The Sewing Place

The Emporia => Patchwork & Quilting ... Welcome to the Darkside => Topic started by: Diane on May 28, 2017, 18:47:58 PM

Title: Is it too much
Post by: Diane on May 28, 2017, 18:47:58 PM
Well I promised to pop over to the dark side so here I am. Managed to find a picture of the patchwork that I started, need to find the actual bag of stuff itself. I was looking at doing some type of autumnal looking quilt, do you think it's a bit too much? Should I add in some plainer squares? I can't help thinking that maybe I should do alternate plain with pattern, new to this so looking for some advice from the experts. This is all I've done so I can unpick if needed.
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Vegegrow on May 28, 2017, 18:55:52 PM
Love the autumn colours... I think you need to find the bag ' of stuff' (I have a lot of these!!) and decide on what you are making  How much fabric have you got?.. you have a lot of patterns in the pic but you may need that fabric to be spread over a big area
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Diane on May 28, 2017, 18:58:27 PM
Love the autumn colours... I think you need to find the bag ' of stuff' (

I think your right  :'( it's in the new sewing room somewhere, will have a dig. I think I need to be a bit more adventurous with the quilt so when I find it I'm going to unpick and start again. Need to add some different shapes in to make it more interesting.
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Diane on May 28, 2017, 19:13:45 PM
Found it  :)
I also have some long 2" wide strips that I'd forgotten I had. The ones I've sewn together already I could use as a border? Need to Google and try and come up with some sort of pattern as I've no idea what I'm doing. I will need to buy some more shapes but need to decide what I'm doing first.
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Diane on May 28, 2017, 19:33:23 PM
Now that I'm looking at it, I think all together it looks too heavy, I've probably got enough squares to make enough for a border but I'll measure it out tomorrow just to make sure. Need to add in some slightly lighter colours as well.
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Iminei on May 28, 2017, 19:36:37 PM
How big are these squares Diane ?
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Diane on May 28, 2017, 19:43:31 PM
How big are these squares Diane ?

They are 4" squares and the strips are 2" wide not sure how long.

Do you start from the middle of the intended quilt and work outwards?
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Iminei on May 28, 2017, 19:45:34 PM
4" x 2" ????

Have you heard of Craftsy ???
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Diane on May 28, 2017, 19:49:13 PM
4" x 2" ????

Have you heard of Craftsy ???

Oh no, I have lots of 4"x4" squares and also some 2"x 40" strips
Not heard of Craftsy?
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Iminei on May 28, 2017, 19:55:03 PM
https://www.craftsy.com/quilting (https://www.craftsy.com/quilting)

They have an excellent FREE Block of the Month class 2012

Where they start you off very gently, growing in skill and difficulty as you go along

Sign up and try it.

I would, personally, put your squares to one side for the moment ...
they may well come in useful later as you yourself progress along the Dark path.
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Diane on May 28, 2017, 20:01:36 PM
https://www.craftsy.com/quilting (https://www.craftsy.com/quilting)

They have an excellent FREE Block of the Month class 2012

Where they start you off very gently, growing in skill and difficulty as you go along

Sign up and try it.

I would, personally, put your squares to one side for the moment ...
they may well come in useful later as you yourself progress along the Dark path.

Thanks I'll take a look. Be just downloaded it, cheers for the info
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Iminei on May 28, 2017, 20:07:33 PM

And there is of course the TSP BOM ... but ...

I would also suggest you try the Mysteryquiltalongathon (in the sewalong section) as the blocks are super easy and you will get a lot of bang for your buck at the end!

Please ask if in doubt over anything...
We want you to get it right!
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Diane on May 28, 2017, 20:42:55 PM
Oh my gosh I'm hooked, just been watching some of the free blocks and how inspiring, it all makes sense now.
I apparently was already registered with craftsy so I must have been on there at some point, long ago.
It's certainly opened my eyes and I won't be doing just simple squares, just ordered a 12.5" square template and a Dresden template plus small rotary cutter to get me on my way.
Thanks again for the craftsy link
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Lantana on May 28, 2017, 22:39:15 PM
Hi Diane so pleased you took Lowena and my encouragement and visited our corner of TSP! 

There are just so many different directions you can take the hobby. Block piecing and more freer ways of joining odd shapes and then there is applique.   On the other hand you could spend a lifetime just exploring the many possibilities of the triangle!
 
Iminei is right practising sewing accurate seams to get those blocks done will stand you in good stead whatever directiion you decide to go eventually. Don't get too disheartened if things don't go right at first either ...we all continue to make mistakes.  ;)

I can see you've already got a good eye for fabrics ... that's a fabulous collection you've got there already a good base to start from.

Lanty  :vintage:

Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Iminei on May 29, 2017, 08:47:22 AM
Craftsy also had a FREE class called Piece, Patch, Quilt Basic Quilt making skills
which introduces you to basic, but vital techniques such as how to use your RC  safely, cutting straight lines, prepping fabric etc

I don't know if its still around as I already have it, it doesnt show in the classes available list, but you could do no better than start with that one, then onto BOM 2012...

and if you want to join in the fun in the Darkside Diane
 ...... :devil: ......
You must

POST PICS
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: rubywishes on May 29, 2017, 09:21:59 AM
Hi Dianne, welcome to the Dark Side...mwahhahahaha!
Can't agree more with the advice given to you so far....spend some goodly amount of time practising getting that 1/4" seam right, It will serve you in good stead down the track believe me   0_0! Take your time, and don't buy too many gadgets straight away...they can all be very tempting but not necessarily vital, particularly in the early days. It is paramount that you get yourself a good quality cutting mat and one that is easy for you to move around on your table. The first mat I bought was a monster, thinking it would be perfect but in truth, it's a cumbersome pain in the butt and more often than not, these days I prefer to use my 22" x 16".
And be careful of those blades in your rotary cutter!!!! Watch some you-tubes or classes on how to use one correctly and safely. And lastly...have fun..and have fun with the forum!
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Lowena on May 29, 2017, 10:13:27 AM
I'd use the squares as practice squares to get you sewing your 1/4" seams accurately. Then join the strips to them to get used to joining a different width / length accurately.
I tried 2012 Craftsy BOM when I began and it nearly put me off for life  :'( I found the blocks complicated and I couldn't get the hang of them at all  :'( so don't put all your eggs in one basket  ;)
Practise squares and half square triangles  and strips and you'll have the basis of hundreds of quilts.
You start the quilting from the centre outwards, but with piecing you make the blocks and then join them either in rows or larger blocks until you get the pattern you've planned  :)
Lovely to see you here btw, glad Lanty and I were good ambassadors  :D
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Diane on May 29, 2017, 10:52:22 AM
Fabulous advice ladies, so glad I found this forum :D
I've been up since 5am watching all the tutorials on craftsy that you recommended, absolutely loved it and I think I've found my mojo again for sewing.
I'm a big believer in accuracy as I'm an engineer by trade so this should put me in good stead for getting it right.
I certainly don't need any more gadgets as I have tons that I found when I moved in to my sewing room, I did order a couple of templates that I didn't have but apart from that I'm well geared up. 
I've lots of fabric as I just can't help myself, it's an addiction.
I have a decent cutting mat that I soaked in the bath yesterday to recondition it and it's come up a treat, I think it's the 22x16 so nice and easy to move around.
After spending hours watching the craftsy tutorials I'm going to go down the block method, would love to do a quilt for my kingsize bed. I'll just take it one block at a time.
How do you manage to sew a large quilt on a sewing machine? Especially kingsize, I bet it's difficult manoeuvrings that around the needle.
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Iminei on May 29, 2017, 11:00:29 AM
How do you manage to sew a large quilt on a sewing machine? Especially kingsize, I bet it's difficult manoeuvrings that around the needle.
 
Open the link below in a new tab and continue reading....

:devil:

https://youtu.be/fRamB30E9mU (https://youtu.be/fRamB30E9mU)

Well my dear, let me take you by the hand and guide you to the Real Dark Side of P&Q

..... Q A Y G .....


Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Diane on May 29, 2017, 11:18:04 AM
How do you manage to sew a large quilt on a sewing machine? Especially kingsize, I bet it's difficult manoeuvrings that around the needle.
 
Open the link below in a new tab and continue reading....

:devil:

https://youtu.be/fRamB30E9mU (https://youtu.be/fRamB30E9mU)

Well my dear, let me take you by the hand and guide you to the Real Dark Side of P&Q

..... Q A Y G .....


Love it , Love it, your very wicked 0_0
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: BrendaP on May 29, 2017, 11:28:28 AM
You have had lots of excellent advice already

They are 4" squares and the strips are 2" wide not sure how long.
4" squares and 2" strips don't fit together nicely.  The seam allowances mean that loose 1/4" on each side, so the 4" squares end up as 3.5" finished and the strips will be 1.5" wide when finished.

Do you start from the middle of the intended quilt and work outwards?
Most quilts are made in blocks, which are usually square, and then the blocks are joined together.  That keeps it all much more manageable in the earlier stages.

As you will probably have realised Iminei is a big fan of quilt as you go and does everything that way - and her results are excellent.  Others prefer to quilt the whole thing in one go.  As with most things it's a case of trying both methods and deciding which suits you, but I would advise not making your first project too big!

Your colours are lovely.  The success of a piece of patchwork depends a lot on having a good mix of lights and darks as much as on the actual colours.

For a first project stick with squares and rectangles.  The inevitable bias seams you get once you start cutting triangles adds a whole new set of challenges.

Nine Patch (http://www.squaresandtriangles.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/rainbow-nine-patch-baby-quilt.jpg) and charm quilt (https://weddingdressblue.wordpress.com/2012/03/23/tutorial-fading-charms-quilt/) use only squares and sashing strips and borders.  This website (http://www.maryquilts.com/go-friendly-quilts/) has instructions for several other designs which only use squares and rectangles
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Diane on May 29, 2017, 11:37:46 AM
Thanks BrendaP

So much advice on here, it's amazing. I'm just going to take it slow and steady and see how I go.
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Lowena on May 29, 2017, 11:38:59 AM
You're right of course Brenda, I just meant using them for practice - joining a block to a strip, not with any purpose in mind. When I try something newI then throw the practice bits away and I forgot that others might actually want their work to be useful  :|
Quilt as you go is very fiddly in my opinion, but as someone who is precise you would probably take to it better.I do mainly hand quilting - big stitch with perle cotton.
You  can quilt large items on a domestic sewing machine, you roll from each side and start from the centre outwards ( not explaining this well, there are tutorials online )
get playing, and good luck  :ninja:
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: maliw on May 29, 2017, 12:05:52 PM
Hehehehehehe, another recruit and already hooked, well done ladies  :devil: Seriously Diane , this is a great place to be, have fun and remember there are NO quilting police.
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Ploshkin on May 29, 2017, 12:14:11 PM
Big quilts can be made up in sections (half, quarters) which are then quilted before being joined or the middle bit can be quilted and then the borders added qayg i.e. stitched on through all the layers.
You're probably all Craftsyed out at the moment but one of the videos is quilting large quilts on a small machine - I'm sure there will be stuff on You Tube too.
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Diane on May 29, 2017, 13:34:32 PM
You lot have definitely drawn me in to the dark side  :ninja: got me hook line and sinker. Who needs to make clothes when there's patchwork and quilting to do  :flower:
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Diane on May 29, 2017, 13:40:15 PM
Here's the sewing machine I have, seems to do a pretty good job.
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Lowena on May 29, 2017, 17:42:15 PM
It certainly seems to have all the necessary accoutrements   :sew:
So glad you have come over to The Dark Side It's like Hotel California........."You can check out any time...but you can never leave"  :devil: :ninja:
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Iminei on May 29, 2017, 17:45:12 PM
Iminei is a big fan of quilt as you go and does everything that way

Ahem!!!!  :o I quilted the Opus all in one and that was 79" sq !!
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Diane on May 29, 2017, 18:47:59 PM
Iminei is a big fan of quilt as you go and does everything that way

Ahem!!!!  :o I quilted the Opus all in one and that was 79" sq !!

Gosh  :| this gives me hope. Going to start off with something smaller and then progress to the kingsize quilt.
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Lantana on May 29, 2017, 18:48:23 PM
You lot have definitely drawn me in to the dark side  :ninja: got me hook line and sinker. Who needs to make clothes when there's patchwork and quilting to do  :flower:

Not only have you good choice in sewing activities but you have a nice  :woof: as your avatar. Is s/he a member of your familly?

I have a feeling that once you get going you'll be whizzing along and find time for clothes as well.  :)  'sides you can make clothes from patchwork just look at Brenda's lovely jacket! I've got a couple of books by Judy Murrah on how to make patchwork jackets. As yet haven't tried any of them (waiting to lose weight!) but one of these days.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jacket-Jazz-Patchwork-Techniques-Templates/dp/1564770214/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Jacket-Jazz-Encore-Patchwork-Techniques/dp/1564770699

L  :vintage:

ps Buying P and Q books can be almost as compulsive as buying fabric!  :devil:
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Diane on May 29, 2017, 19:14:40 PM
That's Oscar my dear Yorkshire terrier who I lost at the age of 16, must be 5 years ago now, miss him like mad, was never ill all through his life bless him  :'(

Books, Mmm I love fabric more than books but I do have a few quilting ones, I occasionally flick through just for ideas.
I give in with clothes, nothing ever fits, or more like I don't fit the clothes, could do with losing a few pounds/stones myself. Hoping when I get started with the sewing I'll forget to stop to eat, here's hoping.

Decided I'm going to start off with a lovely table runner in autumnal colours, downloaded a pattern from Craftsy.
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Lantana on May 29, 2017, 19:29:23 PM
Quote
That's Oscar my dear Yorkshire terrier who I lost at the age of 16, must be 5 years ago now, miss him like mad, was never ill all through his life bless him  :'(

Awwwww it's so hard when they leave us isn't it? I bet he had a really good life with you and 16 is a good age. I still miss my cairn terrier Archie and it's coming up for 9 years now. I look after my sons elderly Springer from time to time (she's here with me now sitting at my feet) and sometimes I call her 'Archie'....oooops.

Before I retired I  worked in a library and so I've been programmed to acquire books  :devil:

Looks like you've found a great first project. Looking forward to seeing the results!

L :vintage:
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Diane on May 29, 2017, 19:39:21 PM
I cried for weeks when I lost him, had him at six weeks and he never left my side, I'd love another dog but just fear the heart break when you lose them. Love having a dog around, just makes you feel good.

I'd love to retire, I'm 51 this year and would love to get made redundant, I'd then just look for something part time and have more time for sewing.

Love the table runner, a good size for me to start off with, I have all my 5" autumnal squares, although the pattern states 4 5/8" squares, seems a strange size to me so I'll have to cut my squares down. Just need to get some lighter fabric for the background, will have to visit the fabric shop next weekend, oh well needs must.

Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: maliw on May 29, 2017, 20:03:57 PM
Just need to get some lighter fabric for the background, will have to visit the fabric shop next weekend, oh well needs must.
Oh how sad !!!!!!!! bet you don't just buy that, well not if you're anything like a lot of us here. 0_0
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Diane on May 29, 2017, 20:07:09 PM
Oh how sad !!!!!!!! bet you don't just buy that, well not if you're anything like a lot of us here. 0_0

Your right, I'll probably come back with a bag of stuff and then try and smuggle it in to the house without hubby seeing :devil:
It's a job to find fabric shops these days which is sad as we really need more. I do buy online but prefer to feel the fabric before buying.
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Iminei on May 30, 2017, 07:47:48 AM
I have all my 5" autumnal squares, although the pattern states 4 5/8" squares, seems a strange size to me so I'll have to cut my squares down.

S T O P !!!!!

Do NOT cut your squares down!

Square up your triangles, after you have made all of them,

either to the size the pattern states they should be (Unfinished size = + 1/2" of Finished size)

 .... OR .... to the size of your smallest geese, making all the geese the same size.

This is where a 6" or  6 1/2" sq ruler comes invaluable.
They usually have various angles (45, 60 and 30 degree) marked on them
and you can line up against this to square up correctly.
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Diane on May 30, 2017, 08:24:33 AM
I have all my 5" autumnal squares, although the pattern states 4 5/8" squares, seems a strange size to me so I'll have to cut my squares down.

S T O P !!!!!

Do NOT cut your squares down!

Square up your triangles, after you have made all of them,

either to the size the pattern states they should be (Unfinished size = + 1/2" of Finished size)

 .... OR .... to the size of your smallest geese, making all the geese the same size.

This is where a 6" or  6 1/2" sq ruler comes invaluable.
They usually have various angles (45, 60 and 30 degree) marked on them
and you can line up against this to square up correctly.

Thanks for the heads up, haven't touched them yet. I need to print the pattern off and read it properly. If I get stuck I'll be shouting for help. I think I have a 6" square ruler, will check later as I'm at work unfortunately.
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: BrendaP on May 30, 2017, 09:26:37 AM
You are going to get two triangles from each square.
You will also be cutting a lot of smaller white/background triangles.
Then you will sew two small triangles to each larger triangle to make rectangles.
Once you have the rectangles assembled, that is the time to trim them to size.

The instructions say that the blocks are 1.5" x 3" finished which means that you will trim them down to 2" x 3.5".  When you do that make sure the point where all three triangles meet is 1/4" from the cut, then measure for the other side from there.  When you sew the blocks together the points will come exactly on the seam line. :)
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Diane on May 30, 2017, 09:36:06 AM
Thanks, I think with all your help on here it will make sense once I actually start putting them together.
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Lowena on May 30, 2017, 09:58:31 AM
Imi and Brenda got there before me... but... I spluttered my coffee all over the desk ( not the keyboard fortunately  :D ) as I read your post about square sizes. Always square / size up later.
It looks a good project, good luck  :flower:
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Diane on May 30, 2017, 10:03:57 AM
Imi and Brenda got there before me... but... I spluttered my coffee all over the desk ( not the keyboard fortunately  :D ) as I read your post about square sizes. Always square / size up later.
It looks a good project, good luck  :flower:

Thanks, so I gather I cut my 5" squares in to triangles, assembly then trim to size.
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: rubywishes on May 30, 2017, 12:08:34 PM
Diane, I've quilted quilts of 90" x 90" on my domestic machine so it can be done believe me. Craftsy has a "one class only" sale at the moment of one class for $19.99 (US) and there are 3 different classes on just this subject....how to quilt a large quilt on a domestic machine. Hurry though as I think the sale runs out in a day...31/5/2017.
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Diane on May 30, 2017, 13:04:50 PM
I have had a look but can't see the "one class only" lesson? Not sure if I'm looking in the right place
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Snowgoose on May 30, 2017, 13:41:20 PM
Diane, if you add a class to your basket and add the code 'MAKEIT' to your checkout page that should give you a class for £14.34!
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Diane on May 30, 2017, 14:01:59 PM
Fab, I'll have a look.

Thanks
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Diane on May 30, 2017, 14:17:21 PM
Just purchased the online class for £14:34 what a bargain.
Will look forward to watching it later on or at least some of it.
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Diane on May 30, 2017, 14:20:15 PM
What have you lot done to me :)
I'm supposed to be working but can't help reading everything on this forum, good job my boss is not in today.
I've been converted  :devil:
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Barcoded on June 04, 2017, 21:24:08 PM
But IT can look at your browser history! Hope not!
Title: Re: Is it too much
Post by: Diane on June 04, 2017, 21:35:56 PM
But IT can look at your browser history! Hope not!

Never use the company computer, been using my iPhone  :D