Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums >
  • Main
  • Lessons you've learned along the way >
  • Lessons you've learned along the way

  • Lessons you've learned along the way

    Thread Tools
     
    Old 05-26-2008, 10:44 AM
      #1  
    Junior Member
    Thread Starter
     
    Join Date: May 2008
    Posts: 115
    Default

    What are some lessons you've learned while quilting? (perhaps a little too late, even.)

    #1 Plan ahead.

    And not just the colors and pattern you want to use, but the size as well. I spent nearly an hour debating on what size to make my blocks. I even used construction paper to cut out a template of what each size would look like. :lol: (I finally went with 12")

    #2 A little fabric goes a long way.

    I bought 5yrds of fabric for the pattern. I only needed 1yd.
    I bought 5yrds of solids for the sashing and pieces around the window. Probably only needed .5yrd of each.

    :lol:

    So it looks like I'll be doing a lot of Mickey Mouse projects. :lol: At least the solids can be used for other projects tho, so that's not that big of an oopsie. but I sat there laughing at myself last nite when I realized how much I over bought.
    moonhoney2 is offline  
    Old 05-26-2008, 11:46 AM
      #2  
    Super Member
     
    mgshaw's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Jul 2007
    Location: Oklahoma
    Posts: 3,075
    Default

    One "a little too late lesson" was never assume that the patterns in books or magazines give the correct mesurements to cut pieces :evil: That is lesson # 1

    #2 always make a practice block before cutting all your peices out

    #3 buy extra fabric in case you forget lesson #1 and lesson #2 :roll:
    mgshaw is offline  
    Old 05-26-2008, 12:24 PM
      #3  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Aug 2007
    Location: South Puget Sound, Wa. State
    Posts: 2,462
    Default

    MG...I will agree on that about patterns not being correct.

    My favorite is a PERFECT 1/4" seam...if you are off,even a teensy bit, you will be even farther off the farther along you are in the quilt...

    :D
    ScubaK is offline  
    Old 05-26-2008, 01:04 PM
      #4  
    Moderator
     
    Join Date: Jan 2007
    Location: In the middle of a mess...
    Posts: 20,025
    Default

    Always, ALWAYS read the fine print on EVERYTHING!

    Don't assume all the directions are on the directions page, sometimes they are in tiny small print on the bottom of template pages where you least expect them. Always make sure you read EVERYTHING before you cut.

    Don't ask me how I know this.......
    tlrnhi is offline  
    Old 05-26-2008, 01:07 PM
      #5  
    Banned
     
    Join Date: Apr 2008
    Location: SW AL
    Posts: 334
    Default

    Well, if you have lots of the MM fabric and it's for a child - make a pillow case... take it from this grandma - kids LOVE a pillow (slip) that matches their blankey ...
    use the MM for the main, then the red or the blue stars for the hemmed part and maybe the yellow for a narrow strip....
    Janeen is offline  
    Old 05-26-2008, 02:21 PM
      #6  
    Power Poster
     
    amma's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Jul 2007
    Location: Out searching for some sunshine :-)
    Posts: 58,856
    Default

    Originally Posted by Janeen
    Well, if you have lots of the MM fabric and it's for a child - make a pillow case... take it from this grandma - kids LOVE a pillow (slip) that matches their blankey ...
    use the MM for the main, then the red or the blue stars for the hemmed part and maybe the yellow for a narrow strip....
    Maybe even a bag to stuff their sleeping bags in :D or one to carry their quilt to grama's house? :D
    amma is offline  
    Old 05-26-2008, 02:23 PM
      #7  
    Power Poster
     
    amma's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Jul 2007
    Location: Out searching for some sunshine :-)
    Posts: 58,856
    Default

    Measure twice and cut once :!:
    Stop when you are tired or getting frustrated
    Take a picture of your quilt blocks laid out, show it to a few people before piecing it together
    amma is offline  
    Old 05-26-2008, 02:31 PM
      #8  
    Member
     
    Quiltinsolitude's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Apr 2008
    Location: Piqua, Ohio
    Posts: 67
    Default

    Always remember this is supposed to be fun - if it starts feeling like work, stop and put everything away until another day!
    Quiltinsolitude is offline  
    Old 05-26-2008, 02:37 PM
      #9  
    Junior Member
    Thread Starter
     
    Join Date: May 2008
    Posts: 115
    Default

    Originally Posted by Janeen
    Well, if you have lots of the MM fabric and it's for a child - make a pillow case... take it from this grandma - kids LOVE a pillow (slip) that matches their blankey ...
    use the MM for the main, then the red or the blue stars for the hemmed part and maybe the yellow for a narrow strip....
    This is exactly what I plan on doing. My boy LOVES pillows and has 4 of them on his bed. Plus 4 more in his closet. :lol: So the material wont' go to waste. ;) Hey, maybe this will get him to sleep in his own bed even!! :idea:
    moonhoney2 is offline  
    Old 05-26-2008, 02:44 PM
      #10  
    Super Member
     
    Knot Sew's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Nov 2006
    Location: NY
    Posts: 5,652
    Default

    You could always make the quilt reviserable and put Mickey on the back too. :D
    Knot Sew is offline  
    Related Topics
    Thread
    Thread Starter
    Forum
    Replies
    Last Post
    constantly55
    Pictures
    24
    07-22-2011 02:51 PM
    ctub0126
    Main
    70
    05-29-2011 10:05 AM
    dotcomdtcm
    Main
    16
    02-06-2011 10:01 PM
    barnbum
    Main
    29
    02-07-2010 01:38 PM
    Lisa_wanna_b_quilter
    Pictures
    33
    09-05-2009 11:43 PM

    Posting Rules
    You may not post new threads
    You may not post replies
    You may not post attachments
    You may not edit your posts

    BB code is On
    Smilies are On
    [IMG] code is On
    HTML code is On
    Trackbacks are Off
    Pingbacks are Off
    Refbacks are Off



    FREE Quilting Newsletter