abacus

Let's face it, gals. Some people are just not talented enough to do things by hand!!!!

retrogirl02

I think it takes talent and patience to quilt regardless of the techniques used.

I think the bias used to be against machine quilters for not putting the "time into it" as handquilters did....maybe this is some type of backlash.

I prefer to think of each person doing their best and enjoy seeing various techniques from everyone. I only know how to hand quilt but I like seeing how others are able to use a home machine or longarm to make a beautiful quilt and cut the time for someone to enjoy the fruits of their labor.

I've tried machine quilting and it's just awful for me. For those who do this well, great job----I wish I had your skill sets.

I prefer hand quilting because it is incredibly relaxing for me and I feel a connection to the other quilters in my family. I learned to machine piece and do get an evil eye every once in a while for not doing the whole thing by hand....honestly, I'd never be able to finish projects if I didn't use a machine from time to time.

For those who are able to do an entire project by hand, my hat's off to you. I look forward to the day I'll be able to do that as well. In the mean time, I'll do what is best for me and for the people I quilt for. I hope we can all find something nice to say about other's work regardless of the methods used.

Debra Mc

Don't sweat it. There is a horse's behind born every minute. I envy anyone that can hand sew a whole quilt. I had carpal tunnel in both hands so I can't do much of it. My dear little grandmother quilted by hand. She died when I was a year old so she never got to teach me quilting but I inherited all her talents. She did beautiful little stitches. I have some of her blocks that were stitched by hand. You want to hear something funny. I took 4 big bags of material that I knew I would never use to a group of church ladies that meet once a month to sew for missions. One of the ladies acted like I spit on the floor when I told her I only machine quilted. She didn't treat me very nice. Oh well, I can live with it. :?

retrogirl02

Unfortunately, there are people who are rude and frankly there are people who are never pleased no matter what. Shake your head and be thankful that there are people online who relate. You aren't alone and we should all be patting admin on the back for providing this board and the wonderful atmosphere we can share in. :) :) :)

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU ADMIN & MODERATORS FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK!!!!!!

Skeat

I remembered today that we have a festival not too far from here and they auction off quilts after a quilt show and all the proceeds go to this children's home. They request the quilts donated to be hand done:))Why...for they bring more in this setting. Good thing...:0)Skeat

stitchinMamaw

Mary when you first start handquilting your stitches aren't small . You just need to practice and eventually your stitches become smaller . I heard an experienced quilter on " Simply Quilts " say your stitches don't have to be small , just consistant in length . My stitches aren't that small but not big either . I never measured mine .

I recently started doing something . I've sewed for over 35 years and I never liked the way a whip stitch looks . Especially on my quilt binding . I started using the invisible stitch that is used in needle turn applique . Totally invisible :D I like the way it looks a lot better . Give it a try . Annie

Skeat

I had a fun day today...I went to my quilt class, where when I started out quilting, I started out doing it by hand for a machine scared the daylights out of me:)). I usually take in stitchery for a quilt, binding, etc. Today, we worked on a quilt together. There were 3 of us working together, all using our own hoops hand quilting a quilt for a lady in our group that had a stroke a year ago and even though she is doing really good, she has had a time trying to get this quilt done. (she started it before the stroke)She doesn't usually miss often, but, had to today due to apptmts. The 3 of us sat on a corner w/our own hoops and hand quilted away. We have her all done except a couple of her drawn circles and there we left the needle in for her and tucked it back into her bag. She will come next week and we will again, not speak a word of what was done and she will think she has done all of this by herself. We discussed as we sat so close everything from kids in school, husbands and how we can solve all the world's problems. There is what is good about hand quilting. Moments shared together like that. I just thought 'how awesome'!! Just thought I'd share some more today..with you:))Skeat

Marilyn Philips

Let's face it. The hand quilter takes longer to complete a project. The more projects you have the more material you buy. This means you are not purchasing material as frequently as a machine quilter. The quilt store owner wants you to purchase more material and possibly in selling sewing machines, which means more money for her. I've found that most shop owners are quilters/sewers themselves and are more than helpful and willing to spend time with their customers and appreciate your patronage. This one sounds like the rotten apple in a barrel or maybe she just had a bad hair day. :roll: :roll: