Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: dmoses
Date: 11-21-2005, 11:42 AM (1 of 50)
I wanted to make a quilted totebag and some other little things, but I couldn't find nice prequilted fabric. Okay...I decided to try to make my own. What a pain!  I was attempting to quilt diagonal lines, but it is not working out very well. It is taking forever, and not one of the lines so far is straight, and the stitches are all uneven!  I rolled up the fabric to keep it contained, but the weight of it still pushes and pulls from all directions, and my wrists are starting to hurt from trying to counteract the push/pull of the fabric. What a mess. I haven't even finished the first direction yet!I could just  . I was so excited about the project when I first got the fabric! It was supposed to be a *lovely* gift for someone, but now I just want to do this to it!  Aaaauuugghh! Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964 
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From: Hogmami
Date: 11-21-2005, 11:53 AM (2 of 50)
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Did you use a walking foot? I did my own fabric quilting for a tote bag this week end. I used a walking foot and put the guide on the left side so I could put this on the line that I stitched. They came out good. Sorry to hear you are having so much trouble doing this.
Carolyn
Michigan |
User: Hogmami
Member since: 09-30-2004 Total posts: 800 
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From: dmoses
Date: 11-21-2005, 12:09 PM (3 of 50)
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Yeah, I used a walking foot, with a guide(which would fall out from time to time for some reason). Anyway, the problem was that the weight of the fabric kept pushing and pulling against itself, causing it to slip around a little under the foot. I am totally fed up.
Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964
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From: HeyJudee
Date: 11-21-2005, 12:27 PM (4 of 50)
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Donna, did you pin the two pieces of fabric and batting together. If so, were they taunt. The first thing I ever quilted was a wall hanging and I did not ensure that the bottom and top were taunt (not really stretched but tightly pinned). The bottom was totally wrinkled. Here are some video clips with instructional videos on how to "sandwich" the quilt and how to pin. Maybe this will help. http://easymade.com/video_basic.html Another thing...instead of pinning is to use spray adhesive (505) to create your "quilt sandwich". Spray the adhesive onto the batting and then smooth on your fabric. Turn it over and spray the adhesive onto the batting and then smooth on your other piece of fabric. Then use a walking foot to quilt the lines. When you sew, you can use painters tape to "draw" the lines and just align the edge of the walking foot with the tape to help sew straight lines. Hope this helps. TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366 
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From: LynninMN
Date: 11-21-2005, 01:22 PM (5 of 50)
| dmoses, It sounds like you need a table or extension on the surface next to your machine. Make it into a flatbed type surface so there is not so much drag or pull on your quilt. That should help a whole bunch! Happy Thanksgiving! LynninMN |
User: LynninMN
Member since: 11-21-2005 Total posts: 1 |
From: dmoses
Date: 11-21-2005, 02:19 PM (6 of 50)
|
Thanks, everyone, for the responses. Judy, that is an awesome site! Very informative. My 'sandwich' was holding together quite well, and there really isn't any wrinkling on the bottom(yet...I still have to quilt lines in the opposite direction). I think the painter's tape is a good idea. Welcome to Sew-What's-New, LynninMN.  I suspect you are right. My sewing area is small, so I should probably have moved this sewing project to the dining table, and maybe put some books or something in front of the sewing machine. An extension table is on my wish list for Christmas.I took a break for lunch, but I really should get back to the quilting. On the other hand, I don't think it is good enough to be used in a gift, so maybe I should just put it aside for now and work on something else. sigh. Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964
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From: Bama
Date: 11-21-2005, 05:17 PM (7 of 50)
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Donna, Have you tried stippling a quilt? It's much more forgiving than quilting straight lines. It's just a continuous, meandering stitch. It reminds me of puzzle pieces. It's my favorite.  You need a free-motion or darning foot on your machine. |
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116 
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From: mamahoogie
Date: 11-21-2005, 05:30 PM (8 of 50)
Must be something in the air over North America. I can't do anything right today either. I need a hand-crafted ornament for the quilt guild party Wed night. I tried to make Bama's cathederal window ornaments but even though she sent me the entire page of instructions I just can't seem to get it right. I tried making two other ones and I don't like either one enough to give away. I'm giving up on sewing and ornament and I'm trying something else.  Violet I've decided to live forever - so far, so good.
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User: mamahoogie
Member since: 12-25-2002 Total posts: 461 |
From: Bama
Date: 11-21-2005, 08:58 PM (9 of 50)
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Violet, you could piece a couple of small blocks and sew them together for a little pillow ornament. |
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116
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From: Bama
Date: 11-21-2005, 09:09 PM (10 of 50)
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Violet, I was going to post this in crafts but I wanted you to see it. Sorry I'm getting off topic Donna. Here's a couple more sewing/quilty type ornaments... I made some a couple of years ago using those cheapo spools of thread from Hancock Fabrics. I don't remember where I saw the idea. I made 2 fabric yo-yos and glued one on top of the spool of thread and one on bottom. I glued on a ribbon loop to hang and glued on all kinds of tiny sewing-related charms and tiny buttons to the top yo-yo. I received a cute ornament in a swap here once that used those tiny unpainted wood spools you get in a craft store. They wrapped ribbons or embroidery floss around each spool in Christmas colors and glued it down. Then they stacked the spools into the shape of a Christmas tree with a trunk and glued them together. (one on top, 2 under that, 3 under that, 4 under that, 5 under that, and 1 for the trunk) It's adorable. |
User: Bama
Member since: 03-21-2000 Total posts: 2116
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From: mamahoogie
Date: 11-21-2005, 09:33 PM (11 of 50)
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Nice ideas, thanks. I ended up taking a large empty serger thread spool and painted it gold inside and out. I then covered it both inside and outside with gold lame, glued gold ribbons and lace around the top, hung pearls from the bottom and glued a Victorian sticker with angels on the top. It hangs from gold braid. I actually quite like this one and may make one for myself now. However, I have saved your ideas and may make them tomorrow and then decide which ones to give. Violet I've decided to live forever - so far, so good.
|
User: mamahoogie
Member since: 12-25-2002 Total posts: 461 |
From: mamahoogie
Date: 11-21-2005, 09:34 PM (12 of 50)
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I forgot to mention that I filled the cone with a Christmas pick with gold balls and a gold package with greenery. Violet I've decided to live forever - so far, so good.
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User: mamahoogie
Member since: 12-25-2002 Total posts: 461 |
From: dmoses
Date: 11-22-2005, 08:55 PM (13 of 50)
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Hi Bama, I didn't try stippling because I thought it would be too hard!  Now I'm wondering if I should take out all of the the stitching I've done so far and start over...It will probably show...I'll see. Love the ornament ideas! 
Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 11-23-2005, 12:30 PM (14 of 50)
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Donna, I always have an awful time trying to machine quilt without getting tucks underneath, but I found a solution to my problem.. It is the fusible batting.. I have made 12 placemats using this product and not one tuck anywhere.. you just press it onto the top and flip it over and press to the bottom and presto, you have a smooth surface to sew on.. Quilting is still new to this old sewer, so please believe me, it took so much of a burden off my shoulders, that I did not quit trying to quilt..I attempted the regular way on my small attic windows wall hanging.. Guess what.. Had to rip three places and do over.. Back to the fusible for me.. It lets quilting be fun.. Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: nativetexan
Date: 11-23-2005, 02:13 PM (15 of 50)
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Can you cut pieces of fabric a bit larger than needed for piecing before you do your quited lines on it? and you can get straight lines by using masking tape or that blue painters tape. just lay it out and stitch somewhat next to it. then reposition your tape and stitch again. good luck. CC CC
http://photos.yahoo.com/ccase5 |
User: nativetexan
Member since: 11-15-2005 Total posts: 57 
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From: dmoses
Date: 11-23-2005, 02:24 PM (16 of 50)
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Libby and CC, Thanks so much for the great tips. Libby, I never thought to use fusible batting...I will definitely look for it the next time I go out. Prequilting smaller pieces would surely make things easier for me. Last night I started to remove the stitching I had already done...it is taking a while. I think I will consider cutting the pattern pieces(a little larger, of course) before actually quilting. CC, how much larger do you think I should cut them? Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964
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From: Catalina
Date: 11-23-2005, 02:27 PM (17 of 50)
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I have also used quilting spray adhsive- its temporary and repositional and washes out.
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User: Catalina
Member since: 01-06-2005 Total posts: 119 |
From: nativetexan
Date: 11-23-2005, 04:45 PM (18 of 50)
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Oh i knew you'd ask me that. I'm not sure how much your fabric would "shrink" with the stitching but I wouldn't think much. I would go for 2 inches if you have enough fabric. you could test some if need be. the quilting foot/walking foot usually has a metal guide "arm" you can slip in when using that foot and that helps too. or as someone said, mark with chaulk using a ruler to get straight lines. good luck. CC
http://photos.yahoo.com/ccase5 |
User: nativetexan
Member since: 11-15-2005 Total posts: 57
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From: mamahoogie
Date: 11-23-2005, 10:18 PM (19 of 50)
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Nancy Zeiman talked about quilting lines on fabric on her show and she suggested using a bigger then you need size too. According to her, you always get some shifting and need to start out with a bit bigger piece then cut it out after it is done. I agree 2" should be plenty. I do this with crazy patch blocks too. I start with at least a 13" background piece and then square it up to 12" when I'm done. It's amazing how much it shrinks. Good luck Violet I've decided to live forever - so far, so good.
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User: mamahoogie
Member since: 12-25-2002 Total posts: 461 |
From: AdvaP
Date: 12-05-2005, 05:16 PM (20 of 50)
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i'm not one to give advice on quilting, but i just wanted to share the sentiment: i also hate quilting! i think i have a quiltophobia. recently i made a quilt for a girl in my family, but i ended up giving it to someone else to quilt. Adva. Adva Price
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User: AdvaP
Member since: 10-15-2000 Total posts: 325 
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From: dmoses
Date: 12-05-2005, 08:31 PM (21 of 50)
Thanks for all the help, everyone. I finally finished the tote, and a few accessories to go with it. The photos don't show the colours accurately, but it is close enough.  Hopefully the link works.  Totebag & accessories (http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/dmoses_99/album?.dir=7071&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//photos.yahoo.com/ph//my_photos) Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964
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From: AdvaP
Date: 12-05-2005, 10:03 PM (22 of 50)
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wow, excellent job!
Adva Price
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User: AdvaP
Member since: 10-15-2000 Total posts: 325
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From: dmoses
Date: 12-05-2005, 10:09 PM (23 of 50)
Thanks, Adva. It feels good to have finished. I may even try to make it again in the future...for myself next time! 
Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964
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From: HeyJudee
Date: 12-06-2005, 07:22 AM (24 of 50)
Good job Donna. Since you said you were mailing out your gifts...don't forget to put my name and addy on that one! 
TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366
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From: mamahoogie
Date: 12-06-2005, 09:08 AM (25 of 50)
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Very nice indeed. I am in the middle of making purses for my three daughters and my grdaughter and I'm quilting one of them. Hope I have better luck then you did!!! Violet I've decided to live forever - so far, so good.
|
User: mamahoogie
Member since: 12-25-2002 Total posts: 461 |
From: dmoses
Date: 12-06-2005, 11:53 AM (26 of 50)
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Judy. It is going to Ontario, but to the Toronto area...sorry. Violet, I found it is much easier with smaller pieces. When I get time, I am going to put together some small samples and try different types of quilting. I was worried to try anything new this time because I am on a time limit, and I already had to undo so much quilting...I couldn't face doing that again so soon, so I stuck with straight(more or less :wink line quilting. I did stay with the diagonal, but you may have noticed that I only went in one direction...just didn't have time to do all of those lines the other way. The lines are pretty close together, so I don't think it looks too odd.
Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964
|
From: MaryW
Date: 12-07-2005, 01:20 PM (27 of 50)
Very nice job Donna. They are so pretty. Add my name to that list. 
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: dmoses
Date: 12-07-2005, 02:55 PM (28 of 50)
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Thanks Mary.
Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964
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From: nativetexan
Date: 12-07-2005, 04:34 PM (29 of 50)
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I just used some June Tailor fusible batting. I wasn't sure I liked it though. Turned out sort of stiffish. quilting straight lines would have worked much better than the curvy ones I did. But then I soaked the fusible out as stated on the packaging and it turned out nice and soft then. So I guess I will use the fusible on the two flannel quilts I am about to finish up too. faster than basting.
CC
http://photos.yahoo.com/ccase5 |
User: nativetexan
Member since: 11-15-2005 Total posts: 57
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From: Dede
Date: 12-07-2005, 06:11 PM (30 of 50)
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Nicely done Donna. You're giving me ideas for next year. I use fusible batting for placemats and baby quilts. Love it. Only one side is fusible so I spray the other side with the spray adhesive and it's wonderful. |
User: Dede
Member since: 03-23-2001 Total posts: 469 |
From: dmoses
Date: 12-07-2005, 07:25 PM (31 of 50)
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I still need to try the fusible batting. I used a polyester batting, and did a light pressing before I quilted. It actually adhered enough so I could quilt the pieces without pinning. I don't think that would work on larger pieces. My next project is to transform a pair of jeans into a purse...Cut off the legs, add a lining(with pockets), square off the bottom, add straps and add a sash through the belt loops for embellishment. Then I want to make some fabric bowls. I better get going. 
Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964
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From: AdvaP
Date: 12-08-2005, 05:48 AM (32 of 50)
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I'm planning to make a jeans purse too! there are instructions in a quilting magazine that I just bought. just need to find that right pair....
Adva Price
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User: AdvaP
Member since: 10-15-2000 Total posts: 325
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From: MaryW
Date: 12-08-2005, 06:58 AM (33 of 50)
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Adva, have you moved on from quilting? I thought of you as one of those dedicated quilters who always had one on the go.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: dmoses
Date: 12-08-2005, 08:09 AM (34 of 50)
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Adva, which magazine is it? I'm just trying to make it up as I go, but if I had some instructions, it would probably go a little easier and faster.
Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964
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From: AdvaP
Date: 12-08-2005, 02:32 PM (35 of 50)
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No Mary, I havent strayed away from quilting , but I would like to make more things, not just quilts. Donna, the magazine is 'Quilts With Style' the Jan/Feb 06 edition. It's mainly a paper-piecing magazine. Adva Price
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User: AdvaP
Member since: 10-15-2000 Total posts: 325
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From: dmoses
Date: 12-08-2005, 03:10 PM (36 of 50)
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Thanks, Adva! I'm almost finished my purse...had to do a lot of handstitching, so my fingers are all sore...but I will look for that magazine when I go out. Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964
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From: Karebear
Date: 12-08-2005, 06:46 PM (37 of 50)
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They are wonderful... you thought you had a problem quilting.. !!! WOW I should be so lucky to have the problem that you had to make such a beautiful set!!! Wonderful.. simply beautiful and your gift will be well treasured. Karen Karen
http://www.dancingwicks.com "If you want to build a ship, don't herd people together to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea." --Antoine de Saint-Exupery |
User: Karebear
Member since: 01-24-2002 Total posts: 338 
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From: dmoses
Date: 12-08-2005, 07:03 PM (38 of 50)
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Thank you Karen! : You didn't see it the first time I tried to quilt it! LOL It's for my mother-in-law so I hope she does like it. 
Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 12-08-2005, 07:05 PM (39 of 50)
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To the person who said their fusible was only on one side of the batting.. Mine was fusible on each side.. I think it was Sandra's brand that I used.. "Sew Perfect" that is.. I loved it, and like someone mentioned after you are through, it washes out and is not stiff anymore..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022
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From: dmoses
Date: 12-08-2005, 09:49 PM (40 of 50)
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I finished the purse. I had to do a lot of handstitching so now my fingers are full of holes. Anyway, you can see photos here. I turned it inside out to show the inside. I thought it might work as reversible, but I don't know...maybe. I left the jeans label intact because I thought it was cute-One Tuff Babe. Jeans purse (http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/dmoses_99/album?.dir=7071&.src=ph) It isn't exactly how I envisioned...next time I will use child-size jeans...fewer curves.
Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964
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From: Karebear
Date: 12-08-2005, 10:40 PM (41 of 50)
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Oh that is so cute!!!. I have made a jean purse as well. I used the lower part of the leg... I have to get my pix on a web site to show and tell. Donna... GREAT job!!! Karen Karen
http://www.dancingwicks.com "If you want to build a ship, don't herd people together to collect wood and don't assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea." --Antoine de Saint-Exupery |
User: Karebear
Member since: 01-24-2002 Total posts: 338
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From: bridesmom
Date: 12-09-2005, 05:15 AM (42 of 50)
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Oh that is so cute! I love it!! I really like the little tag in it too. You should make up a tutorial for that and post it, so I can make one too!
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: dmoses
Date: 12-09-2005, 08:37 AM (43 of 50)
|
Thanks, ladies. Yes, Karen, get your pix up on the web! I love to see what everyone else is doing. Laura, it wasn't that difficult...just time-consuming, at least for me. I will try to do a write-up later. Sometimes, I am very haphazard(tsk, tsk, tsk) especially if I am working from an idea and not a pattern. One thing I would do the next time is either use children's jeans, or try to *straighten* the hip section of the jeans, if I am adding a lining. Without a lining, it doesn't really matter. Also, with straighter sides, you can define the bottom and sides much better, giving the purse a more boxy look. Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964
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From: Sailorliz
Date: 12-09-2005, 09:08 AM (44 of 50)
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Donna, Great job on the jean purse. Very cute! I have a lot of old jeans from my family. I used the pant legs for the denim quilt I made for my daughter. Now, I have an idea of what to use the rest of the pants for! Just what I need, another project to add to my list.
Happy sewing/quilting/crafting
Liz Visit my photo page http://new.photos.yahoo.com/sailorlizmi/albums |
User: Sailorliz
Member since: 07-20-2004 Total posts: 386 
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From: happysewer
Date: 12-17-2005, 04:29 PM (45 of 50)
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Mamahoogie, I would make sure you have a good needle and that your upper tension is adjusted, right. I loosen mine. and use a larger stitch sometimes help also. I sometimes have the same problem and will not machine quilt any flannel. This might help. Mary
Mary
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User: happysewer
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 4 |
From: Ruthie Mae
Date: 12-17-2005, 07:18 PM (46 of 50)
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Instead of pulling out the quilting that you have already done, why not use one of your machine's embroidery or fancy stitches and over sew the lines you have already done, to "jazz" them up a bit. No one will ever know it was not done on purpose. Roll your fabric into a big sausage and sit it on your left shoulder, down to your machine, that way your machine isn't trying to carry the weight of the fabric, or sit your ironing board next to and level with your machine, on the left and have your fabric lie on it. cheers Ruth Ruth in Australia
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User: Ruthie Mae
Member since: 12-17-2005 Total posts: 5 |
From: dmoses
Date: 12-17-2005, 09:35 PM (47 of 50)
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Hi Ruth, Welcome the the Sew-What's-New forums, and thank you for posting! I am new to quilting, so I really appreciate the tips you shared. Thanks again! Take care,
Donna |
User: dmoses
Member since: 02-22-2002 Total posts: 964
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From: Susy
Date: 01-07-2006, 02:59 PM (48 of 50)
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Hi, I am trying to learn to stipple/meander quilting and it looks kind of OK on top but the bottom is all loopy & loose looking. Should I be moving the fabric around more quickly or slowly, or what! I gave up for a few months on trying to quilt, deciding it was maybe something I could never master but that bugs me(never have been good at giving up on something) and I am attempting it again. I just read the most hilarious book, "That Dorky Homemade Look" by Lisa Boyer and it has inspired me to try again. Thanks in advance if you can help me. Susy |
User: Susy
Member since: 02-05-2005 Total posts: 39 |
From: HeyJudee
Date: 01-07-2006, 08:55 PM (49 of 50)
|
I usually practice with a sandwich made up of the same fabrics as my quilt. I do some quilting and see how it looks. Sometimes I adjust the speed I sew at, or the speed I move. And usually loosen the pressure on the foot and tighten my needle tension to try to eliminate the loops. Generally they say to sew fast and move slow. I have a speed control on my machine and I set it at a speed that I am comfortable with and keep it at that speed. And I always do some warm up quilting before each session of quilting.
TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366
|
From: Susy
Date: 01-08-2006, 10:18 AM (50 of 50)
| Thanks, I did all you suggested and it is a bit better but I think this is going to just be "relax" and lots of practice. I really like the looks of it when other people do it so I'll just keep at it. This project is just the front of a cushion so it won't show once the back is on, again, thank you. |
User: Susy
Member since: 02-05-2005 Total posts: 39 |
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