Sandy's Quilt Tips
Page 2
Now for the first important lesson I learned
the hard way. After making a pattern, and your templates, adding
that important 1/4 in., you make 1 (ONE) block. Why? To make sure everything
fits and it looks like you want it to. If it doesn't it can be changed
now. Loss of one block is worth it if it didn't fit. Otherwise you would
have all the pieces cut and it would be too late! When you know it
fits, and you like it, then you can cut all the rest of the pieces. If
you don't like the block, change the pattern, or play with color. You can change anything or everything before you do any more blocks,
but not after you have them partially together. While checking your block don't forget that shades, dark and light, as well as color can change a block totally. Experiment. See samples below. If you redecorate your room, stick with several pastels to keep a favorite quilt usable. Don't forget to lay blocks out before sewing them together too! If you want to put color on either side to balance a quilt it should be done before you sew it together. After all after it is sewn together it should be done, not redone.
And if you have a piece of felt you can do all
of this before choosing a block. Cut out some shapes in different
colors, and just set your fabric on the felt, it sticks to it nicely!
Add or delete to your hearts content, without sewing a stitch, make
one design after another until you like one. After the block has been checked you can cut all the fabric pieces out at one time. Just slip the pieces into sandwich bags add labels, put a rubber band around all the bags needed, and you can piece when you have time. It makes it very easy to put in a sewing bag (or whatever) and take it with you where you might spend time waiting, like a doctor's appointment. If you rotary cut pieces out, cut a strip of fabric the needed width, then lay the template out on the strip and finish cutting the other sides out. If you have a diamond that means you are only cutting once for two pieces. The sandpaper disks are great but so is rubber cement. Apply it to your template and let it dry. It will grip your fabric nicely.
If you have an idea you can check out pattern
books, the net, or your imagination for a block design. It is that
easy! And FUN! And for those you just want to sew on
the dotted lines there are foundation blocks with the design printed on
them, or paper pieced blocks where you sew on paper, which you carefully
tear away. You flip and cut the fabric after it is sewed down.
Perfect blocks.
Use pins if you need to, I like to pin certain points,
corners etc., using sharp silk glass head pins. These can be pressed over
without melting. Finger pressing works much of the time, saving time.
They have a wood press for this as well. If you take your time, no
matter what method you use, you will end up with fewer problems, less ripping,
and you will find it more relaxing. Although the quilting is even
more relaxing (to me).
Below examples show this for you.
Example A: shows a block pattern with templates
you would need to make. Templates are traced with a quarter inch
added for your seam allowance. These are then traced or cut around
using your fabric for that place. If you feel comfortable using rotary
cutters, they save time and allow you to see any pattern you might want
to center in the fabric, due to clear plastic allowing you to see fabrics' pattern.. |
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Example B: shows another block and templates.
If you are doing a twin size, or bigger quilt, you will need to trace more
than one template, if you use paper or cardboard that can decrease in size
from using it, so the size remains correct. Check to see if any template needs to be reversed as this one does. Template 1 cannot be used without reversing, hense the r for reverse. The squares, number 4 and 5 could be the same size by drafting it over. |
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Example C: & D: shows how color can change the looks of a block. Notice the difference you can get from darks and lights. You can do
so much with one block just by playing with color. These blocks are hand drawn just for visual purposes. They are not true and must be drafted if you want to use them as a pattern. Many patterns are available in books and on the net that are accurate for making quilts. Or make your own. |
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So have some fun,
use a table if you have problems getting up and down from the floor.
The floor is fine for the space, if you can use it, because you can back
off and view it, but a piece of felt hung on a wall serves the same purpose,
and is easier. But view it from a distance because it will look different,
remember you will see it more as you walk into a room than when you are under
it!
You can turn binoculars around to get this effect too.
Putting them together can be done chain fashion (one section sewed together, followed
by the next segment without cutting in between them) when you are all set.
But if it is a scrap, with many fabrics, instead of a co-ordinated quilt
with blocks the same, be extra careful when you cut them apart. Press
them open or put them into piles for the next sewing. That way each
block will still be together right to the last stitching.
Although you are usually committed by this time
to the block or quilt you are working on, if you are like me don't worry
about how many projects you have at one time. I have too many quilts
in various stages to count, but there are also 6 that I'm quilting on (and
even this number varies as I finish the quilting, or the tops of other
quilts). So if you decide half way through that the color isn't you
right now, just put the blocks and fabric aside, and start another one!
Or finish it and use it as a special gift! When you make a quilt to give to someone why not enclude a small muslin bag with some leftover fabric in case of repair work later? Include instructions for the quilts' care. If you keep many quilts use acid free paper, with as few folds as you can, and remember to refold about 3-4 times a year. That way you finished
the quilt and made someone else warm, getting it out of your way.
Quilting is very forgiving, changing as you do. Probably one reason
it is liked so much!
Remember this is your quilt, anything you like,
or want to do, DO IT! If you like it, that is what counts.
Enjoy it. Then you can start another one, and another. You will
see it is a disease. It grows, changes, gives warmth, and multiplies! You will find you want one more
as you see other quilts.
A place to start would be a local quilt club.
There are three that I know of near here in New York State., Warwick Valley Quilters in Warwick, Wiltwick
Quilters in Kingston, and the Calico Geese Quilters of Sullivan County in
Liberty.
This STRIP STAR QUILT was completed in July of 2003.
TO VIEW THE ENTIRE QUILT, CLICK THE QUILT CUTOUT ABOVE;
then use your Browser's Back Button to return here. |
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