Hello Karen and thank you for your videos! I live in Italy and really enjoy watching on RUclips the next day.
I love your videos but I don’t agree you can’t use bold big designs! I only use Kaffe Fassett fabric and me and thousends of other people all over the world LOVE them. I don’t say they work for every patchwork block, but boy, the do make amazing quilts! So joyful, so full of colour, exactly what people need in these Covid times.
Karen - Love your hair, (mine's gone totally gray) love your laughter and even love your big sighs, aaahhhhhhh….. Also love your videos. I always enjoy watching and learning. Never quit making them!
We had snow I'm idaho this morning. Love watching you
Good morning, I always had trouble with matching corners on my HST. It is the only block that I press the seams open and WOW LA they match.
That was a great video, loved hearing your answers to all those questions. Never disappointing. 👍❤️😊
Hi Karen. I have been a quilter awhile but hate doing sashing. Your tip is so easy to understand, but I had never heard it before. Thanks for that eureka moment! Praying your son is doing well. Take care and be safe 😊.
P.S. Love your background quilt.
Karen thank you so much for your Q&As and for all your videos. You are an inspiration!
Angela Walters is very,very good for FMQ. She gave me the courage to "have at it".
I'm a heavy sigh-er too, as was my grandmother. It's a way of calming myself- taking a deep, slow breath. It's my theory that heavy sigh-ers are patient people and we stay calm in a crisis, so sigh away, Karen! Thanks for this video. I look forward to every one. Recovering from surgery, can't quilt- and have another on Thursday, so I'm watching videos instead. A question for another time, maybe: I hand quilt my quilt sandwiches. I smooth repeatedly, pin baste carefully, quilt from centers out to edges in quadrants, etc.Why do my quilt backs always
get wrinkles and bubbles, although the fronts are smooth?
I’m going to google the sighting thing... we might be a special group 🙂🙃🙃 I’ve never herd anyone else mention it before but, I know I do it... I try not to but... then I find myself doing it 😌
When you quilt, you are compressing three fabrics into one. And they all have their own mind. So there is always a wave as the fabrics roll away from the quilted area. And much of quilting, either FMQ or long-arming, is managing that. Most tops are not flat so you have puckering of the top to manage as well. We can see the top so we can make corrections there but it's usually at the expense of the back. I have found since I switched to spray basing I have very few issues on the back...but I am still smoothing and checking.
On closed caption, your sighs translate to applause! Lol Your videos are so helpful. Thanks so much for making them.
LOL
I got the copy of the magazine. It was great, very full of interesting information and projects. Always enjoy your videos they help a lot. Prayers and good vibes headed your way for your son as usual. :)
Many thanks!
Loved this weeks Q&A! I learned so much. Thank you! For your next one, can I ask when building a stash how much should you purchase? 1/2 yard cuts, 1 yard cuts, more? Do you find there is an amount you usually get?
Good question! I have a video in the works
Vicki Robles Thanks Vicki!
Just Get it Done Quilts Excellent😍
I heard a lot of questions yesterday about building a stash she was correct in saying that having a budget is the best way to do it but also if you put some money aside and wait for holidays Memorial Day Mother's Day that kind of thing there's usually some kind of sale with most online venues and also places like Jo-Ann's has craft stuff on sale on a regular basis With Coupons you just have to pay attention to their sales and keep an eye out for stuff that you want that's on sale
Wow this was so much fun!!! Even though I have learnt quite a bit of this already ...i could listen to you all day. I am sure that you could make a post on ripping out seams and it would be fun and interesting to watch and listen to. Lol Thank you so much for posting. And btw your hair looks great.
Love the color on you. I always love your videos. I feel like we are sitting at the kitchen table and you are talking to me. Praying your son is doing well. Thank you for sharing. Have a blessed holiday weekend.
You too
Great tips! You look great today! Blessings for your son!
Hello, (from Canberra ACT, Australia)...you commented that 'big' prints are not good for quilting projects. If I may, I'm inclined to disagree..particularly because I've been buying a lot of new fabrics lately from Henry Alexander, TulaPink, Anna Horner, Amy Butler etc etc....and have seen their larger prints in many many quilts. When I first started P & Q (seriously) 4 ½ yrs ago I created a 'reproduction' style conservative stash, plus numerous other smaller print designers.e.g. Tilda, French General etc However, I'm finding now (in 2020) that I've changed my colour taste, hence new range of larger brighter prints are finding their way into my stash storage boxes...& hoping like heck that I won't regret this!
But I do really enjoy your videos and have only just become a new subscriber. I love your practical advice and suggestions and your delightful down to earth presentation style. I especially loved your earlier video about your own journey into P & Q....so beautifully & honestly told, & my so so many of us (I'm sure) were able to completely relate...I sure did! And yes, I too have stopped colouring, & now a shiny silver (again!)
I am from South Africa. I learned so much from you. Thank you so much.
Cotton thread is recommended for making items used in a microwave. Polyester thread can melt
Thank you for the tip. If I make hand warmers again I'll keep that in mind.
Sorry I missed the live show as I live in the UK I get the time difference wrong. Keep giving us all these great videos.
Someone asked about building their stash, another place to watch for is Local buy and sell sites where people are destashing and you can get great deals this way
So, just bought a new sewing machine; Babylock Soprano. I’m thinking of taking up quilting and found your channel. Hopefully, with some guidance from you and a few others, I can learn quilting. Hopefully...
You tube is the best teacher - there are so many great instructors and you are at one of the best right here!
Hello Karen, great to hear that your son is going well. Will you do another q and a? I will look at the fb site. Cheers from Melbourne. Have you used the Deb Tucker Rulers or SNS system by Jodi Barrows. Getting the new Grande Ruler shipped to Australia soon I hope.
No I haven’t
I agree --Let it go, Let it go, Let your hair show snow!!!!!
I love the Color Tool Book! I realized a green was actually blue but "worked" with a seafoam teal color.
Which holds up better for long time use of quilts using cotton or polyester. What is a good brand of polyester? Thanks Enjoy your video's
Thanks for the tips, as always. Looking forward to your Meadowland quilt video! I see you are not using the background color in the centers of the blocks. I was considering that, but wasn't sure whether that would compromise the contrast factor.
My background colour is just for the background. Im happy with all but one of the blocks so far
This is out of my colour zone...but I am using up a fat quarter bundle I have. I think I was distracted by the orange.
I love the gray! And the pink!
Oh my gosh, I use the add machine tape too! And there's a place in Florida, USA called POS printing or something and they have add tape in 4.5" wide. Whoo hoo! You have to order a case to get the best price so share them with your guild.
Sending hugs and prayers for your son!
I’ve adopted your timer suggestion, just to do some sewing, it works in all tasks, fun or just the have tos.
I’m watching your new and “old” videos and I learn more info. Someday, maybe you will do a video on foundation piecing -I’m still trying to do a small New York Beauty. The technique are confusing to me. Your answering questions about colors are great , too. Any ideas would help me-
Thank you, every time I see you on video is inspiring🥰
She has a friend, Sugaridoo, on you tube who does this. Amazing
Yes check out sugaridoo
I could add one to the videos-to-do's
Sugaridoo has wonderful videos