Quilting

[Melody]

I started quilting and then put it away about 24 years ago when I got too busy with children. I think I will get started with it again. I had forgotten how much I enjoy creating something that can be used. It also gives me something profitable to do while DH is watching tv, and he enjoys me sitting next to him. Does anyone else enjoy quilting?

[QuiltAngel]

Yes! I started this two years ago while recovering from some surgery. Kind of a weird time to start. A group I was in had gone to a quilt shop and had a class where we put together a place mat. I was hooked. Just lately, I have been doing lots more and making great progress.

Have fun getting back into quilting.

[clogaholic]

I made a quilt a few years ago and gave it away. I've been thinking about starting another - for myself ;)
It does feel good to create something and fun to boot!

[Aussie Friend]

Yes I love patchworking also. Last year I made 2 cot quilts, 2 queen bed size quilts, a single bed quilt and a nappy bag. At present I'm about to make another nappy bag and start on some scrappy lap size quilts. I've just finished a memory quilt on the weekend for my best friend who lost her son 3 years ago.

I enjoy creating the quilts but I always drag the chain when it comes to the actual quilting of them.

[FaithfulBeliever]

{{{ Kay }}}

I used to do it with my grandma, then I lost interest. I enjoyed putting all the patches together. Maybe I should start again.

God bless

[QuiltAngel]

{{FaithfulBeliever}} Around here there are people who will do the actual quilting for you ona machine. If you want to, you can do that. I like the piecing the quilt the best. Some of my smaller ones, I will hand quilt. Have two of those ready to start.

{{Aussie Friend}}The memory quilt sounds very nice and I am sure your friend appreciated it.

It is so neat to take large pieces of fabric, cut them up and sew them together in formations. The satisfaction of doing this and doing it relatively well is great.

[Melody]

When I learned to quilt, I took a quilting class. They taught me to piece one square at a time and then quilt that square. When all the squares are finished you just piece the squares together and then quilt in the borders. The frame for this is not very large so you can get it out and put it away easily. I got mine out last night, sat down next to DH and had a lot of fun. But you know what DH did? He got up and came over to the computer......lol. I enjoy the piecing, but I also enjoy the actual quilting by hand. It does take me a long time though.

[Aussie Friend]

Kay that sounds good quilting a block at a time but my teacher believes in doing it all at once and it does turn out good. I tried the hand quilting but I'm not very good at it but then again I'm not that great with doing it by machine.

Any special quilts I make I send to be professionally quilted. I know cheating but it works and I could never acheive the effect this lady does nor have the imagination.

[QuiltAngel]

Kay, that sounds like a fun way to do it. Is there any books or websites that instructs one on how to do it that way. I would like to learn more about it.

I am not very good at doing either the hand or machine quilting but am doing better at the hand quilting. I send my bigger items to a professional quilter also. They have these big machines that they program how to quilt the item and then go at it.

[Shutejute]

I started quilting about 2 yrs ago, before the birth of my 3rd grandchild. I LOVE IT! So far I have not done anything really big...only crib sized, lap quilts , wall quilts and table runners. I'm currently working on a "Country Cluckers" quilt that will be 72 x 72 when finished. It's realy cute with lots of three dimensional work and embellishments on each "chicken" block. I find that I too, like creating and then have to make myself follow thru with the actual quilting. I think that's because it's so difficult to quilt large items on a regular machine.

[Luv_2_quilt]

HI Girls,
I Love Quilting to!! Me and My cousin Sheila, Share books and Ideas..Love It..Don't ya get addicted to the Material?..I got on e-bay and got all kinds of fat quarters...now I need to use them up..I made my granddaughters some raggy quilts out of flannel..they Loved them..working on sunbonnet sue's now..But I love Paper peicing..Love It!! It's acurate!! I'm rambling...Talk later............B

[dreamchaser]

I would really love to learn how to quilt. I bought a sewing machine but I've only used it about 3 times!
Debbie

[crunchies0313]

My mom has been quilting for years. I think it does so much. When her dad (my grandfather) died, she took his shirts and used them to make a quilt. It in a way has helped her though this. Its weird looking to a normal person, but to me it is comforting. Its like he is still here. I think its the same for my mom. She is still working on it, but I can only imagine how it will turn out!

[Aussie Friend]

Jessica what a wonderful way to keep his memory and it would be such a help wading through her grief while she's still comforted by the smell of his clothes. I'm sure it will be treasure forever!

Take care............Karen

[Jennieb67]

My best friend taught me to quilt a few years ago an I am so glad! I just love the solace and comfort in piecing each top. I have made many for family and a few for friends. I also used my niece's clothes and made a memory quilt for my sister after my niece passed away last year.

[cathiharry]

I just learned how to quilt last summer & I, too, am hooked. Right now I'm working on a hand appliqued scrappy dresden plate quilt. I plan on hand quilting it, so it will probably take forever. I have taken several classes & thoroughly enjoy them too.

[ashanti1922]

I am looking for someone to make me a king sized quilt out of memorable clothes. Anyone interested? What is a fair price?

[cathiharry]

I am looking for someone to make me a king sized quilt out of memorable clothes. Anyone interested? What is a fair price?

A local quilt shop may be able to direct you....sometimes they have bulletin boards. Or maybe even Hancock Fabrics or Joann's.

[quiltingmare]

I've been quilting for about 9 years now and really enjoy it. Only now have I started to hand quilt. Its hard at first but by the time you get to the end of a queen size quilt you get the hang of it. I also machine quilt but the throat size of my machine isn't enough to fit a queen. I have to be a contortionist to get it quilted.
What projects is everybody working on? I'm working on one for my bed and one for my Aunt & Uncle who'll be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this year. Don't know if I'll get it done by then (Nov.) but I'll try.

[nowakd1133]

Yes, I agree that quilting large quilts is quite difficult especially in my small sewing area. I have decided to begin quilting some baby blankets for the local Salvation Army Thrift Shop, a Christian organization that helps the needy.
Does anyone have any tips on watercolor quilting? I'd like to learn how to do it, but no one is offering courses in my 80,000 populated-city.
Deb

[quilter]

I am totally addicted to quilting. I piece but I am a Long Arm Quilter also. Meaning I machine quilt for others with a professional machine. I can put up to a king size comforter on and quilt it. Not computerized because I like to use freehand and pantographs. It is so rewarding. My sister in law got me in to it, she has her own TV show. I quit my job to do it, how bad is that? :eek:

[QuiltAngel]

Dreamchaser, do you have a sewing shop or quilt shop? They usually have classes. Otherwise, if you know someone who quilts, they can help you.

Right now I am working on a Christmas one. It is a kit I have had for about a year and a half. It is designed by Sandy Gervais. I am also binding my Thimbleberries Club 2005 Sunset Quilt. Am waiting for the Sunrise to be finished at the quilter and my Garden 9 Patch.

[dreamchaser]

[B]Yes, I believe they have a quilting shop it is a few miles away. And I am sure there are people in my church who do quilt or could show me if I asked. I really do need to get out my machine and quilt something. Perhaps my new grandchild will give me just the push I need to get started!
Thanks for answering my post.

[quilter]

Go on line and use quilting at about.com. Wonderful site with all kinds of instructions etc. Also here is a link for free patterns, http://www.quilterscache.com/QuiltBlocksGalore.html
the music will drive you crazy but you can print and use. Another one I really like is http://mccallsquilting.com/. If you want to try machine quilting on your home machine, McCalls has a whole section of continuous patterns and motifs you can print and use. They also have patterns, each is rated for how experienced you need to be.
Each has step by step instructions.
:)
A class is great but if you want to get going before you can get your class going, try these!

[nowakd1133]

i have a thimbleberries book--did u get that quilt pattern from a book?

[nowakd1133]

Quilting a baby-sized quilt is the best way to go! It's easy to handle and really all u have to do is find a cotton fabric with a cute print, some quilting batting and a soft cotton flannel fabric for the back of the quilt. Cut the fabric 30 by 45 inches for a small crib blanket or 40 by 60 inches for a larger crib blanket. Pin the 3 layers together and draw a design on the top fabric with quilters chalk. Then sew the design thru all three layers. Bind the three layers with a bright fabric and tadum! You have a quilt for your new grandchild!

[nowakd1133]

You are completely amazing! To WANT to do Long Arm quilting... that is incredible!! Quilting the actual fabric together is sometimes the most dreaded step of all. And you were able to quit your job-way to go girl! May i ask what tv show your friend has? We get some of them up here in Canada.

[homeschooling_momma]

I started quilting years ago, my Mommie and my Granny (Dads Mom) are naturals...

when Mommie was sick with ALS I made her a quilt

when she passed away, we put it on her in her casket.

I was just fine until the funeral director said 'Do you want to tuck her in?' And I started crying terrible.

She was my Sugar Momma, and you know Im so glad that she & my Granny taught me to quilt.http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v718/aprayerpartner4u/momsquilt003.jpg


Hey, would anyone be interested in doing a quilt block swap????

that would be so fun!

[nowakd1133]

Yeah, I would love to do a quilt block swap. What's involved? Have u done one before? Do you have to set the size of the finished quilt block? Sorry to hear about your Momma.

[quilter]

It's "linda's Long Arm Quilting" on PBS. Her name is Linda V. Taylor. She has won many awards and is so talented. She also has her own patterns and published a book on Long Arm Quilting.
I am not actually crzy about the piecing and love the machine quilting. It takes us all to get it done. Piecers are know to put those tops together and then not quilt them as they don't like that part. So if you know anyone who needs some quilting done I am your gal!
Thanks for asking

[quilter]

We did a memory quilt for mom and dad's 53rd wedding anniversary. Had everyone email us pictures. It has mom and dad as kids, when they got married, their parents, all of us kids, their grandchildren and great grandchildren, photos all appliqued on a wedding ring 1930 top. Then machine quilted. Mom didn't get very emotional often but over this she was shaking and had to sit down. 3 months later she passed away. I am so glad we all took the time to do that. I came up with the name of my business "Quilting Heirlooms" because of that quilt. It is so priceless to all of us hanging on my dad's wall and will be a wonderful family heirloom! :angel:

[Aussie Friend]

Hey Quilter,

Wished you lived close as I could make the tops and get you to quilt which I don't particularly enjoy. I currently have a single sampler quilt with 11 blocks left to quilt.

Take care......Karen

[QuiltAngel]

The Thimbleberries I have done is the 2005 Block of the Month Club.

I am one of those who would rather piece a top and have someone quilt it. I have two in being quilted now.

A block swap sounds interesting.

[quilter]

People mail them to me from all over. So I could still do for you and then mail back! I have 2 I am doing from California right now. It's how it's done now days. :D

[Aussie Friend]

Do I live too far to be involved in block swap? Perhaps I could suggest a sampler quilt and maybe a colour theme could be picked also. Just a thought!

[quilter]

My step daughter belongs to a forum and they do block swaps all the time. I have quilted some wonderful ones for her from the swap. It's a great way to get a theme quilt, or just lots of fun blocks!

[Twiz]

I used to quilt then my sons got to be busy with sports and school activities and just put it all away, Now they are older one is in college and one has left the nest I am thinking of making one for my extra bedroom and work on some unfinished projects that I have had for a long time. I like to machine quilt them when I have the piecing and backing done . right now I must have 3-4 large rubbermaid tubs full of fabric waiting for me to work with

[Mykhal Jaems]

I started piecing a quilt together, then my sister wanted her sewing machine back and that was that. My grandmother found out and gave me one of her old machines but it's over 40 years old, is a dinasour and I'm afraid to take it out. My mother is sure she used this thing as a kid and I'm thinking about having her over for a long day of instructions on this thing.

My sister (the one with the nice sewing machine!) had a baby last month and I found a cool pattern for a baby quilt. You take everyone's hand print and applique it onto squares and sew the squares together. I'm still working on collecting her great grand parent's handprints. I think it would be something my niece would look back on later in life and think was pretty cool.

MJ

[quilter]

Hand print idea is wonderful. Go for it, it will be a treasure.

[wondering_what_]

I tried my hand a quilting just before my dd was born and then I have done a few small ones for my dd's dolls and out of some of her favorite clothes but am working on one for her again. I quilt all by hand. Don't have a sewing machine and when I took sewing in school I had panic attacks trying to use the sewing machine. I actually finished sewing my major project by HAND. It gives me something to do while watching tv or while my dh and kids are watching something I don't want to.

[nenna2000]

I'm just learning to quilt, I've been sewing though since I was 9, and boy thats a long time! I have machine quilted a table runner and a square thing so far. I'm recovering from surgery right now so maybe I can practice more.

[wondering_what_]

Good luck with the recovery. I know how slow recovery can feel as I am post op myself about 9 weeks. Actually 2 months exactly today.

Relax and don't feel pressured to quilt. I find it relaxes me and I enjoy it.

[Starchayser]

I just started quilting. A friend took me on a shop hop to get blocks, so I started on it with no instructions. I got 10 of the 12 I got finished. I also just joined a block of the month club and I am using the pattern I get every month to make 3 blocks in different fabric for my kids. I find it very relaxing!