Episode 77: Tips for Pressing Seams, Holding on to Fabric, and Designing Unique Quilt Patterns

In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi answer the remaining listener questions they had left in their queue. Topics discussed today include cutting accurate flying geese blocks, beginner tips for pressing seams, quilt patterns that resemble other quilts, suggested rulers for beginner quilters, holding on to fabric, fabric storage, and favorite Bella grey fabrics. Sherri and Chelsi also shared links to two of their favorite recipes and discussed possibly filming a video of them making one of their family's favorite recipes!
Use code, AQUILTINGLIFE to get 35% off all purchases sitewide at www.cozyearth.com
Show Notes Blog Post: www.aquiltinglife.com/?p=27052
Cozy Earth: cozyearth.com/
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Morning Walk (Quilt on the Wall): tidd.ly/3wRtSCj
Hearts at Home 2 (Quilt on the Table): tidd.ly/31Au3rR
Purging Fabric Stash Blog Post: www.aquiltinglife.com/5-declu...
Sherri's Ruler Storage Video: • Sewing Room Organizati...
Creamy Corn Chowder Recipe (Chelsi's Favorite): ourbestbites.com/creamy-corn-...
Cinnamon Rolls Recipe (Sherri's Favorite): abountifulkitchen.com/overnig...
NOTE: Some of the links provided here are affiliate links.
Where to Find Us:
Facebook: A Quilting Life with Sherri & Chelsi: / 459389991531728
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A Quilting Life Pattern Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/SherriQuilts
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[@vickiwillard1701]

Hey girls! In the past, pressing seams open was probably discouraged because if you had your finished top quilted in the ditch, the quilting was going between the fabrics in the open seam allowance, in other words, into nothing but threads, which could potentially weaken the seams. If your quilt is being stitched in the ditch, you ALWAYS press to the side to catch fabric. Just one of many longarm quilting rules👍🏼

[@robinlynch9199]

Hi Henalore, I have watched this video so many times! Such an inspiration!

[@barbarabaker346]

My favorite ruler is any thing from Quilters Select - these rulers truly do not slid when you are cutting fabric. Try it one time and you will be hooked.

[@MICHIGANGAL007]

totally agree; love my quilter's select rules. I made a video review on them. I am not a professional videographer. just a quilter that wanted to shares these great non-slip rulers.

[@marileekgriffith1812]

I love "Morning Walk"! Beautiful & fresh colors. Thanks for sharing.

[@dorothyromero4445]

Billy, you are a good asset to the quilting life family podcast.

[@terrieberly8109]

Love your podcasts on youtube. I'm a 67 yr old newbie and have only done 3 jelly roll race quilts up to now. I found you during the pandemic and look forward to new videos. Today was a treat to see Billy. The voice "behind" the camera. Sherri you have a beautiful family and a great podcast. God Bless you all.

[@Carolmaizy]

I started quilting at age 60 myself. I enjoy finally doing something artistic and creative. I've learned how to quilt only by watching You Tube videos! I hope you have as much fun quilting as I do.

[@monataylor2600]

I think Sherri could do a Give-Away with her unused collections languishing in her stash when we get to 100k! ❤ you guys!

[@susanpapoutsakis4036]

I started pressing to the dark side. After listening to Kimberly Jolly and why she pressed open I thought I would try it. It has made a world of difference but yes the ends would come open. That bugged me. So went back and listened to Kimberly Jolly again and I forgot to lower the stitch length. So now when sewing seams together I use a 1.6 I ch stitch. Only bad thing was if I had to rip a seam out I couldn't see the stitches. Then I had cataract surgery!! Game changer!!! If I want to stitch in the ditch, I stitch next to the ditch. I learned that from Stephanie from Quilt Addicts Anonymous.

[@tristadav]

I liked Fons & Porter answer to the favorite fabric you can't make yourself cut into- Porter said, 'Your favorite fabrics will last longer and wear better sewn into a quilt than on the shelf'.

[@debranorris4331]

Another great podcast from my favorite quilting family!!! So excited for the new fabric line reveal!! And the Fish Taco Recipe!!! Yay!!!! Thank You !!!!

[@susanvoth5831]

Here is a hint I’ve seen on many different quilting blogs and heard on podcasts - use a smaller stitch length if pressing seams open. The issue with that is if you make a mistake and have to rip out seams it will be a big hassle because the stitches are so small. Can’t wait to see the newest fabric line. I’m loving Simply Delightful.

[@dianawilson995]

As a longarmer, it is important to NOT stitch in the ditch if the seams have been pressed open. Just another thing to think about while piecing your blocks.

[@mallred7578]

Yes. I will now ask my customers if they have pressed open so I will know to not stitch in the ditch if they have.

[@Mel_leit]

Such a sweet family! I’m excited for the new fabric! 🎉

[@janmatthiesen4142]

Great podcast today! Really enjoy Billy being more present. Good job everybody!

[@tammyingle233]

Loved today's episode. Regarding seams, I use a smaller stitch length. Most of the time, I iron to the dark side, but if using a pattern, I use their directions. I have many rulers, the best one so far CGR Log Cabin rulers turn those blocks to perfection! I agree with others. Smaller stitches & errors are very hard to undo. You learn not to make the same mistakes after.

[@gigiodom156]

That 4.5 x 8.5 inch ruler was my first Creative Grids ruler, and is still my most used!

[@elsafischer3247]

Good morning I love the quilts. Thank you. I love your Podcast also while I go to my therapies I lisinting to them even though I have seen before. Please excuse my English. Im not from the USA

[@KTquiltsandsews]

The cooking video would be super fun to watch. xx

[@kimberlygwinnup4348]

Loved seeing Billy participate. You are such a lovely family!

[@susann7]

Thanks for addressing a few listener questions outside of your usual schedule. I still consider myself a beginner quilter and it helps to hear answers and explanations from those more experienced. I also really appreciate the discussion between Sheri & Chelsi. Sheri has years of experience from which we all benefit & I can relate to Chelsi’s explanations from the perspective of a newer quilter. The panic over a pattern not having pressing directions is real! I remember it taking me way too long to figure out how to press a block the first time without it being explicitly written in the pattern!

[@C12133]

Sherri, You want to give your fabric away??? 😭😭😭 It will be giveaway time very soon!! I saw someone else mentioned the same thing!! Great minds think alike. 😉 I love ❤️ the quilts and I can’t wait for the new collection!! Thanks, Sherri, Chelsi and Billy!!

[@MarciaALW]

Chelsi’s personality shines through more and more, and I love it. Girl, you are hilarious!

[@crhp13tblock52]

I saw the new fabrics and I totally LOVE them!!

[@mariawells8026]

Another marvelous podcast! Thank you all. The links below were helpful, as I clicked on them and reviewed. Love the recipes and will be making them soon. Blessings to you all.

[@susanfinn7653]

Enjoyed today’s podcast, once again fun, lively discussion about two of my favorite topics, food and quilting! I was taught to press seams open, use a smaller stitch but I never thought about the reinforcement by the quilting! I made a quilt several years ago that came to pieces because it was a) well love and b) frequently washed. All seams were pressed open and I did a stitch in the ditch quilting, now I understand why!!!😊

[@brendajans-pz1hn]

Hey Sheri and Chelsi - just wanted to thank you both but this time, in particular, thank you Chelsi. I just heard you mention that you use your low volume prints in the Hearts at Home quilt. Yay!! I'm so glad you mentioned that. I previously sent in a question about how to use the low volume fabrics in a bundle (which Sherri answered with great suggestions). But I love having this tip with something I can actually see. Thank you so much. I hope you'll continue to point out ways you've used low volume prints. Love you guys!!

[@bethanykalb1301]

Good morning. Thank you for sharing - I wish I could make all the quilts!

[@cindysakala9641]

Love the cooking/quilting idea! Edyta Sitar had a pierogie video and I made them (wonderful)! Fish tacos sound great.

[@QuiltyJill]

I'm looking forward to "Quilting in the Kitchen." What great title.

[@bettybrown6373]

Love your Podcast! Thank You! I look forward to every episode! I really enjoy the family vibe! You guys are Awesome!

[@katherinem7835]

And I am not going to purge any fabric. I love it all!! Even the old stuff.

[@kimdent1637]

Chelsi, I am not a fan of Log Cabin quilts... until today. Your Morning Walk quilt is beautiful!

[@marysills4317]

You three get better and better. And I love Morning Walk.

[@nikkiwilliams3147]

I love all your collections but seashore drive is my favorite. I hope your new collection 😉 has a similar colorway. I love watching all your videos. Thank you for keeping me inspired.

[@patriciaruppert201]

You girls are amazing and I look forward to each new episode. Blessings and hugs. 🥰🥰

[@abigaildolinger2754]

Regarding names of quilts and fabric collections…the names you imagine are so unique and creative. You go!

[@debbiethebeau1650]

You guys are a real pleasure to watch and listen to. Love your content!!

[@Cherylpuckey]

This is so much fun to see Billy involved in the video…yay..hope you keep the new videos….its way more interactive….have a great week.

[@joanmcfadyen]

Another great podcast!❤

[@marileekgriffith1812]

Just realized the quilt on your table is from the class my daughter & I were signed up for, before the Garden of Quilts at Thanksgiving Point was cancelled during pandemic!! I have your pattern & will be making it in the future. Thanks!!

[@sherrillstrassburg9157]

Yes please... A pj day on the podcast!!! ❤️ Would love to see Cozy Earth pj's!!!!

[@pampeterson3092]

I have recently found and subscribed to your KZbin Podcast and am really enjoying listening and learning. And, am familiarizing myself with your fabric collections and designs. You both have lovely fabrics and quilt patterns. Thank you for sharing your quilting experiences

[@lillylane8832]

It was interesting to think about my feelings towards treasured fabric. I do not have a large stash, I buy quilt by quilt--until this Christmas when my husband bought me a surprise bundle. At first, I didn't want to cut it. I think it was due to fear of messing it up. Now, that I have it in a project, I get way more joy out of using it. So, for me, I think the joy of being wrapped up or using beloved fabric far exceeds the fear of cutting into it😊

[@barbaraskaret9574]

Yes! Cooking and quilting!

[@marileekgriffith1812]

I use 6" x12", 6"x24", & a large square to square up my blocks-12"x12" or 16"x16" (sizes may vary by 1/2").

[@katherinem7835]

So I have a storage building that is full of fabric. And I have a sewing room full of fabric. I use clear tubs so I can see what is in the tubs. I gave up buying more fabric for lent. I saw a new block of the month that I thought was so beautiful, but I couldn't buy more fabric. So I went out to the storage building and found a line of fabric that is so familiar I'm going to use it. Yahoo!!

[@wandawoodrell1414]

I haven't bn quilting real long. I recently felt confident enough to get graph paper, and designed my own pattern.I was so excited! I had not seen any pattern like it. I made a table runner; and called it Whirley Gig. 6 months later,I watched a MSQ video, and lo! Misty was making the same idea(just slightly different measurements). I was SO dissapointed. So in December, I got out the graph paper, designed my own pattern again. Made tests blocks, sewed a row , and wow!, almost exact design showed up recently in someone else's designs. I guess when we grow and learn techniques, it's bound to happen that we try the same.

[@karenkennedy7516]

Thank you for the grey fabrics. I’m going to be looking for exactly that for my socialite’s finishing Love your podcast thanks.

[@allisonlunsford7659]

I'm subscribing to the Chats with Chelsi podcast as soon as it becomes an thing!! 😄

[@cathicopley2456]

Love watching your videos and the interaction you three have. I am looking forward to the new fabric line. I printed the chowder and cinnamon roll recipes and will definitely make these and the fish tacos when that is made available. Thank you for all your great content.

[@pamelalinthompson]

Love your discussions today.. I also have kitty corn to make and the Santa fabric and panel I will be working on soon. I did the deer panel it’s so very cute!! Thanks for all ur sharing! IKEA has some great storage cabinets..

[@stelladelacruz7934]

Thank you thank you for all you do keep giving me new ideas on quilts to make. I want to know which fabric your daughter is going to quilt !!!

[@hsv_mel]

Chelsie, best of both worlds, wear your Cosy Earth PJ's while cooking the taco's for video🌮😉

[@connieboulay7885]

I look at a line drawing and mark with arrows how it should be pressed so that nested seams are maximized, and twirl a lot as well.

[@kathyworden3781]

Thanks!

[@AQuiltingLife]

Thank you so much Kathy. We appreciate the support!

[@lauramiller9672]

I remember pressing open was a no no because batting used to "beard" come up through the seam. Now batting is much better quality and usually you don't have that problem

[@marleneclark4186]

I’m looking forward to Fish Tacos in the kitchen with quilt chatter. Thank you Sherri for moving your water bottle back to the wall. It was a big distraction, when it was out front. It blocked you. It’s nice to see Billy on camera, also. Thank you for sharing your quilt knowledge with us.

[@donnakeim2049]

Loe, love, love your quilt on the wall Chelsie. Looking forward to the recipe for fish tacos - my family will love those I am sure.

[@debrat777]

Quilt talk and cooking! Yes!!!

[@traciowens2778]

Love fish tacos!! Y'all are making me hungry!

[@kimwood5239]

You are a beautiful family. I recently bought the kit like the quilt on the left but I think I want to make it bigger so Im going to buy some yardage.

[@63Kelsey]

I belong to a group in Canada called Victoria's Quilt and we make quilts for cancer patients. I thought this would be a nice pattern to do so I just bought the pattern . I could only get a "Seashore drive" jelly roll so will have to cut strips into 1 1/2" strips...but thats ok. I can make 2 quilts. Just bought Hearts at Home from Fat Quarter shop as well.

[@pamelasoper6448]

I lov my 3.5”x 6.6” creative grid ruler!

[@florence9876]

I am so glad the fabric stash topic came up. I (cringe) have Fig Tree fabric bundles and more of Patisserie, Mill House and Strawberry fields that I still have not cut. recently I finally cut into Mirabelle for the pear quilt. I have others but Im not ready to face those demons.. :)

[@bethschmiedel8494]

Good ideas for recipes

[@peggyharris7849]

I just watched an interesting Leah Day video. With a few notable exceptions, she presses most seams open. She sets her stitch length at 1.5. I am starting a new quilt soon and am going to try it.

[@sherriwolters5306]

I have been quilting over 15 years, still have to think about the pressing, often think wrong and meet up, but it's not end of world can always fix it, but until a few years back I had to overthink the pressing and stress out, but when in doubt I press open

[@cweirich40]

I would watch your cooking show! Love your podcasts also!

[@melril32000]

I love the comment abbot rabbits! I just finished organizing my fabric into sizes. I told my husband that I put the fabric in my sewing room, and when I turn my back it multiplies like rabbits🤣

[@mallred7578]

Feeling impatient. I NEED that fish taco recipe and video. Love your podcast.

[@kathygospodarek8541]

Ooooh the cooking and quilty talk would be a hoot.

[@daniellemcveigh5285]

I Just received the paper pattern Hearts at home. In this pattern it says to use jellyroll, not honeybun, which Chelsi says on this podcast. Danielle

[@carmenmaldonado6486]

If I have to press open ,I do use a small stitch length so when I press open the seam won’t open.

[@lisahouston2843]

As a longarmer, when you press open a quilt block, it makes it much more difficult if you want the longarmer to stitch in the ditch, because then there isn’t a ditch to stitch in! And then you would be stitching in the seam where the piecing thread is and I don’t know if you would run the risk of hitting and cutting those stitches of piecing. Just food for thought!

[@beareid6053]

I was always told to press to one side so, when it is quilted the seams will be automatically reinforced by the quilting.

[@tabeaweber7294]

Hey there Sherri, Chelsi and Billy! I discovered your channel during the pandemic and I wanted to express my great appreciation for your work! I am still sort of a quilting beginner and it is just so much fun listening to your videos while I am working on my projects. It keeps me great company. My Grandmother on the American side of my family was a dedicated quilter for decades. Her passion seems to have skipped everyone in my family except me. I was wondering if you could talk a little about the way you choose the patterns you like to make, apart from those that you design yourselves. Or do you only make quilts from your patterns? How many quilts do you usually make using the same pattern? If you also make quilts from other pattern designers, which ones to you like to make and how do you keep an overview of what's "current" regarding patterns? There are just so many patterns out there and I feel that I am missing an overview of some sort. Anyways, thank you for all you do and I am rooting for your continued success! Warmest regards from Germany, Tabea

[@jennifersurra-dayley4781]

You two remind me so much of my daily quilting conversations with my Mom. Your KZbin channel is one of my favorites and so easy to listen to. My Mom and I both work(ed) in the accounting industry and we both love quilting and love to have quilting challenges between us. I love designing patterns and use EQ8 to design them but struggle how to write them up with the diagrams. Can you tell me what program you use to write your patterns?

[@quiltnanny2011]

Valentine's my hubby and I celebrated our 25th anniversary ❤️

[@annasalterations]

You can get desiccant packs that will help with not having a smell

[@Y_studio]

Please do find out what the light grey Camille Roskelley has been using. I will love to know and try it. Thanks! Love your podcast!

[@annroberson8890]

Chelsi you me laugh out loud. Can’t wait for Chelsi After Dark 😂

[@LynndeeG]

Baking video talking about quilts?! Amazing idea! How about baking cinnamon rolls in your pajamas? 😂 but I want to see the fish tacos too!

[@kathierichards3531]

yeah

[@rachelsummy4970]

Your podcast is getting more interesting and fun with each episode! Love how you're planning ahead with aspirations as you go!! The future looks bright and fun!!

[@giselaa6111]

I always have a bar of soap in my containers ❤

[@robincarnegie8705]

I am fairly new to quilting and recently found your podcast. Loving the family chatter! I love fish tacos.. cant wait to see the recipe. I am wondering about the fabric collections you mentioned.. they aren't listed in the links or notes? Where would I see them up close or purchase them? or is that not possible? I guess I am not sure about how designing fabrics works... maybe you could discuss on a future episode? Thank you.

[@sharla2724]

my first ruler was a 6 by 24. in my opinion that would be the first ruler purchase.

[@barbaravannet7360]

Chelsea, I love Kitty Corn so much, too! I have made two projects with it. A darling Halloween wall hanging and I'm using it for sewcialites 2. So cute! I don't know how to share pictures here, so I will share on your Instagram.

[@maryfriedley4074]

Hi I just recently bought hearts at home pattern for jelly roll. You said today what fabric line. Is it still available. If not what line of fabrics would be a close match as I love the colors and pattern. I have a whole cloth quilt my friend's mom had and when she died I did all the quilts she had planned to do for her nine kids and this piece of fabric left over and it was given to me to do .same pattern I want to make a bigger one.

[@kathygospodarek8541]

Wholey moley thats a giant mug. I need one of those.

[@nicolebaumann5667]

Hello, you have wonderful quilts Always. Can you mention WHO quilted for you and whats the Name of the pantograhs used?

[@elsafischer3247]

Yes PLEASE DO the fish tacos. I live in Switzerland

[@jerryroth2589]

I’m crazy excited about the release of the next line. I have a question though. Why the cloak and dagger around it? What would happen if you mentioned the name prior to March 3? I’m finding it all very interesting.

[@bethg7931]

I think it is just a marketing ploy to build anticipation for the new line.

[@gwendolynhanks]

Log cabin blocks are a favorite of mine. The one on the tab;e with hearts is so cute! What is pattern?

[@Carolmaizy]

Its either Hearts at Home or Hearts at Home 2.

[@daniellemcveigh5285]

Will there be enough material in a honey bun to do hearts at home

[@muttimuli]

Can you please give us the name of the quilting pantograph and thread color used by your long arm quilter?

[@jillwagoner6611]

You should consider using a smaller stitch length if you press seams open.

[@annasalterations]

You will make 100000 this year.

[@cathycoughenour3849]

Love the quilting on the walk about quilt - what is the design? Does Marion offer her quilting services to the general public? Love your podcast! Also love the log cabins with hearts - may be in my future!!! Can you also share Marion’s and Val’s contact info….

[@muttimuli]

I recognize the Swoon story. :-) Be careful with stripology style rulers. I took off the the side of my finger using one. Very painful.