Quilters, check in here! (beginning, expert, even those just interested :) )

[Rajah]

Let's see how many quilters there are out there.

Tell us a little about yourself -- how long you've been quilting? What type do you like to do most? Or do you just like looking at the results of others' quilting? What are your current project(s), and what's your dream project? Do you design your own, or work solely from Blocks of the Month and patterns?

I'm new to quilting myself. Had some supplies for a year and I tried a little bit of hand piecing after the 2001 Quilt Festival here in Houston, but didn't really do much with it because I was intimidated by trying to do it all by hand.

I just got a new sewing machine, though, and have renewed enthusiasm for trying my hand again at quilting!

My current project is learning to use my new sewing machine. The plan is to do a rail-fence block, but I've only made it as far as cutting one strip for it so far. I've also got two applique projects in the works -- one of some bears for my grandma, and one of a mountain meadow garden (sorta) for my mom. Of course, I've only gotten as far as selecting the pattern for my mom's! LOL!

My dream quilt would be to make one of those really neat scenery quilts that are pieced together with many many many tiny pieces so that when you stand back, it almost looks like a painting or photograph. I don't remember the artist/quilter who's known the best for this method, but I was really inspired by her work.

So, let's hear about some more quilters!

 

[fantasymagic]

I've only done block quilts. I see fabric I like, or for who I'm making the quilt for and just lay out the blocks.

There are such gorgeous patterns out there--I probably have about 20 books, but so far haven't expanded into any patterns yet.

I really want to make a Disney themed quilt for our bed.

I think it would be so cool to have the castle on a dark background with stars.

I've never hand quilted, just stitch in the ditch.

Any ideas on how to keep your backing from getting all puckered and caught in the stitching? I thought I had it pinned well, bought a "walking foot", and thought it would be okay. It seems to be worse with higher loft batting.

I've also never done an interesting binding, just fabric around the edge.

But the castle quilt, now that would deserve a special edging/binding. Any ideas anyone?

 

[Rajah]

I haven't even finished piecing my first block, so I certainly can't help there yet! LOL! Good luck.

 

[phins_jazy]

My mom got me a machine a few years ago and I've just recently started to use it. I've made a few simple blankets for my dd and some simple draft blockers but I'd really like to tackle a simple block quilt. I wish I had a seperate room I could set up my workstation in but for now I have to settle with the dining room table.

 

[chessie]

I use to enjoy quilting.

I have made several sampler quilts. Two trip around the world quilts. an Irish chain, and numerous patch style coverlets. I pieced by machine and quilted by hand. I usually did lap quilting as I liked it to be portable.

I also used to attend a weekly quilting bee with the ladies at my church. We made several Dresden plates and a double wedding ring.

I haven't done one in quite a few years although I have several tops pieced and a couple in various stages packed in boxes. I used to think that they were waiting to be completed but it has been so long that I am not sure that I will ever get back to them.

I still enjoy collecting patterns. I like the interaction of colors. I like how they form different patterns depending on how you mix the colors and how you turn the block

 

[MerryPoppins]

I pieced and quilted a baby quilt for each of my kids. I also pieced a pad for our antique high chair. I guess those were made 15 and 11 years ago. I've done some applique since then, and have quilted vests for DD by hand, but no more quilts. I usually prefer small projects that can be completed more quickly. I love to quilt by hand!

I've been thinking about making a Sunbonnet Sue quilt for DD and the boy in overalls version for DS. Thought it might be fun to do 12 blocks for each quilt, one for each month of the year. I'd use fabrics that have memories attatched for the clothing and try to include hobbies they have had through the years. I thought it might make a good graduation gift. I'd probably just piece it and have someone else quilt it since I'd want it to be a surprise. I keep thinking about this one, but I've never gotten started.

My MIL does Cathedral Window quilts. She has made lots of them through the years and they are beautiful. I've considered having her give me a lesson so I could make one of them. Are any of you familiar with Celtic quilts? She's made 2 of those too.

 

[WDWMom]

I have made several baby quilts and a couple lap quilts. I love to buy fabric and look through the books but I never seem to get past the cutting the pieces out. I have 3 quilts cut out in boxes in my craft room.

We are moving this summer so I am hoping to get motivated and get them done so I do not have to move the undone. My DH would shoot me if he knew what I had it that room.

 

[MontanaCowgirl]

My grandmother started me on quilting back when I was about 10 years old. So I guess you could say I've been quilting for about 35 years or so. I like the traditional type patterns & have made to many to count over the years. My favorite pattern is the Log Cabin. I love that traditional pattern! So much so, I named my business after it!

I also have a library of over 500 quilting & crafting books! You can't have enough books!

For the question about the frabric bunching in the back with the high-loft batting, pin, pin, pin, & pin again. Start in the center of your quilt & work your way outward. (Pinning & sewing) The walking foot should help & if you have a machine that has the ability to adjust your presser foot pressure do that & lighten the pressure. If you can drop your feed dogs try doing that, & freemotion the quilt thru your machine without the presser foot pressure. (Keep your machine with the pedal to the metal & control your movements freehand) I never quilt my quilts with high loft batting with feed dogs or pressure from the presser foot. If you still find you are starting to get a pucker, stop & come back at it from the opposite direction & this will smooth out the pucker most times. Also you may consider tying your high loft quilts!

One more thing...go to HGTV.com & they have lots & lots of great quilting tips for everyone from beginner to advanced quilters!

Hope this helps!

Happy quilting!