A dear friend of mine ( she was the mom of my husband’s best friend) started hand quilting my wedding quilt just as she found out she had cancer. She was able to finish the quilt top and pin the batting and backing together before she passed. I just decided to join her quilt guild to finish it. She was an amazing lady.
That made me lose it. I have 2 funerals today and so far hadn't cried. ... Until this straw came along. It was the sweetest thing to do and you honored her in doing so. ❤️Thanks for easing the heart ache for a few moments.
I was laughing with you about the "oopsie" on your bedroom quilt. It reminded me of the guy who came to work with one black and one blue shoe. We went through most of the day without noticing; but when we did, we were without mercy and we all had big laughs. Fortunately he was the kind of guy who could take it and sat his shoes in the aisle on display. When I goof up on a quilt I fret, but if it's gonna be a pain to fix, I just call it "character" and move on with my life.
I started with a king size, I never ironed, I used a long stitch, still not in a guild, and I cut it all with scissors. There are so many mistakes that I about can’t stand to look at it, but literally everyone else in my family loves it. In hindsight, it was a great starting project. I did it, finished it, and we have all used it for years and years. It was addicting to see it come together. Now I quilt to relax.
OK where have you been hiding? I stumbled upon your dollar store video and proceeded to binge watch the rest! You are so refreshing and funny and straight to the point..... loved them all!
I felt like I had gotten to the end of American Quilting RUclips. The algorithms just were not spitting out new channels! I finally stumbled across her and I've been thrilled
I’ve just found you and I’m so glad. I’ve just started quilting. You’ve saved me from deciding to make one for our bed. Instead, I’ll make one for our kitties.
HA HA HA - yes even experienced sewists can be challenged with taking on a quilting project. I enjoyed the piecing and the end result was very much to my liking. But (like another comment below) I was too scared to quilt it. And so it remains unquilted (but otherwise finished) - and yes I also started with a bed coverlet. Wow just goes to show we all are not afraid to jump in the deep end at times!
Thank you so much for the encouraging words. I am 72 and just trying to learn quilting. Your channel is very helpful and encouraging. I started to laugh when at the end of your video you showed a mistake on your quilt on your bed. That is so me. I did start small. My mother sewed perfectly. She made Prom dresses for my girls and many other things. When I sew I know I’ll be ripping out at some point. I’ve started with a jellyroll quilt. I thought, surely I could do that. I’m finally at the quilting stage. I now know I do not sew straight lines. My daughter said.”That’s ok Mom. I’ll love it”. So, I’m almost finished, mistakes and all. Thanks again. You make me smile.🥰🌹
I haven’t pieced my first quilt. I don’t even own a sewing machine yet. I bought a 1930’s vintage quilt top while visiting the Smoky Mountains. It lived in my closet for close to three years. I had this plan to take it to someone and have them quilt it for me. Economics determined that was a bad idea, so I have embarked on the monumental task of hand quilting it myself. 😂 I read a lot of tutorials and dove in. One third complete after six months! I’m thoroughly enjoying the journey, though I have to keep smoothing out the backing fabric because I basted it poorly. My reward for getting the quilting done will be to purchase my first ever sewing machine so I can sew on the binding! (I say that, but then I question it, because what’s a little extra work after all that??)
My first quilt was a king size, hand quilted. I haven't made another that large yet. And yes, its better to have a bunch of completed quilts, than still be trying to finish that one perfect quilt! And choose to make things you love, not what anyone else says to make. Enjoy the time you spend with quilting.
I too started with a king size quilt. My brother suffers with hot flashes due to his cancer treatments so I wanted to back it with flannel. Did my research and found flannel lets out the body heat. Also did research on shrinkage so I measured the top twice (at least) and bought an extra wide piece of flannel, took it home and washed, dried, and pressed it. I was so excited to start putting my first creation together. I got the top corners squared up and started to spray baste it together. Now remember I did my research. I measured. I did everything right. Right? Nope. I forgot about that shrinkage thing and didn't accommodate for that. My flannel was about 6 inches too narrow! LOL That quilt has been set aside and I am now working on a lap quilt. I do so hope that I learn from my mistakes. I absolutely love your videos but they are so addictive that I find myself staying up way past my bedtime. Happy Sewing 😊
My biggest mistake: after getting the top done and ready for the actual quilting, in spite of the quilt top looking ... not too darn shabby ... I get cold feet, afraid to quilt, can't even decide HOW to quilt it. I have two quilts ready to quilt. One is pinned, rolled up, and in the closet. Yeah, right. Thank you for posting your "Just Get it Done" series. Every one of them increases my bravery! An experienced quilter I met at a class told me that what I was about to rip out did not need it. She said, "Imagine this, whoever you think is going to judge your quilt is on a horse, galloping by very quickly. Can they see that tiny 'mistake'? No. Think of that before you rip." What a hoot! but so true. I have since heard other versions of this same sentiment and each is helpful.
My son asked me if I could make a quilt using tee shirts that he had collected of his favorite airplanes. I told him I would try, but that I hadn't made a quilt in 45 years. I looked on U-tube and learned a lot. Since then I've made 4 tee shirt quilts and currently working on the 5th which is a queen size. My next one will be an oversize throw using regular fabric. I can't wait to get away from the tee shirts and try something different. I enjoy learning from your videos too.
Jenny Doan from Missouri Star Quilt Company is always saying"done is better than perfect, nobody has ever given a quilt back for not being perfect". I truly believe that with any handy craft if I make a mistake when crochet or knitting and I don't notice it right away and it doesn't make the pattern off by too much, then I just leave it. If it throws it out to badly or it bothers me as a crafter than I will frog 🐸 it. Happy quilting or crafting!
I was in my late 20's and decided to make a quilt (this was a long time ago so no internet to help me too). I wasn't a sewer but thought "How hard could it be?" Proceeded to go to garage sales to get a lot of old jeans (yup, I chose denim), an old wool blanket and a burgundy sheet as well. Proceeded to cut up the denim into thigh length 'rectanges' that weren't really rectangular - you know, wider at the top and narrower at the knee. I also didn't iron anything. Pulled out the vintage Elna ElnaSuper my mother gave me and started sewing. I remember breaking countless needles and constantly having to rethread the thread because it'd snap (I was also using a regular foot). Don't know how many times I wanted to use the quilt to make a bonfire. But I finished that thing and was proud of it - even though it is not the most attractive...and it has 3 corners and a handle. LOL! I do NOT know what I was thinking. I still have that quilt though. It's twin sized, very warm and a very sturdy car quilt. It will probably outlast all of us just to continue to be embarrassing. It'll be around at the end of time when there are just Twinkies and cockroaches on the planet and the cockroaches will be laughing at my quilt.
I literally cried my first few years quilting, especially mystery quilts. I was such a perfectionist and didn’t want to make mistakes. 20+ years later, I’ve learned to embrace learning new techniques, and finding those quilt patterns that speak to me; usually they are scrappy and full of mysteries.😊
OMGOSH, yes where have you been????, when you said about your stitch at 3.5, my mouth dropped, then I laugh, I love your video here, all is true with beginners....I was at a class in a LQS and doing the sampler, 12 blocks of the most common blocks out there....squares, triangles, rectangles, etc, well, about 2 mnths went by and I would have nothing done due to I was TRYING TO BE PERFECT, I would go into the shop and ask for help, well the teacher, did this to me. she said, Sue, if you come in here one more time and tell me nothing is right well, maybe you should not be sewing. well basically, she was saying to me STOP BEING PERFECT, there are no sewing police around. How do you think our folks earlier in life did the quilts????? well, after that I really paid attention to lining up my squares, triangles, paid attention to my stitch lenght etc. well I have been sewing now for about 7 Plus years, I don't put anything into shows, I want to give back to charity. well, life is in my way right now, I sew when I can.......Nobody is perfect, we all have been beginners.. thanks again for your video here.. sue from WI
I can't tell you how happy I am that I stumbled on your channel! I have learned so much in the last hour, that my quilting Hobby has already been changed! I am blown away by how much I've learned. I am definitely going to join the quilting Guild in my town. I mentioned it to someone and they laughed in my face at the thought of me joining the Guild. This is someone who likes to know more than me, no matter what the topic. I am on my way to becoming a master quilter.
Chevy -- assuming your picture speaks for your gender -- I remember Rosey Grier, who was a defensive tackle for the Giants and the Rams. (Now 86 yrs old!!!) He used to do needlepoint; made no excuses for it, and no one dared criticize his hobby. Once said it was therapeutic and he suggested the hobby to his teammates. That hobby could well have contributed to his long life.
Oh dear Karen we are soul sisters my first quilt was from my departed grandmother’s clothes. No interfacing at all, never sewed! Just bought a machine on Black Friday sale I was going to learn to sew. That was years ago I have collected machines but hadn’t sewed, since early 2000’s. So the pandemic we needed mask made hundreds and then I was like I’m going to try again. Thank goodness I found you and a mentor
Janet, I started quilting in 72 and even though some great aunt had made a double wedding ring quilt that I still have from 1910, nobody was left who knew how to even sew. So I just made quilts my own way even 55 in 1992. Turns out the guild I later joined started about then. Some churches have charity groups going. If you can find a small group then likely easier to break into bigger group with pals at your side. Check a local listing for quilt shows and quilt stores to connect. Even one pal can double your knowledge.
Wow did I identify with that! I started buying fabric, rulers, etc and watching videos in prep for retirement. One of the first things I bought was a kit for a "Flower Basket" quilt from Craftsy. It's 92 x 92" and I thought at the time I would make it down the road when I had learned some. My first actual quilt was from a book called "Quilt In A Day" and it was just squares sewn together, which I accomplished, quilting it by sewing along the stitching lines and that's it. It was about 5'x6', and made for my daughter. I learned pretty quickly that I can't sew a straight line, and the corners often didn't meet. And it made me rethink that "Flower Basket" quilt. It led me to think on a smaller scale, so I bought a pattern for a small wall hanging that is a Santa holding a basket over his arm, a toy sack over his shoulder full of toys and a staff in the other hand. When I got the pattern, there were at least 5 different quilt making things I had never heard of in it, like paper piecing, crazy quilt, puffy appliqué, reverse appliqué. Yeah, I learned all that and made the thing. I love it, but it took me MONTHS for a 2 x 3 quilt LOL. Another early table topper had that piece in the wrong place mistake, which I didn't notice until finished...and my daughter asked me why I made something that looks like swastika LOL. Gotta enjoy those pieces if for nothing else than the humor they bring me.
One of my guilds always uses the word "press" when we share instructions or meet to sew. It makes a sensible difference in how we handle our fabric and the results we achieve.
I am definitely a beginner at 72 years old. I am on my second wall hanging. I thought I had better start out small. I do press as I go and use a 2.o stitch length. I am a frequent visitor at my Bernina dealer. They are so good to help me pick out the right fabrics. I don't know of a guild. I already worry over the mistakes. I'm trying not to be so hard on myself. I am loving your videos from Elizabethton, TN in USA. I have learned a lot. Love your accent too. Keep them coming.
Omg! We have come a long way!! It’s so refreshing to go back and watch some of the old videos! I’m so glad you stuck with it! I really love your RUclips channel.
I love, love, love your videos! It’s like we are friends chatting, plus I learn things every time I watch one. I agonized over some cut off star points on one of the first quilts I made. That quilt is 10 yrs old now and no one has ever looked at it and said, OMG, your points are cut off! It’s the love in the quilt that counts, unless, of course, you are having it judged. I am very happy making quilts and am not interested in competing. Thanks, Karen!
I walked into a quilting class. They were all making large quilts. I was over whelmed. Almost left then I asked the instructor if it was ok if I start real small. So this past December I mad table runners for family for Christmas. First one was mine and make 6 more after that. They were a big help in my learning. Now I’m working on blocks for a quilt. It’s not going so well but your tips and tricks will help me build blocks. Thanks
I want to be you when I grow up... You give me energy. Focus. And the drive to go on in there and just take another step towards making something fabulous. Enough with the worrying... Thank you
I spent a few years making quilts back in my teens and 20s by hand. The finished products (3) have gone missing over the years but I still have a UFO of about 9 or 10 blocks - stitched by hand - and a tote full of material and scraps. I've squirreled these away for 40 years and now that I'm retired, am looking to taking up the hobby again, this time with a sewing machine which I could not afford back then. I just found your channel and love it. And it seems modern quilting is very, very far from what it used to be - what fun this is going to be!
Yeah. I’m doing my first quilt... well quilts. I wanted to make quilts for my 5 year old twin great nieces. They are a little less than twin size but I started with flannel. Ugh I’m so tired of flannel. Yes they’re really cute so far but omg flannel is so fuzzy and easy to misshape. Your ironing technique helped me so much. But starting out with kids blankets are great. 5 year olds won’t care if you make a few mistakes. They will love that they have a special blanket with dinosaurs and mermaids from their auntie.
I started with a damn crazy quilt thinking I could make this elaborate embroidered velvet and satin pieced quilt that had beads, lace, every hand stitch or embroidery known to man and I could on and on and on- well, the quilt has gone on and on and on and I’m still not done with it! I don’t know how those ladies did those gorgeous things way back when- but I definitely learned a lesson and it won’t be any larger than a small lap throw when finished- elaborate yes, but here I am years later and hoping I finish the thing before I die to make it a family heirloom- geez! Lesson learned.
I had made one small quilt using a sewing machine with lots of help from my seamstress sister. At a garage sale I bought some boxes of fabric, in which I found two quilt tops that had been started and not finished - a grandmother's flower garden, and a one-patch, both hand-stitched. There were some fabric shapes cut for the GFG, so I thought, "I can finish these and it will be a good learning experience for a novice." I began with the GFG. Those hexagons drove me crazy ... my sister almost went crazy with me bothering here for advice all the time. I did finish the quilt top, and it awaits quilting. On to the one-patch. Only after sewing over a hundred patches in a lovely pattern, did I realise this quilt would be 9 feet square! Several hundred hand-sewn patches later, it also awaits quilting (but I think I will have a professional do it). So now I am doing what I should have done before - a small sampler quilt using basic block patterns. I have enrolled for a class, and I have begun building a library of quilting books and magazines. It has a good learning experience, but I also highly recommend starting small with the easier stuff. Now, back to that see-saw patch ...
My biggest beginner quilting mistake was using thick polyester batting - I wanted a nice fluffy quilt but it was a nightmare to work with! Cheap, yes. But oh my, never again!
I made exactly the same mistake. And then I decided to quilt in the ditch, one row down, the next row up, and so on. Can you spell wonky? Good thing it was only a scrappy pad for protecting my coffee table from my laptop during Zoom calls! I'm just quilting my second and you bet I used Hobbs 80-20. Any thinner batting would have been an improvement, but this stuff was recommended by a quilting friend. - Fran
When I was 14, my mom dug out fabric my great grandmother had cut for a queen sized quilt and wanted me to finish it. It was a complicated pattern and I had only sewn a few curtains previously. I struggled and fought through the majority of the quilt blocks before rage quiting because things weren't lining up perfectly and more often than not, I stitched the wrong pieces together. My mom didn't know how to quilt; we both thought all you needed was a sewing machine and pins. I think there were only 2 or 3 blocks left to complete. My mom threw it all out at some point and I said I would never quilt again.... but that was 15 years ago and I just bought fabric (that I actually love) and a pattern to try making a simple lap quilt. I also bought a quilting ruler, rotary cutter/mat etc, and have learned so much from your channel. I'm making it for myself and I don't expect it to be a masterpiece, but I might enjoy it and that would make it worth it.
As an absolute beginner I really appreciate your tips, especially since I also have a king sized bed. I think I'll start with a few mug mats and work my way up from there to table toppers, table runners, etc. Hopefully I'll progress to something bed sized eventually.
I tried to run a marathon once. LOL Pressing makes hard things easier. I am so grateful my sister and her quilting friends got me started. They have taught me so much. But, they forgot to tell me to square my blocks. That was my first crisis. The first time I made the rows was a challenge. It was so much easier after I took the rows apart, pressed them, squared them, and then put them together. Live and learn.
First of all I have to say thank you , I love your videos. So clear, helpful, practical, encouraging, and above all non-judgemental. After a lifetime of machine sewing (dressmaking, soft toys, curtains etc) I had never done any quilting. At the ripe age of 65 I stumbled across your videos this November and was bitten by the bug. I watched several of your tutorials whilst eagerly awaiting deliveries of fabrics and tools (I'm virtually housebound), and set to work as soon as they arrived. I've certainly made a number of these mistakes, my first project was a single bed sized quilt-as-you-go quilt for my daughter! I've also made a matching throw pillow, a hot water bottle cover, and am part way through a cushion cover all from the leftover scraps and all by Christmas. Not all my joins line up on the quilt but I can already see progress on the other projects made. One of the best tools I bought was a walking foot for my Janome and it's wonderful, I wish I'd had one years ago when I was sewing stretchy and slippery dance fabrics. But today I discovered my first mistake to cost me money. I pulled open a drawer by my desk and right at the back noticed a small box I'd tucked away when I first bought my current sewing machine, thinking I'd never need the contents. It's labelled 'Quilting Attachment'. Yep, my machine came with a walking foot! The box also contains a free motion quilting foot, a regular foot and lo and behold a quarter inch seam foot, plus two guides. So I spent almost £50 on a walking foot I didn't need to buy. I just feel thankful I decided to defer buying a free motion foot and a quarter inch seam foot until next year. Clearly the lesson here is 'check what you already have' before buying extra equipment 😂
Thanks for showing that it Is ok to be human. We all make mistakes. I am new to quilting, but I am learning that I see the mistakes more than others looking at my work do. My husband calls it “having my face in the blender”. Looking at it too long, and too close. I am learning to relax and my quilting is so much better. I started with lots of potholders with binding to practice and then I moved to 2 baby quilts. I am hooked. Thanks for your video tips and tricks, I can enjoy the process.
my very first quilt was a 74 by 102 Zelda quilt made up of one inch squares. It took me 2 years to finish the top and now I am quilting it on my home machine. I swore I would never do it again. It has loots of mistakes but thats part of the charm. Thanks for your wonderful videos.
I smiled when you mentioned UFOs. I have one on the wall that stumped me and it has been pinned there for 3 years. (And I've been quilting for 30 years.)
My first quilt was a double wedding ring king size quilt!!! I was determined to make one for our 25th wedding anniversary and I did finish it in time at 18 months!! I totally enjoyed everything about it! I quilted every block-100 of them!!
Sharing everything that’s worked for you and didn’t work for you makes it easier to handle mistakes. I used to rip out seams on an entire quilt top and now I realize mishaps and mistakes are a godsend. They definitely feel better than ripping or burning the fabric. Thank you for reminding us we are all human.
Very helpful advice. Thank you. I’m my own toughest critic in whatever I do. My husband constantly tells me “ I thought this was supposed to be fun” LOL.
Thank you for including us on your lovely walk, what a great scenery you have. Thank you for all of your helpful hints. These are great. I started out quilting after I took 3 semesters of costume design classes just to grow in sewing skills. Quilting is another art and sewing class on its own. 😊🧵❤️
Anna L wow if you’ve done costume design quilting will be a blast for you! I’ve never worked harder than tapestry Madrigal costumes with braids and such!
Hello! So ... I just resently found you on you-tube, and you are fabulous! I decided to up my quilting game, I found a pattern that I loved, it combined by passion for camping and the desire to take on a more difficult project. I have never machine quilted, however, I have made many baby blankets from flanel pieces and the hand knotted them, (no quilting). The 10” squares were an applique of a little camper. I was so excited to have all 35 squares done, with all those little campers, I wanted to put the top together, and I did. It turned out well for my 1st applique, 1st large project, new machine …. etc However, I forget to stitch around the applique, and the top was already put together. Hubby suggested that I take it apart! So, I put it away and went back to a few baby blankets. I finished the applique stitching, and did not take the top apart. I made many mistakes, but I now know my machine a whole lot better. The top is about 66 x 88 I'm almost to the sandwich stage. Next I have to decide how I’m going to quilt it. But it’s the quilt that I wanted to make! 😊
As a beginner I didn’t know the quilting terms I found in pattern books...FQ, Layer Cake, Charms, WOF... “where oh where does one find this out”, I thought? How could I even proceed if I didn’t understand and was too embarrassed to ask?! Silly me, I should have just sucked up my pride and asked a quilting sister in my local quilt shop! Did I even know there was a section at the back of a quilting pattern book that explained how to do stuff like make a binding - no! Thanks for your great, and honest, and real, videos, Karen, love them.
What's not to love about this video? I have just finished my first quilt top after spending 12 years yes you read right 12, reading, watching tutorials, paying for online classes etc. I wanted to get it "right" first time but my best teacher was my quilt top and the mistakes I made. I'm now ready to put it together and was feeling procrastination setting in when I found your channel with this video and the one using painters tape so I'm off to find me a wall. Thank you for sharing your quilting journey as it makes me realise while it's great to read about quilting, experience and sharing is the best. Kindest regards from Dublin Ireland
Started teaching myself quilt making a few years ago. Didn't know anyone who made quilts. Discovered a guild that was quite a distance from where I lived but decided to go there. It was a horrible experience. The guild meets once a month so I decided to give it another try. The second time around was worse. One member criticised my fabric. I tried to make conversation but was ignored. Needless to say I didn't go back. Glad your experience was a happy one. Really enjoy your down to earth attitude. Thanks.
See if the guild has any small groups. Also whether there are speakers or classes near you. Large groups can be a challenge and it is possible to run into a picky person but there are so many wonderful quilters out there. Joining can really make a difference. Volunteer at a quilt show to help put it on.Take a quilting class locally. I quilted almost 20 years before I reached out so doing hard way back in dark ages.
@@pamelavalley4765 The problem is that this is the only guild that's anyway near me. Quilt shows and quilt classes are unheard of in my area. I won't bore you with the efforts I've put in to try and get people interested in this fascinating craft. After reading that it took you 20 years to reach out make me think I should give the guild another try. Appreciate your reply.
I found you yesterday looking for tips on quilting. When I saw your other videos and how many subscribers you had I was shocked. You should have WAY more people following you. Awesome videos and thank you for sharing.
Just found you ! My daughter is pregnant with a rainbow baby and wants to quilt. I’m just so so at this but you are “ the bomb”. Helping me help her. God bless ❣️
I was going to quit today. I made a 30x30" for my pup to start and I didn't have even seams and I sewed over them and it was a mess. And I asked someone a question about premade quilt binding. I didn't know you could make your own! They told me I had no place in their group just as premade bias tape has no place in quilting. Just before I watched this, I said, meh, I want it so much, but I'm just no good and it's too expensive anyway. I watched this and then the Dollar store video. And I'm starting my next small (less small than the dog's) quilt tomorrow. So what if it's not perfect? It's not bad for a first timer with no help, and I think scars have given me character. Thanks for making a really bad day into a better one. Nice to see someone who is happy to say they have made mistakes and who laughs at themselves. ❤️❤️
Terra Riley I started quilting by making Kennel Quilts for rescue dogs. I Learned that I wanted to do more than just kennel quilts; I got to practice FMQ on these smaller ones, and best - none of the dogs critiqued the blankets!! It was a win, win!!
@@nother294 Thank you so much! That is a SUPERB idea! I adore animals, and if I'm doing small ones, that makes it simpler to practice more FMQing, low stress, all while helping out! Thank you SO MUCH for sharing! You're awesome! ❤️
Oh. My. WORD! You are my new sewsister! I am doubled over howling that it took four years of your quilt being on your bed to notice a block in the wrong place, and your reaction is not to sweat the small stuff or the big stuff. Consider yourself wrapped in a bear hug, and thank you.
I made several table runners, and two sofa quilts, figured I was ready to go big. I have a king quilt 3/4 finished, but got some puckering in my fmq and can’t see any way around ripping it out. What a chore! The quilt is beautiful, and an overdue wedding gift.
My hubby told me, "If you are going to make a quilt, go big and use double layer of batting." So I that's what I made a king size, double batting, Jacob's ladder/star quilt on my little sewing machine. It's now hanging on a guest bedroom wall and it actually turned out pretty good! 9ne last thing, I used old fabric sample books my sister-in-law gave me. She told me to remove the fabric and make my quilt out of those samples. She was a phenomenal quilter/crafter who knew how to weave her own material.
So love this! My 1st quilt was queen size lol. I was in high school taking a sewing vocational class. I needed a 10 hour sewing project. We had a scrap bin so I made a sort of crazy quilt. I didn't want to lose my pattern piece so I use a 3x5 indext card! Ten Years later lol. I putt away my sewing to raise kids and now that they're grown I'm starting over. Tablerunners are awesome! I'm working my way back to a queen size bed quilt... One day. :)
I love this video. Brings a touch of humanity to our efforts. I have the rare experience of being a beginner twice. After sewing and quilting for many, many years, I stopped. I can't explain it, maybe a psychiatrist could but not me. So within the last year or so I started back up and was more apprehensive than when I was buying my first pattern 40 years ago. I expected perfection and I wasn't getting it. Imagine that. I'm retired now and I'm quilting. Not perfectly, but I'm finishing. Even got out some UFO's from 10-12 years ago. You're inspiring. Keep it up!
Lynn Anderson thank you for your kind words. Welcome back to the quilting world. Quilting stimulates so many parts of the brain. I’m sure you’ll find it very satisfying.
You live some, you learn some. Don’t sweat the small stuff is such good advice. Most of us need to hear it often. I’m encouraged to pull out some orphan blocks and do a small project with them!
My biggest mistake was to not choose the right colors, they didnt contrast enough and my entire lap quilt looked green with a slightly lighter green. Very blah. So I used several of the preset flower and other decorative stitches in my Janome to place a LOT of contrasting wine-red and light cocoa brown stitches all over the quilt in a certain order. It turned out awesome! The ladies at the quilt shop said "no don't do it!" but they loved it when they saw it.
Your video reminded me of a mistake I made....I made a pineapple wall hanging. In red, white, and blue. Now the white was a tone on tone...if I remember right a paisley. In off whites. And the back and front of the off white was so close that you really had to pay attention. I think it was just about 24 inches square--making it nine blocks. I hand quilted it and put the binding on it, and did not notice till sometime later that one of the off white pieces was wrong side out!
I’ve been just picking up my first quilt attempts again (after many, many years as UFOs) and the name of the game is “Just finish it...” my points on hexagonal pieces don't meet properly so I ended up having to trim the panels down to the extent where they meet flat instead of in sharp, 60 degree angles. Oops. Ah well, all the more room for an appliqué name patch smack dab in the middle. Also, didn’t know that about the stitch size! Had been told to lengthen my stitches for some other sewing but it makes sense for quilts it will hold piecing in place better. Thanks for the tips! Glad to support a home town channel!
Just wanted you to know, I watched my 1st video of you. I immediately went to several others. The 1st one was Dollar Store finds. Boy, I was seriously impressed. My favorite hint was that foam stuff under the pedal. That was totally a game changer for me. I've tried taping it to my hardwood floor, that worked for a while, but was less than perfect. The next video was on ironing, another game changer. Am now loyal viewer. Thanks so much for the pointers. Think I'll be a lot happier with all my future projects. Sincerely, Barbara Black, Charlotte NC
Thanks for the memory of my first quilting project! My husband was getting fitted for a suit and I ran in a quilt store and bought everything for my first quilt in a very short time! I bought enough cheater blocks to make a king size quilt. I was a new bride so I figured he would like the rust colors instead of the blues that I preferred. I had him make template out of heavy file folders! It was the early eighties before rotary cutters, mats and rulers. I hated that quilt. I made the top but never finished it because I bought a sheet for the backing and found out later that is not such a great idea! TFS your tips!❤️
Thanks for this, you've encouraged me not to worry so much. And yes, like you, I've started with not one but two big projects. Identical blocks, in different fabrics for my stepchildren! I have now joined guild and am much happier. One of my biggest mistakes was watching quilters on RUclips and then buying ALL the tools they had used, I haven't even opened the plastic wrapping on many items. I would suggest to any new quilter, start out small, small quilts and fewer tools. Blessings
Just basted my lap quilt, curated fabric bundles from Etsy are perfect because all the color coordinating is done for you - boom! Half the work is done
I made most of these mistakes too. I also made another big boo boo with my king-sized (yup) patchwork quilt: without meaning to I chose beautiful fabric for backing that is so tough it can barely be quilted! I mean, it takes elbow grease! Tacking was even harder. So there's a row of tacking and some rows of quilting. I want to finish it because it has my late mother's stitching along with my little girl's and my own, but it feels impossible. So it sits rolled up in a basket gathering dust. It's a great big patchwork nightmare!
I just finished my first sort of traditional quilt (the other three were rag quilts). I took such care to make sure none of the same fabrics touched. I mean I spent at least two and a half days starring at this things. Well, I'm all done the the quilt. There are TWO mistakes. I nearly cried. I am the kind of person that doesn't like my food to touch. The only exception is Christmas and Thanksgiving. I have been are garment sewer for 24 years, old sewing habits are hard to break. My son and husband say the"mistake add character."
I started quilting and I too made a king size quilt for my first item! I have completed the front of the quilt and I still have the backing to be done! I made a mistake with the backing making sure that it was big enough but had to add more ......but I was not happy with how that was going to look so I am making blocks to go on to the backing piece! I have completed a babies quilt for our Great niece who was born at the beginning of the year and also a few table runners, large pot holder that you put both hands into for our daughter and our son-in-law as the bought ones just weren’t thick enough and heat went right through it! I love watching your videos and your tips!
I had a quilt my grandmother made. I loved the quilt, but there was an area that always bothered me. I had the quilt for years before I figured out that one block was place turned the wrong way. It didn’t matter; I loved the quilt and knew the work my grandmother put into it. Once I realized the problem, that area no longer bothered me.
I just found you in our quilting world and I’m hooked. You are the perfect guide for my quilting brain. Thank you for these simple sane incredibly important tips.
I'm not exactly a beginner - my Mom started me sewing as a young teenagers (Make it with Wool contest) and I'm 72. Your video on five beginner mistakes can be useful as a reminder for all quilters. I learned from this video that my piecing stitches are too long - 3.5! And my husband has been telling me for years, NOT to angst over my quilting projects! So thank you for the good reminders!
You’ve just saved me from making a King Size Quilt - nothing straight forward either, a complicated pattern. I’m going to join a group first now. Thank you
OMG! I made all of those. Well, I never sewed at 3.5. But I've got some of my own. Thanks for sharing and encouraging. Finished is better than perfect. It'll never be perfect because a human being is making it.
Haha! Thank you! I'm trying to psych myself up to do my first quilt and I'm panicking. I keep saying it needs to be perfect because it's for my 12 year old daughter. She's a sweetie pie who got purposely left out as the only grandchild who *didn't* get a handmade quilt by her personality disordered grandmother. All the other grandkids got *at least* one quilt each and her grandmother just skipped over her and sent the last handmade quilt to my 7 year old daughter right before Christmas, skipping right over the 12 year old. MIL has gotten rid of her sewing machine and all her quilting supplies so it's final. I want to make it up to my daughter. She's shy and sweet and people have come to me in the past to tell me that my daughter went out of her way to welcome new kids in groups who were being left out. She's the fourth of five kids this side of heaven and she's sandwiched between two "mildly" autistic siblings whom she loves and helps them get through life. She has anxiety which is helped tremendously by dancing ballet. Her grandmother has gotten jealous of her for her accomplishments at her tiny ballet school and pulled some pretty nasty tricks on her for it. I've bought some beautiful Nutcracker themed fabric that my daughter chose and I'm really scared to mess it up. I want to take this ugly slight from her grandmother and turn it into a positive by making my daughter a Nutcracker themed quilt. I'm scared to mess it up though. I've never made a quilt before and I want it to be really special for her. She did nothing to deserve the way her grandmother treats her and I'm hoping I can create some good memories for her when we put this quilt together. Wish me luck! I'm gonna need it! 😬🤞
Jay Kay, Your lovely daughter sounds like the kind of person who will love what you make her exactly for what it is and for the heart behind it, and wouldn't mind or even probably notice that it doesn't meet some level of technical perfection that you've only just discovered is possible since watching these videos! A thing done with great love will always be treasured.
@@victoriabyrne4303 Thank you! I think you're absolutely right. I finally got up the courage to cut into that fabric and we finished the quilt! Both my daughter and I worked on it together. She picked the fabrics and sewed some of the squares and rows and I did the rest. We got it professionally quilted with a snowflake theme and it's just lovely. All I have left to do is the label and the binding. Thanks for your encouragement. ❤️ My daughter auditioned for and got the part she wanted in this year's Nutcracker and though things will be different I believe she's still quite happy that she got the role. ❄️
I enjoyed the walk with you :) beautiful area. Thank you so much. I've been working on a quilt for maybe 15 yrs. it's a star block, I'm almost ready to take it to the quilter :)
I’ve been making quilts for almost 40 years. There was a couple decades where there were no quilts but the last 8 years I’ve been trying very hard to improve my technique and quality of finished product. It has been such an honor to give beautiful creations to loved ones. I enjoy your videos very much. The ability to laugh at ourselves and have humility is so important! So, thank you. Ps, what is a UFO?! Please?! 🤗
Since I came across your videos, I have been inspired to learn more about quilting. Your straightforward, to the point, videos are amazing and so helpful. I watch you all the time; just ask my husband, lol. I am nervous about making "a real" quilt. In the past, I've tried to make a couple. They were... challenging. I'll just say... I finished them. But learning ironing techniques, choosing colors, and remembering not to sweat the small stuff, has been major game changers. Thank you. Please don't stop teaching. Alice M.
I made my first quilt. It is queen sized. I love ironing but hate cutting. I also bought a new machine and yippee it's so fun to use. Love your videos. My quilt worked our great. It's waiting for its long arm appointment. This is definitely my hobby and I've tried them all. It's a hobby where I love all the aspects of the process and actually finish. Your videos helped me along the way!!! I'm in Richmond Hill so we are neighbors:)
A dear friend of mine ( she was the mom of my husband’s best friend) started hand quilting my wedding quilt just as she found out she had cancer. She was able to finish the quilt top and pin the batting and backing together before she passed. I just decided to join her quilt guild to finish it. She was an amazing lady.
What an amazing friend and story. That quilt must be so treasured!
How lovely of you to finish it.
bitter sweet
That made me lose it. I have 2 funerals today and so far hadn't cried. ... Until this straw came along. It was the sweetest thing to do and you honored her in doing so. ❤️Thanks for easing the heart ache for a few moments.
I was laughing with you about the "oopsie" on your bedroom quilt. It reminded me of the guy who came to work with one black and one blue shoe. We went through most of the day without noticing; but when we did, we were without mercy and we all had big laughs. Fortunately he was the kind of guy who could take it and sat his shoes in the aisle on display. When I goof up on a quilt I fret, but if it's gonna be a pain to fix, I just call it "character" and move on with my life.
I started with a king size, I never ironed, I used a long stitch, still not in a guild, and I cut it all with scissors. There are so many mistakes that I about can’t stand to look at it, but literally everyone else in my family loves it. In hindsight, it was a great starting project. I did it, finished it, and we have all used it for years and years. It was addicting to see it come together. Now I quilt to relax.
OK where have you been hiding? I stumbled upon your dollar store video and proceeded to binge watch the rest! You are so refreshing and funny and straight to the point..... loved them all!
Thank you Dana. I appreciate you saying that.
I felt like I had gotten to the end of American Quilting RUclips. The algorithms just were not spitting out new channels! I finally stumbled across her and I've been thrilled
How funny I found her the same way with the dollar store video now I am also watching them alll
Me too. Have been binge watching all day.
SAME!!
If you are a beginner, these are golden words of wisdom.
I’ve just found you and I’m so glad. I’ve just started quilting. You’ve saved me from deciding to make one for our bed. Instead, I’ll make one for our kitties.
I think that quilting is all about having fun and while you are doing that you dont think about anything else and it makes you happy.
HA HA HA - yes even experienced sewists can be challenged with taking on a quilting project. I enjoyed the piecing and the end result was very much to my liking. But (like another comment below) I was too scared to quilt it. And so it remains unquilted (but otherwise finished) - and yes I also started with a bed coverlet. Wow just goes to show we all are not afraid to jump in the deep end at times!
LOL...I hope you feel confident effort to try quilting it soon
Thank you so much for the encouraging words. I am 72 and just trying to learn quilting. Your channel is very helpful and encouraging. I started to laugh when at the end of your video you showed a mistake on your quilt on your bed. That is so me. I did start small. My mother sewed perfectly. She made Prom dresses for my girls and many other things. When I sew I know I’ll be ripping out at some point. I’ve started with a jellyroll quilt. I thought, surely I could do that. I’m finally at the quilting stage. I now know I do not sew straight lines. My daughter said.”That’s ok Mom. I’ll love it”. So, I’m almost finished, mistakes and all. Thanks again. You make me smile.🥰🌹
I haven’t pieced my first quilt. I don’t even own a sewing machine yet. I bought a 1930’s vintage quilt top while visiting the Smoky Mountains. It lived in my closet for close to three years. I had this plan to take it to someone and have them quilt it for me. Economics determined that was a bad idea, so I have embarked on the monumental task of hand quilting it myself. 😂 I read a lot of tutorials and dove in. One third complete after six months! I’m thoroughly enjoying the journey, though I have to keep smoothing out the backing fabric because I basted it poorly. My reward for getting the quilting done will be to purchase my first ever sewing machine so I can sew on the binding! (I say that, but then I question it, because what’s a little extra work after all that??)
That was me too. I always worried about mistakes. Once I got beyond that, I thoroughly enjoyed making my first quilt.
My first quilt was a king size, hand quilted. I haven't made another that large yet. And yes, its better to have a bunch of completed quilts, than still be trying to finish that one perfect quilt! And choose to make things you love, not what anyone else says to make. Enjoy the time you spend with quilting.
I too started with a king size quilt. My brother suffers with hot flashes due to his cancer treatments so I wanted to back it with flannel. Did my research and found flannel lets out the body heat. Also did research on shrinkage so I measured the top twice (at least) and bought an extra wide piece of flannel, took it home and washed, dried, and pressed it. I was so excited to start putting my first creation together. I got the top corners squared up and started to spray baste it together. Now remember I did my research. I measured. I did everything right. Right? Nope. I forgot about that shrinkage thing and didn't accommodate for that. My flannel was about 6 inches too narrow! LOL That quilt has been set aside and I am now working on a lap quilt. I do so hope that I learn from my mistakes. I absolutely love your videos but they are so addictive that I find myself staying up way past my bedtime. Happy Sewing 😊
My biggest mistake: after getting the top done and ready for the actual quilting, in spite of the quilt top looking ... not too darn shabby ... I get cold feet, afraid to quilt, can't even decide HOW to quilt it. I have two quilts ready to quilt. One is pinned, rolled up, and in the closet. Yeah, right. Thank you for posting your "Just Get it Done" series. Every one of them increases my bravery! An experienced quilter I met at a class told me that what I was about to rip out did not need it. She said, "Imagine this, whoever you think is going to judge your quilt is on a horse, galloping by very quickly. Can they see that tiny 'mistake'? No. Think of that before you rip." What a hoot! but so true. I have since heard other versions of this same sentiment and each is helpful.
So? Did you do your quilt? I hope so!!
There are. Groups that quilt your tops also. I've heard a ton of people say that's what they do with theirs
My son asked me if I could make a quilt using tee shirts that he had collected of his favorite airplanes. I told him I would try, but that I hadn't made a quilt in 45 years. I looked on U-tube and learned a lot. Since then I've made 4 tee shirt quilts and currently working on the 5th which is a queen size. My next one will be an oversize throw using regular fabric. I can't wait to get away from the tee shirts and try something different. I enjoy learning from your videos too.
Lol, yes, I did chuckle to myself. Coming from you, who would have guessed. I was about to burn my blanket today after pouting for weeks.
Jenny Doan from Missouri Star Quilt Company is always saying"done is better than perfect, nobody has ever given a quilt back for not being perfect". I truly believe that with any handy craft if I make a mistake when crochet or knitting and I don't notice it right away and it doesn't make the pattern off by too much, then I just leave it. If it throws it out to badly or it bothers me as a crafter than I will frog 🐸 it. Happy quilting or crafting!
I was in my late 20's and decided to make a quilt (this was a long time ago so no internet to help me too). I wasn't a sewer but thought "How hard could it be?" Proceeded to go to garage sales to get a lot of old jeans (yup, I chose denim), an old wool blanket and a burgundy sheet as well. Proceeded to cut up the denim into thigh length 'rectanges' that weren't really rectangular - you know, wider at the top and narrower at the knee. I also didn't iron anything.
Pulled out the vintage Elna ElnaSuper my mother gave me and started sewing. I remember breaking countless needles and constantly having to rethread the thread because it'd snap (I was also using a regular foot). Don't know how many times I wanted to use the quilt to make a bonfire.
But I finished that thing and was proud of it - even though it is not the most attractive...and it has 3 corners and a handle. LOL!
I do NOT know what I was thinking. I still have that quilt though. It's twin sized, very warm and a very sturdy car quilt. It will probably outlast all of us just to continue to be embarrassing. It'll be around at the end of time when there are just Twinkies and cockroaches on the planet and the cockroaches will be laughing at my quilt.
I literally cried my first few years quilting, especially mystery quilts. I was such a perfectionist and didn’t want to make mistakes. 20+ years later, I’ve learned to embrace learning new techniques, and finding those quilt patterns that speak to me; usually they are scrappy and full of mysteries.😊
OMGOSH, yes where have you been????, when you said about your stitch at 3.5, my mouth dropped, then I laugh, I love your video here, all is true with beginners....I was at a class in a LQS and doing the sampler, 12 blocks of the most common blocks out there....squares, triangles, rectangles, etc, well, about 2 mnths went by and I would have nothing done due to I was TRYING TO BE PERFECT, I would go into the shop and ask for help, well the teacher, did this to me. she said, Sue, if you come in here one more time and tell me nothing is right well, maybe you should not be sewing. well basically, she was saying to me STOP BEING PERFECT, there are no sewing police around. How do you think our folks earlier in life did the quilts????? well, after that I really paid attention to lining up my squares, triangles, paid attention to my stitch lenght etc. well I have been sewing now for about 7 Plus years, I don't put anything into shows, I want to give back to charity. well, life is in my way right now, I sew when I can.......Nobody is perfect, we all have been beginners..
thanks again for your video here..
sue from WI
I can't tell you how happy I am that I stumbled on your channel! I have learned so much in the last hour, that my quilting Hobby has already been changed! I am blown away by how much I've learned. I am definitely going to join the quilting Guild in my town. I mentioned it to someone and they laughed in my face at the thought of me joining the Guild. This is someone who likes to know more than me, no matter what the topic. I am on my way to becoming a master quilter.
Go for it. Guilds are so much fun.
Chevy -- assuming your picture speaks for your gender -- I remember Rosey Grier, who was a defensive tackle for the Giants and the Rams. (Now 86 yrs old!!!) He used to do needlepoint; made no excuses for it, and no one dared criticize his hobby. Once said it was therapeutic and he suggested the hobby to his teammates. That hobby could well have contributed to his long life.
Tacks Scherbo my dad did needle point, too. I now have a beautiful picture of a blue heron!
Hi Chevy
Check out the RUclips channel for The Quilting Marine. You'll like this channel too.
Oh dear Karen we are soul sisters my first quilt was from my departed grandmother’s clothes. No interfacing at all, never sewed! Just bought a machine on Black Friday sale I was going to learn to sew. That was years ago I have collected machines but hadn’t sewed, since early 2000’s. So the pandemic we needed mask made hundreds and then I was like I’m going to try again. Thank goodness I found you and a mentor
Janet,
I started quilting in 72 and even though some great aunt had made a double wedding ring quilt that I still have from 1910, nobody was left who knew how to even sew. So I just made quilts my own way even 55 in 1992. Turns out the guild I later joined started about then. Some churches have charity groups going. If you can find a small group then likely easier to break into bigger group with pals at your side. Check a local listing for quilt shows and quilt stores to connect. Even one pal can double your knowledge.
As a beginner, I really appreciate your words of encouragement and inspiration!
Wow did I identify with that! I started buying fabric, rulers, etc and watching videos in prep for retirement. One of the first things I bought was a kit for a "Flower Basket" quilt from Craftsy. It's 92 x 92" and I thought at the time I would make it down the road when I had learned some. My first actual quilt was from a book called "Quilt In A Day" and it was just squares sewn together, which I accomplished, quilting it by sewing along the stitching lines and that's it. It was about 5'x6', and made for my daughter. I learned pretty quickly that I can't sew a straight line, and the corners often didn't meet. And it made me rethink that "Flower Basket" quilt. It led me to think on a smaller scale, so I bought a pattern for a small wall hanging that is a Santa holding a basket over his arm, a toy sack over his shoulder full of toys and a staff in the other hand. When I got the pattern, there were at least 5 different quilt making things I had never heard of in it, like paper piecing, crazy quilt, puffy appliqué, reverse appliqué. Yeah, I learned all that and made the thing. I love it, but it took me MONTHS for a 2 x 3 quilt LOL. Another early table topper had that piece in the wrong place mistake, which I didn't notice until finished...and my daughter asked me why I made something that looks like swastika LOL. Gotta enjoy those pieces if for nothing else than the humor they bring me.
thank you for sharing...we are bonded in our mistakes
One of my guilds always uses the word "press" when we share instructions or meet to sew. It makes a sensible difference in how we handle our fabric and the results we achieve.
I am definitely a beginner at 72 years old. I am on my second wall hanging. I thought I had better start out small. I do press as I go and use a 2.o stitch length. I am a frequent visitor at my Bernina dealer. They are so good to help me pick out the right fabrics. I don't know of a guild. I already worry over the mistakes. I'm trying not to be so hard on myself. I am loving your videos from Elizabethton, TN in USA. I have learned a lot. Love your accent too. Keep them coming.
Omg! We have come a long way!! It’s so refreshing to go back and watch some of the old videos! I’m so glad you stuck with it! I really love your RUclips channel.
Thank you. Never knew quilting length should be less than 3 inches. I have been watching quilting videos for years and never learned this.
I love, love, love your videos! It’s like we are friends chatting, plus I learn things every time I watch one. I agonized over some cut off star points on one of the first quilts I made. That quilt is 10 yrs old now and no one has ever looked at it and said, OMG, your points are cut off! It’s the love in the quilt that counts, unless, of course, you are having it judged. I am very happy making quilts and am not interested in competing. Thanks, Karen!
Thank you for sharing too
I walked into a quilting class. They were all making large quilts. I was over whelmed. Almost left then I asked the instructor if it was ok if I start real small. So this past December I mad table runners for family for Christmas. First one was mine and make 6 more after that. They were a big help in my learning. Now I’m working on blocks for a quilt. It’s not going so well but your tips and tricks will help me build blocks. Thanks
I want to be you when I grow up... You give me energy. Focus. And the drive to go on in there and just take another step towards making something fabulous. Enough with the worrying... Thank you
I spent a few years making quilts back in my teens and 20s by hand. The finished products (3) have gone missing over the years but I still have a UFO of about 9 or 10 blocks - stitched by hand - and a tote full of material and scraps. I've squirreled these away for 40 years and now that I'm retired, am looking to taking up the hobby again, this time with a sewing machine which I could not afford back then. I just found your channel and love it. And it seems modern quilting is very, very far from what it used to be - what fun this is going to be!
Yeah. I’m doing my first quilt... well quilts. I wanted to make quilts for my 5 year old twin great nieces. They are a little less than twin size but I started with flannel. Ugh I’m so tired of flannel. Yes they’re really cute so far but omg flannel is so fuzzy and easy to misshape. Your ironing technique helped me so much.
But starting out with kids blankets are great. 5 year olds won’t care if you make a few mistakes. They will love that they have a special blanket with dinosaurs and mermaids from their auntie.
I started with a damn crazy quilt thinking I could make this elaborate embroidered velvet and satin pieced quilt that had beads, lace, every hand stitch or embroidery known to man and I could on and on and on- well, the quilt has gone on and on and on and I’m still not done with it! I don’t know how those ladies did those gorgeous things way back when- but I definitely learned a lesson and it won’t be any larger than a small lap throw when finished- elaborate yes, but here I am years later and hoping I finish the thing before I die to make it a family heirloom- geez! Lesson learned.
👍
I had made one small quilt using a sewing machine with lots of help from my seamstress sister. At a garage sale I bought some boxes of fabric, in which I found two quilt tops that had been started and not finished - a grandmother's flower garden, and a one-patch, both hand-stitched. There were some fabric shapes cut for the GFG, so I thought, "I can finish these and it will be a good learning experience for a novice." I began with the GFG. Those hexagons drove me crazy ... my sister almost went crazy with me bothering here for advice all the time. I did finish the quilt top, and it awaits quilting. On to the one-patch. Only after sewing over a hundred patches in a lovely pattern, did I realise this quilt would be 9 feet square! Several hundred hand-sewn patches later, it also awaits quilting (but I think I will have a professional do it). So now I am doing what I should have done before - a small sampler quilt using basic block patterns. I have enrolled for a class, and I have begun building a library of quilting books and magazines. It has a good learning experience, but I also highly recommend starting small with the easier stuff. Now, back to that see-saw patch ...
My first big quilt was queen size. But I have made baby quilts for years. Big learning experience.
My biggest beginner quilting mistake was using thick polyester batting - I wanted a nice fluffy quilt but it was a nightmare to work with! Cheap, yes. But oh my, never again!
I made exactly the same mistake. And then I decided to quilt in the ditch, one row down, the next row up, and so on. Can you spell wonky? Good thing it was only a scrappy pad for protecting my coffee table from my laptop during Zoom calls! I'm just quilting my second and you bet I used Hobbs 80-20. Any thinner batting would have been an improvement, but this stuff was recommended by a quilting friend. - Fran
Lol
I doubled mine so it would be thick!
I'm not sure anyone could sleep under it . It's definitely a weighted blanket...
Same
I did that too!
When I was 14, my mom dug out fabric my great grandmother had cut for a queen sized quilt and wanted me to finish it. It was a complicated pattern and I had only sewn a few curtains previously. I struggled and fought through the majority of the quilt blocks before rage quiting because things weren't lining up perfectly and more often than not, I stitched the wrong pieces together. My mom didn't know how to quilt; we both thought all you needed was a sewing machine and pins. I think there were only 2 or 3 blocks left to complete. My mom threw it all out at some point and I said I would never quilt again.... but that was 15 years ago and I just bought fabric (that I actually love) and a pattern to try making a simple lap quilt. I also bought a quilting ruler, rotary cutter/mat etc, and have learned so much from your channel. I'm making it for myself and I don't expect it to be a masterpiece, but I might enjoy it and that would make it worth it.
Have fun
As an absolute beginner I really appreciate your tips, especially since I also have a king sized bed. I think I'll start with a few mug mats and work my way up from there to table toppers, table runners, etc. Hopefully I'll progress to something bed sized eventually.
I tried to run a marathon once. LOL
Pressing makes hard things easier.
I am so grateful my sister and her quilting friends got me started. They have taught me so much. But, they forgot to tell me to square my blocks. That was my first crisis. The first time I made the rows was a challenge. It was so much easier after I took the rows apart, pressed them, squared them, and then put them together. Live and learn.
First of all I have to say thank you , I love your videos. So clear, helpful, practical, encouraging, and above all non-judgemental.
After a lifetime of machine sewing (dressmaking, soft toys, curtains etc) I had never done any quilting. At the ripe age of 65 I stumbled across your videos this November and was bitten by the bug. I watched several of your tutorials whilst eagerly awaiting deliveries of fabrics and tools (I'm virtually housebound), and set to work as soon as they arrived. I've certainly made a number of these mistakes, my first project was a single bed sized quilt-as-you-go quilt for my daughter! I've also made a matching throw pillow, a hot water bottle cover, and am part way through a cushion cover all from the leftover scraps and all by Christmas. Not all my joins line up on the quilt but I can already see progress on the other projects made.
One of the best tools I bought was a walking foot for my Janome and it's wonderful, I wish I'd had one years ago when I was sewing stretchy and slippery dance fabrics.
But today I discovered my first mistake to cost me money. I pulled open a drawer by my desk and right at the back noticed a small box I'd tucked away when I first bought my current sewing machine, thinking I'd never need the contents. It's labelled 'Quilting Attachment'. Yep, my machine came with a walking foot! The box also contains a free motion quilting foot, a regular foot and lo and behold a quarter inch seam foot, plus two guides. So I spent almost £50 on a walking foot I didn't need to buy. I just feel thankful I decided to defer buying a free motion foot and a quarter inch seam foot until next year.
Clearly the lesson here is 'check what you already have' before buying extra equipment 😂
Thank you for encouraging me to quit worrying…..
Thanks for showing that it Is ok to be human. We all make mistakes. I am new to quilting, but I am learning that I see the mistakes more than others looking at my work do. My husband calls it “having my face in the blender”. Looking at it too long, and too close. I am learning to relax and my quilting is so much better. I started with lots of potholders with binding to practice and then I moved to 2 baby quilts. I am hooked. Thanks for your video tips and tricks, I can enjoy the process.
my very first quilt was a 74 by 102 Zelda quilt made up of one inch squares. It took me 2 years to finish the top and now I am quilting it on my home machine. I swore I would never do it again. It has loots of mistakes but thats part of the charm. Thanks for your wonderful videos.
Oh, thank you...you were the hug I needed today. I'm headed back to the sewing room to tackle this project with more grace.
🤗
I smiled when you mentioned UFOs. I have one on the wall that stumped me and it has been pinned there for 3 years.
(And I've been quilting for 30 years.)
My first quilt was a double wedding ring king size quilt!!! I was determined to make one for our 25th wedding anniversary and I did finish it in time at 18 months!! I totally enjoyed everything about it! I quilted every block-100 of them!!
Sharing everything that’s worked for you and didn’t work for you makes it easier to handle mistakes. I used to rip out seams on an entire quilt top and now I realize mishaps and mistakes are a godsend. They definitely feel better than ripping or burning the fabric. Thank you for reminding us we are all human.
Very helpful advice. Thank you. I’m my own toughest critic in whatever I do. My husband constantly tells me “ I thought this was supposed to be fun” LOL.
My first quilt was also my firstly sewing project!!!
I started big without knowing anything about quilting but that I love them
I glad I found your channel. I’m a beginner and you taught me to reconsider toning down my perfectionism
It's so funny how so many mistakes disappear after the quilt is finished. Take care
It is also funny how many mistakes nobody else ever notices but the maker. My hubby says makes them human made and more lovable..
As a former perfectionist, I now see my mistakes as part of the design. So glad I found your channel!
I love your videos! You make me laugh but better yet, you make me understand that quilting should be fun and I shouldn't stress so much about it!!!
Thank you for including us on your lovely walk, what a great scenery you have. Thank you for all of your helpful hints. These are great. I started out quilting after I took 3 semesters of costume design classes just to grow in sewing skills. Quilting is another art and sewing class on its own. 😊🧵❤️
Anna L wow if you’ve done costume design quilting will be a blast for you! I’ve never worked harder than tapestry Madrigal costumes with braids and such!
Hello! So ... I just resently found you on you-tube, and you are fabulous! I decided to up my quilting game, I found a pattern that I loved, it combined by passion for camping and the desire to take on a more difficult project. I have never machine quilted, however, I have made many baby blankets from flanel pieces and the hand knotted them, (no quilting). The 10” squares were an applique of a little camper. I was so excited to have all 35 squares done, with all those little campers, I wanted to put the top together, and I did. It turned out well for my 1st applique, 1st large project, new machine …. etc However, I forget to stitch around the applique, and the top was already put together. Hubby suggested that I take it apart! So, I put it away and went back to a few baby blankets. I finished the applique stitching, and did not take the top apart. I made many mistakes, but I now know my machine a whole lot better. The top is about 66 x 88 I'm almost to the sandwich stage. Next I have to decide how I’m going to quilt it. But it’s the quilt that I wanted to make! 😊
As a beginner I didn’t know the quilting terms I found in pattern books...FQ, Layer Cake, Charms, WOF... “where oh where does one find this out”, I thought? How could I even proceed if I didn’t understand and was too embarrassed to ask?! Silly me, I should have just sucked up my pride and asked a quilting sister in my local quilt shop! Did I even know there was a section at the back of a quilting pattern book that explained how to do stuff like make a binding - no!
Thanks for your great, and honest, and real, videos, Karen, love them.
What's not to love about this video? I have just finished my first quilt top after spending 12 years yes you read right 12, reading, watching tutorials, paying for online classes etc. I wanted to get it "right" first time but my best teacher was my quilt top and the mistakes I made. I'm now ready to put it together and was feeling procrastination setting in when I found your channel with this video and the one using painters tape so I'm off to find me a wall. Thank you for sharing your quilting journey as it makes me realise while it's great to read about quilting, experience and sharing is the best. Kindest regards from Dublin Ireland
You can do it. Send me a photo when you're done.
@@JustGetitDoneQuilts It;s a deal!!!
That's a good word! Thank you
Started teaching myself quilt making a few years ago. Didn't know anyone who made quilts.
Discovered a guild that was quite a distance from where I lived but decided to go there.
It was a horrible experience. The guild meets once a month so I decided to give it another
try. The second time around was worse. One member criticised my fabric.
I tried to make conversation but was ignored.
Needless to say I didn't go back. Glad your experience was a happy one.
Really enjoy your down to earth attitude. Thanks.
See if the guild has any small groups. Also whether there are speakers or classes near you. Large groups can be a challenge and it is possible to run into a picky person but there are so many wonderful quilters out there. Joining can really make a difference. Volunteer at a quilt show to help put it on.Take a quilting class locally. I quilted almost 20 years before I reached out so doing hard way back in dark ages.
@@pamelavalley4765 The problem is that this is the only guild that's anyway near me.
Quilt shows and quilt classes are unheard of in my area. I won't bore you
with the efforts I've put in to try and get people interested in this fascinating craft.
After reading that it took you 20 years to reach out make me think I should give the
guild another try. Appreciate your reply.
I made all those mistakes plus so many more! LOL... You are so refreshing!
I found you yesterday looking for tips on quilting. When I saw your other videos and how many subscribers you had I was shocked. You should have WAY more people following you. Awesome videos and thank you for sharing.
😊 Thanks so much so watching
Just found you ! My daughter is pregnant with a rainbow baby and wants to quilt. I’m just so so at this but you are “ the bomb”. Helping me help her. God bless ❣️
I was going to quit today. I made a 30x30" for my pup to start and I didn't have even seams and I sewed over them and it was a mess. And I asked someone a question about premade quilt binding. I didn't know you could make your own! They told me I had no place in their group just as premade bias tape has no place in quilting.
Just before I watched this, I said, meh, I want it so much, but I'm just no good and it's too expensive anyway.
I watched this and then the Dollar store video.
And I'm starting my next small (less small than the dog's) quilt tomorrow. So what if it's not perfect? It's not bad for a first timer with no help, and I think scars have given me character.
Thanks for making a really bad day into a better one. Nice to see someone who is happy to say they have made mistakes and who laughs at themselves.
❤️❤️
Terra Riley I started quilting by making Kennel Quilts for rescue dogs. I Learned that I wanted to do more than just kennel quilts; I got to practice FMQ on these smaller ones, and best - none of the dogs critiqued the blankets!! It was a win, win!!
@@nother294 Thank you so much! That is a SUPERB idea! I adore animals, and if I'm doing small ones, that makes it simpler to practice more FMQing, low stress, all while helping out! Thank you SO MUCH for sharing! You're awesome! ❤️
Oh. My. WORD! You are my new sewsister! I am doubled over howling that it took four years of your quilt being on your bed to notice a block in the wrong place, and your reaction is not to sweat the small stuff or the big stuff. Consider yourself wrapped in a bear hug, and thank you.
I made several table runners, and two sofa quilts, figured I was ready to go big. I have a king quilt 3/4 finished, but got some puckering in my fmq and can’t see any way around ripping it out. What a chore! The quilt is beautiful, and an overdue wedding gift.
My hubby told me, "If you are going to make a quilt, go big and use double layer of batting." So I that's what I made a king size, double batting, Jacob's ladder/star quilt on my little sewing machine. It's now hanging on a guest bedroom wall and it actually turned out pretty good! 9ne last thing, I used old fabric sample books my sister-in-law gave me. She told me to remove the fabric and make my quilt out of those samples. She was a phenomenal quilter/crafter who knew how to weave her own material.
So love this! My 1st quilt was queen size lol. I was in high school taking a sewing vocational class. I needed a 10 hour sewing project. We had a scrap bin so I made a sort of crazy quilt. I didn't want to lose my pattern piece so I use a 3x5 indext card! Ten Years later lol. I putt away my sewing to raise kids and now that they're grown I'm starting over. Tablerunners are awesome! I'm working my way back to a queen size bed quilt... One day. :)
LOL...thanks for sharing
I love this video. Brings a touch of humanity to our efforts. I have the rare experience of being a beginner twice. After sewing and quilting for many, many years, I stopped. I can't explain it, maybe a psychiatrist could but not me. So within the last year or so I
started back up and was more apprehensive than when I was buying my first pattern 40 years ago. I expected perfection and I wasn't getting it. Imagine that. I'm retired now and I'm quilting. Not perfectly, but I'm finishing. Even got out some UFO's from 10-12 years ago. You're inspiring. Keep it up!
Lynn Anderson thank you for your kind words. Welcome back to the quilting world. Quilting stimulates so many parts of the brain. I’m sure you’ll find it very satisfying.
I'm 72 and found quilting 4 years ago. I love it.
@@lizryan6289 You've inspired me!
You live some, you learn some. Don’t sweat the small stuff is such good advice. Most of us need to hear it often. I’m encouraged to pull out some orphan blocks and do a small project with them!
I Love the last one of your happy mistake. Thank You sooo much. I’m a beginner quilter and it’s nice to have permission to not be perfect.
Susan Harris it’s amazing how many “mistakes” can be forgotten once the quilt is completed. 😊
My biggest mistake was to not choose the right colors, they didnt contrast enough and my entire lap quilt looked green with a slightly lighter green. Very blah. So I used several of the preset flower and other decorative stitches in my Janome to place a LOT of contrasting wine-red and light cocoa brown stitches all over the quilt in a certain order. It turned out awesome! The ladies at the quilt shop said "no don't do it!" but they loved it when they saw it.
You make my day!! You're awesome!!!!
😊
Your video reminded me of a mistake I made....I made a pineapple wall hanging. In red, white, and blue. Now the white was a tone on tone...if I remember right a paisley. In off whites. And the back and front of the off white was so close that you really had to pay attention. I think it was just about 24 inches square--making it nine blocks. I hand quilted it and put the binding on it, and did not notice till sometime later that one of the off white pieces was wrong side out!
I’ve been just picking up my first quilt attempts again (after many, many years as UFOs) and the name of the game is “Just finish it...” my points on hexagonal pieces don't meet properly so I ended up having to trim the panels down to the extent where they meet flat instead of in sharp, 60 degree angles. Oops. Ah well, all the more room for an appliqué name patch smack dab in the middle. Also, didn’t know that about the stitch size! Had been told to lengthen my stitches for some other sewing but it makes sense for quilts it will hold piecing in place better. Thanks for the tips! Glad to support a home town channel!
Just wanted you to know, I watched my 1st video of you. I immediately went to several others. The 1st one was Dollar Store finds. Boy, I was seriously impressed. My favorite hint was that foam stuff under the pedal. That was totally a game changer for me. I've tried taping it to my hardwood floor, that worked for a while, but was less than perfect. The next video was on ironing, another game changer. Am now loyal viewer. Thanks so much for the pointers. Think I'll be a lot happier with all my future projects. Sincerely, Barbara Black, Charlotte NC
Barbara Black
Hello, from a fellow quilter in Charlotte, NC!
THANK YOU! Your tips about shorter stitch lengths and stacking tape helped me get my fabric strips joined correctly!
Thanks for the memory of my first quilting project! My husband was getting fitted for a suit and I ran in a quilt store and bought everything for my first quilt in a very short time! I bought enough cheater blocks to make a king size quilt. I was a new bride so I figured he would like the rust colors instead of the blues that I preferred. I had him make template out of heavy file folders! It was the early eighties before rotary cutters, mats and rulers. I hated that quilt. I made the top but never finished it because I bought a sheet for the backing and found out later that is not such a great idea! TFS your tips!❤️
Thanks for this, you've encouraged me not to worry so much. And yes, like you, I've started with not one but two big projects. Identical blocks, in different fabrics for my stepchildren! I have now joined guild and am much happier. One of my biggest mistakes was watching quilters on RUclips and then buying ALL the tools they had used, I haven't even opened the plastic wrapping on many items. I would suggest to any new quilter, start out small, small quilts and fewer tools. Blessings
Just basted my lap quilt, curated fabric bundles from Etsy are perfect because all the color coordinating is done for you - boom! Half the work is done
I made most of these mistakes too. I also made another big boo boo with my king-sized (yup) patchwork quilt: without meaning to I chose beautiful fabric for backing that is so tough it can barely be quilted! I mean, it takes elbow grease! Tacking was even harder. So there's a row of tacking and some rows of quilting. I want to finish it because it has my late mother's stitching along with my little girl's and my own, but it feels impossible. So it sits rolled up in a basket gathering dust. It's a great big patchwork nightmare!
I just finished my first sort of traditional quilt (the other three were rag quilts). I took such care to make sure none of the same fabrics touched. I mean I spent at least two and a half days starring at this things. Well, I'm all done the the quilt. There are TWO mistakes. I nearly cried. I am the kind of person that doesn't like my food to touch. The only exception is Christmas and Thanksgiving. I have been are garment sewer for 24 years, old sewing habits are hard to break. My son and husband say the"mistake add character."
I started quilting and I too made a king size quilt for my first item! I have completed the front of the quilt and I still have the backing to be done! I made a mistake with the backing making sure that it was big enough but had to add more ......but I was not happy with how that was going to look so I am making blocks to go on to the backing piece! I have completed a babies quilt for our Great niece who was born at the beginning of the year and also a few table runners, large pot holder that you put both hands into for our daughter and our son-in-law as the bought ones just weren’t thick enough and heat went right through it! I love watching your videos and your tips!
I had a quilt my grandmother made. I loved the quilt, but there was an area that always bothered me. I had the quilt for years before I figured out that one block was place turned the wrong way. It didn’t matter; I loved the quilt and knew the work my grandmother put into it. Once I realized the problem, that area no longer bothered me.
I just found you in our quilting world and I’m hooked.
You are the perfect guide for my quilting brain. Thank you for these simple sane incredibly important tips.
I'm not exactly a beginner - my Mom started me sewing as a young teenagers (Make it with Wool contest) and I'm 72. Your video on five beginner mistakes can be useful as a reminder for all quilters. I learned from this video that my piecing stitches are too long - 3.5! And my husband has been telling me for years, NOT to angst over my quilting projects! So thank you for the good reminders!
Too late I already made 9 king size quilts for Christmas.
Lol. I did iron iron iron.
Love this. Thank you.
Virginia Owensby OMG...9!!! I think there should be medals for that. Well done
You’ve just saved me from making a King Size Quilt - nothing straight forward either, a complicated pattern. I’m going to join a group first now. Thank you
She is right on, I taught quilting for 20 years and made every one of her mistakes (and More)
Thank you for the laugh about your sewing stitches. Love your videos!!! 😊🌹♥️
🤪
OMG! I made all of those. Well, I never sewed at 3.5. But I've got some of my own. Thanks for sharing and encouraging. Finished is better than perfect. It'll never be perfect because a human being is making it.
Betty Kasischke Glad you could laugh along with me. I agree finish is better than perfect 😎
Just starting..so ironing is an art 😆 my first project was going to be a freeform seaview...i now started with scrapblocs😂
Haha! Thank you! I'm trying to psych myself up to do my first quilt and I'm panicking. I keep saying it needs to be perfect because it's for my 12 year old daughter. She's a sweetie pie who got purposely left out as the only grandchild who *didn't* get a handmade quilt by her personality disordered grandmother. All the other grandkids got *at least* one quilt each and her grandmother just skipped over her and sent the last handmade quilt to my 7 year old daughter right before Christmas, skipping right over the 12 year old. MIL has gotten rid of her sewing machine and all her quilting supplies so it's final.
I want to make it up to my daughter. She's shy and sweet and people have come to me in the past to tell me that my daughter went out of her way to welcome new kids in groups who were being left out. She's the fourth of five kids this side of heaven and she's sandwiched between two "mildly" autistic siblings whom she loves and helps them get through life.
She has anxiety which is helped tremendously by dancing ballet. Her grandmother has gotten jealous of her for her accomplishments at her tiny ballet school and pulled some pretty nasty tricks on her for it.
I've bought some beautiful Nutcracker themed fabric that my daughter chose and I'm really scared to mess it up.
I want to take this ugly slight from her grandmother and turn it into a positive by making my daughter a Nutcracker themed quilt. I'm scared to mess it up though. I've never made a quilt before and I want it to be really special for her. She did nothing to deserve the way her grandmother treats her and I'm hoping I can create some good memories for her when we put this quilt together. Wish me luck! I'm gonna need it! 😬🤞
Karen is awesome. I'm watching her color theory videos right now. To help get over your worries even more check out Darlene Michaud.
Jay Kay, Your lovely daughter sounds like the kind of person who will love what you make her exactly for what it is and for the heart behind it, and wouldn't mind or even probably notice that it doesn't meet some level of technical perfection that you've only just discovered is possible since watching these videos! A thing done with great love will always be treasured.
@@victoriabyrne4303 Thank you! I think you're absolutely right. I finally got up the courage to cut into that fabric and we finished the quilt! Both my daughter and I worked on it together. She picked the fabrics and sewed some of the squares and rows and I did the rest. We got it professionally quilted with a snowflake theme and it's just lovely. All I have left to do is the label and the binding. Thanks for your encouragement. ❤️ My daughter auditioned for and got the part she wanted in this year's Nutcracker and though things will be different I believe she's still quite happy that she got the role. ❄️
@@jaykay3839 that worked out even better than you hoped! Well done! I guess starting is all...
Omg thank you! I love your sense of humour! Especially about yr kids breaking the iron and starting your 1st quilt king size, hello I'm hearing you 🤣😂
I enjoyed the walk with you :) beautiful area. Thank you so much. I've been working on a quilt for maybe 15 yrs. it's a star block, I'm almost ready to take it to the quilter :)
I’ve been making quilts for almost 40 years. There was a couple decades where there were no quilts but the last 8 years I’ve been trying very hard to improve my technique and quality of finished product. It has been such an honor to give beautiful creations to loved ones. I enjoy your videos very much. The ability to laugh at ourselves and have humility is so important! So, thank you.
Ps, what is a UFO?! Please?! 🤗
You're describing me! I have a fear of cutting 🙃 I measure about 3-4 times before I ✂️
Since I came across your videos, I have been inspired to learn more about quilting. Your straightforward, to the point, videos are amazing and so helpful. I watch you all the time; just ask my husband, lol. I am nervous about making "a real" quilt. In the past, I've tried to make a couple. They were... challenging. I'll just say... I finished them. But learning ironing techniques, choosing colors, and remembering not to sweat the small stuff, has been major game changers. Thank you. Please don't stop teaching.
Alice M.
I love your channel! I’m a new quilter and I have learned so much! Your ironing tips are simply the best!
Thank you. I had to laugh and cry. So been there and done that!
I made my first quilt. It is queen sized. I love ironing but hate cutting. I also bought a new machine and yippee it's so fun to use. Love your videos. My quilt worked our great. It's waiting for its long arm appointment. This is definitely my hobby and I've tried them all. It's a hobby where I love all the aspects of the process and actually finish. Your videos helped me along the way!!! I'm in Richmond Hill so we are neighbors:)
So glad to hear 😊