I use a lot of thrifted sheets, I like vintage printed for backings and buy a lot of sheets for neutrals or solids. Ladies at my guild just look away when I say I use 100% cotton sheets in my quilts - so don't report me to the quilt police - I will get arrested for sure!
The list is long, lol. - I don’t use ‘quilting fabric’ or batting. Instead, I use (mostly) men’s dress shirts that I buy at thrift stores for fabric. I also use sheets, but they’re cotton ones that I buy new on clearance. And denim, corduroy, and twill from pants, too. I use flannel sheets or old blankets for batting. And I have a huge bolt of beige fleece that I bought at a thrift store for $14 that I’m still using up for backings. - I iron only when I think it absolutely necessary (and then usually do it in big batches while watching videos) because I hate ironing. - I use Hobby Lobby thread (gasp!, lol) because my machine likes it, it’s never given me a problem, and it’s cheap/what I can afford. Thank you for making these videos, Kristen. I appreciate it.
The rule I eventually started ignoring is that quilts should be made from 100% cotton. The world didn't end when I put a recycled polycotton duvet cover on the back of a quilt. 🙂
I have mixed fabric types to varied degrees of success. Did I wind up with a finished quilt? Yes. But I disliked sewing some poly cottons because they frayed terribly. But that’s me. As long as a quilter enjoys the sewing experience, have at it!
The Quilting Marine has a saying. ‘It’s only fabric, it’s only thread’. So we don’t need to be so precious about it and so do things our own way. It’s a good philosophy I think.❤😊
Make the quilt you fall in love with. Ignore the number of pieces. Just love the doing of it. Ignore time, its not a race. Its joy. Its mental health. Its warm for sleeping ))).
Dear Kristen, I did comment earlier to this video. I appreciation your honesty so very much because…..I’m dyslexic. I absolutely love quilting and any fabric fun. But it’s almost impossibly for me to read and follow patterns. So I just improvise….a lot. It’s been difficult for me to find encouragement and motivation for my unconventional approach…..cause I don’t follow the rules. When I need to do any math and check myself, my husband, Michael, is always available. He is a computer scientist and math expert….plus he has an incredible eye for color and composition. Thank you Blessings Suze
Yes there are so many reasons why patterns don’t work for folk. It’s not just you! You should definitely find the way that works best for you and go with it! 💕💕
I started sewing quilts a couple of years ago and I hear what you are saying and my brain is shouting hurrah! I much prefer to wing it and go with whatever flow I am in. I subscribe to the "do what makes you happy" motto. When I discovered I could color outside the lines, unlike that childhood coloring book rule, I was a happy camper. I also, like many, grew up hearing over and over again "practice makes perfect". It took me decades to let that one go and "good enough" works for me. I also subscribe to your philosophy! We all create in different ways and how wonderful is that? Cheers from Minnesota and thanks for all your videos! I bet many folks might clutch their pearls if they stumble on "Dave's Craft Room" and see his delightful way of doing his own thing when it comes to creating quilts!
"permission slips" are a good thing )))) I"M THE QUILTER I'LL DO IT MY WAY. ))))))) We love your methods because they are so free. Things turn out beautiful regardless of "rules". No quilt police required. Eccentric is my middle name. )))
You go girl !!! I like your attitude ,quilting is supposed to be enjoyable not a race to get it done.!!!I dislike all the tubers out there saying so this can be done so fast! Who cares I like creating and enjoying the process.So thank you for this tutorial.🤗😍🙏
I almost didn't start sewing because I had so many rules thrown into my lap by grandma's, aunts, friends....it made me nuts. Thank you for making it easier to start anywhere and see where I go. I have embroidered pieces that I want to incorporate and was told they wouldn't go together. You've given me the confidence to do it anyway. So what if I mess up. It's only fabric. I can get more. Thanks, Karen Maiden
I am sorry you got discouraged by other people’s rules. It is such a common experience. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder - just cause that one person doesn’t think your embroidery will work together doesn’t mean they are ‘right’. You do you!
If you REEEEally don't like a part, you can redo it differently. Or just leave it and ignore it. Warm is the final reason to make it in the first place. Its for sleeping under, not for winning contests.
If people only entered quilting shows because they thought they would win there wouldn't be any quilting shows! I enter the Scottish quilting show because we used to have lots more shows and they have slowly started disappearing so we have to keep it going by entering our quilts. I'll get off my soap box now 😁 I agree ignore the quilt police and do what makes you happy. I hate ironing my fabric and yes sometimes it probably causes me issues but if I had to iron first I wouldn't make a quilt. Thanks for putting all these rules to be broken out there; let's all do what makes us happy and leave everyone to their own way.
I too use second hand flannel sheeting for batting and throw together unique things. Ive never had an unction to enter into a quilt show...each quilt is unique and heartfelt love, sweat and more love into that..
Oh my goodness, totally agree with all of your points. I really like the last one (closing the rotary cutter). I never closed my cutter so I bought one that you squeeze the handle and the blade comes out and I love it!
I'm always one to do my own thing. I think that is why I like your channel ... because you DO break the rules. 😊. And it usually makes for more interesting quilts.
I just found your channel, and I couldn’t be happier to find someone who is of like mind. I am new to quilting and have already heard so many “can’t, “should,” and “shouldn’t” when I mention what I am doing when talking to more experienced quilters. The latest one was in a thrift store. I met a woman from our local guild. In the same conversation she told me to never let anyone make me doubt my creative vision but then three minutes later she told me I should not use a sheet for backing. Thank you for being brave enough to put yourself out there in such an authentic way.
Quilting is my stress relief. So I'm happy with what I do my way. Otherwise I would not quilt😊 Please continue with your videos and do your thing. You will be happier Thank you 😊
@@bevl3988 same, when she said in the video about scrapping things that hinder her path to happiness, I kinda just let out a little sigh of relief haha. That’s exactly what I do.
You know, it bothers me how much people try to gate keep quilting. It’s expensive, really expensive, so they need to stop. You wanna use frankenbatting, cool! You wanna use crumbs, cool! You wanna use polyblend, cool! It’s your quilt. It’s just a hobby ffs. Kristen we are lucky to have you, the voice of reason in a sea of gatekeepers! My rule I always break is I don’t always trim and I just fudge it. This isn’t precision engineering. It’s fabric. Haha ❤🎉
I was gonna say the same thing. I cut my fabric to size to make the blocks, so they should be the right size. I can usually tell if there's one that completely off - and do something about it. I also don't meticulously square up before I add binding, I used to, because that's what we're supposed to do.... But I don't anymore. No one who's received a quilt from me has ever complained, and when I hold them up to take a picture, they look pretty darn good (even if I say so myself). It's kinda liberating to 'break' the rules that don't matter anyway...
@ShazBookOwl who has time to square up to add binding? Lol. I have started adding binding on using my overlocker and that makes it much easier. But to be clear, I do square corners, I don’t miter any corners 😂😂. If it’s good enough for John Lewis, it’s good enough for me!
What a free spirited quilter you are. It's refreshing. I have been quilting for over 40 years and used to make and follow every rule. Not anymore. I want to enjoy the process. I make a lot of improv quilts and there is a lot of freedom in that. If I make a block that I don't particularly like I set it aside to become a mug rug. I have some blocks that didn't make it into a quilt. They will probably become an improv quilt, maybe a pet quilt.
I started quilting during Covid too; started making masks. Then I thought why not try something new! Crappy sewing machine caused tons of problems and tears (and swearing) until my husband said for god's sake go buy a decent machine. First one was a Baby lock Brilliant; traded up to an Allegro after a year and not having a big enough throat. I just traded the Allegro for a Juki DX4000 and holy cow, what a difference. Each quilt I make I try something new; a different challenge. I'm 76 and having a ball! My goal is for each one of my siblings, kids and grandkids have a memory quilt. Now I'm on to other family members. Thank you for all of your help. I'm just starting a stained glass quilt the your flip and sew method will be a lifesaver.
Love your attitude! I don’t close my cutter at home also. When I’m sewing with the guild,I do. Just in case one of the ladies comes in contact with it.
Love your way of thinking. And brave to say it. If you have fun and people love your quilts that’s great.ill take advice but don’t tell me I did it wrong. …
🎉 you have embraced the way I love to sew. For me, the love of quilting is the process. I'm usually quilting and have to wait for the quilt to tell me where it will go when it's finished.
Love your comment about wanting to get to the fun stuff without all the not fun prework ironing or pre washing fabric. And bias, which I do understand but usually choose to ignore. You were spot on with the rules I break all the time.
The only time I prewash a fabric is when I use flannels from Joann Fabric in combination with better quality fabrics. Not only do the reds run like mad, they shrink dramatically.
The first rule I didn't follow was to choose a simple pattern as a beginner. I made my own pattern in centimetres as I didn't use inches ( I had the idea that being Italian I had to use '' our'' measuring system. I now use both, even in the same quilt)cutting hundreds of squares and rectangles as I wanted the blocks to be small .... I always close the rotary cutter because I don't want to wash again the fabric in case of blood splitting everywhere 😅. I like your style, you are inspiring for people like me who are too fussy . I'm better now, I'm hand quilting a quilt and I 'm quite appreciating the unconsistency of my stiches. Elena, Italy
Love the idea of using cm and inches in the same quilt! I’m from Canada and live in the UK but I still use inches for quilting. It did take me a while to get used to…
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. When you are rather timid , lacking confidence, you need to hear the positive vibes every now and again. I will not be brow beaten into conforming. I'm with you, sister! Well until, that is, someone absolutley insists on the one true way!😊
I break them all and I love it. My quilting space so my rules. When I sew, it's my relaxing and creating time. I also leave my rotary cutter open. Oops! I have just tried your method of quilt as you go and it's such a game changer. Keep the videos coming, please.
Thanks so much for this! Like you, I’m very independent. Having arbitrary rules tossed like grenades infuriates me! I’m fascinated by the way you work.
I agree with you. For me it's about creating something from basically, nothing. The whole creative process, whatever it is for you, the accomplishment, for me, is quite fulfulling . If it please other's mores the better, not exclusive. Love the videos. Keep quilting your way.
Just found your channel as RUclips suggested this video. It was joyous to watch. Made me smile. I’m in this quilt life for creativity not perfection. I do push myself once a year in a complicated quilt but the rest is about creativity, color and design. Thanks for the video.
te he - you rebel!! I still laugh about one of your previous videos where you spoke about not ironing fabric. I believe you said something like, "my hobby, my rules!" Still makes me laugh. Considering where patchwork began (putting together bits of cast off clothing) and how a surprising number of those very old quilts still exist, it's clear that using only new fabric and new batting isn't necessary at all. I have a few WIP that I've "frankenbatted" with reclaimed old blankets. I really enjoy your take on quilting.
I totally do the same thing with paper piecing. I actually tried cutting the pieces out first and I kept messing it up. So now I always use a much bigger piece and I feel like I waste less fabric doing it that way anyway and it makes more sense for my brain. 😁
I love everything about this video! I'm 100% on the rule breaking train, choooooo, choooooooo!! 🙃😂 I sew in chaos, with my blade bared, and not a straight cut, or stitch to be seen! And, I'll throw whatever fabric I have into a quilt (usually something thrifted), and back it with a sheet in a heartbeat! Thanks for breaking the video making rule, so the rest of us know there are others like us. 🥰
I pretty much follow most of your “rules”. I do like a good quality batting like 60/40. But quilting should be a journey that is enjoyable and satisfying I watch you frequently. Keep being real
I agree with all of your comments in your video . Except the rotary cutter . I am to nervous to leave mine open ...but you do you ! Like you said we all have our own sewing rooms .... Love your take on quilt shows.... I think you have the right outlook . Its about the sharing a piece of yourself . And seeing all the creations . PS love both of your QAYG videos .... thats how I found you .... Havent tried it yet but shared your video many times .Everyone loves the methods you show .Thank you ...
Thanks Kristen. Breaking the rules and mixing fabrics is why I’m drawn to your channel. I started quilting during the pandemic and at first stuck hard and fast to the norms. I love your way of thinking about quilting and recycling fabrics. Looking forward to your announcement!
The rule that I definitely don't follow is the prep cutting of fabric into strips, squares, etc. For exactly the reason you give. How do I know that the 2.5" strip of fabric wouldn't have been better used as a 5" square?
My thoughts exactly too. I keep seeing people cut their scraps up into specific sizes and I think but what if I need it to be a different size to fit in a certain place. It was driving me crazy. Now I just save the scraps as they are and cut as needed. Makes me less stressed and happier.
Love this ! My first quilt was a denim and polyester cotton made on an overlocker! I didn’t know I had to sew with a quarter inch seam and not use polyester fabric! My backing was a remnant piece of chambray!Interesting point, that quilt was made 25 years ago and is still in use today! Some of the best examples of ‘no rules quilts’ would be the Gees Bend quilts! They are made in the manner that the pioneering ladies used…..making do with what you have and can afford. I can remember going to a guild meeting and one lady was laying out her. Backing ready to baste her quilt…….it was a sheet!!! O MG. There were so many ladies around her saying she can’t put that on the back! Totally embarrassed her! She kept going but I’ll bet she didn’t go back there! I sure didn’t
What a shame they all responded like that. It’s cheaper, you don’t have to piece it…what’s not to like? Some people just like to cling to rules for rules sake…baffling!
Thankyou for putting this out there, my problem is when I'm quilting I overthink everything because of all these so called rules. I enjoy quilting once I start but I'm always second guessing myself if I'm doing it right, now because of what you said I have to get out of my head and just enjoy the process. 😊
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts! I watch a lot of RUclips quilting channels and you are by far one of my favorites. I have learned ALOT ( I am a newbie) from watching you. You are an excellent teacher and your style has encouraged me to be creative and take more risks in my sewing journey. So thanks for breaking the rules and showing us that we can too!!
I love your views. I started sewing nearly 50 years ago but quilting has become my passion. I have never entered a quilt show because I have only been to one near Area 51, desert of Nevada. I am defiant by design. I do however love patterns to help when I get stuck. My only Rule I use now, since last week is closing my rotary cutter. I had just changed the blade and nicked my finger by the joint. Those tiny cuts hurt like HELL!! Other than that I love to watch how others are so brilliant and talented. I admire your love of using jean scraps.
My cutter was buried under fabric and I was patting the table to find it and did cut my hand, nothing major though. I still mostly leave it open. I only worry about grain when I rarely make bias binding. I do press before cutting though and sometimes prewash.
I use flannel or flannelette instead of wadding. I source it from men’s shirts and old sheets. I use sheets for backing fabric. I sew a foot width seam instead of a quarter inch. It is easier to line the foot up with the edge of the fabric.
Hi Kristen. I follow your channel because I like the way you do things. I do my quilts in different ways sometimes too. So I vary up my own "rules" depending on what I am working on.
Thanks for voicing your aversion to the "rules". I agree with all of them except the rotary cutter rule. I've been trained by nosy cats to cover my blades. I've subscribed and look forward to more fresh opinions.
I’m disabled so my rules are what serve me. Fabrics are washed before I work with them because I don’t want anything that runs like crazy or shrinks badly so I hot wash everything before I work with it and any that bleed are consigned to the vinegar soak until they stop.. i’m very very sensitive to perfumes, smells, and others laundry detergents etc so it’s also a safety thing as I don't want a 999 call for fabric reactions. Most of my collection also appears to be what others call scraps but my needs are varied like you so I don’t believe I know the size future me wants. And the most fun I have is going through my tiny scrap pile (items under 2 inches square) and deciding what to do with them. I find patchwork and quilting can be very very expensive so want to participate but queen and king sized items are definitely not for me. This year wall hangings and cushion fronts are my thing and there are no rules bar use what you have to achieve what you want for maximum enjoyment. Thanks for the encouragement.
Just found your channel. I’m already in love with it. Thanks so much for the permission to do all the things I do in quiet (secretive) guilt🤣. I love fabric, saving things that would have been thrown out by someone else and creating something new with it. I was really looking forward to making quilts…. But the price of batting stopped me for a long time. I decided to go ahead anyway. I use old blankets, fleeces, …& even hoodies. I was so glad to read all the comments that passionately agree with you. Let’s not stem that creativity, let’s just go for it!
Love this! As someone who doesn't have a lot of quilting time I've been trying to think of what barriers there are to me just getting in and working on a project and this all resonated with me. Thank you!
I love your videos. You always make me feel to quilt however works for me. Wish I didn’t work a lot of hours so I could quilt more! But it does support my habit! I started quilting like you did…created my own pattern. Thank you for this video! You are amazing!
Hey, I started quilting when I realized making clothes resulted in scraps. So, that was 50+ years ago (I was very young). No patterns, no 100% cotton, no rotary cutter, cutting mat or quilting rulers. I managed. So, I get it, and love your approach! There are a lot of rules I still don’t follow - but my skills have definitely improved by using some of them - not to mention my wide array of rulers, templates, mats, precut bundles, etc. Still can’t stand to throw away even the smallest scrap, and still make scrap quilts every year. If the quilt police ever come knocking, I’m a goner. But I’ll risk it.
I love this!! There are lots of guidelines in quilting, but sometimes they are treated like rules, which they are not. Even something as simple as a 1/4 inch seam doesn't always apply!! We should all do what works for us and what we enjoy!
OMG I do almost all the same as you. I used to sew years ago but not quilts and one day I just decided to try. I haven't used a pattern yet and I like to make my own creations with my own colours. I like symmetry and only a few colours per quilt. I do experiment and do some things outside my comfort zone, but it's my art, made my way. I do enjoy watching all sorts of videos to get ideas and try new things. This year I think I am going to try some FPP and do more applique, I've quite enjoyed the few things I've made. It is nice to hear other people function like I do when it comes to quilting. I find it's almost a compulsion, an idea gets into my head and it drives me crazy until I do it and that's the only way to get it out of my head. I do enjoy your channel and will continue to use it as a source of inspiration
Loved this!❤ I rarely use an actual pattern, prefer to figure it out for myself. I even make up my own FPP block patterns at times. my favourite batting is the silk/bamboo blend, and the only reason is that I like the ‘feel’ of it…the 80/20 stuff sets my teeth on edge to touch it(but that’s a me thing) I don’t pre-wash, I do press/iron the snot out of my fabrics and use lots of steam and some BestPress/Flatter. Thank you
Great attitude. Maximize the parts of the process you enjoy. Minimize the parts you don't. I love touching my fabric, including washing, ironing, and cutting. I work from home. A pretty high pressure job. I sometimes take little breaks during the where I iron and cut just to destress. The rhythm of the iron and rotary cutter (which I do close).
Love,love,love! Just found you, and you have a new follower. Am old enough to be your grandmother (just turned85) and you've been quilting longer than I have. Have 1 room in house shared with daughter and family. First quilts were for granddaughters baby...made with baby clothes...and I was hooked! Have yet to use a pattern, am a little intimidated. Have done the log cabin, just figuring it out by copying a quilt I loved. But following rules...no. And I make tote bags with applique, so my scraps are saved in all sorts of shapes. And save every piece.Would enjoy learning free motion quilting ,but no machine...all mine is done by hand, piecing and quilting. Am going to enjoy watching you create!
I sew over pins. There, I said it. I do it and it's only backfired on me once. Also, I usually press seams open, especially with half square triangles.
Really enjoy watching you, first time commenting :) The first time I shared with a quilter friend that I'm going to the thrift to look for a flannel sheet for batting, it was like I just committed the worst quilting crime. Not only using 100% cotton thread, another crime. Lol, whatever, its great fun looking for that nice flannel.sheet, and even more fun when its used in my quilt. On the scrap front, I've tried the cutting things down into sizes, but that was stressful, and just didn't motivate me to use them. I'd open a container with the cut pieces and they looked so strict Went back to sorting whatever size the fabric is by color, way more fun for me.
Love your work and how you share what you do. 100% agree with everything you said and know it wont work for everyone. But isnt it so wonderful to have choices and if they dont like it they can find somewhere else that works for them. I love seeing different ways of doing things. Even if i dont follow it myself its all education and ideas. Keep doing what you do ❤
I am a rule follower! But I haven't heard of some of your rules, but I definitely will follow them now! lol ! I like to buy scrap fabric and yardage from others who don't have a use for it anymore. For me that is so much fun. I don't precut my scraps either. I've been trying it for awhile, but I'm not sure what I want to use them for or what I will make next. So, I'm not sure how long I will precut. I don't always close my rotary cutter either! I have no children, I just have to watch my bird to make sure he doesn't cut his beak. I enjoy your channel very much.
i love this. for me it was that the quilt had to be perfectly cut for my squares or triangles. i found that my little inperfections made my quilts more loved because the people i gift them to know that it wasnt store bought.
I agree with the breaking of rules . I am a total newbie and I have my own tiny youtube channel . I love your channel and aspire to quilt ! Watching one of your quilt as you go videos gave me confidence to try quilting. While some of the tutorials out there are so technical and make me intimated to even try.
My fingers have lost their grip. The open cutter slipped from my hand and landed on my foot before skittering away under the couch. So I Always close my cutters.
For those choosing to use poly-cotton blends, keep in mind this is coming from someone who is new to quilting but has been gifted or inherited multiple quilts my Grandmother made. When she started out I believe she used some poly blends, and 40 years later those pieces have basically disintegrated. The quilting cotton or even lighter weight cotton is still going strong. Just something to consider if you want it to be going for years. The poly batting doesn't seem to matter at all, and I imagine the back would have had less issues because of less light exposure as I know the quilts my parents were gifted were used for years until the pieces started disintegrating and they wouldn't be able to be washed. Just my 2 cents because I'm now trying to figure out if I should try piecing another top and sandwiching it if I like quilting (starting on a practice piece then the actual quilting of a quilt that she pieced most of and Mom finished and sandwiched).
@ScrapFabricLove Unfortunately after Mom passed Dad went to 3 or 4 of Grandmother's quilting friends and several people that professionally repair quilts and they all said there wasn't much they could do because the blended material is just gone so there isn't anything to sew a patch to (the pattern is a bunch of triangles and the poly blend is spread throughout the pattern. They would have to essentially take it apart and repiece it which of course would ruin Grandmother's quilting and basically be an all new quilt. That is why I am saying something because if the quilt is going to get used, it might be better to use the poly blend on the back rather than as part of the piecing. Even if it has to be replaced at that point you could knot through intersections or whatever to keep it from shifting and the pieced top is still intact and usable. Or maybe it can just be planned to use it til it falls apart and sandwich a newer top. I just know all the people I know would be really upset if they quilted something and using it caused it to fall apart. I know it probably has to do with being on a bed in direct sunlight or something because my other Grandma's drapes did pretty much the same thing. But what's the point in making a quilt if it won't get used? Or maybe that is just a thing around here. If I didn't have the inherited stash, I would probably go in with the mindset I would resandwich after I had more experience personally, but I'd go in with that mindset so I was ready for it you know?
New subscriber here. Love this video. There are times when I am in the mood to have my seams nest perfectly (or as perfect as possible) and other times when it is not at the top of my list. Like you said, this is supposed to be fun. I would never want someone to give up sewing because of not feeling competent enough. I am 70 years old and still learning! I also agree about quilt shows. I go to see all the pretty things, whether they were a winner or not. Many times, the winners were not always my favorite. And that’s okay. After all, art has always been subjective. I will be looking forward to enjoying more of your videos. Thanks for sharing.
I already subscribed a few weeks ago but now I have a deeper appreciation for you with this video. I’m a beginner afraid actually start because of the rules. Thanks for making “no rule” normal.
Thanks so much for subscribing! Sorry I am very behind with comments this week! Welcome to the channel and make sure any rules you choose to follow work for you! You can always let go of the ones that aren’t serving you!
Thank you so much! I have only been quilting since June 2024 and I loved it until I came across all the countless rules everyone says you should do. I now do just what you suggest-if I want to do it and it works for me I "follow the rule". If not, I don't. So far it has worked beautifully for me and I get a lot more accomplished because I am enjoying myself. I have six lovely quilts done having never followed a pattern. I just find a quilts that I love the looks of and make my own creations.
I have learned so much from you and I o also love watch Dave. You both seem to jump in almost like you don't have a plan, but you do, you just are not super attached to it. I am always amazed at your ability to rescue your ideas and transform them. I definitely break all the same rules as yours. Although I never followed them. I began quilting during lock down, so no one was looking.
I have a Hexagon quilt in progress, and I don't cut to size either. I can cut 4.5 inch strips, cut squares from them and with my foundation card stock that's perfect.
I pay no attention to the bias when sewing with scraps. I also disregard the pre washing as I too wash with free & clear, along with color catching sheets, before sending out. It's all good❣️If we all did it the same, there would be nothing different to try and perhaps get pretty boring😉
as soon as you talked about not worrying about bias I subbed. i also only really work with scraps/remnants/thifted fabric so I think I will enjoy seeing your work and videos in the future
Love this video! I don’t follow the rules either because I quilt for fun. No one has ever returned one of my gifted quilts, So I keep enjoying the craft😊. Can’t wait to hear about your group sew alongs.
I was fast and loose with my rotary cutter too lol, and I learned that lesson the hard way. I had to get in the habit of closing it, stitches are expensive in America!! 😂 It was an easy habit to gain though, that one mishap was enough to make me respect the blade. You are fun, just discovered your videos tonight. Thank you for posting!
Which quilting rules do you break?
I use a lot of thrifted sheets, I like vintage printed for backings and buy a lot of sheets for neutrals or solids. Ladies at my guild just look away when I say I use 100% cotton sheets in my quilts - so don't report me to the quilt police - I will get arrested for sure!
@aninasmiles1 brilliant! 😂
The list is long, lol.
- I don’t use ‘quilting fabric’ or batting. Instead, I use (mostly) men’s dress shirts that I buy at thrift stores for fabric. I also use sheets, but they’re cotton ones that I buy new on clearance. And denim, corduroy, and twill from pants, too. I use flannel sheets or old blankets for batting. And I have a huge bolt of beige fleece that I bought at a thrift store for $14 that I’m still using up for backings.
- I iron only when I think it absolutely necessary (and then usually do it in big batches while watching videos) because I hate ironing.
- I use Hobby Lobby thread (gasp!, lol) because my machine likes it, it’s never given me a problem, and it’s cheap/what I can afford.
Thank you for making these videos, Kristen. I appreciate it.
@michellekennedy6382 love your list! You do you!
I think you must be my twin sister. 😂 😂😊
The rule I eventually started ignoring is that quilts should be made from 100% cotton. The world didn't end when I put a recycled polycotton duvet cover on the back of a quilt. 🙂
Fab! Love it!
I have mixed fabric types to varied degrees of success. Did I wind up with a finished quilt? Yes. But I disliked sewing some poly cottons because they frayed terribly. But that’s me. As long as a quilter enjoys the sewing experience, have at it!
The Quilting Marine has a saying. ‘It’s only fabric, it’s only thread’. So we don’t need to be so precious about it and so do things our own way. It’s a good philosophy I think.❤😊
I agree our quilting journey is supposed to be to bring us joy so we need to enjoy the process😊
Make the quilt you fall in love with. Ignore the number of pieces. Just love the doing of it. Ignore time, its not a race. Its joy. Its mental health. Its warm for sleeping ))).
Dear Kristen, I did comment earlier to this video. I appreciation your honesty so very much because…..I’m dyslexic. I absolutely love quilting and any fabric fun. But it’s almost impossibly for me to read and follow patterns. So I just improvise….a lot. It’s been difficult for me to find encouragement and motivation for my unconventional approach…..cause I don’t follow the rules. When I need to do any math and check myself, my husband, Michael, is always available. He is a computer scientist and math expert….plus he has an incredible eye for color and composition. Thank you Blessings Suze
Yes there are so many reasons why patterns don’t work for folk. It’s not just you! You should definitely find the way that works best for you and go with it! 💕💕
You are a breath of fresh air! Thank you!!!
Thanks so much!
I started sewing quilts a couple of years ago and I hear what you are saying and my brain is shouting hurrah! I much prefer to wing it and go with whatever flow I am in. I subscribe to the "do what makes you happy" motto. When I discovered I could color outside the lines, unlike that childhood coloring book rule, I was a happy camper. I also, like many, grew up hearing over and over again "practice makes perfect". It took me decades to let that one go and "good enough" works for me. I also subscribe to your philosophy! We all create in different ways and how wonderful is that? Cheers from Minnesota and thanks for all your videos! I bet many folks might clutch their pearls if they stumble on "Dave's Craft Room" and see his delightful way of doing his own thing when it comes to creating quilts!
I love Dave’s Craft Room! Right up my street!
Once i had a quilt longarmed with no batt, and the backing was a wool tweed. It was very successful and was nice and warm for the recipient!
Fab!
OOOO I LIKE that!! They don't ALL need to be stuffed, do they.....
"permission slips" are a good thing )))) I"M THE QUILTER I'LL DO IT MY WAY. ))))))) We love your methods because they are so free. Things turn out beautiful regardless of "rules". No quilt police required. Eccentric is my middle name. )))
Yesssssss, 100%❤
💕
👏👏👏
You go girl !!!
I like your attitude ,quilting is supposed to be enjoyable not a race to get it done.!!!I dislike all the tubers out there saying so this can be done so fast!
Who cares I like creating and enjoying the process.So thank you for this tutorial.🤗😍🙏
Amen!!!
I almost didn't start sewing because I had so many rules thrown into my lap by grandma's, aunts, friends....it made me nuts. Thank you for making it easier to start anywhere and see where I go. I have embroidered pieces that I want to incorporate and was told they wouldn't go together. You've given me the confidence to do it anyway. So what if I mess up. It's only fabric. I can get more. Thanks, Karen Maiden
I am sorry you got discouraged by other people’s rules. It is such a common experience. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder - just cause that one person doesn’t think your embroidery will work together doesn’t mean they are ‘right’. You do you!
If you REEEEally don't like a part, you can redo it differently. Or just leave it and ignore it. Warm is the final reason to make it in the first place. Its for sleeping under, not for winning contests.
If people only entered quilting shows because they thought they would win there wouldn't be any quilting shows! I enter the Scottish quilting show because we used to have lots more shows and they have slowly started disappearing so we have to keep it going by entering our quilts. I'll get off my soap box now 😁 I agree ignore the quilt police and do what makes you happy. I hate ironing my fabric and yes sometimes it probably causes me issues but if I had to iron first I wouldn't make a quilt. Thanks for putting all these rules to be broken out there; let's all do what makes us happy and leave everyone to their own way.
We are kindred spirits obviously!
I too use second hand flannel sheeting for batting and throw together unique things. Ive never had an unction to enter into a quilt show...each quilt is unique and heartfelt love, sweat and more love into that..
Fab! Great philosophy!
Oh my goodness, totally agree with all of your points. I really like the last one (closing the rotary cutter). I never closed my cutter so I bought one that you squeeze the handle and the blade comes out and I love it!
@@wendedragoset2716 I have that one too
Yes I should look into one like that 😂
I'm always one to do my own thing. I think that is why I like your channel ... because you DO break the rules. 😊. And it usually makes for more interesting quilts.
Thanks!
I just found your channel, and I couldn’t be happier to find someone who is of like mind. I am new to quilting and have already heard so many “can’t, “should,” and “shouldn’t” when I mention what I am doing when talking to more experienced quilters. The latest one was in a thrift store. I met a woman from our local guild. In the same conversation she told me to never let anyone make me doubt my creative vision but then three minutes later she told me I should not use a sheet for backing. Thank you for being brave enough to put yourself out there in such an authentic way.
Glad it chimed with you! Sorry if you’ve experienced some of that judgement- it’s not fun! Just don’t let it discourage you!
Quilting is my stress relief. So I'm happy with what I do my way. Otherwise I would not quilt😊
Please continue with your videos and do your thing. You will be happier
Thank you 😊
@@bevl3988 same, when she said in the video about scrapping things that hinder her path to happiness, I kinda just let out a little sigh of relief haha. That’s exactly what I do.
You know, it bothers me how much people try to gate keep quilting.
It’s expensive, really expensive, so they need to stop.
You wanna use frankenbatting, cool!
You wanna use crumbs, cool!
You wanna use polyblend, cool!
It’s your quilt. It’s just a hobby ffs.
Kristen we are lucky to have you, the voice of reason in a sea of gatekeepers!
My rule I always break is I don’t always trim and I just fudge it. This isn’t precision engineering. It’s fabric. Haha ❤🎉
I was gonna say the same thing. I cut my fabric to size to make the blocks, so they should be the right size. I can usually tell if there's one that completely off - and do something about it. I also don't meticulously square up before I add binding, I used to, because that's what we're supposed to do.... But I don't anymore. No one who's received a quilt from me has ever complained, and when I hold them up to take a picture, they look pretty darn good (even if I say so myself). It's kinda liberating to 'break' the rules that don't matter anyway...
Yes less gatekeeping! Totally agree.
Love it!
@ShazBookOwl who has time to square up to add binding? Lol. I have started adding binding on using my overlocker and that makes it much easier. But to be clear, I do square corners, I don’t miter any corners 😂😂. If it’s good enough for John Lewis, it’s good enough for me!
@@Sam_the_quilterInteresting idea. I have never used my serger 🇨🇦 to put on binding. What is the benefit of doing it that way?
What a free spirited quilter you are. It's refreshing. I have been quilting for over 40 years and used to make and follow every rule. Not anymore. I want to enjoy the process. I make a lot of improv quilts and there is a lot of freedom in that. If I make a block that I don't particularly like I set it aside to become a mug rug. I have some blocks that didn't make it into a quilt. They will probably become an improv quilt, maybe a pet quilt.
Fab! I save up the blocks I don’t use for totally mad looking orphan block quilts! I’m probably due another one soon!
I started quilting during Covid too; started making masks. Then I thought why not try something new! Crappy sewing machine caused tons of problems and tears (and swearing) until my husband said for god's sake go buy a decent machine. First one was a Baby lock Brilliant; traded up to an Allegro after a year and not having a big enough throat. I just traded the Allegro for a Juki DX4000 and holy cow, what a difference. Each quilt I make I try something new; a different challenge. I'm 76 and having a ball! My goal is for each one of my siblings, kids and grandkids have a memory quilt. Now I'm on to other family members. Thank you for all of your help. I'm just starting a stained glass quilt the your flip and sew method will be a lifesaver.
Love your attitude! I don’t close my cutter at home also. When I’m sewing with the guild,I do. Just in case one of the ladies comes in contact with it.
Brilliant - you have a double standard just like mine with my kids!
I break all the rules and make what l want to make. Its my fabric my sewing room, my creation.
Love your way of thinking. And brave to say it. If you have fun and people love your quilts that’s great.ill take advice but don’t tell me I did it wrong. …
Thank you!
🎉 you have embraced the way I love to sew. For me, the love of quilting is the process. I'm usually quilting and have to wait for the quilt to tell me where it will go when it's finished.
Love this!
Love your comment about wanting to get to the fun stuff without all the not fun prework ironing or pre washing fabric. And bias, which I do understand but usually choose to ignore.
You were spot on with the rules I break all the time.
Thank you!
The only time I prewash a fabric is when I use flannels from Joann Fabric in combination with better quality fabrics. Not only do the reds run like mad, they shrink dramatically.
The first rule I didn't follow was to choose a simple pattern as a beginner. I made my own pattern in centimetres as I didn't use inches ( I had the idea that being Italian I had to use '' our'' measuring system. I now use both, even in the same quilt)cutting hundreds of squares and rectangles as I wanted the blocks to be small ....
I always close the rotary cutter because I don't want to wash again the fabric in case of blood splitting everywhere 😅.
I like your style, you are inspiring for people like me who are too fussy . I'm better now, I'm hand quilting a quilt and I 'm quite appreciating the unconsistency of my stiches. Elena, Italy
Love the idea of using cm and inches in the same quilt! I’m from Canada and live in the UK but I still use inches for quilting. It did take me a while to get used to…
My thinking is just like yours. I do what I want. I don't care what anyone says.❤
Good for you!
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts. When you are rather timid , lacking confidence, you need to hear the positive vibes every now and again. I will not be brow beaten into conforming. I'm with you, sister! Well until, that is, someone absolutley insists on the one true way!😊
I break them all and I love it. My quilting space so my rules. When I sew, it's my relaxing and creating time. I also leave my rotary cutter open. Oops! I have just tried your method of quilt as you go and it's such a game changer. Keep the videos coming, please.
Glad you liked the QAYG! Thanks for watching!
Thanks so much for this! Like you, I’m very independent. Having arbitrary rules tossed like grenades infuriates me!
I’m fascinated by the way you work.
Glad it chimed with you!
I agree with you. For me it's about creating something from basically, nothing. The whole creative process, whatever it is for you, the accomplishment, for me, is quite fulfulling . If it please other's mores the better, not exclusive. Love the videos. Keep quilting your way.
Thanks!
Totally enjoyed this.
You are my twin sister from another mother. I agree with everything you said. Just keep up the good work. I think your quilts are beautiful.
Thanks so much! 💕💕💕
Just found your channel as RUclips suggested this video. It was joyous to watch. Made me smile. I’m in this quilt life for creativity not perfection. I do push myself once a year in a complicated quilt but the rest is about creativity, color and design. Thanks for the video.
Hi! Thanks so much for watching! I’m very behind on comments this week but thanks so much for your lovely comment and glad you enjoyed the video!
te he - you rebel!! I still laugh about one of your previous videos where you spoke about not ironing fabric. I believe you said something like, "my hobby, my rules!" Still makes me laugh. Considering where patchwork began (putting together bits of cast off clothing) and how a surprising number of those very old quilts still exist, it's clear that using only new fabric and new batting isn't necessary at all. I have a few WIP that I've "frankenbatted" with reclaimed old blankets. I really enjoy your take on quilting.
Thanks! Glad I could give you a chuckle!
I totally do the same thing with paper piecing. I actually tried cutting the pieces out first and I kept messing it up. So now I always use a much bigger piece and I feel like I waste less fabric doing it that way anyway and it makes more sense for my brain. 😁
I wanted to tell you that I love your quilt as you go joining video ❤❤❤❤❤
Thanks so much!
I love everything about this video! I'm 100% on the rule breaking train, choooooo, choooooooo!! 🙃😂 I sew in chaos, with my blade bared, and not a straight cut, or stitch to be seen! And, I'll throw whatever fabric I have into a quilt (usually something thrifted), and back it with a sheet in a heartbeat! Thanks for breaking the video making rule, so the rest of us know there are others like us. 🥰
Thanks so much for this! 💕💕
I pretty much follow most of your “rules”. I do like a good quality batting like 60/40. But quilting should be a journey that is enjoyable and satisfying I watch you frequently. Keep being real
I loved this. I don't follow the rules either and that's just fine with me. Thank you❤
I agree with all of your comments in your video . Except the rotary cutter . I am to nervous to leave mine open ...but you do you ! Like you said we all have our own sewing rooms .... Love your take on quilt shows.... I think you have the right outlook . Its about the sharing a piece of yourself . And seeing all the creations . PS love both of your QAYG videos .... thats how I found you .... Havent tried it yet but shared your video many times .Everyone loves the methods you show .Thank you ...
Thanks so much!
Thanks Kristen. Breaking the rules and mixing fabrics is why I’m drawn to your channel. I started quilting during the pandemic and at first stuck hard and fast to the norms. I love your way of thinking about quilting and recycling fabrics. Looking forward to your announcement!
Thanks so much! 💕💕
The rule that I definitely don't follow is the prep cutting of fabric into strips, squares, etc. For exactly the reason you give. How do I know that the 2.5" strip of fabric wouldn't have been better used as a 5" square?
My thoughts exactly too. I keep seeing people cut their scraps up into specific sizes and I think but what if I need it to be a different size to fit in a certain place. It was driving me crazy. Now I just save the scraps as they are and cut as needed. Makes me less stressed and happier.
Love this ! My first quilt was a denim and polyester cotton made on an overlocker! I didn’t know I had to sew with a quarter inch seam and not use polyester fabric! My backing was a remnant piece of chambray!Interesting point, that quilt was made 25 years ago and is still in use today!
Some of the best examples of ‘no rules quilts’ would be the Gees Bend quilts! They are made in the manner that the pioneering ladies used…..making do with what you have and can afford.
I can remember going to a guild meeting and one lady was laying out her. Backing ready to baste her quilt…….it was a sheet!!! O MG. There were so many ladies around her saying she can’t put that on the back! Totally embarrassed her! She kept going but I’ll bet she didn’t go back there! I sure didn’t
What a shame they all responded like that. It’s cheaper, you don’t have to piece it…what’s not to like? Some people just like to cling to rules for rules sake…baffling!
I love to guesstimate ( wing it ) - bending and stretching the rules - great video !!
Thank you!
Thankyou for putting this out there, my problem is when I'm quilting I overthink everything because of all these so called rules. I enjoy quilting once I start but I'm always second guessing myself if I'm doing it right, now because of what you said I have to get out of my head and just enjoy the process. 😊
Yes it is hard not to hear those voices but we just have to remind ourselves they aren’t real! Have fun with your quilting!
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts! I watch a lot of RUclips quilting channels and you are by far one of my favorites. I have learned ALOT ( I am a newbie) from watching you. You are an excellent teacher and your style has encouraged me to be creative and take more risks in my sewing journey. So thanks for breaking the rules and showing us that we can too!!
Thanks so much! 💕💕💕
I love your views. I started sewing nearly 50 years ago but quilting has become my passion. I have never entered a quilt show because I have only been to one near Area 51, desert of Nevada. I am defiant by design. I do however love patterns to help when I get stuck. My only Rule I use now, since last week is closing my rotary cutter. I had just changed the blade and nicked my finger by the joint. Those tiny cuts hurt like HELL!! Other than that I love to watch how others are so brilliant and talented. I admire your love of using jean scraps.
Sorry you got cut! I’m sure my day will come…
You are my quilting soul sister. I enjoy trying to figure out how to fix or change a quilt pattern way more than following it. Love this video!
🥰
Thanks so much! Glad I’m not alone! 💕
My cutter was buried under fabric and I was patting the table to find it and did cut my hand, nothing major though. I still mostly leave it open. I only worry about grain when I rarely make bias binding. I do press before cutting though and sometimes prewash.
I am with ya!!!! I love to iron but I don't watch grain and I press seams open sometimes
I love that you throw caution to the wind ❤❤❤
I use flannel or flannelette instead of wadding. I source it from men’s shirts and old sheets. I use sheets for backing fabric. I sew a foot width seam instead of a quarter inch. It is easier to line the foot up with the edge of the fabric.
Totally agree, your quilt, your rules. ❤
Hi Kristen. I follow your channel because I like the way you do things. I do my quilts in different ways sometimes too. So I vary up my own "rules" depending on what I am working on.
Thanks!
Thanks for voicing your aversion to the "rules". I agree with all of them except the rotary cutter rule. I've been trained by nosy cats to cover my blades. I've subscribed and look forward to more fresh opinions.
Thanks so much for subscribing! Welcome to the channel!
I had no idea we were so alike in our "rebellious ways"! A kindred soul. Thank you, Kristen.
Yeah! Glad we are kindred sewing spirits!
I’m disabled so my rules are what serve me. Fabrics are washed before I work with them because I don’t want anything that runs like crazy or shrinks badly so I hot wash everything before I work with it and any that bleed are consigned to the vinegar soak until they stop.. i’m very very sensitive to perfumes, smells, and others laundry detergents etc so it’s also a safety thing as I don't want a 999 call for fabric reactions. Most of my collection also appears to be what others call scraps but my needs are varied like you so I don’t believe I know the size future me wants. And the most fun I have is going through my tiny scrap pile (items under 2 inches square) and deciding what to do with them. I find patchwork and quilting can be very very expensive so want to participate but queen and king sized items are definitely not for me. This year wall hangings and cushion fronts are my thing and there are no rules bar use what you have to achieve what you want for maximum enjoyment.
Thanks for the encouragement.
Just found your channel. I’m already in love with it. Thanks so much for the permission to do all the things I do in quiet (secretive) guilt🤣. I love fabric, saving things that would have been thrown out by someone else and creating something new with it. I was really looking forward to making quilts…. But the price of batting stopped me for a long time. I decided to go ahead anyway. I use old blankets, fleeces, …& even hoodies. I was so glad to read all the comments that passionately agree with you. Let’s not stem that creativity, let’s just go for it!
Welcome to the channel! Yes batting is ridiculous expensive! So glad your are finding the freedom to use the materials you enjoy.
Love this! As someone who doesn't have a lot of quilting time I've been trying to think of what barriers there are to me just getting in and working on a project and this all resonated with me. Thank you!
Good luck making the time to sew! Do the bits you love!
I love your videos. You always make me feel to quilt however works for me. Wish I didn’t work a lot of hours so I could quilt more! But it does support my habit! I started quilting like you did…created my own pattern. Thank you for this video! You are amazing!
Thanks so much! So glad you liked it!
Hey, I started quilting when I realized making clothes resulted in scraps. So, that was 50+ years ago (I was very young). No patterns, no 100% cotton, no rotary cutter, cutting mat or quilting rulers. I managed. So, I get it, and love your approach! There are a lot of rules I still don’t follow - but my skills have definitely improved by using some of them - not to mention my wide array of rulers, templates, mats, precut bundles, etc. Still can’t stand to throw away even the smallest scrap, and still make scrap quilts every year. If the quilt police ever come knocking, I’m a goner. But I’ll risk it.
I love that you can remember before all these ‘rules’ were a thing. When you just start out it feels like it is ‘the way’ rather than just one way.
I love this!! There are lots of guidelines in quilting, but sometimes they are treated like rules, which they are not. Even something as simple as a 1/4 inch seam doesn't always apply!! We should all do what works for us and what we enjoy!
So true!
OMG I do almost all the same as you. I used to sew years ago but not quilts and one day I just decided to try. I haven't used a pattern yet and I like to make my own creations with my own colours. I like symmetry and only a few colours per quilt. I do experiment and do some things outside my comfort zone, but it's my art, made my way. I do enjoy watching all sorts of videos to get ideas and try new things. This year I think I am going to try some FPP and do more applique, I've quite enjoyed the few things I've made. It is nice to hear other people function like I do when it comes to quilting. I find it's almost a compulsion, an idea gets into my head and it drives me crazy until I do it and that's the only way to get it out of my head. I do enjoy your channel and will continue to use it as a source of inspiration
I definitely know that feeling of having an idea in your head that needs to get out!
Love the way you think! For some reason people seem to think that everyone should believe as they do.
Yes that can be very frustrating.
Loved this!❤ I rarely use an actual pattern, prefer to figure it out for myself. I even make up my own FPP block patterns at times. my favourite batting is the silk/bamboo blend, and the only reason is that I like the ‘feel’ of it…the 80/20 stuff sets my teeth on edge to touch it(but that’s a me thing) I don’t pre-wash, I do press/iron the snot out of my fabrics and use lots of steam and some BestPress/Flatter. Thank you
Loved this video. I'm a new quilter. I do my own thing too and have learned a lot doing it this way. Thanks Kristen. Pat in Florida
Thanks so much!
Thank you for removing the guilt! I hadn’t thought of it in quite the same way. I love scrappy sewing and so, no rules is just fine after all.
Glad it was helpful!
Great attitude. Maximize the parts of the process you enjoy. Minimize the parts you don't. I love touching my fabric, including washing, ironing, and cutting. I work from home. A pretty high pressure job. I sometimes take little breaks during the where I iron and cut just to destress. The rhythm of the iron and rotary cutter (which I do close).
If you enjoy those steps that is awesome! Sometimes wish I did but we are all different! 😀
Love,love,love! Just found you, and you have a new follower. Am old enough to be your grandmother (just turned85) and you've been quilting longer than I have. Have 1 room in house shared with daughter and family. First quilts were for granddaughters baby...made with baby clothes...and I was hooked! Have yet to use a pattern, am a little intimidated. Have done the log cabin, just figuring it out by copying a quilt I loved. But following rules...no. And I make tote bags with applique, so my scraps are saved in all sorts of shapes. And save every piece.Would enjoy learning free motion quilting ,but no machine...all mine is done by hand, piecing and quilting. Am going to enjoy watching you create!
Wow so impressed that you quilt everything by hand! I love the look but I just don’t have the patience at the moment. Maybe one day!
I sew over pins. There, I said it. I do it and it's only backfired on me once. Also, I usually press seams open, especially with half square triangles.
Love it! I press seams whichever way I feel like it on the day. Why do I need to pick one way?😂
Voice of reason ❤
Really enjoy watching you, first time commenting :)
The first time I shared with a quilter friend that I'm going to the thrift to look for a flannel sheet for batting, it was like I just committed the worst quilting crime. Not only using 100% cotton thread, another crime. Lol, whatever, its great fun looking for that nice flannel.sheet, and even more fun when its used in my quilt.
On the scrap front, I've tried the cutting things down into sizes, but that was stressful, and just didn't motivate me to use them. I'd open a container with the cut pieces and they looked so strict
Went back to sorting whatever size the fabric is by color, way more fun for me.
You are my sewing spirit animal and kindred spirit and I'm so here for it
😂 love this!
I don't pre-wash fabrics and I don't pre-cut scraps lol. My rotary cutter is pressure sensitive.
We are birds of a feather! 🪶
Same here! I don’t know what I will use that scrap for in the future, so why would I cut it down? I do roughly sort by color.
I love your color catcher rule!
I love your thinking you go girl !♥️👍🏼 you r so right !
Love your work and how you share what you do. 100% agree with everything you said and know it wont work for everyone. But isnt it so wonderful to have choices and if they dont like it they can find somewhere else that works for them. I love seeing different ways of doing things. Even if i dont follow it myself its all education and ideas. Keep doing what you do ❤
Thanks!
I am a rule follower! But I haven't heard of some of your rules, but I definitely will follow them now! lol ! I like to buy scrap fabric and yardage from others who don't have a use for it anymore. For me that is so much fun. I don't precut my scraps either. I've been trying it for awhile, but I'm not sure what I want to use them for or what I will make next. So, I'm not sure how long I will precut. I don't always close my rotary cutter either! I have no children, I just have to watch my bird to make sure he doesn't cut his beak. I enjoy your channel very much.
Love the image of your bird in your sewing room !
Didn't know there were rules, go along with how it feels. Makes it easier to change direction midflow.
Yes of course there aren’t really rules - but sometimes it’s hard not to get the impression there are…
i love this. for me it was that the quilt had to be perfectly cut for my squares or triangles. i found that my little inperfections made my quilts more loved because the people i gift them to know that it wasnt store bought.
Love this!
Thank you. I am just learning and still struggle to sew a quarter inch seam so your discussion is lovely
So glad it chimed with you!
I agree with the breaking of rules . I am a total newbie and I have my own tiny youtube channel . I love your channel and aspire to quilt ! Watching one of your quilt as you go videos gave me confidence to try quilting. While some of the tutorials out there are so technical and make me intimated to even try.
So glad one of my videos helped you get started! That’s lovely! Good luck with your channel! It takes time but if you are consistent it will grow!
I agree with just enjoy and have fun
My fingers have lost their grip. The open cutter slipped from my hand and landed on my foot before skittering away under the couch. So I Always close my cutters.
Sorry you got hurt!
For those choosing to use poly-cotton blends, keep in mind this is coming from someone who is new to quilting but has been gifted or inherited multiple quilts my Grandmother made. When she started out I believe she used some poly blends, and 40 years later those pieces have basically disintegrated. The quilting cotton or even lighter weight cotton is still going strong. Just something to consider if you want it to be going for years. The poly batting doesn't seem to matter at all, and I imagine the back would have had less issues because of less light exposure as I know the quilts my parents were gifted were used for years until the pieces started disintegrating and they wouldn't be able to be washed. Just my 2 cents because I'm now trying to figure out if I should try piecing another top and sandwiching it if I like quilting (starting on a practice piece then the actual quilting of a quilt that she pieced most of and Mom finished and sandwiched).
The great thing about fabric is it can always be patched and added too. I’m sure you’ll find a solution that works for you! Good luck!
@ScrapFabricLove Unfortunately after Mom passed Dad went to 3 or 4 of Grandmother's quilting friends and several people that professionally repair quilts and they all said there wasn't much they could do because the blended material is just gone so there isn't anything to sew a patch to (the pattern is a bunch of triangles and the poly blend is spread throughout the pattern. They would have to essentially take it apart and repiece it which of course would ruin Grandmother's quilting and basically be an all new quilt. That is why I am saying something because if the quilt is going to get used, it might be better to use the poly blend on the back rather than as part of the piecing. Even if it has to be replaced at that point you could knot through intersections or whatever to keep it from shifting and the pieced top is still intact and usable. Or maybe it can just be planned to use it til it falls apart and sandwich a newer top. I just know all the people I know would be really upset if they quilted something and using it caused it to fall apart. I know it probably has to do with being on a bed in direct sunlight or something because my other Grandma's drapes did pretty much the same thing. But what's the point in making a quilt if it won't get used? Or maybe that is just a thing around here. If I didn't have the inherited stash, I would probably go in with the mindset I would resandwich after I had more experience personally, but I'd go in with that mindset so I was ready for it you know?
New subscriber here. Love this video. There are times when I am in the mood to have my seams nest perfectly (or as perfect as possible) and other times when it is not at the top of my list. Like you said, this is supposed to be fun. I would never want someone to give up sewing because of not feeling competent enough. I am 70 years old and still learning! I also agree about quilt shows. I go to see all the pretty things, whether they were a winner or not. Many times, the winners were not always my favorite. And that’s okay. After all, art has always been subjective. I will be looking forward to enjoying more of your videos. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much for subscribing! And for being a welcoming accepting quilter for those of us that are new to it all!
I already subscribed a few weeks ago but now I have a deeper appreciation for you with this video. I’m a beginner afraid actually start because of the rules. Thanks for making “no rule” normal.
Thanks so much for subscribing! Sorry I am very behind with comments this week! Welcome to the channel and make sure any rules you choose to follow work for you! You can always let go of the ones that aren’t serving you!
Thank you so much! I have only been quilting since June 2024 and I loved it until I came across all the countless rules everyone says you should do. I now do just what you suggest-if I want to do it and it works for me I "follow the rule". If not, I don't. So far it has worked beautifully for me and I get a lot more accomplished because I am enjoying myself. I have six lovely quilts done having never followed a pattern. I just find a quilts that I love the looks of and make my own creations.
Fab! Congrats on your 6 quilts! And yes only follow the rules that help you. The rest - be gone!
I agree with you 💯. It's rebel quilting...do what feels right for you and if it works go with it. ❤
Thanks! So glad it chimes with you!
I have learned so much from you and I o also love watch Dave. You both seem to jump in almost like you don't have a plan, but you do, you just are not super attached to it. I am always amazed at your ability to rescue your ideas and transform them. I definitely break all the same rules as yours. Although I never followed them. I began quilting during lock down, so no one was looking.
Thanks!! I love Dave’s channel too! So much fun!
You are so original! ❤😂
Your channel has taught me the freedom to enjoy. Also to stretch my wings and try new ideas and be proud of the outcome. Thank you 😊
Wonderful! Thanks so much!
I have a Hexagon quilt in progress, and I don't cut to size either. I can cut 4.5 inch strips, cut squares from them and with my foundation card stock that's perfect.
I do exactly as you do. It works.
I pay no attention to the bias when sewing with scraps. I also disregard the pre washing as I too wash with free & clear, along with color catching sheets, before sending out. It's all good❣️If we all did it the same, there would be nothing different to try and perhaps get pretty boring😉
Exactly!
as soon as you talked about not worrying about bias I subbed. i also only really work with scraps/remnants/thifted fabric so I think I will enjoy seeing your work and videos in the future
Thanks so much for subscribing! Sorry I’m a bit behind on replying to my comments this week! Welcome to the channel!
Love this video! I don’t follow the rules either because I quilt for fun. No one has ever returned one of my gifted quilts, So I keep enjoying the craft😊. Can’t wait to hear about your group sew alongs.
Thanks so much!
I was fast and loose with my rotary cutter too lol, and I learned that lesson the hard way. I had to get in the habit of closing it, stitches are expensive in America!! 😂 It was an easy habit to gain though, that one mishap was enough to make me respect the blade.
You are fun, just discovered your videos tonight. Thank you for posting!
So sorry you got hurt! Thanks for watching!