I taught my 10 year old granddaughter how to sew on my Pfaff Performance Icon. I demonstrated French seams just for fun. The next day, while I was out on errands, she made her own tote bag with French seams that are better than mine. She now has her own Brother machine and makes all kinds of stuff. It's great having a sewing companion.
Wow! That's fantastic! It's so fun when our children and grandchildren enjoy the same hobbies and activities as us, isn't it? You set your granddaughter up for a lifetime of enjoyment!
I've been told I'm too old to learn quilting or machine embroidery, at 72. Well, I ignored the naysayers and bought a Baby Lock Aurora. I love your channel and think I can learn a lot from you. Thank you for being a Teacher instead of a Preacher! Big hugs...Donna
Don't listen to nay-sayers. Quilting is not difficult if you start with basic squares - I did my first one with zero instruction and just knowing how to use my mom's sewing machine (which is now my sewing machine). From there, you just learn to improve and get fancier as you go. Most importantly, have fun! Also, you can start with some smaller items such as placemats, etc for practice vs taking on a huge quilt.
I am so glad I found you. I am a 69 year old beginning quilter, once was a theater costumer and primarily a lifelong learner. Key, to me was you saying”go ahead and do it”. We learn as we go, right, and we do it for us. Just seeing your daughter so joyous reminds me that that little creative spark is so vulnerable. What a luckily child to have a mom who understands that.
Thank you and i have done my mistakes too. I started to quilt after COVID-19 and was 70 years old. Before started to quilt the last time I touched a sewing machine i was 18 years old. Watching videos (over and over) in my IPad computer have help me a lot and still have a lot to learn. Know I’m sewing everyday and making things for family and friends. It’s my therapy since COVID-19, I don’t go out as much as i used too. Thank you again.
Your daughter is so cute and amazing!!! I hope I can be like her, not afraid to make mistakes and excited to show off her work. You're an amazing mom for giving her the keys to your machine.
I am an A type personality. I have been the most impatient person I know. I'm now 75 years old and found quilting during the COVID lockdown. Two years on, I'm the most patient person I know, I feel like I'm ten years younger and, I'm learning something new everyday about the world and art of quilting. Other than the odd A-line skirt or box blouse, hemming and the odd rudimentary alteration, I've done little to no sewing in my life. I bought a second hand Janome Quilters Companion, and haven't looked back. The quilting rabbit hole has lured me in and I'm hooked. I laughed when you said you gave all your early quilts away. I'm doing the same thing. My friends and family are getting all the learner's projects. But I'm tickled with every one I've made. I refuse to hear critcism unless it's constructive, I'm gradually gathering proper tools, and gradually learning about fabrics and the world of textiles. I also am a huge KF fan! Oh my gawd. Thank you for these 15 reminder tips. Most I've learned, but I believe that a good student goes into every new project with an open mind, and open heart and a willingness to step into the unknown.
Girl! You are so fun and honest… just so precious 😅 I didn’t know anything at all when I agreed to do a BOM from Quilters Newletter Magazine, with alternating star blocks and applique blocks, with 1.5” pieces! Teeeeny tiny HST’s and flying geese😱 but I did it and it’s my treasure!
This was fabulous information. I've been quilting for a few years and I still make lots of mistakes, but when I've given the quilt to someone they love it even though there are mistakes and they don't see them. I still have trouble with points and especially my cutting. I'm going to start using some sort of weights to keep me from shifting the ruler. As I tell everyone, I do a little quilting, but I’m not a “quilter”. I can say if you love to quilt keep at it as you continue to learn from your mistakes. Again thank, for your videos.
Hi Helen, I started using a weight after seeing one being used on yt. As I didn't have a dumbbell I used the base of my pestle/ mortar (never sure what that's called). Worked beautifully. Point being you're bound to find something heavy enough in the kitchen or hubbie's toolshed.
I don't use weights to hold down my rulers. Instead, I pasted on small Sandpaper Dots to underside of my rulers to keep them from slipping while cutting w/ rotary cutter.
@@jacquelenebennett4028 Yes!! I learned from Donna Jordan of Jordan Fabrics on YT! I have a rubber coated 5# weight I use and it solved the problem! Also works well as a door stop in my sewing room! 🤣
I was a garment sewist for 14 years before I tried my hand at quilting. I'm self taught. Made tons of mistakes. Still learning little things here and there. First quilts were quite adventurous for a beginner, but not that great. I'm actually glad I just jumped in and started on more complex patterns. Fast forward 33 years later...I know my style, my strengths and weaknesses. The only time I stopped enjoying quilting was when I started making quilts that I thought I should be doing instead of what I loved. Lesson learned. I do this for my own enjoyment, and I have good quilts, great quilts and sometimes not so great quilts. Usually someone enjoys them and that's what really matters to me.
My #1 rule is: don’t tell me what to quilt (design wise). #2 rule: I won’t make a quilt for someone who doesn’t appreciate my talent and time ( that includes family). #3 rule: I set my own worth.
Trudy, this is great advice! Sometimes you just have to go for it, and not be intimidated by things! Also, yep, make the things that you love, not follow trends.
When I started out I thought smaller would be easier! 😂 yes I began with mini quilts. When I took my first actual class and the pieces seemed so huge (3” squares were the biggest I’d used up to that point) I was amazed at how easy it was to line things up!!!
Gurrrllll!!! Sitting here watching this video just nodding my head in agreement with all these pro tips! Even the first part talking about how your were such a busy college student and then you graduated and were like “now what?! I need to fill my time.” Same!!! I started a few years out of grad. school and just took the attitude of “let’s figure it out”! I had people tell me that I should not try a t-shirt quilt because of the difficulties with stitch and I now have a line customers waiting for me to make them custom memory quilts! 🥳 I also won our county fair after only 4 years of quilting! You made such good points that I hope will help take some frustration out for our fellow quilters…quality fabric, a quality machine, willingness and patience. Also, I have never had someone give a quilt back to me because my points didn’t match🤣🤣 thanks for all that you do!!
How true! Having a quality machine you can afford that has a dealer nearby to help when problems arise is priceless and money well invested. Service your machine at least once a year to keep your baby humming along.
I started quilting when you marked around cardboard templates and cut with scissors. Rotary cutters and quilting rulers are relatively new tools for me. Thank you
Me, too! The rotary cutter cane out just after I was making my first quilt! The rotary cutter and mat are a miracle! They are largely responsible for the renewed interest in quilting that happened in the 1970’s!
Exactly, as I stated, I was 14 and mom wanted something we could do as mom n daughter, so we joined a quilters circle at our local Long Island Firehouse. We then each had a project to make on our own and had 10 weeks to complete n bring in. All done by hand, cardboard templates we made, scissors, a regular flat school ruler and chalk to mark. My mom's came out flawlessly( she does all crafts) and mine.. let's just say we all laughed, some gave constructive criticism, a few shook their heads and one old quilt police asked me if I liked to bake. It was a glorious lesson to learn to do all that by hand, make projects that took FOREVER and spend precious time with my mom, and the elders of our community. I will never forget that time, lovingly❣️
OMG, I didn't know how bad of an idea it was to take my bias cut HSTs and spray them with waaay too much starch and steam iron then while pulling and tugging them into submission. It was a hot mess! But, I made it work and I'm snuggled up with that quilt right now. :)
As I take my passion for sewing into the quilting space I give myself permission to practice at the level I am at right now, with the tools I have on the budget I can afford. It's the pleasure of the journey alongside the increasing knowledge that makes functional things I can celebrate finishing. All you said is true, I just don't yet have access to everything I desire but I've come a long way since I started to seriously apply myself to a more quilting focused practice. More prolific in numbers of projects, more interested in patter and design. You just start where you are at dream, make goals happen and keep moving forward. Yes this last month I've been doing binding. One small thing after another so it becomes like muscle memory and easier each time. Even doing pieced binding. Plus today yes I ironed lots of seams open because it made sense to do ut. Cheers to all the Noobies out there like me 🇦🇺💜🇺🇲💚👍😊🖐
I am so encouraged by what you said, (sentence that starts with "start where you are...) that I intend to make this a sign and hang it in my studio. Thank you so much for your sharing.
Thank you! What I would give to have a walking foot and really nice material! But at 70 and just getting started, I love my $200 Brother. I hit estate sales during the summers and have got some beautiful fabric for pennies on the dollar. I'm just so afraid to mess things up..lol. Just got done with my first "semi quilt". Beautiful birds in autumn forest panel turned into dining room drapes. Bordered and lined. My lines on both sides match up perfectly. I am so proud of that 😊. Love all the help from this channel and the commentors. Thank you all so much!
Pls try not to be so afraid of making mistakes, we ALL do it. Pls remember that when babies are learning to walk, they fall down & then learn to get up. It's only frabic after all & can often be redone if the mistakes were really big. Often quilter's mistakes are only obvious to the Quilter & the User or Observier, never knows about it.
Thank you for taking the time to do this, especially since its not even your channel. It is much appreciated. I wish more channels out there would do this.
My boyfriends grandmother taught me to quilt the first time I ever went to visit her and I fell in love so much that I taught both my sisters how to quilt we all have much to learn. Sadly I don’t get to visit grandma more than once a year due to distance and I’m so happy I get to learn some tricks here thank you for all you do ❤
21:58 Yes!!!! I didn't even quilt for a year and barely made about 3 super simple strip piece charity quilts before I took on my most ambitious quilt project... my own pattern! And boy was it a pattern lol. My math wasn't mathing, I messed up several times, some points didn't meet up, and there were sooo... many... pieces.... but it actually turned out beautiful and got the praise of everyone in my quilting group who had quilted for 10+ years. Even with the mistakes, I felt so proud that I took on another self-made pattern. Those ambitious undertakings taught me a lot and really honed in my skills. I'm not afraid to take on "complex" projects and the shortcomings don't stress me out because it's all a learning experience and I'll never get good if I don't try. "Take chances, make mistakes, get messy!"
This was such a great video…..I remember struggling with the 1/4” seam allowance so much. I just didn’t know how to test it, etc. I really think we’ve all hit the same milestones in the learning curve that you did. The one thing I was confused about that you didn’t mention was borders. I didn’t realize that you could piece the borders. And when I figured that out, I thought you were supposed to join them like you joined binding….on the diagonal. I went into a local shop and asked a gal I knew and she kind of gave me a strange look, Ike why was I asking this. Sooooo, I learned another thing. And on the subject of borders, I finally figured out how to make the, not wavy….whew….. I, like many others began garment sewing, and had no idea that quilting was a lot different. And when you’ve sewn all your life you think you can quilt, no problem. Not exactly. So until I found a local quilt guild, I was self taught …. All be it with a ton of RUclips videos. A guild is a great place to learn and share this wonder, fun, creative craft with like minded people and make new friends! Thanks again Stephanie for sharing your journey!
I LOVE this video! All the things I didn't know! And I know there are still many I have yet to learn, but that's part of the fun. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and mistakes and making it fun at the same time.
I was tidying up an old cupboard recently and came across a patchwork quilt that my mum made on a singer treadle machine back when I was a child and I am 71 and it gave me the buzz to start a quilt of my own. My mum’s quilt was made with bits of material from dresses we wore as children and it brought back so many memories. I haven’t started yet but am in the process of building up my collection of things I need. My fear (or one of them) is the design - I am not a naturally creative person and a bit scared to take that first step. Your video has given me that confidence to take my first step. I will check out your tutorials. I live in Ireland and quilting is not as popular as it is in the US. It’s difficult to get books as a lot of companies don’t send to Ireland so it’s great to have the online guidance and encouragement from the likes of yourself. Thank you.
I discovered you with your demo on a strip rug made in greys. You are such a wonderful teacher. I’ve been sewing since I was 10, quilting about 20+ years and at 75 still learning from you. I giggled through your 15 mistake video as I’ve experienced some of the same. But still learned something new. I highly recommend to newbies to follow your videos. You are so kind to offer discounts with purchases.
My mom is a seamstress by trade and owned a fabric store growing up so sewing was always in my blood. I made doll clothes and stuff but never quilted. When I met hubby and he told me his first wife used his old shirts to make a quilt, I thought it was brilliant so I thought I'd give it a try. I always loved being in her store but since I was on a mission, it made it more intoxicating and bought a "Quilting for Dummies" book - 30 years ago, I threw caution to the wind and fell in love. I didn't have the luxury of the internet and videos. I'm self "taught" and was focused on the "hug" than perfection. Today, I decided to actually sit and watch videos since the 2 I'm working on have their own special challenges. I ran across this video and I kept saying "OH! That explains the thread" and "Sewing through all 3 layers for binding" was a quickly learned lesson after the first binding. Some of these things I figured out on my own but this video was PERFECT! I'm so glad I went down the rabbit hole! THANK YOU!
GREAT video!! I loved the whole thing and your sense of humor and ability to laugh at your learning curve was precious! I learned quite a bit and your positivity is contagious. You are one of my favorite ‘quilt teachers’ and I’ve learned so much from you. I just started learning how to quilt a couple years ago and I watched (and rewatched) many of your videos. One that changed my quilting practice was how to press the fabric…eye opening for me. Thank you 😊
I love your positivity, thank you. I also didn’t know that the presser foot wasn’t a 1/4 in. the difference of pressing and ironing, and not using water in my iron because of the grossness! Great information, thank you! ❤️❤️❤️
I love your videos! Your daughter's reaction to her own accomplishment is incredible...she just jumped in! She didn't know she couldn't! That's perfect!
My 7yo niece was the same way as your daughter. I took her to the quilt store, but it was closed. She didn’t want to wait to start her small quilt, so to WallyWorld for some fabrics we went! She had her own idea of what she liked, but made a pretty cool doll quilt with puppy & kitten fabrics along with a solid or 2. We were proud of her perseverance to do the sandwich & SITD quilting almost completely by herself!
Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge through this video. I’ve been quilting for over 30 years and find I can always learn something new from other quilters. I made my first quilt using an Eleanor Burns Quilt in a Day book, and I just used the edge of my regular presser foot as a guide. I had no idea what I was doing. I even used a loft batting because I didn’t know any better. A few years later I signed up for a beginning quilting class at a LQS and the quilting world opened up to me. I truly enjoy your positivity and down to earth approach in all of your videos. Subscribed!
You are such a sweet, lovely person. I learn so much from you. My sewing machine that is marketed as a quilting edition did not come with a 1/4 inch foot. 🤷♀️🤦♀️ I'm sure if I had never quilted before that I would have done the same thing you did with the foot that came on the machine.
I've been quilting for about 20 years when my daughter moved to Wisconsin and we had great teachers. Because of corvid, I didn't quilt, I just concentrated on staying alive. But now, I'm 87 and have quilts I want to/ need to finish. For me, your presentation was a refresher course, I sincerely thank you. And I agree with you about the quality of fabric, just touch it or hold it up to the light, you'll know quality when you see. Thanks again
My first quilt made in 1971&72 was a Noah's Ark for my new baby boy. I used scraps from my own sewing for myself and my hsuband. It has double knit, velour, corduroy, and denim among the cottons from my scraps. I quilted it with large stitches and embroidery floss. Eric loved it and slept with it for many years. It is in
I'm a self taught quilter. I got several quilting books way before I started quilting. I started my first quilt 6 years ago, finished it a year later. Auctioned it off. My grandmother use to quilt, crochet and more. I learned the quilter's knot from her, I just didn't know what it was called. I started learning how to sew in Jr High School. I made clothing, pillow covers, bags and did repairs. (Still do repairs) I also did a lot of Crocheting. Now, I just quilt. Finances are tight so, I get a lot of my materials from thrift stores, people who are getting rid of a lot of scrap materials and more. I also shop at Walmart a lot. I've made something like 6 quilts, 5 quilted pillow covers, table cloths and have 9 plus pre-quilts cut and ready to sew together. I just finished a DC Comic quilt, Batman, for my nephew and an elephant quilt for his youngest daughter. I'm in the process of making a Log Cabin quilt for my mom. My goal is to make and donate many throw quilts for cancer patients at the cancer center that my husband was at. I'm having fun with quilting!! 😁
Most people want me to make things THEY WANT… not what I want to create.. like hanging towels, capes, seamstress their stuff… mend their clothes…. (But I want to design & make quilts)…..
Saying "no" can be hard but it IS an OK thing to tell the folks that want you to make things other than quilts. When my friends learned I have a sewing machine they had "things" for me to do. NOT! I only sew straight lines and work on MY craft. It gets easier over time.
I went to quilting classes many years ago and then I didn't do any quilting for many years. When I decided to try it again, I had no idea what anyone was talking about. I thought I had gone to a baking website instead of quilting. When I took the classes there were no precuts (layer cakes, jelly rolls, honeybuns) and we used scissors only. As you were saying with the strip cutting, I made a full size quilt and cut out every piece from yardage with scissors. Maybe that's why I had quit so many years ago.
Making quilts is one of the most amazing things that anyone can do, and actually giving someone you love a quilt is another 🤩🤩 Quilting is definitely my therapy, my happy place 😊 Most people see the beauty in the quilt that you have created 🥰 If they point out any mistakes then they aren’t someone you should be making a quilt for 🤷♀️ How sad to be only able to see negative things 😳 🇬🇧
Loved this video! One of the things I learned was "change your needle" after each project, or even during, if it's a large project. Made a world of difference for me. Oh, and my next quilt will be the first time I'm using your method of pressing my seams open. I'm sure I will get much better results, because pressing them to one side isn't working for me especially if there's a lot of bulk. Thanks for that tip!
Someone in a class I took recommended to me to press the seams open because she felt it was the best way. However, the instructor was upset because she felt that weakens the seem. Who to believe? I’m now afraid to do it.
@@MyMickey52 I've seen it traditionally regarded as making for weaker seams. After 30+ yrs. of Quilting myself, I still press to the side, to the dark side. Have improved my ironing techniques instead, from 'ironing' to 'pressing' (see Karen Brown of Just Get it Done Quilts).
I don't understand why quilttubers are recommending $500 machines for beginners. I have a solid $150ish Brother that does everything my mom's $500ish machine does. I am about to QAYG my first King sized quilt from start to finish on it and other than having to mess with my tension (inevitable when switching from piecing to quilting, sigh) I don't anticipate any problems I wouldn't potentially have on her machine.
Wonderful video! Totally agree. My suggestion is to buy fabrics for projects and not build a stash. Having a stash is overrated and expensive. Congrats on all of your hard work with your company and tutorials!
Thank you for your wonderful classes and sharing your expertise and love of quilting with us. Your positive, fun teaching style is totally motivational - which is a huge blessing for me. I'd been a quilter for 15 years and taught computer science at a local college for 20 years. Then WHAM - along came a nasty virus that moved into my brain and killed over 100 spots of my brain tissue (aka caused me to have extensive long-term amnesia that will probably last for the rest of my life) . Also, much to my regret I discovered that I'd lost all my quilting knowlegde and experience. I sat down to quilt one day and discovered that I didn't even know how to thread my high-end quilting and embroidery machines. While I was close to crying, I decided that I'd learned it once and I could learn it again. I've had to re-learn the same skills, information, and techniques over and over 3 or 4 times now, but it's a lot more fun than crying or throwing my machines out a window! Neeedless to say, I'm beyond excited to have found your classes. I'm so excited that I can repeat the classes as often as I need to even if I never have the quilting skills that I had once before. I'm so blessed that I still recogonize my friends and my wonderful family members. Hopefully I will also make new quilting friends through your website. Best of all though is that I can still make my husband's gray hair fall out, drive my adult children crazy, and spoil my precious grandchildren wonderfully! Life is good!!!
Oh my, this nearly made my eyes watering... So glad that you did not threw your sewing maschine out of the window and instead decided to learn again and to have fun with the quilt making. Many respect and have a wonderful day :)
Hi. I just recently found out that if you are having some tension issues it might be because you have to change the needle. This is what happened to me. I hadn't changed my needle in all the time that I was quilting. I found out that I need to change it with every new project. I felt silly but no one told me this. And now my tension is great!
What a wonderful video, Stephanie! Every quilter needs to see this. I started quilting in order to use up old fabrics I did not want to toss and many of my 'masterpieces' fell apart in the wash or needed constant repair. Once I began using better fabrics I realized the difference and never looked back. Quilting is definitely a learning experience.
I didn’t know that most people do not stuff their binding with batting!! Shrug…. I wanted a fat plush binding. Ha, Ha. I didn’t know that I shouldn’t cut my fabric with my cutting mat on my living room carpeted floor. My cuts did not come out even.
Thanks for sharing. I was laughing heartedly at some of your stories. We have all been there and it’s always good when our journey can make it a little easier for the next person. Keep doing what you’re doing. Lots of folks out here need your positive attitude.
20:03 as a traditional seamstress who is delving into quilting (I've been sewing clothes by hand and machine since i learned to sew at 4, and I'm 25) I would like to *politely* dispute buying a brand new machine or saying you need to spend at least $500 on something. if you *know* what to look for and are willing to learn how these machines work (I am a tinkerer so I get this doesn't click for some people) you can buy a vintage machine at thrift or online for a fraction of that cost and get a MUCH better machine. I *hate* new machines with a firey passion and I know they won't last like what was made last century. I have a lot of antique machines and vintage ones, but my ride or die is a Kenmore that was made in the 40s (158.19412 model) that I bought for $25 at a thrift store. I have had it for over a decade with little maintenance and its the best, most reliable machine I've ever worked with. idk. this got ranty but the cost of machines is what people balk at getting into sewing and I hate when people end up thinking new machines are the only option. for anyone interested in vintage machines, I would caution against Singers from the 60s and 70s. anything newer than that as well from Singer. I'm certainly biased but I have noticed that's when they went down hill. lots of bad engineering and plastic parts which often break that are hard or impossible to replace
Many years ago, the late 80's, I went to a "Fast Patch" quilting class, essentially strip quilting. I has heard about rotary cutters but thought they were just some expensive toy that would go out of style. When I attended the class the heavens parted, the angels started singing and I was awestruck. It made so much sense and seemed a much more efficient was to make a quilt. I had been interested in quilting but the though of sitting for endless hours cutting out one tiny piece at a time was too daunting. Today I am the proud owner of several rotary cutters, rulers, templates and cutting mats.
I have been quilting for a couple years now(self taught), and you have brought my quilting skills to a more professional level. You have made an “iron my seems open” girl forever. I made one of your patterns for the fair(won first), and I ironed the seems open and haven’t gone back! I am so thankful for all I’ve learned from you, and I am hoping to get another one of your books for Christmas!!🥰
Thank you for all of these tips and insights! All are so true! I especially love the encouraging last idea of just going for a quilt challenge as your little daughter did, be fearless, just try it, and enjoy the process and learning.
My oldest daughter and I were making a quilt with separate machines for my youngest daughter when the block didn't match up-it was the foot on her machine! 😑
One time I was making a pinwheel quilt with some charm packs I won at a class I took.. learning to embroidery with my machine… So I brought my 84 yr old mom to see what I was doing … it was turning out quite nice… I had no home for the project.. just wanted to learn piecing & lining up seams… She says …. Will that fit on my bed??? Um… how could I say anything but, “yes it will…”lol.. So now I was PRESSED TO FINISH IT… also I showed her the embroidery side of my Bernina 770… as the demo started… suddenly she had a pillow cover she wanted made with the embroidery hoop .. lol it was FUN.!! She was a hoot… the very next day she calls me & says she wanted me to stop by her retirement home… next thing I know…. I’m hemming pants coats, & darting clothing… lol I did love & enjoy the time with her. It was so awesome I could help her & give her something from me… She’s shrinking in stature & store bought clothing is a challenge for her. So I bought the machine from funds SHE HAD GIVEN ME… & I wanted her to see I was using the gift… & learning to quilt has given back to her fancy pillow tops, & clothing she can wear… yes the quilt made it onto her bed..
I completely agree with not discouraging people from trying something they want to try, and I also think that sometimes they can become so frustrated with trying to do something beyond their skill that they will just quit. So weighing how to say that they might want to try something a little less challenging is also important. I had this happen with a friend, who wanted to make a quilt, she wanted to design it and do some very complicated things with circles and applique. I didn't want to discourage her so I let her go at it and she got so frustrated with how hard it was, that it took another year before she'd try quilting again. I talked her into trying something a lot more simple and now she loves it. She has the skill now, to do what she had wanted to do and this time I'm confident she will do much better.
I loved this video. My first quilt I made when I was 18 and it was a hot mess. It was for my boyfriend who is now my husband of 41 years. I had no idea of what I was doing. I bought a McCalls pattern the instructions were not the greatest. I had to cut out I don’t remember how many squares. Sew them right sides together and leave an opening to be able turn right side out, then put a square piece of batting inside. Then take all the square and sew them together. The pattern never said to catch the batting in the seam. When I washed it all the batting balled up in the middle. I was so upsetting. All that work was for nothing, the quilt has never been used. I still have it. Now when I take it out look at I just laugh, but back when I first made it I cried. I never made another quilt until I was pregnant with my 6th son. Again didn’t really know what I was doing. The pattern was Around the World. Again didn’t really know what I was doing. Cut out all the squares sewed then together and quilted it. I was really proud of it I thought it turned out pretty good. Showed to my friend that got me to try and make a quilt and she said, oh did you strip piece and I said what’s that. I’ve learned a lot over the years and it has become my therapy.
No matter what don't give up. My first quilt was worse than her's. My dad loved it for over 10 years before it started to fall apart. Frayed holes everywhere. I ripped that baby apart and redesigned and made him a new one saving what I could. He LOVES it still. Each quilt brings a new challenge but also something you learned before to help make the next one a little easier.
I love that I randomly found you! I have made all those mistakes (even the binding) and I am still new to quilting and I am happy to see you are so encouraging and supportive! I am subscribing and will be watching! Thank you for making me want to start quilting again.
How excited were you for your daughter! It made me smile, and giggle for her, I imagine both of you were so proud, thanks for sharing. I kind of self taught myself too, I watched some classes on Craftsy and took a couple classes at Joann’s. Yes I made and still make plenty of mistakes but so far everyone has completely loved theirs quilts, the only complaints I’ve received was “Mom, we have enough Christmas wall hangings, table toppers, quilts, can you make us something for other seasons?” Lol, so I’m trying to expand the themes. There was so much I have learned over the years.
Oh my! I didn’t know about the presser feet size either! Lol. Went to a class and that poor teacher……she had her hands full with me. But it taught me so much. And that’s been so many years ago. Never looked back and just kept learning more about quilting. Thanks for the video. Guaranteed someone out there learned from your mistakes.
I've now been quilting for about 20 years, but when I made my first small quilt didn't know what 'squaring off' was and didn't hear it mentioned in any books or patterns. I couldn't figure out why my blocks didn't turn out the right size after I had so carefully cut them - especially pieces that had angles (bias). My friend, who had been quilting for a long time, explained to me that it's a good idea to check the accuracy at each step, and trim (or 'square off') so the next parts of the block would fit together better and more true to size. (Or, if you were a little short, use a pencil to mark your stitching line...but re-do the block if it was too small.) It's funny now if I pull out a UFO to finish how I can see how my work has improved with all the little tips and tricks I've learned over the years, including strip piecing!
Thank you thank you for keeping it real and allowing us newbies to learn from your mistakes! It’s so much more fun and satisfying when you are learning from those who are not keeping “secrets” and allowing others to join in the creative process!
I like most all of what you say here. I will say though I spent $300 on my sewing machine. I've used it now for years. It's a great machine. I would be cautious telling someone how much to spend on a machine. $500 can be a lot of money for some and we don't want to discourage people from learning to quilt One thing I learned, when it comes to sewing machines, it is almost always the operator that is the problem. Good video.
You will never know how much you encouraged me through all your tutorial series, but none were as encouraging as this one. I know you are going through major changes in your journey that are deeply discouraging, but I will always appreciate you, your team and your love of creating that knows no bounds or limitations. Your next best version is just around the corner. Meanwhile I appreciate all the content you’ve created to help me along my quilting journey. God bless you and yours
Oliso is not absolutely NOT THE PRODUCT IT USED TO BE. IVE HAD THREE “JUNKERS” FROM JOANNE and replaced by oliso with junkers. It spits it is not the hottest and they do not last more than a year, if you can even stand to iron with this NOT AS HOT IRON 😢
Thank you for this video, now I don't feel as dumb about quilting. I used to wonder what all those letters i.e HST, WOF, etc were! LOL, i thought are they cussing because it's so much stuff to do??? Anyway, thanks for this eye opening video, Keep it up!
You're so right that it's OK to just jump in before anyone has a chance to say "you can't do that" For instance, my very first quilt was a king sized quilt that I copied from a video without even having a pattern or instructions. 😁 I DID take my time, watched a ton of videos, did a bunch of research and thinking before each step, so it turned out very well for a first quilt (and I had it professionally quilted) but looking back I think I was amazingly brave and motivated.
Thank you for these words of encouragement. I am turning 71 in a few days and gifted myself with a long arm machine and frame. Do I ever have so much to learn as I have no one to teach me or turn to for guidance. O. Top of that the arthritis in my hands makes life difficult but I do not give up easily. Wish me luck. Suzy H in Florida.
I am 82 and I finally learned to listen to the advice 'TAKE BREAKS" When I feel the first twinge of arthritis or any pain, I stop and usually take a drink of water. I am not like these younger generations who live with a water bottle attached to their hand. I have to remember to grab that H2O
I used cheaper fabric when I was first learning, because I had no stash at all. What a difference a better fabric makes! Now I buy less fabric, but better quality, and I use up scraps.
Even though I've learned all of the things you discussed over the past 5 years of quilting, this video was so refreshing to realize I was not the only one who learned all of it the hard way, as did you! Thanks, Stephanie!
I’m a new quilter at the age of 84 always wanted to see . But raised a big family that kept me busy . So in my season years my son bought me a smart tv and got videos on quilting and decided to try it out . So I’m trying love your video so helpful I’ll keep ❤
Notice you use the wool pressing mat. I bought one and first time I used it, it reeked to the point I could not stand to be in the same room with it. Have you had that experience? Afraid to wash it, even just soak and rinse. Any advice?
Great question! We love the wool pressing mat and use it often. When the mat is new, there is a smell as it's 100% wool and wool does have a natural smell as it warms up. It shouldn't be overwhelming, however. If it is very strong, you can try rinsing it or spot cleaning it, just make sure to let it dry in a well ventilated area as wool tends to absorb moisture. You can also check with the manufacturer of your mat and see if they have specific cleaning instructions and follow them.
Your daughter looks so proud of her quilt and she should be - at 60 years of age and a newbie to quilting, I'm not sure that I would attempt that. Super impressive!!!
I didn’t know that sewing with floppy fabric-unstarched or unsized fabric, would lead to stretching bias and other issues. I do not prewash but I DO prestarch whole yards, fat quarters etc. BEFORE I cut or sew anything. I only do this to pieces I am going to use right away. This increased accuracy for cutting and sewing is amazing. I instantly had perfect results that I could never get before. Your 1/4” seams are easier to achieve, perfect points and it makes pressing turn out flat and smooth. I have converted many newbie Quilter’s into intermediate and less frustrated Quilter’s! Try it before you deny it! Happy sewing.
I designed my first quilt on graph paper too...and I thought it was funny because I showed my mom the finished quilt top and she asked about the design and I said, "I designed it on graph paper." My mom looked shocked and she said, "Oh. Well, yeah, I guess you can do that." I don't think she had ever considered designing one herself, and at that time she had made a lot of beautiful quilts. Question about the Aurifil thread. I purchased some online and it is the lintiest thread I've ever used. I'm wondering if it's my machine specifically, or what else could explain this. I was so sad because I've heard such wonderful things about Aurifil thread and couldn't wait to try it...but I've been very disappointed in how much lint it's producing. Any ideas?
Stumbled upon this and had to watch! I've been quilting for a while now, but it was refreshing to hear about the issues I've had and validate that I'm not crazy! Something that I didn't know way back in my beginner days - how to prepare the quilt top for the quilter. I asked a local quilter to quilt for me (I was fairly new to the area, quilting and needed to send to my daughter ASAP). When she said yes I just handed her the quilt top. She was very kind and didn't say anything but now I know that I should have squared it , trimmed off the unnecessary border edges and made it easier for her to put it on her longarm! I know now! We are now good friends and I still learn so much from her! - Thanks for the info you gave today. It was a good reminder.
Great advice! I’m just picking up quilt making again after a lapse a few (cough) decades. So much has changed. So much new technology. I’ve got a lot to learn but I’m not going to let it stop me from jumping into my first (easy) project!
I knew how to sew but learned quilting by watching TV shows on PBS and home channel. I entered a quilt contest at our local fair. I won my category, but the one judge gave me some tips which I appreciated. I still like to check out tips like yours.
I taught my 10 year old granddaughter how to sew on my Pfaff Performance Icon. I demonstrated French seams just for fun. The next day, while I was out on errands, she made her own tote bag with French seams that are better than mine. She now has her own Brother machine and makes all kinds of stuff. It's great having a sewing companion.
Wow! That's fantastic! It's so fun when our children and grandchildren enjoy the same hobbies and activities as us, isn't it? You set your granddaughter up for a lifetime of enjoyment!
This story reminds me exactly of my ‘sewing relationship’ with my nanna 🥲 it’s so special!
Love pfaff!
This is absolutely wonderful! Congratulations to you both!!🎉
23:48 fantastic video@@Everyoneisanartist776
I've been told I'm too old to learn quilting or machine embroidery, at 72. Well, I ignored the naysayers and bought a Baby Lock Aurora. I love your channel and think I can learn a lot from you. Thank you for being a Teacher instead of a Preacher! Big hugs...Donna
I'm 75 and just beginning with a Brother.....hang in there!
Don't listen to nay-sayers. Quilting is not difficult if you start with basic squares - I did my first one with zero instruction and just knowing how to use my mom's sewing machine (which is now my sewing machine). From there, you just learn to improve and get fancier as you go. Most importantly, have fun! Also, you can start with some smaller items such as placemats, etc for practice vs taking on a huge quilt.
I'm 72 and just beginning also. For me, it is harder than I thought it would be, but I plan on sticking with it. I have a Brother Stellaire..
Preachers have a bad rap don't they😂
I am 77 and just getting starting on quilting.
I am so glad I found you. I am a 69 year old beginning quilter, once was a theater costumer and primarily a lifelong learner. Key, to me was you saying”go ahead and do it”. We learn as we go, right, and we do it for us. Just seeing your daughter so joyous reminds me that that little creative spark is so vulnerable. What a luckily child to have a mom who understands that.
I am 60
Who cares about age
Mmm I did for awhile
This is such an encouraging video and I love that your husband still uses his quilt!
Thank you and i have done my mistakes too. I started to quilt after COVID-19 and was 70 years old. Before started to quilt the last time I touched a sewing machine i was 18 years old. Watching videos (over and over) in my IPad computer have help me a lot and still have a lot to learn. Know I’m sewing everyday and making things for family and friends. It’s my therapy since COVID-19, I don’t go out as much as i used too. Thank you again.
Your daughter is so cute and amazing!!! I hope I can be like her, not afraid to make mistakes and excited to show off her work. You're an amazing mom for giving her the keys to your machine.
I am an A type personality. I have been the most impatient person I know. I'm now 75 years old and found quilting during the COVID lockdown. Two years on, I'm the most patient person I know, I feel like I'm ten years younger and, I'm learning something new everyday about the world and art of quilting. Other than the odd A-line skirt or box blouse, hemming and the odd rudimentary alteration, I've done little to no sewing in my life. I bought a second hand Janome Quilters Companion, and haven't looked back. The quilting rabbit hole has lured me in and I'm hooked. I laughed when you said you gave all your early quilts away. I'm doing the same thing. My friends and family are getting all the learner's projects. But I'm tickled with every one I've made. I refuse to hear critcism unless it's constructive, I'm gradually gathering proper tools, and gradually learning about fabrics and the world of textiles. I also am a huge KF fan! Oh my gawd. Thank you for these 15 reminder tips. Most I've learned, but I believe that a good student goes into every new project with an open mind, and open heart and a willingness to step into the unknown.
❤
Girl! You are so fun and honest… just so precious 😅 I didn’t know anything at all when I agreed to do a BOM from Quilters Newletter Magazine, with alternating star blocks and applique blocks, with 1.5” pieces! Teeeeny tiny HST’s and flying geese😱 but I did it and it’s my treasure!
This was fabulous information. I've been quilting for a few years and I still make lots of mistakes, but when I've given the quilt to someone they love it even though there are mistakes and they don't see them. I still have trouble with points and especially my cutting. I'm going to start using some sort of weights to keep me from shifting the ruler. As I tell everyone, I do a little quilting, but I’m not a “quilter”. I can say if you love to quilt keep at it as you continue to learn from your mistakes. Again thank, for your videos.
Hi Helen, I started using a weight after seeing one being used on yt. As I didn't have a dumbbell I used the base of my pestle/ mortar (never sure what that's called). Worked beautifully. Point being you're bound to find something heavy enough in the kitchen or hubbie's toolshed.
@@jacquelenebennett4028 Thank you for your comment. I have the tendency to move my ruler and try to do better.
I don't use weights to hold down my rulers. Instead, I pasted on small Sandpaper Dots to underside of my rulers to keep them from slipping while cutting w/ rotary cutter.
@@jacquelenebennett4028 Yes!! I learned from Donna Jordan of Jordan Fabrics on YT! I have a rubber coated 5# weight I use and it solved the problem! Also works well as a door stop in my sewing room! 🤣
I was a garment sewist for 14 years before I tried my hand at quilting. I'm self taught. Made tons of mistakes. Still learning little things here and there. First quilts were quite adventurous for a beginner, but not that great. I'm actually glad I just jumped in and started on more complex patterns. Fast forward 33 years later...I know my style, my strengths and weaknesses. The only time I stopped enjoying quilting was when I started making quilts that I thought I should be doing instead of what I loved. Lesson learned. I do this for my own enjoyment, and I have good quilts, great quilts and sometimes not so great quilts. Usually someone enjoys them and that's what really matters to me.
Thank you for sharing that part of you. 🥰 I totally get that
100% agree with this
My #1 rule is: don’t tell me what to quilt (design wise). #2 rule: I won’t make a quilt for someone who doesn’t appreciate my talent and time ( that includes family). #3 rule: I set my own worth.
I agree
Trudy, this is great advice! Sometimes you just have to go for it, and not be intimidated by things! Also, yep, make the things that you love, not follow trends.
When I started out I thought smaller would be easier! 😂 yes I began with mini quilts. When I took my first actual class and the pieces seemed so huge (3” squares were the biggest I’d used up to that point) I was amazed at how easy it was to line things up!!!
Gurrrllll!!! Sitting here watching this video just nodding my head in agreement with all these pro tips! Even the first part talking about how your were such a busy college student and then you graduated and were like “now what?! I need to fill my time.” Same!!! I started a few years out of grad. school and just took the attitude of “let’s figure it out”! I had people tell me that I should not try a t-shirt quilt because of the difficulties with stitch and I now have a line customers waiting for me to make them custom memory quilts! 🥳 I also won our county fair after only 4 years of quilting! You made such good points that I hope will help take some frustration out for our fellow quilters…quality fabric, a quality machine, willingness and patience. Also, I have never had someone give a quilt back to me because my points didn’t match🤣🤣 thanks for all that you do!!
How true! Having a quality machine you can afford that has a dealer nearby to help when problems arise is priceless and money well invested. Service your machine at least once a year to keep your baby humming along.
I started quilting when you marked around cardboard templates and cut with scissors. Rotary cutters and quilting rulers are relatively new tools for me. Thank you
I learned like that too. The rotary cutter is AMAZING!
Me, too! The rotary cutter cane out just after I was making my first quilt! The rotary cutter and mat are a miracle! They are largely responsible for the renewed interest in quilting that happened in the 1970’s!
Exactly, as I stated, I was 14 and mom wanted something we could do as mom n daughter, so we joined a quilters circle at our local Long Island Firehouse. We then each had a project to make on our own and had 10 weeks to complete n bring in. All done by hand, cardboard templates we made, scissors, a regular flat school ruler and chalk to mark. My mom's came out flawlessly( she does all crafts) and mine.. let's just say we all laughed, some gave constructive criticism, a few shook their heads and one old quilt police asked me if I liked to bake.
It was a glorious lesson to learn to do all that by hand, make projects that took FOREVER and spend precious time with my mom, and the elders of our community. I will never forget that time, lovingly❣️
My brother was a quilter and I can remember using cardboard and scissors to cut squares for him. Hours and hours of work.
Me too!
OMG, I didn't know how bad of an idea it was to take my bias cut HSTs and spray them with waaay too much starch and steam iron then while pulling and tugging them into submission. It was a hot mess! But, I made it work and I'm snuggled up with that quilt right now. :)
As I take my passion for sewing into the quilting space I give myself permission to practice at the level I am at right now, with the tools I have on the budget I can afford. It's the pleasure of the journey alongside the increasing knowledge that makes functional things I can celebrate finishing.
All you said is true, I just don't yet have access to everything I desire but I've come a long way since I started to seriously apply myself to a more quilting focused practice. More prolific in numbers of projects, more interested in patter and design.
You just start where you are at dream, make goals happen and keep moving forward.
Yes this last month I've been doing binding. One small thing after another so it becomes like muscle memory and easier each time. Even doing pieced binding. Plus today yes I ironed lots of seams open because it made sense to do ut.
Cheers to all the Noobies out there like me 🇦🇺💜🇺🇲💚👍😊🖐
* I give myself permission to practice at the level I am at right now, with the tools I have on the budget I can afford* beautifully stated
I am so encouraged by what you said, (sentence that starts with "start where you are...) that I intend to make this a sign and hang it in my studio. Thank you so much for your sharing.
Thank you! What I would give to have a walking foot and really nice material! But at 70 and just getting started, I love my $200 Brother. I hit estate sales during the summers and have got some beautiful fabric for pennies on the dollar. I'm just so afraid to mess things up..lol. Just got done with my first "semi quilt". Beautiful birds in autumn forest panel turned into dining room drapes. Bordered and lined. My lines on both sides match up perfectly. I am so proud of that 😊. Love all the help from this channel and the commentors. Thank you all so much!
Pls try not to be so afraid of making mistakes, we ALL do it. Pls remember that when babies are learning to walk, they fall down & then learn to get up. It's only frabic after all & can often be redone if the mistakes were really big. Often quilter's mistakes are only obvious to the Quilter & the User or Observier, never knows about it.
3:14 - Presser Foot Size
4:32 - Walking Foot
5:41 - Pressing Seams
7:28 - Threads
9:36 - Rotary Cutters
10:57 - Batting 'Sandwich'
11:57 - Safety Pins
13:09 - Binding
15:00 - Quilters Knot
15:57 - Strip Quilting
16:40 - Pricing/Quality of fabrics
18:16 - Fabric Styles
19:27 - Sewing Machines
20:47 - Quilt 'Police'
21:59 - Designing is hard??
S
You are a legend!
Thank you for taking the time to do this, especially since its not even your channel. It is much appreciated. I wish more channels out there would do this.
Yes, thanks for the time frame. I'm new and to be able to refer back is outstanding.
Cs#xZ. barn quilt
My boyfriends grandmother taught me to quilt the first time I ever went to visit her and I fell in love so much that I taught both my sisters how to quilt we all have much to learn. Sadly I don’t get to visit grandma more than once a year due to distance and I’m so happy I get to learn some tricks here thank you for all you do ❤
21:58 Yes!!!! I didn't even quilt for a year and barely made about 3 super simple strip piece charity quilts before I took on my most ambitious quilt project... my own pattern! And boy was it a pattern lol. My math wasn't mathing, I messed up several times, some points didn't meet up, and there were sooo... many... pieces.... but it actually turned out beautiful and got the praise of everyone in my quilting group who had quilted for 10+ years. Even with the mistakes, I felt so proud that I took on another self-made pattern. Those ambitious undertakings taught me a lot and really honed in my skills. I'm not afraid to take on "complex" projects and the shortcomings don't stress me out because it's all a learning experience and I'll never get good if I don't try. "Take chances, make mistakes, get messy!"
Hi from Guernsey, Channel Islands, UK
Hello!
I have relatives on Jersey
This was such a great video…..I remember struggling with the 1/4” seam allowance so much. I just didn’t know how to test it, etc. I really think we’ve all hit the same milestones in the learning curve that you did. The one thing I was confused about that you didn’t mention was borders. I didn’t realize that you could piece the borders. And when I figured that out, I thought you were supposed to join them like you joined binding….on the diagonal. I went into a local shop and asked a gal I knew and she kind of gave me a strange look,
Ike why was I asking this. Sooooo, I learned another thing. And on the subject of borders, I finally figured out how to make the, not wavy….whew….. I, like many others began garment sewing, and had no idea that quilting was a lot different. And when you’ve sewn all your life you think you can quilt, no problem. Not exactly. So until I found a local quilt guild, I was self taught …. All be it with a ton of RUclips videos. A guild is a great place to learn and share this wonder, fun, creative craft with like minded people and make new friends! Thanks again Stephanie for sharing your journey!
I LOVE this video! All the things I didn't know! And I know there are still many I have yet to learn, but that's part of the fun. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and mistakes and making it fun at the same time.
I was tidying up an old cupboard recently and came across a patchwork quilt that my mum made on a singer treadle machine back when I was a child and I am 71 and it gave me the buzz to start a quilt of my own. My mum’s quilt was made with bits of material from dresses we wore as children and it brought back so many memories. I haven’t started yet but am in the process of building up my collection of things I need. My fear (or one of them) is the design - I am not a naturally creative person and a bit scared to take that first step. Your video has given me that confidence to take my first step. I will check out your tutorials. I live in Ireland and quilting is not as popular as it is in the US. It’s difficult to get books as a lot of companies don’t send to Ireland so it’s great to have the online guidance and encouragement from the likes of yourself. Thank you.
Loved the story about handing your daughter the long arm -- such an awesome teaching moment!!
I discovered you with your demo on a strip rug made in greys. You are such a wonderful teacher. I’ve been sewing since I was 10, quilting about 20+ years and at 75 still learning from you. I giggled through your 15 mistake video as I’ve experienced some of the same. But still learned something new. I highly recommend to newbies to follow your videos. You are so kind to offer discounts with purchases.
I remember that video! One of my favorites. I also laughed at some of her beginner mistakes as I remembered some of my own.
My mom is a seamstress by trade and owned a fabric store growing up so sewing was always in my blood. I made doll clothes and stuff but never quilted. When I met hubby and he told me his first wife used his old shirts to make a quilt, I thought it was brilliant so I thought I'd give it a try. I always loved being in her store but since I was on a mission, it made it more intoxicating and bought a "Quilting for Dummies" book - 30 years ago, I threw caution to the wind and fell in love. I didn't have the luxury of the internet and videos. I'm self "taught" and was focused on the "hug" than perfection. Today, I decided to actually sit and watch videos since the 2 I'm working on have their own special challenges. I ran across this video and I kept saying "OH! That explains the thread" and "Sewing through all 3 layers for binding" was a quickly learned lesson after the first binding. Some of these things I figured out on my own but this video was PERFECT! I'm so glad I went down the rabbit hole! THANK YOU!
#16: don't iron your flying geese into submission because you did not know the first 15 things
GREAT video!! I loved the whole thing and your sense of humor and ability to laugh at your learning curve was precious! I learned quite a bit and your positivity is contagious. You are one of my favorite ‘quilt teachers’ and I’ve learned so much from you. I just started learning how to quilt a couple years ago and I watched (and rewatched) many of your videos. One that changed my quilting practice was how to press the fabric…eye opening for me. Thank you 😊
I love your positivity, thank you. I also didn’t know that the presser foot wasn’t a 1/4 in. the difference of pressing and ironing, and not using water in my iron because of the grossness! Great information, thank you! ❤️❤️❤️
I love your videos! Your daughter's reaction to her own accomplishment is incredible...she just jumped in! She didn't know she couldn't! That's perfect!
My 7yo niece was the same way as your daughter. I took her to the quilt store, but it was closed. She didn’t want to wait to start her small quilt, so to WallyWorld for some fabrics we went! She had her own idea of what she liked, but made a pretty cool doll quilt with puppy & kitten fabrics along with a solid or 2. We were proud of her perseverance to do the sandwich & SITD quilting almost completely by herself!
Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge through this video. I’ve been quilting for over 30 years and find I can always learn something new from other quilters. I made my first quilt using an Eleanor Burns Quilt in a Day book, and I just used the edge of my regular presser foot as a guide. I had no idea what I was doing. I even used a loft batting because I didn’t know any better. A few years later I signed up for a beginning quilting class at a LQS and the quilting world opened up to me. I truly enjoy your positivity and down to earth approach in all of your videos. Subscribed!
You are such a sweet, lovely person. I learn so much from you. My sewing machine that is marketed as a quilting edition did not come with a 1/4 inch foot. 🤷♀️🤦♀️ I'm sure if I had never quilted before that I would have done the same thing you did with the foot that came on the machine.
I have been quilting for 30 years and never knew about the quilters knot…my life is changed!!!
I've been quilting for about 20 years when my daughter moved to Wisconsin and we had great teachers. Because of corvid, I didn't quilt, I just concentrated on staying alive. But now, I'm 87 and have quilts I want to/ need to finish. For me, your presentation was a refresher course, I sincerely thank you. And I agree with you about the quality of fabric, just touch it or hold it up to the light, you'll know quality when you see. Thanks again
My first quilt made in 1971&72 was a Noah's Ark for my new baby boy. I used scraps from my own sewing for myself and my hsuband. It has double knit, velour, corduroy, and denim among the cottons from my scraps. I quilted it with large stitches and embroidery floss. Eric loved it and slept with it for many years. It is in
I'm a self taught quilter. I got several quilting books way before I started quilting. I started my first quilt 6 years ago, finished it a year later. Auctioned it off.
My grandmother use to quilt, crochet and more. I learned the quilter's knot from her, I just didn't know what it was called.
I started learning how to sew in Jr High School. I made clothing, pillow covers, bags and did repairs. (Still do repairs) I also did a lot of Crocheting.
Now, I just quilt.
Finances are tight so, I get a lot of my materials from thrift stores, people who are getting rid of a lot of scrap materials and more.
I also shop at Walmart a lot.
I've made something like 6 quilts, 5 quilted pillow covers, table cloths and have 9 plus pre-quilts cut and ready to sew together. I just finished a DC Comic quilt, Batman, for my nephew and an elephant quilt for his youngest daughter.
I'm in the process of making a Log Cabin quilt for my mom.
My goal is to make and donate many throw quilts for cancer patients at the cancer center that my husband was at.
I'm having fun with quilting!! 😁
Most people want me to make things THEY WANT… not what I want to create.. like hanging towels, capes, seamstress their stuff… mend their clothes…. (But I want to design & make quilts)…..
Saying "no" can be hard but it IS an OK thing to tell the folks that want you to make things other than quilts. When my friends learned I have a sewing machine they had "things" for me to do. NOT! I only sew straight lines and work on MY craft. It gets easier over time.
Thanks for the great tips. I’m a beginner and I’m excited to get started.
I went to quilting classes many years ago and then I didn't do any quilting for many years. When I decided to try it again, I had no idea what anyone was talking about. I thought I had gone to a baking website instead of quilting. When I took the classes there were no precuts (layer cakes, jelly rolls, honeybuns) and we used scissors only. As you were saying with the strip cutting, I made a full size quilt and cut out every piece from yardage with scissors. Maybe that's why I had quit so many years ago.
Making quilts is one of the most amazing things that anyone can do, and actually giving someone you love a quilt is another 🤩🤩 Quilting is definitely my therapy, my happy place 😊 Most people see the beauty in the quilt that you have created 🥰 If they point out any mistakes then they aren’t someone you should be making a quilt for 🤷♀️ How sad to be only able to see negative things 😳 🇬🇧
Loved this video! One of the things I learned was "change your needle" after each project, or even during, if it's a large project. Made a world of difference for me. Oh, and my next quilt will be the first time I'm using your method of pressing my seams open. I'm sure I will get much better results, because pressing them to one side isn't working for me especially if there's a lot of bulk. Thanks for that tip!
Someone in a class I took recommended to me to press the seams open because she felt it was the best way. However, the instructor was upset because she felt that weakens the seem. Who to believe? I’m now afraid to do it.
@@MyMickey52 I've seen it traditionally regarded as making for weaker seams. After 30+ yrs. of Quilting myself, I still press to the side, to the dark side. Have improved my ironing techniques instead, from 'ironing' to 'pressing' (see Karen Brown of Just Get it Done Quilts).
I don't understand why quilttubers are recommending $500 machines for beginners. I have a solid $150ish Brother that does everything my mom's $500ish machine does. I am about to QAYG my first King sized quilt from start to finish on it and other than having to mess with my tension (inevitable when switching from piecing to quilting, sigh) I don't anticipate any problems I wouldn't potentially have on her machine.
Wonderful video! Totally agree. My suggestion is to buy fabrics for projects and not build a stash. Having a stash is overrated and expensive. Congrats on all of your hard work with your company and tutorials!
I agree about the stash thing. When I look at mine, all I see is a huge waste of money. Feels burdensome also.
Thank you for your wonderful classes and sharing your expertise and love of quilting with us. Your positive, fun teaching style is totally motivational - which is a huge blessing for me. I'd been a quilter for 15 years and taught computer science at a local college for 20 years. Then WHAM - along came a nasty virus that moved into my brain and killed over 100 spots of my brain tissue (aka caused me to have extensive long-term amnesia that will probably last for the rest of my life) . Also, much to my regret I discovered that I'd lost all my quilting knowlegde and experience. I sat down to quilt one day and discovered that I didn't even know how to thread my high-end quilting and embroidery machines. While I was close to crying, I decided that I'd learned it once and I could learn it again. I've had to re-learn the same skills, information, and techniques over and over 3 or 4 times now, but it's a lot more fun than crying or throwing my machines out a window! Neeedless to say, I'm beyond excited to have found your classes. I'm so excited that I can repeat the classes as often as I need to even if I never have the quilting skills that I had once before. I'm so blessed that I still recogonize my friends and my wonderful family members. Hopefully I will also make new quilting friends through your website. Best of all though is that I can still make my husband's gray hair fall out, drive my adult children crazy, and spoil my precious grandchildren wonderfully! Life is good!!!
Oh my, this nearly made my eyes watering... So glad that you did not threw your sewing maschine out of the window and instead decided to learn again and to have fun with the quilt making. Many respect and have a wonderful day :)
You are amazing!
My first quilt….. ok my first 2 quilts….. I used scissors, pencil for marking, and a plastic kids school ruler.
Sometimes, you just get it done with the tools you have!
Hi. I just recently found out that if you are having some tension issues it might be because you have to change the needle. This is what happened to me. I hadn't changed my needle in all the time that I was quilting. I found out that I need to change it with every new project. I felt silly but no one told me this. And now my tension is great!
What a wonderful video, Stephanie! Every quilter needs to see this. I started quilting in order to use up old fabrics I did not want to toss and many of my 'masterpieces' fell apart in the wash or needed constant repair. Once I began using better fabrics I realized the difference and never looked back. Quilting is definitely a learning experience.
I didn’t know that most people do not stuff their binding with batting!! Shrug…. I wanted a fat plush binding. Ha, Ha.
I didn’t know that I shouldn’t cut my fabric with my cutting mat on my living room carpeted floor. My cuts did not come out even.
Thanks for sharing. I was laughing heartedly at some of your stories. We have all been there and it’s always good when our journey can make it a little easier for the next person. Keep doing what you’re doing. Lots of folks out here need your positive attitude.
Ty for sharing your knowledge I appreciate it I’m a bit older and just starting out so any tips are a blessing. Ty ty ty
20:03 as a traditional seamstress who is delving into quilting (I've been sewing clothes by hand and machine since i learned to sew at 4, and I'm 25) I would like to *politely* dispute buying a brand new machine or saying you need to spend at least $500 on something. if you *know* what to look for and are willing to learn how these machines work (I am a tinkerer so I get this doesn't click for some people) you can buy a vintage machine at thrift or online for a fraction of that cost and get a MUCH better machine. I *hate* new machines with a firey passion and I know they won't last like what was made last century. I have a lot of antique machines and vintage ones, but my ride or die is a Kenmore that was made in the 40s (158.19412 model) that I bought for $25 at a thrift store. I have had it for over a decade with little maintenance and its the best, most reliable machine I've ever worked with.
idk. this got ranty but the cost of machines is what people balk at getting into sewing and I hate when people end up thinking new machines are the only option. for anyone interested in vintage machines, I would caution against Singers from the 60s and 70s. anything newer than that as well from Singer. I'm certainly biased but I have noticed that's when they went down hill. lots of bad engineering and plastic parts which often break that are hard or impossible to replace
Many years ago, the late 80's, I went to a "Fast Patch" quilting class, essentially strip quilting. I has heard about rotary cutters but thought they were just some expensive toy that would go out of style. When I attended the class the heavens parted, the angels started singing and I was awestruck. It made so much sense and seemed a much more efficient was to make a quilt. I had been interested in quilting but the though of sitting for endless hours cutting out one tiny piece at a time was too daunting. Today I am the proud owner of several rotary cutters, rulers, templates and cutting mats.
I’ve been trying pressing my seams open recently and am getting much better results. Thanks for the info.
You're a breath of fresh air! Awesome piece. 😉
I have been quilting for a couple years now(self taught), and you have brought my quilting skills to a more professional level. You have made an “iron my seems open” girl forever. I made one of your patterns for the fair(won first), and I ironed the seems open and haven’t gone back! I am so thankful for all I’ve learned from you, and I am hoping to get another one of your books for Christmas!!🥰
Thank you for all of these tips and insights! All are so true! I especially love the encouraging last idea of just going for a quilt challenge as your little daughter did, be fearless, just try it, and enjoy the process and learning.
My oldest daughter and I were making a quilt with separate machines for my youngest daughter when the block didn't match up-it was the foot on her machine! 😑
Oh my goodness!!! I needed to hear all of this!! Thank you!!
One time I was making a pinwheel quilt with some charm packs I won at a class I took.. learning to embroidery with my machine…
So I brought my 84 yr old mom to see what I was doing … it was turning out quite nice… I had no home for the project.. just wanted to learn piecing & lining up seams…
She says …. Will that fit on my bed???
Um… how could I say anything but, “yes it will…”lol..
So now I was PRESSED TO FINISH IT… also I showed her the embroidery side of my Bernina 770… as the demo started… suddenly she had a pillow cover she wanted made with the embroidery hoop .. lol it was FUN.!! She was a hoot… the very next day she calls me & says she wanted me to stop by her retirement home… next thing I know…. I’m hemming pants coats, & darting clothing… lol
I did love & enjoy the time with her. It was so awesome I could help her & give her something from me…
She’s shrinking in stature & store bought clothing is a challenge for her.
So I bought the machine from funds SHE HAD GIVEN ME… & I wanted her to see I was using the gift… & learning to quilt has given back to her fancy pillow tops, & clothing she can wear… yes the quilt made it onto her bed..
Your mom is very lucky! Thank you for sharing!
I completely agree with not discouraging people from trying something they want to try, and I also think that sometimes they can become so frustrated with trying to do something beyond their skill that they will just quit. So weighing how to say that they might want to try something a little less challenging is also important. I had this happen with a friend, who wanted to make a quilt, she wanted to design it and do some very complicated things with circles and applique. I didn't want to discourage her so I let her go at it and she got so frustrated with how hard it was, that it took another year before she'd try quilting again. I talked her into trying something a lot more simple and now she loves it. She has the skill now, to do what she had wanted to do and this time I'm confident she will do much better.
I loved this video. My first quilt I made when I was 18 and it was a hot mess. It was for my boyfriend who is now my husband of 41 years. I had no idea of what I was doing. I bought a McCalls pattern the instructions were not the greatest. I had to cut out I don’t remember how many squares. Sew them right sides together and leave an opening to be able turn right side out, then put a square piece of batting inside. Then take all the square and sew them together. The pattern never said to catch the batting in the seam. When I washed it all the batting balled up in the middle. I was so upsetting. All that work was for nothing, the quilt has never been used. I still have it. Now when I take it out look at I just laugh, but back when I first made it I cried. I never made another quilt until I was pregnant with my 6th son. Again didn’t really know what I was doing. The pattern was Around the World. Again didn’t really know what I was doing. Cut out all the squares sewed then together and quilted it. I was really proud of it I thought it turned out pretty good. Showed to my friend that got me to try and make a quilt and she said, oh did you strip piece and I said what’s that. I’ve learned a lot over the years and it has become my therapy.
Thank you for your video, I have never made a quilt but I’m cutting pieces to try making my first quilt.
You can do it! We have an entire series for beginners if you find you need help!
No matter what don't give up. My first quilt was worse than her's. My dad loved it for over 10 years before it started to fall apart. Frayed holes everywhere. I ripped that baby apart and redesigned and made him a new one saving what I could. He LOVES it still. Each quilt brings a new challenge but also something you learned before to help make the next one a little easier.
I love that I randomly found you! I have made all those mistakes (even the binding) and I am still new to quilting and I am happy to see you are so encouraging and supportive! I am subscribing and will be watching! Thank you for making me want to start quilting again.
How excited were you for your daughter! It made me smile, and giggle for her, I imagine both of you were so proud, thanks for sharing. I kind of self taught myself too, I watched some classes on Craftsy and took a couple classes at Joann’s. Yes I made and still make plenty of mistakes but so far everyone has completely loved theirs quilts, the only complaints I’ve received was “Mom, we have enough Christmas wall hangings, table toppers, quilts, can you make us something for other seasons?” Lol, so I’m trying to expand the themes. There was so much I have learned over the years.
Thank you for making this video! I have learned a lot through trial and error too.🙂💗
Oh my! I didn’t know about the presser feet size either! Lol. Went to a class and that poor teacher……she had her hands full with me. But it taught me so much. And that’s been so many years ago. Never looked back and just kept learning more about quilting. Thanks for the video. Guaranteed someone out there learned from your mistakes.
Your website is messed up. A 404 error shows up for everything
I've now been quilting for about 20 years, but when I made my first small quilt didn't know what 'squaring off' was and didn't hear it mentioned in any books or patterns. I couldn't figure out why my blocks didn't turn out the right size after I had so carefully cut them - especially pieces that had angles (bias). My friend, who had been quilting for a long time, explained to me that it's a good idea to check the accuracy at each step, and trim (or 'square off') so the next parts of the block would fit together better and more true to size. (Or, if you were a little short, use a pencil to mark your stitching line...but re-do the block if it was too small.) It's funny now if I pull out a UFO to finish how I can see how my work has improved with all the little tips and tricks I've learned over the years, including strip piecing!
Isn't that fun? Thanks for sharing!
Thank you thank you for keeping it real and allowing us newbies to learn from your mistakes! It’s so much more fun and satisfying when you are learning from those who are not keeping “secrets” and allowing others to join in the creative process!
Thanks for watching! Everybody makes mistakes, and we really think it's important to acknowledge that!
I like most all of what you say here. I will say though I spent $300 on my sewing machine. I've used it now for years. It's a great machine. I would be cautious telling someone how much to spend on a machine. $500 can be a lot of money for some and we don't want to discourage people from learning to quilt
One thing I learned, when it comes to sewing machines, it is almost always the operator that is the problem. Good video.
I am one of these discouraged people.
You will never know how much you encouraged me through all your tutorial series, but none were as encouraging as this one. I know you are going through major changes in your journey that are deeply discouraging, but I will always appreciate you, your team and your love of creating that knows no bounds or limitations. Your next best version is just around the corner. Meanwhile I appreciate all the content you’ve created to help me along my quilting journey. God bless you and yours
ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL! MANY THANKS FOR ALL THE INFORMATION. IT IS A PITY THAT THE USA HAS SUCH FANTASTIC SHOPS. I LIVE IN THE UK.😊
Oliso is not absolutely NOT THE PRODUCT IT USED TO BE. IVE HAD THREE “JUNKERS” FROM JOANNE and replaced by oliso with junkers. It spits it is not the hottest and they do not last more than a year, if you can even stand to iron with this NOT AS HOT IRON 😢
We got a new one directly from Oliso last Christmas and haven’t had any problems with it. But I never put water in it.
Thank you so much for this video! It was a breath of fresh air today for me. I learn so much from you too. So glad I found your channel.
What is a good sewing machine brand to start quilting
Thank you for this video, now I don't feel as dumb about quilting. I used to wonder what all those letters i.e HST, WOF, etc were!
LOL, i thought are they cussing because it's so much stuff to do??? Anyway, thanks for this eye opening video, Keep it up!
Thanks for watching! Yes, when you're new to anything, the alphabet soup of abbreviations can be SO confusing!
You're so right that it's OK to just jump in before anyone has a chance to say "you can't do that" For instance, my very first quilt was a king sized quilt that I copied from a video without even having a pattern or instructions. 😁 I DID take my time, watched a ton of videos, did a bunch of research and thinking before each step, so it turned out very well for a first quilt (and I had it professionally quilted) but looking back I think I was amazingly brave and motivated.
Loved your video. We definitely can all learn new things.
Thank you for these words of encouragement. I am turning 71 in a few days and gifted myself with a long arm machine and frame. Do I ever have so much to learn as I have no one to teach me or turn to for guidance. O. Top of that the arthritis in my hands makes life difficult but I do not give up easily. Wish me luck. Suzy H in Florida.
I am 82 and I finally learned to listen to the advice 'TAKE BREAKS" When I feel the first twinge of arthritis or any pain, I stop and usually take a drink of water. I am not like these younger generations who live with a water bottle attached to their hand. I have to remember to grab that H2O
I pinned a sandwich with straight pins this week and poked myself in the boob as I quilted. OWWWW! 😂 Use safety pins!
OMG that sounds terrible!
I had no idea how much I didn't know! Thanks for your information 😊
Thanks for sharing - can resonate with many of these tips , always learning 💞
I used cheaper fabric when I was first learning, because I had no stash at all. What a difference a better fabric makes! Now I buy less fabric, but better quality, and I use up scraps.
Even though I've learned all of the things you discussed over the past 5 years of quilting, this video was so refreshing to realize I was not the only one who learned all of it the hard way, as did you! Thanks, Stephanie!
I’m a new quilter at the age of 84 always wanted to see . But raised a big family that kept me busy . So in my season years my son bought me a smart tv and got videos on quilting and decided to try it out . So I’m trying love your video so helpful I’ll keep ❤
Notice you use the wool pressing mat. I bought one and first time I used it, it reeked to the point I could not stand to be in the same room with it. Have you had that experience? Afraid to wash it, even just soak and rinse. Any advice?
Great question! We love the wool pressing mat and use it often. When the mat is new, there is a smell as it's 100% wool and wool does have a natural smell as it warms up. It shouldn't be overwhelming, however. If it is very strong, you can try rinsing it or spot cleaning it, just make sure to let it dry in a well ventilated area as wool tends to absorb moisture. You can also check with the manufacturer of your mat and see if they have specific cleaning instructions and follow them.
Hi, i'm Esther from milwaukee WI. I loved this video. i'm about to start my first quilt and this video is going to save my life.
I hope it all went well! Were you able to finish your quilt?🎉
Your daughter looks so proud of her quilt and she should be - at 60 years of age and a newbie to quilting, I'm not sure that I would attempt that. Super impressive!!!
I have watched this video a few times and always good to revisit.
I didn’t know that sewing with floppy fabric-unstarched or unsized fabric, would lead to stretching bias and other issues. I do not prewash but I DO prestarch whole yards, fat quarters etc. BEFORE I cut or sew anything. I only do this to pieces I am going to use right away. This increased accuracy for cutting and sewing is amazing. I instantly had perfect results that I could never get before. Your 1/4” seams are easier to achieve, perfect points and it makes pressing turn out flat and smooth. I have converted many newbie Quilter’s into intermediate and less frustrated Quilter’s! Try it before you deny it! Happy sewing.
I designed my first quilt on graph paper too...and I thought it was funny because I showed my mom the finished quilt top and she asked about the design and I said, "I designed it on graph paper." My mom looked shocked and she said, "Oh. Well, yeah, I guess you can do that." I don't think she had ever considered designing one herself, and at that time she had made a lot of beautiful quilts. Question about the Aurifil thread. I purchased some online and it is the lintiest thread I've ever used. I'm wondering if it's my machine specifically, or what else could explain this. I was so sad because I've heard such wonderful things about Aurifil thread and couldn't wait to try it...but I've been very disappointed in how much lint it's producing. Any ideas?
Eye opener for so many things. Thanks.
Thank you for the positive spirit you share!
Stumbled upon this and had to watch! I've been quilting for a while now, but it was refreshing to hear about the issues I've had and validate that I'm not crazy! Something that I didn't know way back in my beginner days - how to prepare the quilt top for the quilter. I asked a local quilter to quilt for me (I was fairly new to the area, quilting and needed to send to my daughter ASAP). When she said yes I just handed her the quilt top. She was very kind and didn't say anything but now I know that I should have squared it , trimmed off the unnecessary border edges and made it easier for her to put it on her longarm! I know now! We are now good friends and I still learn so much from her! - Thanks for the info you gave today. It was a good reminder.
Love your positive attitude and encouragement!
Im just gaining interest in quilting, purchased some fabric and some beginner items yesterday. I cant wait to start.
This was very helpful information, and I love how you said to run away from the negative Nellies
Great advice! I’m just picking up quilt making again after a lapse a few (cough) decades. So much has changed. So much new technology. I’ve got a lot to learn but I’m not going to let it stop me from jumping into my first (easy) project!
Awesome information. I'm in the process of sewing my first quilt
Great to hear! Let us know how it goes!
This was really run to watch! I love your upbeat vibes and your ‘Go For It’ philosophy!!
I love your energy and your willingness to help quilters!
I knew how to sew but learned quilting by watching TV shows on PBS and home channel. I entered a quilt contest at our local fair. I won my category, but the one judge gave me some tips which I appreciated. I still like to check out tips like yours.