Rhonda Lee

I have been recutting wavy strips that I received from a friend. Mounds of strips. She says she can't stand another day of looking at the mess she created. She cut enough for two quilts and started piecing and nothing went together correctly. She brought them to me because I told her not to throw them away. She was so angry she wouldn't stay to visit or let me help her fix the problem. At least they are 3 inch strips. The wave is so bad I have to cut the middle out. Then I can get a 2 and 1/2 strip most of the time. I would really like to help her but I don't think she wants the help. She has been really excited about quilting. I hope this won't change her mind. The seams on what she has done are every thing between 1/4 and 1/2 inch. Why is it that total strangers will pay for lessons and someone near and dear won't take free advice? Back to cutting (I just finished a big basket of my on scraps). Any advice would be appreciated. I do love you all so.

grayma

Maybe wait until she calms down and then offer to show her how to cut strips so that they don't have that wave in them. Be encouraging without being pushy. Ask to see her machine and see if you can put something on it so that she sews an accurate 1/4" seam. I do that for students in my classes.

PaperPrincess

Bless your heart. Sounds like she did not cut the strips square to the fold of the fabric & wound up with Vs instead of strips. I also sounds like she bit off more than she can chew! Doesn't sound as though she wants your advice or help. Maybe, as you suggested, you could take a quilting class together? It is silly, but some people will only listen to a "Professional".

Cybrarian

Rhonda, there are a significant number of people who seem to have a hard time accepting responsibility for their own actions or problems. Sounds like your friend is somehow making you responsible for her difficulties (in her mind) because that's easier than self examination and self correction. Sorry for how she has treated you; maybe you should take a break from trying to fix everything for her until there is an attitude adjustment. You're being very kind, but time is a valuable thing and I'm sure there are others who would appreciate some friendly help!

jaciqltznok

how sad..this is just the sort of thing that will KILL a beginner and make them give up before they really get started!..such a shame...did she not take a beginner class at all...hope she can recover and look to you for advice on working past this...

frugalfabrics

just a few basic lessons could help her tremendously...hopefully she doesn't lose interest in it.

Rhonda Lee

I'm hoping this will happen. You have a calm way of encouraging. Thank you. I'll just give it some time. She had all of the fabric in a trash bag headed for the trash. She might have picked up on my concern for the fabric instead of her. Which is not true. Anyway, she dumped it on my doorstep and said if I gave it back to her she would toss it.

Rhonda Lee

Shes heard me say I've cut two quilts at a time. I just lay the fabric on top of each other. I'll make one and save the other for later. It's interesting how different quilts can look by just changing the fabric. I have years of quilting behind me. No way would I suggest to a beginner to do what I do. I think she just wants to do this without any basic knowledge. She has always said that it's easy to make a quilt. (she has never made one).

Pinkiris

Be VERY gentle with your friend--her pride is involved here! Sounds like she wanted to prove how "easy" quilting is without learning the basics.

How about buying her some charm squares to start with?

Sue

leiladylei54

What a good friend you are to try to help her!!! Right now she's probably frustrated and so any mention to help her with it only makes her feel more inadequate. Give her some time to simmer down and maybe later try to show her how to do it. I hope this problem doesn't make her decide that quilting is just not her thing. Maybe if you say that we ALL had to start somewhere and with lots of mistakes. I'm sure even the most seasoned quilter still makes mistakes.