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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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From: Pitfall
Date: 06-03-2006, 07:25 PM (1 of 19)
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I had every intention of starting off on my new machine with a simple 8-gore skirt. I found a pattern pretty easily enough. What I can't find is any fabric besides cotton quilt stuff. When I went to get my machine, they were out of the model I wanted so I ended up with a Pfaff Quilt Expression 2046 complete with all the quilting gear. So I'm taking this as a sign. Obviously, the universe wants me to sew a quilt. It's not that I have anything AGAINST quilting. I just remember taking a quilting class with my mother as a teen and nearly dying of boredom cutting out trillions of little diamonds and such. I was hoping maybe since quilting is so obviously THE BIG DEAL these days that they make some sort of kits with everything already chopped out. Does anyone know of anything like that? Any recommendations for a book that outlines the basics? Any suggestions for a reputable on-line fabric store that sells something besides cotton....in case the quilting thing doesn't work out? I'm loving my new Pfaff and have zero regrets over my choice. Can't wait to sew something besides little scraps with awesome decorative stitches! Robin |
User: Pitfall
Member since: 05-21-2006 Total posts: 18 |
From: Hogmami
Date: 06-03-2006, 08:04 PM (2 of 19)
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If you go to a big fabric store like JoAnn's, Hancocks and even most Walmats they have all kinds of fabric. I shop at JoAnn's most of the time because that is the only one here. JoAnn's has block of the months that are all cut out and should have books for beginning quilting.
Carolyn
Michigan |
User: Hogmami
Member since: 09-30-2004 Total posts: 800 
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From: esrun3
Date: 06-03-2006, 08:49 PM (3 of 19)
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My first quilt was a log cabin made in a class offered by the local sewing store.
Lyn
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User: esrun3
Member since: 12-02-2004 Total posts: 2345 |
From: plrlegal
Date: 06-04-2006, 12:38 AM (4 of 19)
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Congratulations Pitfall. You'll definitely love the 2046. I have the 2044 which is just the older model with a few less quilt stitches on it. Anyway, the 2046 is also terrific and needless to say great for garment sewing. In fact, I'm just finishing up a skirt I made this weekend. Can you believe it, DH has been gone for 3 days and all I've managed to get done is one skirt. Oh well, hopefully he'll bring me something I'll enjoy from his deep sea fishing expedition. The are in Port Aransas [sp?] north end of Padre Island off the coast of Texas. He says it's gorgeous there. He caught red snapper today and hopefully the airline will let him bring some back on the plane tomorrow. They were going shopping for coolers and dry ice this evening. as well as some little momentos of their trip. I told him I would like a gold sand dollar on a chain with earrings to match so we'll see what he comes home with. Anyway, Pitfall, enjoy your Pfaff and sew, sew, sew girl!!! You've made a great investment with that machine. Patsy Patsy
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User: plrlegal
Member since: 05-19-2001 Total posts: 318 |
From: AndreaSews
Date: 06-04-2006, 10:26 AM (5 of 19)
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You might take a look at Connecting Threads (http://connectingthreads.com/) for some kits, books, etc.
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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From: Pitfall
Date: 06-04-2006, 11:14 PM (6 of 19)
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Our Walmart has a truly pathetic fabric department and there are not any Joann or Hancock stores remotely close, so I'm seriously considering purchasing fabric on-line. I spent a small fortune on nurse's aides for my son this past few weeks while on my SM quest. I don't think there will be any fabric-buying expeditions in my near future. I guess sewing, with the exception of quilts, is not very popular in this area. It's hard to imagine buying fabric without seeing and feeling it first. Thanks for the book recommendation....I went ahead and ordered it already. I've also checked our TV Guide for sewing/quilting shows but if they're on our cable, I sure can't find them. I learn best by reading anyways....never have been good at watching demos. Plus, I'm a serious bookaholic! The public library doesn't have anything on me! Patsy, I already love my 2046! I did some remodeling on some of my daughter's clothes today and the IDT is simply amazing. I shortened one of her little silky (read slippery) nightgowns into a shirt and used the excess to make some bloomers and the dual feed made it a breeze. Narrow seam allowances that stayed true and straight as an arrow! I've already started my savings fund for the 2056 upgrade next year! The Pfaff makes my sewing look good and that is REALLY saying something! Best to Everyone, Robin |
User: Pitfall
Member since: 05-21-2006 Total posts: 18 |
From: Sherri
Date: 06-04-2006, 11:32 PM (7 of 19)
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I know this is a Canadian site but there sales are excellent and there fabric is great. Www.wazoodle.com
My website
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User: Sherri
Member since: 02-07-2001 Total posts: 357 |
From: Hogmami
Date: 06-05-2006, 12:33 AM (8 of 19)
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If you have HGTV there are a couple of sewing shows on there. Also try your PBS station. That's where I find shows.
Carolyn
Michigan |
User: Hogmami
Member since: 09-30-2004 Total posts: 800
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From: DorothyL
Date: 06-05-2006, 06:35 AM (9 of 19)
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What sewing shows are on HGTV? Robin Vogue Fabrics and Fashion Fabric Club both send swatches so you can handle the fabric. I've subscribed to both -- off and on -- since before there was an internet and never had problems with product or service. There are a lot of internet fabric sites that will gladly send a swatch if you ask. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Hogmami
Date: 06-05-2006, 09:17 AM (10 of 19)
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Simply Quilts is on HGTV
Carolyn
Michigan |
User: Hogmami
Member since: 09-30-2004 Total posts: 800
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From: Pitfall
Date: 06-05-2006, 05:54 PM (11 of 19)
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Thanks for the suggestions for the fabric retailers. Sounds like the perfect solution for me. Even if there was a store right next door to my house, I'd go in and get completely off-track....I'd find a million things I wanted! I'd see something totally cool on my way to the elastic and wind up with bits and pieces for a dozen projects but not everything I needed for a single one. It's bad enough on-line, but a little more controllable. Last night I started out trying to find a pattern for a zip-up sleeper for my disabled 6-year old and ended up with about 25 other patterns on my wishlist for everyone else --- including a grandchild that is hopefully five years down the road! Robin |
User: Pitfall
Member since: 05-21-2006 Total posts: 18 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 06-06-2006, 06:55 AM (12 of 19)
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Robin -- You might want to look into one of those $1 or $2 pattern sales at Joanns or Hancocks! Do those pattern company magazines still have the three-for-one deals? Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: MissTaraTara
Date: 06-06-2006, 01:24 PM (13 of 19)
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Quilter's News Network (http://www.quiltersnewsnetwork.com/) has quilting shows available to view online (if you have a high speed connection). Some of the better shows are not available. Perhaps you must be a member of the site? I've purchased fabric online for several years. In fact much of my stash has come from mail order (haven't always had internet  ). I have always been pleased with Fashion Fabric Club (http://www.fashionfabricsclub.com)....they and Natural Fiber Fabrics Club (same company, just focusing on natural fibers) have been my favorites. Keepsake Quilting (http://www.quiltersnewsnetwork.com/) has received a lot of business from me in the past. They have friendly service, fast and inexpensive shipping. The fabric is a bit pricey starting at $8.95 per yard but the selection is good. When they have items on clearance....you can actually see the savings! I wish I could steer you to a source for purchasing patterns less expensively. I confess, that I only go to Hancock and Joann when sewing notions are 50% off and patterns are $.99, $1.99, and Vogue is $3.99.Oh, and congratulations on your new machine!!! Isn't it great to have a machine you enjoy using. 
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User: MissTaraTara
Member since: 01-24-2006 Total posts: 227 |
From: Pitfall
Date: 06-07-2006, 12:45 AM (14 of 19)
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Thank you for the great links! I will definitely keep my eyes open for the pattern sales. I bought one Vogue pattern on-line for a "sale" price of $15! It cost too much and I think it will be a bugger to make, but I HAD to have it. Now that I have my machine, I'll have to start focusing on creating a stash and accumulating some patterns. I remember all too clearly how I gave my stuff away when I had too many little kids to chase at once. I honestly never believed I'd have time to sew ever again. Starting again has reminded me of how much I used to enjoy it...how it relaxed and de-stressed me. If anything, I should have sewed MORE! Oh well. It's coming back slowly but surely and I have a new appreciation and enthusiasm for it. I am delighted with my Pfaff and love it more with every stitch. I'm glad I did the research, test-drove the machines, and waited until I found my perfect match. I love it when a plan come together! Robin |
User: Pitfall
Member since: 05-21-2006 Total posts: 18 |
From: Pitfall
Date: 06-08-2006, 01:20 PM (15 of 19)
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Robin -- You might want to look into one of those $1 or $2 pattern sales at Joanns or Hancocks! Do those pattern company magazines still have the three-for-one deals? Dorothy Thanks, Dorothy, for the timely pattern sale info! Simplicity patterns are on-sale 6/8-6/11 at Hancock's for $1.99 so I plan to make another road trip to load up. They will have McCall's on sale 6/15-18 75% off, then Butterick and Vogue 75% off 6/22-25. (I'm a sucker for the Vogue patterns...I've always liked their styles, although back in the day, they were sometimes a little trickier. Hope that's no longer true!) MissTaraTara, I'm the newest Fashion Fabric Club member! Awesome selection and an almost limitless selection of really NICE, QUALITY fabrics even on sale! (And it's REALLY scary to spend $$ for nice fabric when I've lost all confidence about my ancient "skills".) The satisfaction guarantee thing makes it a no-brainer. Thank you for the link. By the time school starts, I ought to have plenty to keep me busy and that "empty nest" thing at bay! Robin |
User: Pitfall
Member since: 05-21-2006 Total posts: 18 |
From: stephi
Date: 06-08-2006, 04:02 PM (16 of 19)
I dont quilt..I am too ADD  to have that much of a project on my plate, LOL! But I do surf ebay alot and I know that you can buy up pre cut squares on there like crazy!! I found lots of really cute material only to be dissapointed that it was chopped down to squares for quilting :-( Good luck, let us know how it goes!! 
Stephi
"No body knows what it is that I do until I dont do it" "if you do what you have always done you will get what you have always gotten" |
User: stephi
Member since: 03-17-2006 Total posts: 361 
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From: Butterflyrf71
Date: 06-09-2006, 07:48 AM (17 of 19)
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I am new to quilting too. Maybe we can stumble around together? I've designed my own quilt (ok, actually three), did the math by hand (yes, before someone led me to an online calculator), and just cut practice squares. I am working on a scrap quilt for a co-workers baby before I begin the real "thing". I am learning it all on my own, from all kinds of places. I am a hands on person, and I find it hard to follow a kit, I was really disappointed in some of the kits, they were not attractive to me. I'm looking for a book that gives the instructions only on how to assemble, with none of the other stuff wrapped in. If I find something good - I'll let you know. I plan to go to my Jo Ann's sale on Sunday. What would you prefer to use for starting out? A kit, book, or dvd? I can look around to see if anything is on sale! You Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm, and place their trust in you. Isaiah 26:3, AV
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User: Butterflyrf71
Member since: 05-02-2006 Total posts: 257 
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From: SewingStephanie
Date: 06-20-2006, 04:05 PM (18 of 19)
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I quilt and I'm addicted. I highly recommend doing a lot of online research. I learned A LOT by just typing in questions in a search engine. Feel free to PM me with any quesitons you may have! Stef |
User: SewingStephanie
Member since: 02-08-2006 Total posts: 40 |
From: Laurie H
Date: 07-01-2006, 06:06 PM (19 of 19)
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I do hope those of you who are beginners to quilting have read about and are actually strip piecing and not just cutting each and every square/piece, then sewing them together. It's so much faster, easier and more accurate when you can do strip piecing and sewing strips as much as possible. Marti Michell has some books out there that describe what I'm talking about among others. You'll find that you save so much time and have a lot more fun. I no longer sew clothes, I only quilt with a little home dec thrown in for good measure. I've learned a lot of tricks over the years to make it a little faster so I can keep making a lot of quilts. I'll never live long enough to make all the quilts I'd like or use all the beautiful fabrics I find, so I have to be able to use a lot of tricks to make them faster. |
User: Laurie H
Member since: 05-07-2006 Total posts: 40 |
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