Lessons From An Old Wonky Quilt

[@coreygilles847]

The second quilt top I ever made was wonky and had similarly variable seam allowances because I had zero idea what I was doing... I ended up quilting it to death... and 10 years later it is still being used and loved despite my being disappointed in my skill level

[@SewtheDistance]

I love this! Don't be disappointed. Once we get settled I will have to show my first quilt from 25ish years ago. I have thought about "fixing" it, but it is so endearing to me. Maybe I will just quilt this one into submission. :) Thank you so much for watching and commenting.

[@Stoffmonster467]

It's part of your history. I have a log cabin I made every mistake, but it reminds me about them. We have to accept our imperfections.

[@mambakind]

Almost every quilter has a story about their first quilt disaster. My 'blooper reel' has two quilts on it. Like you said, no matter. Hand made with love.

[@abigaildolinger2754]

The fabric colors and combinations are gorgeous. Since the quilt was never finished, it wasn’t washed repeatedly, so the fabrics have not faded overly much. A 30s fabric designer might be interested in seeing and copying the fabric designs in this quilt. If you take the quilt apart, you’ll need to cut all the blocks the same dimensions. And I agree with you, sashing cut on the grain will stabilize all the bias edges of the blocks.

[@SewtheDistance]

Oh! I didn't think about someone being interested in copying the prints for reproduction fabrics. Great thought! I started taking it apart and wow, it is wonky and brittle. I am plugging away at it. The stitches are tiny (was the maker trying to stabilize it?) so the unpicking is taking forever.

[@moonhunter9993]

The fabrics are stunning. I love this.

[@SewtheDistance]

Glad you like them! They are so pretty!

[@lindanicholls1970]

Hi, if you unpick it down to blocks, and then put sashing around each block, accentuate the wonky in placement, and trim to square, you will have an awesome quilt, all fitting together. It will be awesome. Good luck it will be very special.

[@SewtheDistance]

That's a great idea! I did start taking it apart and wow, is it wonky! I like the idea of sashing it and cutting it out tilted. I may just do that if I can ever get the thing apart. The stitching is very tight.

[@lindanonnenmann1112]

Another suggestion...you said you might deconstruct it and add sashing strips. Taking it apart will be a lot of work but so much worth it. The fabric behaves and drapes much like silk which adds to its appeal. I just watched your video about flip and sew on a muslin foundation. There's your answer. Take it apart and hand stitch each block to a muslin foundation. Start in the center and move to the outside keeping it smooth. The fabric is absolutely gorgeous and the blocks are so happy and full of cheer. So worth the work...I think it would be beautiful. I don't think the outside border is necessary, do you?

[@SewtheDistance]

What a great idea! I did start taking it apart and the fabric is very brittle. I will try adding a foundation. Thank you! I hadn't thought of that! I don't think the outside border is necessary. I think the maker added it trying to stabilize it some, but it made it worse. The colors are amazing in this and hope I can "save" it. Thanks for the idea!

[@julias.8236]

Truely beautiful blocks and fabric choices. Too sad, that it did not get finished. I believe a lot of the troubles would have magically disappeared. At least that was my experience with a sampler quilt where not all blocks were really the same size... Adding sashing, easing in a bit there, giving a smaller seam allowance here, don't fuss too much about chopped points... in the end that is the Quilt I still sleep under in the winter and also the quilt I wanted to gift a friend but just couldn't since I was so much in love with my wonky little quilt (she got another sampler quilt with much more accurate points and great fabrics ;)). So I hope you can rescue your little treasure and that the fabric is not too brittle or can be stabilized (maybe with very, very soft and thin iron on interfacing?).

[@SewtheDistance]

Oh wow! Thank. you for sharing your story about your "wonky" quilt! I love that you made it to sleep under and could part with it. Quilts are magical! As for this wonky quilt, every now and then I work on this one. It is so frustrating as the stitches used are itty bitty and are cutting into the fabric. It is going to take a long time to take this beauty apart. Slowly but surely!

[@moonhunter9993]

I think interfacing to "stabilize" the fabrics or blocks is a great idea.

[@conniedouglass3673]

You’re wondering/wanting to do something with this top? You are! Your lessons on basics, fixing problems as they occur, loving it regardless of problems, realizing colors are powerful, plus plenty more are just great. Yes, it’s somewhat a mess that makes us smile. I’d love to feel its textures. Thanks, good video.

[@SewtheDistance]

I made me night. Thank you! You are so right! I AM doing something with it in sharing it here. Thank you so much for your kind words and your encouragement. ❤️❤️❤️

[@stitchann]

Just found your channel. It is excellent. Thank you. A fun idea might be after you show these old quilts might be to show us how to sew this block now and the name of the block etc. I don't think it would be worth taking this lovely old top apart. Just love it for what it is.

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you! That's a great idea! I did do this with my tutorial "Stitch and Flip" method, but haven't done it with others. Great idea though! Thanks for watching, commenting, and a great suggestion!

[@moonhunter9993]

Yeah, I would love to know how to do this... even where to find "similar" fabrics

[@mambakind]

Oh, I feel better seeing your misspelling of 'bias.' I got caught like that just the other day. My brain didn't see what my eyes saw. Gulp! Welcome to the club!

[@SewtheDistance]

Exactly! I am happy someone else out there can relate. Oopsie!

[@sewbeitquilts]

I really love the fabric colors and patterns! Looks like there was a lot of stretching when they sewed. That happens to me sometimes. When I starch my fabric that helps me sometimes too. I honestly never pay attention to the grain unless I need to make a bias binding... its just too much work for me to pay attention all the time! lol. Thanks for sharing this quilt!

[@sewbeitquilts]

But I do cut all of my fabric in the same direction... unless I am using scraps... then anything goes!

[@SewtheDistance]

I totally understand that! Thanks again for watching. Did you notice I spelled bias wrong on the card. Sigh. Oh well...

[@SewtheDistance]

Scraps can be tricky too! Starch helps a lot and just respecting the grain, as well. :)

[@tonyaturner9615]

I’ve just discovered your channel today, and I love it. Love old quilts!!

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you so much! More Lessons from an Old Quilt to come, too! ❤️

[@suestutzle2779]

I am really enjoying this approach to learning about quilting and old quilts. I first learnt to sew clothing and made all my clothes and then later on all my daughters clothes until just a few years ago I branched out into 'other' types of sewing, quilting, bag making etc. Because I learnt to sew clothing first, watching out for the grain is very important whenever you place a pattern piece on your fabric, but I guess if someone didn't come from that back ground then that knowledge might not have been there. I know one of my daughters does make clothes and the other sews, well, funny things like when she first got her machine she sewed some shade cloth to make a cover for her chicken coup...yep, don't ask... it turned out fine, just the way she wanted it. Then there are the waterproof lap blankets she made for her and her sisters guinea pigs so they can have them on their laps and accidents don't get to their clothes. They are 40 and 39 and the lap blankets just happened this Christmas haha. I can see though that their approach to sewing are different but at least they are sewing and having fun. Sorry for the waffle. Look forward to next time.

[@SewtheDistance]

I love that your daughter are sewing and how creative they are! I had some really great teachers when I started quilting. I have since made some clothes and many, many bags/totes, and the grain lines have helped me so much. Thank you so much for watching, commenting, and even waffling from the topic! I love these stories and connecting with other makers. Waffle away!

[@grandymommy4531]

Hello. I just found your channel today almost exactly 1 year after you posted it. I an 71 and when I went to school all girls got one required sewing class. After that it was an elective which I took continuously from 8th-12th. I recall being schooled on grainline before ever touching fabric or the machines. We learned this with the making of our first project, a simple apron with pockets which I still have tucked away somewhere. Nobody seems to care what the kids learn or don't learn today. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I am a novice quilt maker and my biggest problems are making choices and finishing projects. I'm all about keeping it simple so it'l get done!

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you so much! I completely agree with you. I am shocked that the basics with sewing are not taught, such as grain line. I am also disappointed that sewing and home economics is missing from schools now. Although I am just about to turn 50 this month, I also had sewing in middle and high school, although I did fail the quilting part 😃! It is something that should be brought back. These skills also teach problem solving strategies, something our education system is struggling to teach. Oh, if we only ruled the world. 😂 Anyway, thank you so much for watching and commenting. I hope you are having a wonderful 2022!

[@barbarasinopoli7690]

Perhaps separating the blocks, using interfacing for stability, and then adding the sashing that you mentioned. It’s a great quilt and deserves saving!

[@SewtheDistance]

I agree! I have picked up this top a few times since making this video and get so frustrated that I put it back down. The stitching is so tight that it is cutting the fabrics. I am still at a loss with this one! Thank you for the suggestions! I am going to try it!

[@berthaemerson9060]

The fabric is so beautiful....TY my first blocks look like this off differnt sizes.Time to ck. the fabric grain out👍👍👍

[@SewtheDistance]

You are so welcome! I hope this helps.

[@moonhunter9993]

I would love to see this one fixed up.

[@SewtheDistance]

Me too. I pull it every so often and start to pick out those tiny stitches. It is frustrating, however. The fabric wants to tear so easily. It is a beauty. Maybe someday I can save it. Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@dianehuntley2493]

Love the colors😊

[@SewtheDistance]

They are pretty, aren't they? They just make me happy. ❤️

[@marionbarber984]

Feb. 6, 2024. I had to watch this video tonight Kris, because I am in a wonky mood. The pattern is rather fun. Did you ever fix this quilt top? Since my main sewing machine is being serviced, and my other one is blocked by the ironing board, so that I can sort thru sewing stuff, fabric, etc., that's maybe why I'm feeling wonky. Tomorrow is another day. Your friend in Oregon, Marion.

[@SewtheDistance]

Hi Marion! Great question. I have picked it up and pick it down many times over the last few years since I posted this video. The blocks are so wonky and the stitches are super tight. I get frustrated and end up putting it up. I may finish it someday. We will see! Thanks so much for your continued support and love!

[@tiffanycollier54]

Wow, all I can say is: good luck. I agree, that taking blocks apart is probably what has to happen, and then you will have a better idea about the next step, maybe. Fabric is very pretty.

[@SewtheDistance]

Since posting this video I have tried to work on this quilt top quite a few times and get frustrated each time. I LOVE the fabrics, but this oldie but goodie may just have to remain a quilt top. Maybe I will try again in January.

[@kathleenstorer691]

Happy Birthday Kris and thanks for the shout out! Thank you for including where you think you got the quilt-I'm loving the term "flimsies" and think I just might be inspired to bring out my less-than-perfect flimsies and give them some new life. Thanks Kris!

[@SewtheDistance]

YES! Do it! Thanks for the birthday wishes! I am starting my 50th year of life. EEK.

[@gail9289]

Such a great teaching quilt. I would love to see one of your before and after quilts ie when you remake a vintage quilt. These should provide more teaching opportunities. Thank you for making these great videos.

[@SewtheDistance]

I have a few more in the works. Unfortunately those repair videos take a lot of time to make because of the length of time to repair them. So many other Lessons from an Old Quilt videos to make! LOL! I have made over 50 of the Lessons from an Old Quilt videos and still have about 50 quilts to review. Repair videos are coming, however, I promise! Have a wonderful weekend!

[@alisonmary1443]

Wow! a fantastic flimsy, those fabrics are amazing, it's gorgeous. Something must be done to get this quilt well. I had a thought on the lines of super puffy wadding, the man made stuff but I read the suggestion from a comment below from "small footprint" and I think it is a super idea. That was a great share and advice, Thank you. It turned out to be a sad day while gathering my fabrics, I realised I have thrown a bag in the bin while moving the sewing area to up stairs. NEVER transport fabric in garbage bag, I am having flashes of fabrics that are missing, vintage and new :(

[@smallfootprint2961]

Thanks for the mention. The puffy batting could work too. It might fill up some of those wonky spots. Hope you didn't mistake a black bag of fabric for trash. I've thrown away important stuff moving. So disheartening. Do you get a chance to check out Donna Jordan, on Jordan Fabrics? She is selling on line during the pandemic. Lots of great sales. Maybe you can give yourself a little gift.

[@SewtheDistance]

Oh no! I am so sorry about your fabric! I am starting to pack up my fabric today and was tempted to put it in bags. I won't be doing that now! Thanks so much for watching and for the suggestions. I will definitely do something with this, just not sure what or when. So many projects, so little time! I know it will be after our big move. Hopefully I will be settled by March or April. Thanks for the comment! I love this part of KZbin! I am meeting such great people!

[@alisonmary1443]

@@SewtheDistance Glad I mentioned my garbage bag mistake, double check those fabrics and sewing goodies. Have a pleasant easy move, enjoy.

[@alisonmary1443]

@@smallfootprint2961 Your welcome, and yes fabric is definitely in the tip. I adore Jordon Fabrics, I down loaded a PDF file for the Diamond quilt, that's why I was collecting my fabrics and realised the missing stuff. I would dearly love to shop at Jordans but I live in Scotland, I am a long way off. I adore vintage quilts and just amazed they are found at garage sales and in bins. We don't have garage sales here only car boot sales and they are in doors, too busy for me to attend.

[@SewtheDistance]

No garage sales? That stinks. It depended on where you are at in the country as to where you can't find them, but overall, most people don't realize the value in vintage quilts or vintage linens.

[@GailK.]

So happy I found you! Your old quilt collection is wonderful.

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you so much! I am happy you found me, too! Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@christsgrain]

I still think the quilt top is lovely and to me the wonkiness doesn't ruin it

[@SewtheDistance]

I love the wonkiness too. Because it is so wonky, it can’t be finished without a million puckers. Makes me sad, but it is a beautiful quilt top nonetheless. Unfortunately it will forever be just a quilt top. 😕 Thanks so much for watching and sharing!

[@smallfootprint2961]

Your idea of using it for a ground cover at a picnic is wonderful, but I might like to preserve it and not use it. I'd just dry iron (press) it to see how flat I could make it, without stretching it, and then steam it as flat as possible. Use a light batting or old receiving blankets, etc, and backing, and hand stitch it together (quilt it, creatively) as best I could. Treating it with respect to be able to use it would be so wonderful. Great story, even if some of it is speculation. It's so charming to think that someone was learning to quilt, on there own, with these old fabrics, possibly scraps from making her own, or her children's clothes. Remember they had no help in those days. No quilt shops, no KZbin, etc. Just friends, if that. General stores, in the country side, sold fabric. I was born in 1938 and the first fabric stores I remember were in the 50s, but we were poor, so I'm speaking from my own perspective. We often used fabric from old clothes from 2nd hand stores. We also ordered fabric from the Sears catalog. Well, you have a real keepsake there, good luck in squaring it up... I'd iron it as flat as possible, square it a little and maybe add another broad border and bind it. I wouldn't try to take anything apart and re-do it. Just flatten it, let it wrinkle, and hand quilt it. I look forward to seeing what you do with it. I'll be watching.

[@alisonmary1443]

What a great idea and lovely comment.

[@SewtheDistance]

This is beautiful. Thank you so much! You made some great points. I am concerned about ironing it, especially with steam, as I am not sure how colorfast the fabrics are. After we move, I am going to give this some attention, however. I can't say I won't take it on a picnic, but I will make sure the ground is dry, deal? :) I am sure I will figure something out. It is VERY wonky--not sure I can quilt it without putting major pleats in it, but maybe that's what I need to do. Some of the blocks are so far off that they are actually trapezoids. For now, it will have to be in "time out" until after we move. After all, it has been sitting in my closet for nearly 20 years, what's a few more weeks or months? Too many projects! LOL! Thank you so much for your amazing comment! I love connecting with everyone this way. I will keep you posted!

[@SewtheDistance]

Isn't it? This made my day.

[@leannemori9688]

They also didn't have rotary cutters or mats with lines on them

[@SewtheDistance]

@@leannemori9688 Very true! Although sometimes I think the grain lines were more respected and stable when templates with grain line arrows were used. It seems people don't talk about grain lines as much now, but maybe that is just me. Either way, great point! Thanks!

[@JoeinPA]

I wonder if you removed the borders, squared the top (as is) then reattached the borders and then had longarmed with Malachite pantograph it would hold everything in place so it can be used and enjoyed finally.

[@SewtheDistance]

That's a good idea, too. I started taking this one apart, too, but the stitches are tiny and it is a bear. I need to get back to it. I do love this quilt.

[@chiplane3976]

I learn so much from each of these! Keep them coming!

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you! I am so happy you are enjoying them!

[@karenhoskins9126]

That really is a pretty top. I would just back it without batting and tie it. Maybe use it as wall decoration.

[@SewtheDistance]

Great ideas! Thank you!

[@annascavezze616]

Iron Lightweight fusible interfceing to the blocks after separating them. After they are fused, square them up. Treat these blocks like a t-shirt quilt. The fusible webbing should help stabilize them for machine quilting. If u add fabric, try to find vintage fabric, remembering new fabric sewn to the old fabric will cause the old fabric to rip apart. Good luck hope u can salvage the quilt top.

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you!

[@anitalapierre1585]

Hello. I have a suggestion. Any of these quilts that are unfinished, wonky and you're unsure what to do with, or any quilt that has beyond repair damage, take your favorite block and make it into a sampler. You could reinforce any seams in need. I have been watching all of these lessons from an old quilt in no order, and saw the video where one was from your grandmother and had a mouse eaten hole in the center. How cool would it be to have a bit of all these old quilts in one place on one new quilt. Since you're taking these apart, you could fix any mistakes you come across, give you're new top a batting and a new backing and you would have an amazing experience. You could also make a scrap book of other pieces you like and put a little note with each giving the info you know and the evidence you found. Either or both ways, take pictures before you start. This would be a good was to honor the makers and their hard work. (Without having to store unusable quilts and quilt tops.)

[@SewtheDistance]

Great idea! I don't know if I would be that organized! LOL! I did repurpose the mouse eaten quilt into two projects so far. The first are Christmas stockings for my parents. Here is that video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZmaXmuOirKMq8k . The second is a quilt I just made for my cousin. Here is that video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eInOkKShaZqNpsU Thank you so much for the suggestions! Great ideas!

[@charlavaught2681]

The fabrics are beautiful!! Possibly, the maker was cutting up clothing and that's why the blocks are wonky. Could you put stabilizer on the back of the blocks?

[@SewtheDistance]

That's is definitely a possibility! I thought about stabilizer and have played with it some, but there are too many pleats to make it work. I am not giving up on this though. I will find a way to save it, although it has given me roadblock after roadblock. Right now it is folded and on display, kind of like being in time out. I will pick it up again and continue to make it work. Thanks for the great suggestion!

[@joshuaharper372]

I think your best bet would be to separate the blocks (what a lot of careful seam ripping that will be!), carefully starch and iron them, then add some white (or black?) sashing to stabilize them. A plain sashing will also help tone down the craziness of the colors: as it is, each pair of fabrics in the blocks is interesting and works, but the juxtaposition of one block to the next gives no place for the eye to rest. Sashing (and a narrow inner border of the same color) would give just enough separation to unify the top. Maybe you could make small hourglass blocks for the cornerstones to honor the original intention in the piecing?

[@joshuaharper372]

Oh, and you can quilt out an amazing amount of fullness if you are careful and strategic about it. A high loft batting helps tremendously!

[@SewtheDistance]

Love these ideas! I know some have commented about just quilting it as is, but I think there is just too much bulk and there will be a ton of pleats if I do that. I am definitely going to take them apart, and I will audition sashing, too. I like the idea of hourglass cornerstones. Lots to think about! Thanks for all the wonderful suggestions!

[@SewtheDistance]

Yes! Great idea!

[@Stoffmonster467]

Maybe sewing / quilting each block on a square of cotton may fix the design? And then assemble it as mentioned with sashing (the blue fits great!).

[@RevRainsUtopia]

Ya my first quilt that I finished is wonky in places like this but I wasn’t too upset about it and still finished it, but it’s good to know about the grains

[@SewtheDistance]

So glad you finished it! It is tricky to finish those wonky quilts.

[@annemegis]

It is such a beautiful quilt. I think I would take it apart. And fuse to a cotton fabric and then cut all the blocks the same size

[@SewtheDistance]

Oh that's a great idea! I started taking it apart about four or five months ago and the stitches are so small and tight that they are cutting the fabric. I put it away but I really should get it out again and re-try. It is such a cool quilt! Thank you for that tip! I love that idea!

[@annemegis]

@@SewtheDistance I truly love all your videos and they are very inspiring to me. You sure have the energy to make all those beautiful quilt tops. As well as repair and save the quilt tops that are damaged.

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you so much! I love doing this stuff. So much fun!

[@charlavaught2681]

It is SO pretty! You could just display it as a quilt top.

[@SewtheDistance]

That's what I am doing to the time being. I do want to get this made into a quilt though. Someday, I hope!

[@maggiegee8378]

Thanks Kris - you handled this tricky topic with sensitivity. I found this video so intriguing I watched it twice! Like you, I really feel for this maker as she has obviously taken a lot of care with fabric selection and placement. Look at those gorgeous daisies! The contrast overall is very good. I just hope she didn't give up but went on to make many more quilts. How do you think the blocks were pieced? I'm guessing diagonally with the four corner setting triangles forming that sweet QST secondary pattern (?). I really hope you can salvage it with sashing as you suggested. Love your work, btw - am binging and looking forward to more. :)

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I think the maker pieced each block in rows and then trimmed them, but I am really not sure. Sometime you can tell and sometimes you can't, especially since this has been washed and dried (I think! :) ). I hope to save it too! Thanks again for watching! Look for an update on this quilt this spring.

[@leannemori9688]

What if you took the blocks apart and used an iron on stabilizer and then reconstructed it

[@SewtheDistance]

I like that idea, especially with the stabilizer. Thanks!

[@leannemori9688]

🙂

[@bookbeing]

Square up the top as best as you can, maybe stay stitching the edges. make your quilt sandwich. Square up edges. Use colorful yarn to tie small bows evenly spaced along quilt sandwich. Stich bias binding at edges and hopefully this lovely quilt top will be the quilt as its maker intended. 🧵🪡💙

[@SewtheDistance]

Thank you! ❤️

[@karin0963]

Did you finish repairing this quilt? Do you post pictures of the finished quilt?

[@SewtheDistance]

I wish I could say I did and tried and I tried, but I just can’t seem to figure out how to salvage it and make it into a quilt. Sigh. I am not completely giving up on it and I still have it, but I did put it away for a bit. I will be trying to get it completed again, maybe in a few months. I like so say it is in time out. Lol!

[@loraineleuschke4186]

I do not blame the quilter for not finishing this top. I would not have finished it.

[@SewtheDistance]

Yep! Me neither. I have taking this quilt apart and that is even frustrating the heck out of me! It is so wonky.

[@winngcolrz]

Bias

[@SewtheDistance]

Yes, I realized I spelled it wrong afterward. Oops! 🤷🏼‍♀️ Thank you! ❤️