"Quilt As Desired" is NOT learner friendly

I remember that line used at the end of Quilter's Academy Freshman Yr.  I had just finished my 11th pieced project and now what?? This series is aimed at making quilters, not just top piecers. However, the book really does leave you at the end without the quilting instruction!  She refers you to another book she wrote, "Heirloom Quilting".  I have that book. Actually I have 2 of them. The older edition, and the latest edition.  I really wanted to like this method.  It took me a year to move forward just with the samples she suggests as the first step.
Beginners..... start EARLY to figure out the quilting process!  Don't wait until you are finished with all your projects! There are a lot of precursor things to learn and practice before you start on your quilt tops.

My weakness in creativity definitely holds me back when it comes to this process.  How do you know what to do? What will look good if you have no prior experience? Seeing something on one quilt does not transfer over to any quilt because they are not exactly the same.  What if I don't like the quilting suggestions at the back of the QA book? And, there is more than one way to do this and I think there are so many personal choices and preferences in the mechanics that it is hard to say there is one way, which this one book gives.

For instance, she recommends rolling the large quilt into a log and fitting it under the arm of the Domestic Sewing Machine (DSM).  Leah Day would say that is ridiculous. Yes, you can use a DSM, but how do you move a log around? Logs are stiff. Of course, I can't get anything to move around under my Pfaff because there is a plastic lever that sticks out into that space for raising and lowering my presser foot, . A log absolutely doesn't fit and I'm afraid that if I try the "squish and push" method it will break off.  And, 5" does not give me enough room to move anything anyway.  So , my DSM for quilting is not even on my list of possibilities. Harriet also didn't like the Quilt Tac method of basting, which I personally really like and have better results with than pins.  I tried it both ways in my "Quilt Samples" blog post.

So, I ended up at the local quilt studio and renting the long arm machines.  Woo Hoo, I finished all the Year One projects!

But, I felt like I was cheating my process of learning and now I feel like I'm ready to understand more of the quilting. The rental of a long arm machine isn't the direction I want to go. There is nothing wrong with using a DSM if yours works.  There is nothing wrong with a long arm machine on a frame, especially if it is yours at home!  They are options, but not mine. I don't have the room or budget for the long arm.

My realistic options are
1. Hand Quilting
2. A simple non computerized, non stitch regulated Mid Arm sit down machine

I hope to incorporate both, but until I someday obtain a mid arm machine I am pursuing the hand quilting.

For both methods I need to learn to baste and mark quilts!
Because I've been using the long arm, I've not been doing either!
Basting wasn't necessary because I roll the top and bottom on rollers.
Marking hasn't been necessary because I've been using pantographs that I trace with a laser light.

Yeah, it felt like total cheating. I was getting away with not having to do any of the "fun stuff". LOL
Truthfully, I'll never be a good quilter if I can't figure out how to do more than pantographs on a long arm.
So, I'm working this out as a newbie :)  I know, right??  I've got a whole year of quilt making under my belt ( 11 quilt projects), and I feel like I'm starting over!

Basting:
How can I do this without using the floor? Or going to the LQS and borrowing their tables, (which I have noted they do not have set up high or together anyway)?  The long arm has been a great way to be sure it is nice and straight.  I want to be sure I keep the top and backing straight.  And, after my Google searching, I found this method by Sharon Schamber that I think will be easy enough, and can be done on my dining room table with my basting gun or needle and thread and will give me the accuracy I'm looking for.  Hubby has already bought me the two pieces of trim board (3"x75") needed at Lowe's which were very inexpensive and easy to get. I may even try the thread method rather than my gun since it doesn't seem too difficult. I am anxious to try this out on my next quilt because I think it suits me. Simple :)

Quilt marking:
By simply going to Amazon and searching quilt marking it comes up with all kinds of tools.  But when checking the reviews: What someone says is great and comes off easy, another says ruined the quilt they spent hours and hours on to give as a gift.  Oh My. Who to believe? The one that got lucky? or the one that found out the hard way under certain conditions this isn't great?

I'd like to know how to alter patterns for sizes. I don't want a whole bunch of stencils. I have a light box that I can use to trace :)
How do you pick the right pattern? How much do you need to fill the space?
Can I use bigger stitches rather than tiny 12/inch?
Will a lot of quilting make a card board quilt?  I've not really been impressed with the very dense trend of quilting.

I started shopping for books that would give me the ability to have references at my fingertips. The internet is a terrific resource, but sometimes a book suits me, especially after reading Amazon reviews so I know what I am getting :)  All of the following were available as used books and cost between $2-$4! (plus shipping).

Descriptions from Amazon:

Mastering Quilt Marking covers the entire process in detail, including finding a design for the quilt top, choosing the right marking tools, obtaining stencils, marking the top, and matching borders and corners. 

This book arrived this week, and yes, it has options and choices to make! It looks like a great book to use for all my questions and reference. I will have to spend some time reading this one!

This creative 512-page illustrated resource delivers just the right pattern for their next quilting project. 1000 GREAT QUILTING DESIGNS contains templates, stencils, and step-by-step instructions -for hand or machine stitching-making it easy to create unique quilting patterns.

This is a reference book for me, not a reading book :)

It arrived in the mail just as described, a perfectly clean library edition. But, it is typical size of a Reader's Digest, small and chunky.  It will be interesting when I go to enlarge these designs on my printer. But, it IS FULL of very interesting and useful choices in quilting designs.

The ENCYCLOPEDIA OF DESIGNS FOR QUILTING by Phyllis D. Miller is the first comprehensive reference of traditional quilting designs. Quiltmakers, quilt documentors, and historians/researchers will find this book a valuable tool. Phyllis documented 375 traditional quilting designs from texts and quilt collections. For quiltmakers, the front section of the book is a how-to guide with over 500 illustrations for drawing and transferring traditional designs onto quilt tops. Some of the diagrams are: straight lines, geometrics and triangles; squares and circles; diagonals and diamonds; ovals, crescents, and curves; ropes and cables; hearts and feathers; and representational, naturalistic, designs taken from a quilt pattern, and combination designs. In the back section, the Numerical Index has numbers assigned 

to the designs for easy documentation and reference.

I ordered this book, and it has not yet arrived.  

Elsie M. Campbell's quilts have won first-place and best-of-show ribbons at many prestigious quilt shows. She teaches hand quilting across the U.S. and is a former editor of QuiltWorks Today and Miniature Quilts magazines.

So, the description didn't tell me much. But, it is all about hand stitching and the customer reviews are fantastic.  I'm still awaiting arrival of this one too. It is coming in paperback, no ebook format.

 This book I bought years ago, so I went back to it hoping for info on Hand Quilting.  I was really disappointed to find that again, the book was dedicated to learning to quilt a.k.a. piece by hand and only a small amount of info on the quilting part. Beautiful pictures. 

Taking the Plunge-- into Hand Quilting

Yes, you heard that right.  I'm investing myself into learning to quilt by hand!  Does that seem old fashioned to you?  It appeals to my sense of simplicity and using my down time to "do" something. I hate to sit for very long as I always feel there is something that could be getting done!  LOL.

I joined a Facebook page called Celebrating Hand Quilting. There are over 10,000 members!  And daily they are showing off their beautiful hand work.  I'm inspired.  And, just recently there was a gal that posted a wonderful lap quilt and said it took her 3 weeks!  THAT kind of info is helpful and inspiring to me :)  It shows me that these smaller projects we are doing in Quilter's Academy can be done in a reasonable time, as long as I figure out what I'm doing! I'm not about to ask her how long she has been quilting to be able to do that!  But, she DID say that it was for a CUSTOMER, so she obviously can get quilts in and out. A machine is not the only way :)

Google is my friend because it turns up all kinds of results when searching "hand quilting".  I like research and got lots of stuff to sift through.  I was looking for that "thing" that speaks to me, that I can identify with.  There are all kinds of "methods" of hand quilting.  Most prick their fingers, some use spoons that dull the needle quicker, or set up frames that don't fit in my family room where hubby and I sit together. There are lots of choices out there, but I was able to eliminate many just by knowing what I didn't want.

There were two that seemed like good fitting possibilities
1. Aunt Becky's Finger Protector method - The only thing I found about this method was the You Tube video.  And the protector is special order from a special quilt place, not readily available at my LQS or Amazon.  I really liked the speed and no finger pain of this method!

2. The Thimble Lady's method-  I found this method also on YouTube, however she has a High Definition version of the video on her web site which is better to view.  She has a whole learning kit and a DVD that shows step by step the process to accomplish her no pain speedy method of obtaining up to 12 stitches per the inch!  She provides the thimble, thread, needles, frame and learning info in her kit.

I do not know that I want 12 stitches to the inch, but it's nice to know she thinks I can learn that!
I ordered the package and anxiously awaited the parcel to arrive, as if it was Christmas! She is Australian and sent it out the same day I ordered, and it took just over a week to arrive.
It arrived earlier this week and I set about putting together the lap frame which is designed to take the weight of the quilt off of your back and put it on the support of the chair. You place your legs over the bottom T. The top turns 360 degrees.

The pieces really needed ironing, so I ironed the backing and the edges of the top. I did not iron over the printed stencil because it disappears with heat! I quickly basted the pre-printed top, polyester batting and backing that was in the package and started with the first lesson... How to put the quilt in the frame. She likes it LOOSE. It allows you to fold the quilt onto the needle. This is part of what really had me interested. I attempted hand quilting my first quilt and just couldn't manipulate my needle in the tightly stretched frame.

So, after watching the first several chapters of the DVD, and reading the first lesson I started practicing.  4 stitches to the inch, and not even in spacing or stitches. The back does not mirror the front!  This is after about 2 hrs of practicing. I have already ditched the thread she includes.  It is a wonderful thread, easy to thread needle and doesn't curl and is smoooooth.  However, it was yellowy beige and I had a hard time seeing it against this yellow fabric and I really am just practicing so I wanted to easily see the length and spacing of my stitches. I need some bees wax to coat this green thread that isn't nearly as nice. It's simply something I had bought long ago when I thought I was going to be hand quilting that first quilt.

 I came back to it again the next day and practiced about an hour before I finally got this result :

Now I'm still 4 stitches to the inch, but they are more even in length and space. The back looks similar to the front.  So, I'm going in the right direction.  My goal this week is to get 6 stitches to the inch that look good.

In the mean time, I'm still working on Project 2 in my sewing room.  :)
Just finished these two audio books while doing the first 2 projects!

And, I'm still watching like a hawk for a used APQS George.  Afterall, I would love to make charity quilts and FMQ those on a machine just seems more functional.

Nine Patch On Point Quilted

Vol 2: Project 1 is completed, lesson 230

I had a really hard time deciding what to do about the quilting of this project.  The more I looked at it, the more I wanted to quilt a motif in the middle of those big teal squares that are not pieced. And, those triangles just begged for something that fit too.  But, I know my limitations, and standing at the long arm at the rental studio for long hours just wasn't in my "can do" category. I have a limit of 2 hrs before I feel the affects on my injured back.

I went to the studio, and looked through all the pantographs, and finally found a pattern I thought I could like, "Bellflower".  They look like tulips connected with leaves. And, they have such wonderful colors of thread there too.  So, I decided to go for it, again.

But... I have ordered The Thimble Lady's learning package for hand quilting.  I have been attempting to learn to crochet because I wanted something to do in the evenings while sitting with hubby.  Well, if I can hand quilt fast enough to keep up with my piecing, there is no reason why not.  That way, I can have the special designs that I want even if I can't have George or HQ Sweet Sixteen, both sit down mid arm quilting machines.

I finished in 2 hrs, but after I got home and squared my corners and straightened the edges, I realized I had run out of bobbin thread on a row, and didn't notice it when I restarted later in the pattern!
So, back I went the next morning, with sore back and all from the day before. This time, I asked if I could use the pantograph and chalk in the design, and then use George to free motion quilt it.  (hehe, another opportunity to get my hands-on experience :)

It took me almost an hour to do the one short space of the row, but I was doing pretty well!  There is no stitch regulator, and at first I was pressing the foot pedal too fast, and stitches were too small.  I quickly learned to go VERY slow, and I LOVE the bigger stitches that are possible with George.  I know I can adjust the stitch length a little on the long arm, but they never look the same as this!
It is another reason that hand quilting appeals to me. And, I found out that I can rent George just as I rent the long arms!  So, maybe I will just stick with George over there!  Of course, the hard part is that it is just a small table, and it is hard to bring my stuff and make it "home". lol I did bring clamps along this time, so that I could clamp down the edge of the quilt to the table edge on the back so it wouldn't fall off the table and pull on the needle and fight with me.  Colleen there at the shop thought that was pretty creative!  :)  You can probably find my row. It has some green chalk which makes it stand out a bit.  I will need to wash the quilt in order to get rid of the remains of the chalk, as it didn't all rub off. Wish me luck on that!

I am anxiously awaiting my learning book, DVD and thimble from the Thimble lady so I can start practicing!  I'm really hoping this works out well.  Because between hand quilting and renting George, I may just have a system to rely on :)

I Attempted to Win that George...Vol 2, Proj 1

I entered EVERY day.  My husband entered every day.  My sister and a friend entered as often as they thought about it ;)  Alas, APQS didn't call me last weekend. When I checked the website for the winner, it was a mother that won it for her daughter... MOM!!! LOL.  How I wish you could have figured out how to get to that web site.

Anyway, back to my lessons. I've been working on Vol.2, Proj 1.

PS, those are wrinkles, not puckers :)
This is the first time we assembled from each end.  I've always wondered about that, actually.  How come we start at one end, and keep adding another row.  Why not go half way, and then start again with the other end?  Well, this time we did.  Not sure why!  But, I liked it.  It was easier to handle under the machine.

Last step was to measure for the corners, which for a 6" block, I added 2", cut two 8" blocks and cut them in half.  Bias edges were always on the inside, so my outside edges have straight grain.

Here is a close up pic:

I like how the points lined up just right, and they have a totally different look when turned 90 degrees!

During Freshman Year we were expected to hold all the quilts to the end before quilting.  This year, because of the fragile nature of bias stretching, and since we already know how to get to the finished part, we get to go straight to the quilting part.  I was hoping to learn to do this at home, so I could do a bit more custom work.  

Those plain squares are just begging for a special quilting motif.  I am struggling with how to quilt it because I have a "BLOCK" in my head about starting the project and not finishing it when renting at the shop.  And, it costs too much to spend TOO many hours on it learning how to start and stop with motifs.  So... what do I do??  Just go with the pantograph design, again?  Or hold it and hope I can get my hands on a sit down mid arm machine soon??  lol. No, I want to start it NOW.

Suggestions ?? Anyone?

Vol.2 Project 1 Nine Patch on Point

Progress made this week. Vol. 2 lesson 230
This project is making "simple" 6 1/2" nine patch blocks, in two color schemes.

I think my sewing is back to where I left off over a year ago ...lol
And, I really like the look of a nine patch turned on point!  It has the illusion that the points are sharper, don't you think?

And, after making all the blocks, this is the layout on my design board. I've accomplished all the easy parts.

The next step is to spend time making the corner and side setting triangles to fill in the edges, and then assemble. This will be the "new" part of the lesson.

I also attended an APQS Long Arm demo this week at my local quilt store.  There were 50 people there and many of them want to go into business of quilting for others.  They figure you can pay off the loan with your earnings, if you quilt 2.5 quilts every week for a year for avg. of $135 each. !!! I think I'll stick with renting!  We learned about the machines, how to care for them, what they do, and how much they cost. They are Not in my price range, but I'm still entering to win a George every day.  This month is the drawing, wish me luck!

Vol 2 Sampler Poject

 My finished Pieced Sampler :

We began this sampler in Vol. 1 as our learning piece to test our 1/4" seam, pressing, cutting, etc.. before venturing into the actual projects of quilt tops.
We start Vol. 2 with setting our small 9 patches into diagonal sets (the ones you see floating in white) and then assembling all the completed blocks together.
Here are the diagonals I just completed.

Many look through Vol 2 in a cursory view and see much of the same thing and think vol 2 is full of review: 9 patch, rail fence and strips made into squares. What they don't realize is all the projects are now set on point in a diagonal.

The challenge now becomes BIAS edges and LOTS of triangles.  This is very different than what we did in Vol. 1. Yes, the strips and 9 patches are common to both volumes, but setting them on point involves lots of math, and keeping track of which stack of triangles you cut for side settings and corner settings! I think I'm going to make a special marker for the two piles.

I don't have the special ruler Harriet suggests for making the math go away, so I used Method 2, which is cutting triangles with space to spare.

After I cut the ones for the sides, making sure it was a large square that was cut into 4 triangles, so that the long edges are all on the straight grain rather than bias, and then cutting smaller squares cut in half for corners, I realized they were all the same size!  BUT, one set had 2 straight grain edges, and one set had only one straight grain edge.  It Is Very Important to keep the piles labeled and separate!  This creates a stable edge to work with which doesn't bend and distort as much as working with bias on edges.  This is a Very helpful tip! I know, because my mom just confessed that her long arm quilter had a hard time with squaring her latest quilt top because of all the bias edges! That will be one problem I will now be able to avoid. hehe.

Speaking of Mom, while she was here we attempted to work magic on the Dreaded Pointy End Table Runner (Carrie's Mitered Edge), and... no success.  It is in the drawer of UFO's, to be tackled some other year. Or, maybe until I get the courage to ask my LQS for help.

I'm off to gather fabric for my first project. At least we are still getting yardage requirements, because I see that the instructions are getting more sparse.  I suppose it is a good thing I just proved to myself with the Vol. 1 Final Exam that I am capable of figuring many of the details myself!
I think I'm ready to venture into my own colors too.  Last year I duplicated the Master's as closely as possible. I figure that anyone who aspires to learn from the Master, copies first.  So, my whole first year of projects were basically copies of the Harriet and Carrie's creations.  This year, I am going to stretch myself and see if I can make my own color schemes!  Maybe.  LOL.

Quilter's Academy Vol. 1 Final Exam

Pondering the Final Exam:
I'm looking at a picture of a quilt which Harriet refers to as Homespun. It is a combination of 9 patch and Burgoyne blocks.

I am supposed to calculate grid size, yardage required, construction, assembly, and pressing.

I'm obviously going to do this, it is part of the course projects.
Can I do this?
I'm not doing this.
Do I want to do this?        
Why would I want to do this?

I decided to revert to my goals in order to make a decision.
I want to piece and quilt with joy and accuracy, making quilts, table runners, seasonal items and gifts and to finish my UFO's that were started but beyond my ability.  I will keep a blog to keep myself accountable to finishing the course and hopefully find others who are also on the journey to learn to quilt better.

Harriet and Carrie's Goal as stated in the Preface:
Our plan is to walk you through a series of classes, lessons and projects that will build one skill on another, so that when you have worked your way through the entire series of books you will be well on your way to being a master piecer. Each book in the series is like a year of college courses, from Freshman to PhD candidate.  After your "college education" you will never again be dependent on books and patterns, but will be able to draft or design anything you can dream up, and you will know how to piece and quilt it yourself! 

Our goals are shared with the exception of design.  I have not been convinced of the usefulness of design. However, as I say that I glance back at my post "Reminiscing while Awaiting" and see the 2nd and 3rd quilts I started my journey with (the Airplane and Patriotic quilts) and laugh. I designed them from start to finish. I suppose that maybe my goals were not exactly based on previous experiences. LOL.  Should they?  probably.  But, I really want to see myself following more patterns. :)

After examining the Exam Quilt more carefully, I see that all the units are made up of units we have been making throughout the book.  There is nothing new here. This final is really just a test of whether or not we can do what we have been doing all year, without all the instruction details.
I CAN DO THIS. Therefore, I shall do this. There is no reason why NOT to do this.

I cannot imagine approaching this without first doing the calculations on paper. It's the numbers side of me. lol.
I figured out all the units, grid size and yardage.  I'm using the smallest grid size of 1", which makes for 15" blocks!  That is huge!  Well, bigger than we have done before.  I used fabric stash that fit my required yardage, with the exception of the background fabric I needed to buy.

Admission: I did not make a mock up of a block.  I really don't like that step!

Because this is an exam and others may be doing this, I'm purposely not giving any other details of calculations, assembly, etc.

Here is my pieced top!

Things I learned from the Final:

1. Do not take off a year between piecing projects and doing the final. LOL.   I felt like I was doing fine, until I started putting together the actual 15" block.  All my small squares were measured great. But, when I put them together, I was off.
2. I will not be using cheap fabric any more.  I bought some cheap Joanne fabric for the background.  It took me 4 hrs. to straighten the grain.  And, I think it was still out of wack because my pieced squares are fine, and the solid background pieces throw off my measurements.
3. It was easier to do than I thought, which means I have learned ALOT.
4. I have not yet attached the borders, nor quilted this.  The Green is not really that bright green. lol. Since I don't like the outcome so far (it does not measure up to where I left off with the last project) I am not planning on finishing this.  I think it has already served its purpose. If I decide to learn a new quilting method, I may use this as a practice piece!

I have thoroughly enjoyed this class.  I have learned so much and have improved my accuracy. Even more, I have learned to slow down and enjoy the process.

1. I can easily say ironing used to be the worse part. I've always hated to iron.  Now, I can see how important it is, and how I can CHANGE the way the fabric lays with ironing!  And, starch!  I've also been using Best Press.  It works well also.  I admit that I am learning to like the ironing! I listen to music, or audio books, and just take my time.  
2. I've learned where my 1/4" seam is.  I've marked my machine. I've learned where to cut using the outside line of the ruler grid line. It all makes a difference.
3. I think the entire Vol. 1 has been a great learning experience. With every project I have learned something, and seen improvement in my piecing skill. I will reiterate here though, the one project that did not belong in this volume was the mitered pointy ended table runner.  There just wasn't enough instruction and it was too complicated for first year. 

Timeline:

• I started my Freshman year in Jan of 2013. 
• I finished all the quilt top projects by March of 2013! (Obviously, the projects themselves do not take that long. )
• 3/13-4/14: It took me a full year to gain the courage to learn to quilt the projects.  
• April 2014: I started with quilt samples, and spent a couple of months playing with Harriet's Machine Quilting book. I just wasn't inspired. My Pfaff is not particularly well suited for quilting, and so I procrastinated some more.
• Nov. 2014:  I wander into my Local Quilt Store for sewing machine inspiration and find out they have opened a quilting studio and I immediately thought, "This I Can Do".  I took a certification class the very next week. 
• Nov 2014- May 2015: All the quilt top projects are completed.
• May 2015 Final Exam

Now that I have finished all those projects, I am not convinced I want to forever do all my quilting at the store on a stand up long arm machine. There are benefits and drawbacks.

The Pro's:

• It is fast.  I finished most projects in 2 hours or less. 
• It is no doubt a lot easier than attempting to use my home machine. It got me DOING IT.
• No basting necessary.
• No marking necessary.
• The machines are made to do quilting exclusively, and are easy to manipulate.
• Stitch regulators make sure the stitches are even and beautiful.
• Atmosphere of other quilters, support staff, and companionship.

The Con's:

• I pay for rental time, and feel the need to start and finish in one rental session.
• Pantographs are the only feasible method to use in order to start and finish in one session.
• Free motion takes more time.
• Standing at the machine for hours is not comfortable for me.

I hope to refine my method of quilting this next year.  I plan on winning a sit down long arm machine for the home this June from the APQS giveaway!

I am considering myself a Sophmore student now, and moving into the next course book!
I hope you will continue to follow my progress.  Drop me a line and let me know you are here!
And, Thank You Harriet and Carrie Hargrave for putting together a wonderful course to teach us to quilt with knowledge and accuracy.