As many of you know, my daughter is a breast cancer survivor. As her mother, I say that so am I, but she doesn’t agree and forbids me claiming such. In any event, I was browsing some quilting blogs that I like and came across this post by Carol Doaks from late last year.

New Craftsy Class: Amazing PAPER-PIECED STARS

If you don’t know Carol, she is the queen of paper piecing. She shares the paper piecing title with amazing artists like Cynthia England, but Carol really democratized the techniques and patterns by making all of us comfortable with them.

So, here you get to see her tremendously successful Craftsy class and you get to hear her breast cancer story. So happy to hear about your success at both, Carol.

I have been sharing about a friend of mine who has just become a grandma for the first time. I am slowly completing a baby quilt for the little guy and a grandma lap quilt for her.

I am using the same color pallet for both quilts, although I am not using exactly the same fabric. And I am using the same quilt block with different sized center squares.

This means that the quilts will have a definite “sameness” and will still be unique unto themselves.

There are so many variations that you can do even within a very small spectrum. Just a shade different here or there will customize your designs. Just a slight change in measurements within a block will give the recipients an entire new perspective on the work. Even adding some sashing changes everything.

It is not usual to give two quilts to one person, although it is the second set I am in the midst of right now. However, it is nice to be able to express myself to my friend with something special for her and for her new joy.

http://onlinequiltingclassesmembership.ning.com/ and join the free membership for ideas.

I have been writing about the balance between perfectionism and it really is “good enough”. I still fall on the – “do the best job you can while still having fun” point on that continuum.

However, it is important to consider one other factor, the use of the quilt. Quilting should be fun. Piecing should be fun. Creating should be fun and if that is all you are trying to accomplish, then the outcome really doesn’t matter.

But, if you are giving a gift, or making a competition quilt, or even donating to charity, your work should reflect a certain amount of care and effort and quality.

It’s good enough because I tried (not really, but let’s pretend I did) is an attitude that is so prevalent. Progressing through life in a perpetual state of OCD isn’t good for anyone in the vicinity. On the other hand, pride in your workmanship, real workmanship is something to be admired and applauded.

So, I try really hard to make sure that the points all match and that there are not puckers and that blocks and quilt tops are squared up. Good enough is good enough when the situation warrants it. But throughout life, the habit of excellence is a good one to foster.

http://onlinequiltingclassesmembership.ning.com/ and join the free membership for ideas.

I have participated in exactly 2 quilt block swaps. The first was with a group of quilters that were fairly close friends, with each other. They did private quilt runs, had private quilt retreats and in class all sat together in their own little clique. Having said all of that, they are nice ladies who are social away from the quilt shop. I was the outsider who wanted to join.

The rules were that participants make a preselected quilt block for each exchange member out of whatever fabric each person chose within the parameters that is be Halloween themed.

The block pattern was very intricate with lots and lots of points to match up. I like matching points, but since I was presenting these blocks to other quilters, I decided that they had to match perfectly – all of them – all 1000 of them. Well, maybe they each didn’t have 1000 points, but they seemed to. I can’t tell you how much I stressed over them.

I finished the exchange and was not invited back. I don’t know if they had another or not, but I am not sure that I would have joined again anyway. It was more stressful than I want to be. I learned from this experience that I am more of a perfectionist than I already knew I was. And that I truly cannot make myself follow a schedule (maybe I did already know that last part!)

I am going into my third year of my next foray into block exchanges. That perfectionist/show off-edness is still rearing its ugly head, but it is manageable. The rules here is that we are to do a 3 ½ inch block of some particular theme per month but it is up to us to decide on the materials used (one person used candy wrappers once – awesome!) and what techniques to employ.

I have done several types of appliqué, lots of embroidery, regular piecing, paper piecing, 3D piecing and whole cloth (3 ½ X 3 ½ ) quilting. There has been ample opportunity to experiment and create.

But, let’s revisit my second issue with the first experience. I cannot follow a schedule. The blocks are due by the 10th of the assigned month. Even when I have the blocks competed (yes it did happen once or twice) I haven’t been able to complete that whole post office thing.

But, I do always manage to get them done, eventually. I don’t mean to frustrate the other participants and I did offer to drop out if I was causing too much consternation. They accept my chono deficiencies and I am happy with this group.

The bottom line is – figure out an exchange that marries what you are willing to give with what you are looking to receive. There are lots of quilters out there with lots of different expectations.

Quilt block exchanges are a terrific way of showing off what you can do and appreciating the talents of other quilters.

I give block exchanges (the ones that fit you) a hearty two thumbs up.

http://onlinequiltingclassesmembership.ning.com/ and join the free membership for ideas.

A few years ago I gave up buying fabric for Lent. It was difficult. Toward the end of the 40 days, I was forced to cannibalize other projects. However, it did give me pause about the mountains of fabric that I wasn’t using.

I have always had difficulty using the “nice” stuff. I think that it was my mother’s influence. Moms are always the easy ones to blame. She saved all of the fancy stuff for special occasions. There just never seemed to be enough of those occasions to actually use it much.

Whatever the reason, fabric that I purchased because I loved it, sits waiting for that perfect project. And, those project never come, they just are not special enough. My Lenten discipline caused me to have to dip into the fabric that I was saving because I couldn’t go out and purchase “regular” material.

Quilt Fabric Stash

It was fun (although a little stressful) to use up designs I had been saving for a while. And I really enjoyed going through drawers of material that I had all but forgotten in my saving.

I am not cured of my desire to not use the good china (or fabric) for regular occasions, but I am working on it. And I am bound and determined to shop from my stash more and more.

For easy to understand instructions go to http://onlinequiltingclassesmembership.ning.com/ and join the free membership for ideas.

I see quilters get really frustrated by under or oversized block, pucker-y blocks that won’t line up correctly, and points that are really far off. The bottom line is to have fun and enjoy your creativity. But, if wonky blocks are getting in the way of your enjoyment, there are some solutions.

These are issues that generally are caused by one of two mistakes.

The first thing to go wrong in sewing perfect blocks is in cutting perfect pieces. If your cutting is not very exact, your results won’t be satisfactory. A 3 inch width of fabric can’t range from 2 ¾ to 3 1/8 and expect that the blocks you sew the in to will be consistent. 3 inches really means 3 inches. If my ruler slips and the is a 1/16th inch problem for a little bit, I will not throw out the strip and start over, but for the most part, I am really careful about my cuts.

The second problem to come up is with the sewing. Again, measurements matter. A ¼ inch seam allowance should actually be a ¼ of an inch. There are a number of tricks and tips and tools to help you achieve that ¼ inch, however, being careful and practice are the most effective strategies.

As far as tools, there are ¼ inch sewing machine feet that will be very helpful. There are guides galore and there is always the option of placing tape on the machine bed at ¼ inch.

One important tip I use is that I don’t look directly at the needle going up and down, but rather at the fabric about an inch before it goes under the foot. If I keep that lined up well, the seam allowance will take care of itself.

Again, the best solution for wonky quilt blocks is to carefully cut and carefully sew. Measurements do matter.

For easy to understand instructions go to http://onlinequiltingclassesmembership.ning.com/ and join the free membership for ideas.

Have always have 2 tools ready by my sewing machine. That is not exactly true, I have a whole pile of tools there. But the 2 sewing machine tools are a regular, high quality 1 to 2 inch paintbrush and a little bottle of sewing machine oil. They give me a sense of security like a blankie I drag around.

I truly depend on my machine and have noticed that it only gives out on me when I am in a crunch situation and need it badly. Because I now have several machines that I can switch between makes me more comfortable, but, my regular cleaning and oiling help even more.

Paintbrush to clean sewing machine

The paintbrush is the best solution I have come up with for that oily, lint in under and around the bobbin case. And it gives a quick dusting to the outer case of the machine as well. A couple of times per project, when I change or reload the bobbin, I just swish that paintbrush over, in and under the machine and it is so quick and easy.

Oil Your Sewing Machine Regularly

And just after whatever project I am working on finishes, I take my oil pen and oil the machine as per the manufacture’s instructions. These little oil pens are perfect. They are a great size with a sharp needle nose that reaches everywhere.

It is a really good habit to get into and it makes major repairs to your machine less necessary. And if you keep both of these tools next to your machine while you are sewing, you are more likely to remember.

For easy to understand instructions go to http://onlinequiltingclassesmembership.ning.com/ and join the free membership for ideas.

I am making another Grandma Quotes quilt for a good friend and first time grandma. There isn’t a specific pattern I use, so, the designation of “Grandma Quotes” refers to the embroidery on each quilt block rather than the design of the block.

quilt block

This quilt will coordinate, but not exactly match the zoo animal baby quilt I made for the new little one.

Zoo Animal Embroidered Baby Quilt.

I think that the baby quilt will be quilted with a pebble filled and cage bars for the animals. The Grandma quilt will have feathers and swirls.

Gotta get this finished before the baby is too big to use it!

“Do the hardest thing, Never take a short cut and always do what a hand-quilter would do”
— -Karen McTavish

I was very fortunate to take a class given by Karen McTavish at Road to California this year. I have always loved her work, but after taking the class, I am such a huge fan of Karen herself. She shows such a deep respect for the history, traditions and classic techniques in quilting.

Here is a short video of her famous Victorian Feathers.

If you ever get a chance to take one of her classes you will find a great depth of knowledge, a passion for what she does and a gentleness and encouragement for those of us just starting out.

To see more of what she has to offer, go to her website at http://mctavishquilting.com/

Mastering quilting starts with learning the basics. And with perfecting the execution of those basics. Is it difficult to do? No, but it does take practice.

Basic techniques are available everywhere, YouTube, Online Quilting Classes Membership, various blogs, pay per class sites, your neighborhood quilt shop. Karen McTavish tells of coming back from the library with lots of books about quilting techniques. There are videos, books and personal instruction readily available.

Then you have to grab some fabric and start cutting and sewing. Well, maybe not yet. The real first thing to do is to learn about your particular machine. Again, there are lots of resources available to get you started. Go online to the manufacturer. There are probably videos there that will walk you through the various processes involved in running your machine.

Then you have to grab some fabric and start cutting and sewing. And a pattern, grab a pattern. Again, there is no shortage of free, or purchasable patterns available. Look in the same places that you used to find the instructions. In fact, the instructions were probably related to a pattern.

Taking classes at the local quilt shop is my favorite way to learn quilting. I like the face to face interaction and I love sharing tricks. Some of those tricks are obvious and some are more subtle, but quilters love to help. Chains of pieced blocks are an obvious trick, but you would be amazed at the number of ways people make bunches of half square triangles. There are flying geese tricks, some of which involve fancy rulers, and some are just about technique. There are tricks about matching points and how pressing can change the look of your quilt top. Many techniques can be learned online, and from books, but, if you can get into a real class, do it.

Learn and practice basic block patterns. Once you have mastered one block, try a new one. The building blocks for quilt tops are many and varied. And some of the blocks are used over and over again in other, more complicated quilt block designs. Some of the more popular include:

Half Square Triangles

Half Square Triangle Quilt Block

Rail Fence

Rail Fence Quilt Block

Flying Geese

Flying Geese Quilt Block

Pinwheel

Pinwheel Quilt Block

4 Patch

4 Patch Quilt Block

9 Patch

9 Patch Quilt Block

Square in Square

Square in Square Quilt Block

There are many, many more, but we did say that we were starting with the basics.

So…You get a couple (or more) quilt blocks securely in your repertoire and you start thinking about a big, designed it yourself quilt. Let’s talk a bit about color theory. They make it so easy for you. Quilt fabric manufacturers design whole lines of fabrics that all “go together” perfectly. You can start there, but it is only a start.

Don’t let yourself be confined to just their ideas of coordinating fabric. Stretch out, this is your own design, after all. Pick a color that doesn’t dominate in the main, focal fabric. Let it be a color that shows up often in small amounts. Then search the store for a fabric with that same color and a subtle pattern. You don’t want to take away from the main fabric, but you can supplement it. It does all depend on your overall pattern, but different fabrics, different fabric makers, different themes can all be combined into fabulous results.

Now really start sewing! Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Let me assure you that you WILL make plenty of them. And the best news is that these errors will not have any serious consequences at all. It the biggest mistake in your life is that you mess up $50 worth of fabric, you haven’t made enough.

You can always rip out what you didn’t do correctly, and you should, to a point. You should be proud of the product you create. However, I don’t want you to overdo perfectionism. A lot of what you think is catastrophic is not and will never be noticed. Sometimes mistakes are even improvements in the design.

These are the quick steps leading you to strike out in your own direction. Be creative. Draw outside the lines. And let your mistakes become creative expressions. These are your creations; make them express your thoughts, your ideas.