Episode 73: Realistic Goals and Expectations for New Quilters

[@franpatzcraig6713]

At the beginning of the Covid lockdown, all of my volunteer jobs ended overnight. To save my sanity I decided to bite the bullet, do what I had always wanted to do, and learned to quilt by watching KZbin videos. I was 78 years old! I had sewn since I was 5 years old but never quilted. My first try was a disaster, I use it for a mat under my sewing machine, but my second still proudly hangs on my dining room wall.

[@michellejaggard9657]

My grandmother was a quilter. She lived in Mississippi and I lived in the Texas Panhandle. She passed away and I had never been around her to learn to quilt. She had stopped by the time I was old enough to learn. I thought I would make 1 quilt for her memory. I went to a quilt shop 20 miles away and they were just starting a sampler quilt that they were going to be working on in the shop 1 day a week. I joined and make friends. This was before Rotery cutters and we sat and drew out little pattern peices out on templates with scissors (1980) I have been quilting ever since! It was so cool to be there when the rottery cutters and mats and all the other things came out. I started out watching Ellenor Burns on television. Chelsie Such a beautiful Quilt on the wall, Love it and the one on the table. I just love the Podcast and watching you both.

[@kristenhills]

Hope everyone reading this has a beautiful safe day today ❤ Love from Pittsburgh PA

[@tigerlily9051]

My Sincerely yours”is done, thank you Chelsi, in memory of my son Timothy ❤. It was a lot of work, and so worth it.

[@tigerlily9051]

Be mine I meant.

[@jonijecklin4394]

Hi Sherri and Chelsea! I so love quilting that I haven't read much in the last two years! At Christmas, my daughter gave me two audio books, so that I can combine these activities. I'm almost finished with the first book! It's been so wonderful to read again - and NOT miss out on my quilting. As a hand piecer/quilter, it takes me such a long time to complete a project, and now I can continue to "learn" as my book reads to me!

[@crhp13tblock52]

Even a veteran sewist like me (50+ years!) needed to learn more about my diva Bernina so I'm not so intimidated. I've owned it a year and only recently was I able to get a little one on one time with my LQS expert. Made such a difference!

[@denisemahoney9373]

Also thank you for your podcasts. I really enjoy your shows and the time goes by so fast. It is nice to see a family work together and support each other. Loved, loved the blooper show at the end of the year. You guys are a hoot

[@waikikialoha6300]

I love your quilts chelsi. You are such a great quilter and I like your fabric selections.

[@helencowen135]

Hi from NZ, I started quilting 4 years ago after stumbling across a you tube tutorial by Jenny Doan & decided to "have a go" once I got my cancer medical clearance to return to work. I have been garment sewing since childhood so the biggest thing was not backstitching at beginning & end of seams!!!! One of the best things I did was to get the FQS sew sampler box subscription & set myself a 2 year limit on the subscription. Even with the exchange rate (pre pandemic madness) it was great value with not only getting a variety of fabrics but also notions, rulers & small projects that were not too daunting.

[@carmenmaldonado6486]

I love that book and movie. Pride and Prejudice. I love Mr Darcy and Elizabeth ❤️❤️❤️

[@julietcapp1533]

This is a wonderful podcast. I could not emphasize enough the importance of good tools while starting to quilt.

[@denisedriscoll2193]

I am glad to hear I am not the only one who has bought the same book twice. When I lived in Colorado the little town I was in had the extreme luxury of having two independent bookstores. One specialized in children's books but also carried books for adults as well. The other one was also great and carried a nice selection of magazines and newspapers from other cities.

[@jbell3601]

My favorite saying: We all start out as beginning quilters. We stay there for a while then advance to intermediate where we stay for the rest of our lives. 😊 we keep learning new things no matter how much experience we have.

[@MsAgent099]

When I started quilting in the 80's, the first class I took was a sampler class. It started out easy and built our skills, much like the block of the month. There was no You Tube or videos then on quilting. Today's beginners have such a large library of classes, techniques and beautiful fabrics. This is such a fantastic hobby!

[@lindajstewart7476]

I want to mention the 4-H program for sewing. I started when I was 8 and continued through high school. As I was raised by my grandmother who couldn’t handle my being left-handed so I sewed every week with my 4-H leader. She was a gem. I sewed all my work clothes until I was in my 30’s and then put my sewing away until early 40’s when I took a quilting class. I was only going to make one quilt. That was 30 years ago ….. and I’m still quilting every day.

[@tammraneese720]

Love this story! I too started in 4H at the age of 8! Hooked on it right away! I struggled with reading, so my mom would only let me sew after I had read for 20 minutes first! Helped me in so many ways!!!

[@MarciaALW]

I also learned to sew through 4-H many years ago. I sewed garments and came to quilting much later. Now my daughter is in 4-H, and although she is not interested in sewing, there is an active quilting group in the fiber arts project. It was awesome to see a bunch of quilts at the county fair last summer.

[@michellem8284]

I remember when my daughter was around 13 she wanted a "cool" book bag. We purchased a pattern and some upholstery fabric and made her one together. We got stumped at the end and had to return to the store for guidance, but I believe she still has that book bag and she is now 32!

[@suzetteamos6257]

Absolutely agree that BOMs are skill builders for sure!!

[@8machines62]

Love that Friendly Blooms quilt on the wall! Thank you for a jelly roll quilt pattern!

[@melindarx]

Absolutely love the hanging quilt!! Kimberly Jolly taught me so much with the first Sewcialites! When finished, I felt like I had had a master class on quilting. Afterwards, I’ve learned more from different designers and KZbin channels just like yours. I’m sew obsessed!

[@kathyhutchins5130]

I’m 61 y.o. And participated in my first ever quilt along. I’ve been making quilts for 27 years and never thought I could do a block of the month. So much fun and great to expand horizons. New quilter, there is a huge community of quilters out there to reach out to for help and encouragement. You can do this!

[@darahudson5150]

New Quilters: I would to say that Chelsea's Sweet Pea pattern is an amazing, fun, fast beginner quilter pattern. I made it with your fabrics with my friend in a day and then I used the pattern to make a Bengals quilt for my 6 year old grandson and a Harry Potter quilt for my grandaughter. They look great and whip up fast!

[@sharonstarr6338]

Last year was my 2nd quilting year and I signed up for multiple BOMs (I was 64 when I started. I used to sew for my girls when they were little though) This was the best way to build my skills in making 6 in blocks, using directional fabrics, learning multiple techniques and ending up with so many quilts at the end of the year. I did your 2022 BOM making 3 quilts - one for me and one for each of my three daughters. Since I learned so much last year I have several goal for this year. I bought a sewing machine with many additional features and want to learn how to make a zippered pillow back (using your technique), paper piecing, and appliqué. I plan to only do your 2023 BOM so I will have time to learn these new skills. Love your podcast so keep them coming!

[@tammyingle233]

I agree that the block of month really does hohn your skills. When I started following on KZbin videos, I found my blocks really trueing up!

[@carmenmaldonado6486]

The bloopers video is so much fun. You guys are so cute. I loved it. Thank you

[@sandrafamuliner8741]

I so enjoy your podcasts, fabric lines and your patterns.

[@nhager]

I did a quilt in December from an older Fons and Porter Love of Quilting magazine. It was called ‘Central Park’ and was really pretty but had curves. I have quilted for 30 years but only done curves a couple of times. These were free form cutting. When I gave it to my grandson for Christmas I informed him it was one of a kind and never to be repeated. I did not enjoy the process. The results were good but I can see why I waited 12 years to finally make it.

[@carmenmaldonado6486]

I love the sew along. Thank you. ❤️

[@amaurer65]

As a beginner, I tool a beginning class, but I also did Moda Blockheads 1. They were 6.5" unfinished blocks. Oh my! I made every single block and got tips from the other participants. Knowing what I know now, I wouldn't have joined. But I am glad I did because I learned so much.

[@roseanderson4928]

The tulips on the wall are really great! I love the way the polka dots make lines of dots going down the sides of the flowers. Enjoyed it again as always!

[@carmenbailey1560]

Wow, I have to share back 40 yrs. I took a high school course, learn to quilt. My choice was Drunkard Path, 😂 teachers when on strike so I dove in cardboard template, scissors, and hand sewed 3/4 of the quilt. Then retired in 2018 took it out and machine sewed the rest. Fast forward it has many mishaps, fabrics colours are less then appealing, but I actually cosy up with it all the time. I now have learnt a lot from KZbin and have made 10 quilts I love your block of the month and want to thank you for sharing. 👍❤️😊

[@joanbright5831]

36:37 I love this! Never to old I say. I have 5 grown children. Little time or space to sew when all my children were home. I starting quilting last year at 66. Pieced quilts for 2 oldest grands, 9 more to go! Also quilted 6 pillow covers so I could practice binding! Also pieced a very complicated quilt, Christmas Stroll using Merry Little Christmas by Bonnie and Camille. All any of these 3 quilt’s anywhere near perfect? No…but I am old…time to jump in! My grands loved their quilts. I am sure they are not searching for the few seams that did not line up!

[@NaomiC336]

Your suggestion of BOM is brilliant. Our local quilt shop has one each year. They also video the instructions and post on their facebook page. It’s so helpful and stretches my ability.

[@robintaylor3622]

30 yrs ago my 2nd quilt was a Giant Dahlia. I didn't have any idea that it was way out of my skill level just that I really liked the one that my teacher had made and showed us during the class. It wasn't great, but I was proud of myself for getting it done. I'm glad I didn't have people telling me not to even try something that difficult. Really my only regret is that the fabric back then wasn't very good and hasn't aged well. I still have the book and even with all the beautiful, good quality fabrics it's one quilt I have no plans to tackle again.

[@katherinem7835]

I remember when I was pregnant with my son and was trying to sew some maternity pants and was so frustrated. I think it's important to have a good machine.

[@jennystrahley927]

I've been listening while sewing together my 2022 blocks, so I can start 2023 BOM with you again. I've been binge sewing the last 6 blocks because I got behind with other projects. I agree that BOM's and KZbin videos are great assets for new quilters. Thanks for great podcast as always. 😊

[@susanblack1894]

Good morning!💗 Happy New year, looking forward to a great time with you guy's of A Quilting Life.

[@shannonphipps2]

I started quilting during Covid and I signed up for a monthly subscription box. This helped me since I didn’t have a fabric stash and stores weren’t open. I got fabric collections (fat quarters) which helped me get better at choosing fabric combinations. There were also notions, patterns, and small projects. I only did it for 6 months but it was fun. Quilting Facebook groups have been very supportive too.

[@deborahlunsford6983]

Hi guys, love your podcasts. I am one of those people you talked about. I am a 63 year old nurse still working part time. I am an American living in Canada. I renewed my love of quilting after a long pause while working and raisin 3 childrens. My first quilt was a single irish chain. I love the them and are very drawn to these patterns. Probably speaks to my orderly nurse brain. i I did a BOM last year and really appreciated the variety of techniques. . I am currently working on a very scrappy double irish made with leaders and enders technique while working on other small projects so it is growing very organicaly. I am downloading your BOM to start later this year. Love Chelsie's flower quilt, thinking about purchasing pattern. BTW, it looks very irish chainy,LOL.

[@donnafendelet5040]

The quilt on the wall is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!! Have you thought of putting it as a boxed quilt kit. Im positive it would be a sell out. I would buy for for sure! Thankyou for your inspirational videos. I love watching them

[@baseballquilter8984]

I Have to agree with Chelsi about the "Block of the MONTH". This is exactly why I am joining in the block of the month with a Quilting Life. No stress, no pressure. I can take my time. Again, this is my first block (literally). I wasn't sure which line to use. With that being said I made 4 BOM. My last one has to be my favorite. It's not perfect but looks cute! My first 2 I turned into a center piece for my dining table. No Waste! 😉 I also started out with small projects. I am very proud of my envelope pillowcases, drawstring totes, and my zipper pouches! Thank you for the encouragement.

[@shelaghfolgate1468]

Happy new year ladies. Please could Billy do your BLOCK OF THE MONTH. He said he wants to sew, with him making the block would really help beginner's. Great pod today thanks 😊

[@WolchBot]

I just have the binding to finish on my first quilt. I took a class at a local quilt shop and for me that was the right decision. There are some questions that come up that it is nice to have somebody on hand to help you learn. Obviously not everyone has access to that and KZbin has so many great resources. But if a local class is available that is what I would start with. We also made 6 different kinds of blocks so it was a good variety of techniques to learn.

[@martikline4522]

I love hearing book recommendations. I love to read, almost as much as quilting!

[@OurFamilyFunChannel]

When you were talking about learning to quilt and about your first quilts, it made me smile. My first quilt is so bad with so many points cut off and uneven blocks. I learned from the internet and missed the part about squaring up. My quilts got better as I watched different people on you tube. I had to find skills that made sense to me and picked up some from everyone I watched. Love your podcast because it is so relatable to everyone!

[@deniseg7340]

I've participated in a BOM for the last 3 years and LOVE it! I work the blocks each month (okay, to be honest, sometimes I get behind and do a "Quarterly BOM" lol), sew rows and sashing as each is completed, sew the finishing kit throughout the year, and at the end, I have a completed quilt often with interesting borders and intricate blocks that I would have initially been intimidated by - it's a real boost to my confidence level! It's a "little" project that I can do between projects with deadlines (baby quilt, graduation quilt, Holiday quilt - etc.). For me, I like to collect fabric or purchase kits for the finishing, binding and back at the same time so that at the end of the BOM, I really do have a full, completed quilt - so exciting!

[@theresabrown2037]

I truly love watching your show here. It is very informative and teaches me so much. I'm still try to learn these blocks. I've been very anxious I want to join block of the month but never joined one yet. I want to always learn to make a patch block quilt I hope this will help me one day one day

[@beccabaxter7528]

Just started my second year of BOM. Thank you for running the program. I really enjoyed last year and felt like it did help improve my skills. This year my mom and sister are joining me. The slower pace allows for me to finish up on other WIP's without being overwhelmed.

[@jackienelson1424]

I’ve been quilting for 30 years and still go to the Yellow Brick Road pattern for a quick quilt!

[@kmjoseph5512]

I love both the quilts on the ladders they are on my wish list

[@manuelashannon1369]

Yes. A sew along forces you to learn new skills. I sure appreciate. Weekly is daunting given we have other projects. I’m doing 2 weekly sew a longs, so it’s busy.

[@lisakind]

I found a beginner class from Fat Quarter shop on KZbin. It was a series of several videos from the very start to finish and was so good. I learned so much and referred to it often as I was working on subsequent quilts. Love your quilts and videos. Hoping to work on your BOM this year! Oh, and I’m 62 and just started quilting after retiring!

[@charlenemorris6391]

I agree BOMs are skill builders. When I started I was not good but eventually it became easy. My dogs and I have lots of my memories. I still do not get real upset if I cut off a tip just make another and I will use the block somehow. I had a friend who wanted a quilt quickly so I had her pick some blocks from my orphaned blocks and some she picked I thought why those they are awful but she loved them. My lesson was learned to not be so hard on an error because all blocks are loved by somebody.

[@cgmilleson]

There is no same in “Pride and Prejudice.” I adore Austen’s work!

[@kathyphillips1537]

I ordered 2 Home Sweet Home Row quilt patterns twice in the week you introduced your new fabric line. I have ordered most of your new patterns Sherri and Chelsi. Can't wait to make them.

[@manuelashannon1369]

Glad to hear you again. Love listening walk my dogs at 5:30 am.

[@joydicksonquilts]

I picked up Friendly Blooms. So cute 🥰

[@sandrajohnson4218]

I was like you, Chelsi, my first quilt was a difficult pattern. I seem to always do that with any craft I first get into. 🤪

[@prnhoney]

When you brought up the 10 pages a day to complete all the major writings of Jane Austin, I remembered I have a large gold-edged book with all her works in it, and I calculated how many pages I’d need to read a day to finish it in a year and it worked out to roughly 4, so that’s what I’m doing! Thanks for the idea & motivation!

[@taralovestrand597]

💖 The Power of Habit is one of my favorite books! So insightful and explains a lot!! 👏🏽

[@debbiebrugman4543]

When someone asks me to help them learn to sew I always have them bring the manual, go over the parts with them, wind a couple of bobbins and thread the machine. I also have them buy 2, 3 or 4 charm packs or fat quarters to make 5” squares. Charm squares are manageable with a more positive outcome then 2 1/2” squares.

[@beckyb8808]

Omigosh, BOMs are for patient people! Found out the hard way that I seriously disliked that wait! But so many lovely quilts are BOMs!! I learned part way through my first one to assign a bin and throw all the packages in there until I had rec'd them all before I started sewing.

[@lindacasias8800]

OMG that quilt behind you is gorgeous! I just added it to my wish list!

[@cazkiwinz4300]

Actually, I’m watching at 12.01am Tuesday 10 Jan… in New Zealand 😝 0:23

[@lynnmcentire4014]

My 9 year old granddaughter made a tote bag with a 9 patch front.

[@tammraneese720]

Question: I have been quilting for a number of years now! Totally hook and have enough projects planned to fill my lifetime and I’m only middle aged! Hahaha! Here is my question: what life lessons have you learned from quilting? I personally feel like it teaches so many! Never give up! Beauty can come from anything and where you least expect it are just a few! I’d love to hear what you guys think! Thank you for sharing your excitement and projects with all of us! Billy, look forward to your next project as well!

[@abigaildolinger2754]

I love the Poinsettia quilt made with colorful fabrics! Thanks for a fun and informative podcast. Q. On which social media platform do you prefer is to post pics of quilts and blocks you have designed? I have posted on IG, but I don’t see many other IG posts of your designs.

[@carmenmaldonado6486]

My advice for a new quilter is to take a good beginner class. I did and kept learning and loving the new craft. I think that if you don’t get the basics You might get frustrated or scared and quit.

[@vikkivanveldhuizen2290]

Missed you guys. I hope you had a wonderful break.

[@chrissyropp8588]

Chelsea- my first quilt was curved piecing. I didn’t know curved piecing was supposed to be difficult and was just determined to finish. I even modified the pattern😂 Try a project from Sew Kind of Wonderful and use their quick curve ruler. The instructions have you trim the sections so they turn out great.

[@janemcdaniel7502]

Shout Out to Yellow Brick Road for beginners! It was my second quilt and I gave it to my bff. I grabbed a small fat quarter bundle and selected a coordinated boarder from my local quilt shop. It was lots of fun and my bestie still cherishes it all these years later. Highly recommend this pattern for new quilters.

[@TLStitches]

I agree! I was quilting for years before this pattern came out, but I found myself in need of a fun and simple pattern when I had a few niece's graduating the same year. I had lots of fat quarters on hand so that made it easy and I love all the size variations! I still use it when I need something fast. I just made one a few months ago for a wedding gift with some beautiful fall colored flannels I had around for years

[@deemoody1954]

I’ve made several Yellow Brick Roads. Easy, quick and pretty. Who could ask for anything more?

[@angelahomicz1813]

About Cozy Earth, I had a terrible experience with them. Ordered an item for my husband with your discount for Christmas. It never came. I had contacted them twice and they said it was being processed but then a week after Christmas I got an email that the item wasn’t in stock and I would be reimbursed. It was upsetting because I didn’t feel they weren’t being transparent. Not any reflection on you, just putting it out there for others to know

[@annierego5795]

I started quilting some 30 years ago when my daughters were young. I think I’m was in search of self therapy time. My first quilt was a king size snowball quilt with NO experience. Guess what I did… I actually cut out each hexagon and triangles And then sewed them together. What was I thinking. My second quilt was a Christmas quilt using split rail block. I remember picking out what I thought were light, medium and dark Christmas fabric. We’ll, they weren’t ,and the entire quilt looked like a big mush of Christmas colors. Funny to look back now.

[@suzannemiller993]

The oldest person I heard about starting quilting was in her early nineties. Her quilts were shown at Quilt America...she was still quilting at age 97 and had no intention of quitting any time soon.

[@theresabrown2037]

I actually have a question for Billy. I am interested in making blankets for dogs and possibly pillows from full fat quarters make a nice cushions for small dogs and/or cats. I have been curious how your, Billy, project for animal shelters is going?

[@melissabibb8355]

The very first thing I made was a table runner from a video on Utube that I watched from sherry

[@megbutcher3163]

Question. You probably have already discussed types of batting and pros and cons but if not I’d love to hear more about this. I am making a quilt for my bed so I am willing to spend some money to get the just right batting. I plan to big stitch hand quilt it. Thanks!

[@kathyaschenbach8081]

I have to say I have your planner Sherri and it has been extremely helpful. I consider myself a new quilter even though I have been at this for close to 5 years. However I am still figuring out my pace. I am retired and I sorta got overwhelmed. Like going into a candy store and buying it all. With the help of your planner I am writing down daily goals but also project goals. However I am not writing all my projects down. I wrote a few and when those are completed I will add more.Q. II also would love to know if triangle paper would work with the January block of the month. It is my first time for making a block of the month for 2023

[@lisahumbert942]

I’m probably Sheri’s age, and started sewing/quilting pre-internet. Also had a young family and not tons of disposable income, so repeat projects ie Double Irish chain were common for us back then.

[@MacBrice100]

Love all things Jane Austen! My Dogs are Darcy, Lizzy, and Charli!

[@bhnmiller239]

Question: how often do you change your needle, rotary cutter blade and how often do you clean your sewing machine? I'm a "sporadic" quilter, fitting in bits of sewing as my schedule allows. Therefore, I often forget when I last changed out the needle, rotary blade, or even cleaned the lint from my machine. The reason for this question is that I recently had some problems with my machine where it was puckering the fabric. I re-threaded the needle, changed the needle, etc. and the problem continued. I didn't want to mess with the tension as I'd never done that before and was worried I'd mess it up. I finally took out the bobbin case and the amount of lint was appalling! Cleaning that out took care of the problem and the machine worked like a dream. I usually clean the machine after a big project, but apparently I'd been sewing enough small items and had forgotten to complete that important task. I love your podcast/youtube and regularly listen either while sewing or when on the drive to work. - Heather

[@kayehlavaty8220]

I vote that Billy should get a complimentary set of Cozy Earth sheets so that we can hear from a man’s perspective!

[@lilyt13]

Q: I am so excited to be starting your 2023 block of the month! I am wondering if you have any tips on cutting out the fabric for block of the month sew alongs? Particularly background fabrics. Sometimes it gets tedious to cut out small pieces for every block, so are there any specific strip sizes x WOF you would say just go ahead and cut a few of to get ahead? Or do you pretty much have to do it per block? Thanks so much and I love all of your content!

[@nancytackett2878]

You might consider setting up a Good Reads account. Books can be rated, add your own notes-comments, and shared.

[@sharonspencer6486]

Do you sell your own fabric lines? Where I live my small quilt shops don’t carry you fabric and I love what both of you do.

[@susyk6839]

I love you BOM and your fabric and mostly your podcasts ♥️. I understand a lot of beginners benefit from your info as well. I have been a self taught quilter, starting at 21 yrs in 1985. Do you have any patterns that would be a good challenge marker for me? I don't have a lot of time to quilt now but love being challenged. I have a tendency to change every pattern I do to make it more challenging. Then I am down a rabbit hole & takes longer to complete.

[@manuelashannon1369]

I’m in the market for sheets. I’m going to use your coupon! Yay n

[@nbc911]

Question: Is Martingale your publisher? How will you publish going forward and what will happen about your past books?

[@sherrillstrassburg9157]

Q: Hi all! I participated in your quilt sampler sew along from your Home for the Holidays book. However I had a hard time making the blocks when I had to refer to your PDF and the book as it was hard for me to figure out how to cut just enough fabric for one block when the instructions in the book calls for several blocks. Am I missing something? Is there an easy way to figure this sort of thing out? Thank you for any advice you can give. Love your show, videos, fabrics and patterns! Most of all, love that your whole family is involved! Warms my heart!!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@megohanlon514]

Hi, I love your podcast, I'm not sure how to find the $5 pattern, I tried a few of the links, I really love that pattern, hope you can help 😊

[@rlgillette]

My started both my son and daughter sewing a tote bag... that way they had a place to keep their sewing fabric, etc. while learning more. But a funny thing. My son loved sewing more then my daughter and I think a lot of it was the fact that he was operating a machine.. and he loved motors, mechanics, etc... but the fact that he could take a machine and make something was awesome to him. My daughter is very talented artist, and really to this date at over 40 now, she only sews if she has to. LOL

[@jaynebromley]

Question: I noticed your patterns don’t show what direction to press the seams. Is that something you would consider adding for future patterns? I’m a beginner quilter and that information really helps me.

[@annavenardos1173]

Chelsi, do you still have that first quilt? Love to see a pic.

[@carolynbrown1774]

I am a passionate quilter and have been quilting over 40 years. I find that I do not like block of the months as it feels like hurry up and wait. I have learned that I do better working from beginning to end, one project at a time. Am I in a minority? I recently started teaching beginning quilting and enjoy it but it is really time consuming. Much respect.

[@jillgainey5609]

QUESTION: what rulers should a beginning quilter purchase?

[@SheriA2462]

Question - Could you please discuss whether there is a right and wrong side on white fabric, particularly Bella whites? I use a lot of Bella 200 and once the pieces are cut, it’s hard to keep track of which side is which. I’m sure I have gotten them mixed up but I can’t tell on the finished quilt.

[@kathydye8298]

Q do you have a list of your quilt patterns by pre-cuts? So like which are fat qtr friendly, fat eighth, charms, etc. ?

[@lisaannef]

My question ... for the first time in years, I am in a funk and feeling very uninspired. I am usually sewing every day but I haven't since November. Suggestions of inspiration?

[@TLStitches]

I experience this every so often. For me, just taking the pressure off of sewing and going through my sewing room and cleaning and organizing is all it takes to get me motivated again. I clean up any messes, organize projects, fabric and patterns and books and clean my sewing machine and organize my sewing tools. I get rid of items I don't need or use (I donate them or give them to someone I know will use them), and that is often plenty to get me motivated. Sometimes there's just too much clutter physically and mentally and sometimes we experience burnout, especially after the holidays. Sometimes I also pick up my other crafty lives, for example, crochet or embroidery, etc., and that really helps me get back into everything.

[@lisaannef]

@@TLStitches Great suggestions! I think it started with getting a very active puppy and losing my quilting time completely. I did the organizing thing last week and I'm trying to do some more watercolour and photography. I have been looking thru art, photography and quilt books for something to spark my interest again now that puppy time has calmed down a bit.

[@lynneschultz316]

FYI: Morning, 1/9-The price of the Afterglow pattern has not been reduced yet in Etsy.

[@AQuiltingLife]

Thank you! It should now be $5 in her shop. Sorry about that.

[@SimplyDevine10]

Question: Have you ever designed a terrific pattern and submitted it to Moda, only to find out some other designer has already designed a similar pattern.

[@denisemahoney9373]

??Question?? I have a pattern that needs to have a flying geese rectangle cut at 2x3.5. Should I cut a 2 inch strip and then subcut into 3.5 or can I cut a 3.5 inch strip and subcut into 2 inch rectangle. Will the flying geese rectangle turn out better if cut on width of fabric or length of fabric?