This Quilter's Unique Side: Unveiling my Quirky Secrets + a Mini-Rant

[@conniedouglass3673]

All people are made of Q’s & Q’s: QUIRKS & QUALITIES! And, I see your sewing quirks as qualities. Please, stay quirky -I love your execution of innovativeness. I clean, straighten, organize, before I create also: gives me so much more freedom to clear my mind & heart to create! Go Suze!

[@revelationquilts]

Oh thank you!

[@anotherblonde]

Love your channel. My quilting quirk is I hate to waste fabric, and am on a quest to learn all the techniques so I can utilize every scrap or how to cut smarter. I have learned so much from watching you an experienced quilter. I've only been doing it since November 2021, now on quilt No 83. Looking forward to quilting 2024 with you.

[@revelationquilts]

Holy Moly, that is a lot of quilts in a short period of time! You're a rock star!

[@patriciamoller3060]

Please , just keep doing what you are sharing with we quilters ,love all your projects, very different ,listen to all your wise words (AUSTRALIA )

[@revelationquilts]

Thank you, I will. I promise!

[@connieking9873]

You go girl! It is ok to be you! The quilt police almost had me quit quilting years ago. It is so much better now . Everyone can do it their way now. Some of the most well known quilters are very different in their process. It is good for us to see what is out there and choose how we want to proceed or work. You tube and the internet has opened up the quilting world. It seems to me there are so many new quilters out there and I think it is the same with all the different venues of crafting. I think sewing in general was dying years back and now weekly I see “newbies” coming on board so you just keep doing what you are. I enjoy your channel. I love seeing how so many people take an idea make it their own and they are so unique. I love it. I enjoy just sewing and see what comes from my scraps. Thanks for letting me have a mini rant.

[@revelationquilts]

I loved your rant! You have many valid point, too. Quilts are art and it is all in the perspective! Much Love!

[@SnapDragon764]

Totally agree with your feeling about fabric…lately it also seems like all the fabric companies are producing similar collections of florals. Has really encouraged me to explore other resources as well as dying my own and block printing, over-dying, removing color etc…like unexpected results which admittedly aren’t always successful but if you hold onto it you will probably find a great home for it.

[@Daniel-Bones]

This is such a fun video of you sharing your quirkiness. And I liked your fun transitions and edits.

[@revelationquilts]

Thank you !!

[@mariejohns1387]

I taught myself to quilt and nothing I do is conventional. I love your patterns for that reason. I also love that you use scraps!! Keep doing what you do Suze!! ❤

[@revelationquilts]

Thank you so much!

[@Holli_Sassafras]

You’re just a little rebel at heart. I love it!

[@revelationquilts]

Yep LOL - Conventional is not my style!

[@NolaTheAlamoChiliQueen]

I love hearing all these quirky details. I’m in a small town, the nearest local quilt/fabric store is quite a drive, in another county & not always open when I’m there, so I shop online for fabric by necessity. I don’t like all the trendy things I’m supposed to like either. MY biggest quirky thing is … I don’t keep a huge stash of fabric. I love the way your video showed lots of different locations and backgrounds. We got to see lots of your quilting, projects and lots of your artwork, that was lovely.

[@stitchpenniesofficial]

I can’t believe how similar we are in thought and practice! If you’re out there, and I am, there’s got to be many more who can relate. My other (not so uncommon) quirk is I am also a prewasher and for that reason I have recently begun to starch my fabric. Great video, I think this will help some off hooks they feel they might be on - thank you!

[@JisforJenius]

I absolutely love your quilts. They always surprise and delight me. I always learn something new from you. Whatever it is you are doing, keep doing it!!

[@revelationquilts]

Thanks! I will keep doing what I'm doing!

[@dorothyyoung8231]

Suze, I’m moved to say that “quirky” is a term I associate with you - in the best possible way! You’re fearless, inventive, imaginative and precise. You’re the best! Please keep on making your great content!

[@revelationquilts]

Aww thanks Dorothy! I take that as the highest compliment! Much Love!

[@evelynelliott4485]

I totally agree with you. A quilter's personality should show in their quilts. If some crictizes my quilt and say "you did this wrong". My response is: "you are standing too close to my quilt. Step back six feet and see if you can still see it". Keep your individuality! ❤

[@barbnix4717]

YES!!!! I especially agree with the quilt police topic! So many people toss the word "perfect" in what they do and that adds so much pressure to new quilters! "Perfect" is just someone's opinion! If a person thinks something is "perfect" then it is...to them! Thanx for your videos!

[@sydneysotor3664]

I would never describe myself as Quiky, but aside from that, I agree with about 98% of what you said in this chat/confession. I've used patterns, but by and large I'm a "when all else fails, read the directions" kind of person. I'm basically a self taught scrappy quilter. I have MANY UFOs but often find it easier to finish someone else's abandoned/donated UFO. Most of the "local" fabric stores have closed since covid. I order online partly cause I don't drive any more, but also cause I have a selection of sellers and between them, I usually am able to find what I'm looking for--or at least something that will work in it's place. Love your creations that have several layouts. love Revelation Quilts.

[@revelationquilts]

Thanks for the great comment! And thank you for the kind words!

[@karenwerts2331]

I just read on youtube "Ugly is in the seeing." Had to repeat it a few times before it began to make sense. Love your creativity.

[@suedavis1835]

Loved this “discussion” and rant! What a great way to get to know the real woman behind the great quilts and tutorials! Agree with everything and your quirks are my quirks as well!

[@revelationquilts]

Thanks! I was unsure of whether to do it or not.

[@dianaeng8073]

Thank you Suze. I’ve been in a kind of slump concerning my projects. I really like your kaleidoscope and purple quilts. I love the creative process but often lose my inspiration midway thru a project and have to set it aside. I share your opinion about using a dry iron, not following trends, and clearing and organizing my work area. 😅

[@monicavalentine8472]

I love your concept....i like what i like...my latest quilt i pieced together batting

[@pooie0116]

Huh, aside from the aversion to starching fabrics, I'm right there with you on all of these (including affinity for Jeeps). I guess that makes me quirky too! lol

[@madelynl.5351]

You are hilarious! And yes, quirky! So am I, but you are different from me. About the only thing any of us can be judged on is our quilts, and I love all of yours. What gets my blood boiling is bullying, which the quilt police are experts on. You just keep being you.

[@KathyM-c6i]

I have been a subscriber of your channel for quite some time and have made several of your *quirky quilts. It was fun to learn more about YOU, Suze. We are alike in just about everything you mentioned. I do happen to adore Christmas fabric, so I have a pretty collection in my stash. Although I do not purchase ugly clothing, I do purchase the weird shaped pumpkins that no one will buy, the broken plants that no one will buy, etc -- anything that will meet an unfortunate end unless I rescue them :)

[@revelationquilts]

That's it! We are rescuers of ugly things.

[@shobbs5842]

I’m so glad to see this today, I have many of the same quirks 😊

[@revelationquilts]

I'm so glad! I'll bet you have a few of your own as well.

[@cheriindriks3224]

All of your quilts are so beautiful!

[@revelationquilts]

Thank you!

[@michelereynolds9898]

Gosh, I’ve never thought of Kaffe as “trendy”. I think he’s absolutely a classic. How out there is still designing at age 86? He’s quite an amazing talent. To each his own. I enjoy your quilting tutorials!

[@revelationquilts]

Oh my gosh! Don't get me wrong! I absolutely think he's a genius, innovative and his fabric is absolutely gorgeous! But right now, he's very popular and trendy. I will wait until it's not so much the 'in' thing to have that. In other words, if I like it, I'll buy it, but not because it's Kaffe fabric.

[@kw1lts]

Kaffe and Tula Pink are trendy for me as well!

[@SpeakTruthBeKind]

Some seem to go crazy for fabric from Tula Pink and as you said Fassett. I like simple lines but bright colours, but not a wild bunch of colour on one piece. I enjoy your patterns and colour mixes. I’ll also use what works best - for me. I am also a researcher when it comes to buying items for quilting, so much so that I get frozen when it comes to actually making the purchase. 🥴

[@revelationquilts]

I hear you - I'm researching longarms atm and it's quite overwhelming!

[@sharonwilson8208]

OMG, your first sentence. I don't have any holiday fabrics, no licensed fabrics either. Every so often, I will get a request for something made with licensed fabrics, but never purchase any to have on hand. All of the holiday and licensed fabrics are very limiting. Only useful certain times of the year. 😊❤

[@sharonwilson8208]

I use Kaffe Fasset fabric a lot. I live in the middle of nowhere and most people have no idea who Kaffe is. But, I only buy if the fabric is on sale. I never buy anything at full price. My thoughts on the sales is if they can afford to sell as much fabric as they can, just because it's last year's, then I'll wait. No one where I live even knows anyway. 😂❤ I love lots of color. I live in a town that's aging. They like color as well. It helps them with their appetite if eating alone to use a placemat, bowl cozy, even Amish Star pot holders.

[@revelationquilts]

Lovely!

[@alexandra-zaza-burns]

The nearest LQS to me is a 3.5 hour round trip. So add in fuel costs and that fabric just got quite a bit dearer! I try to buy from actual physical shops when I buy online but if I see fabric I like I will buy it regardless of where it’s from. Like you I tend to be put off things when they become the in thing. I like having nice things but I won’t buy something just because it’s a certain make or brand. I tend to buy a specific brand of thread because it works well in my machine and it’s not Aurifil, my machine doesn’t like it!

[@nanashouse202]

I love your tutorials. Your taste seems to attract me. Lol I buy a lot of wof scraps. The quilt stores are in Raleigh. That’s a 2 hour round trip. You might be surprised how scraps add up to a nice quilt. I’m 76. Computer machines are really not for me. I can cut my thread faster than it can. I no longer make clothing so I really don’t need fancy stitches. I have a nice brother I pull out if I need a blanket stitch. My dream is a fast Juki. lol I’m 77. The fabric of today is a shock to me. Ps: I don’t starch either.

[@revelationquilts]

soul sisters!

[@sharonwilson8208]

I'm glad you aren't the quilt snob police! Until last year, my town had no shops to buy fabrics. I buy what I can afford. There's nothing worse than buying fabric, making a mistake, and wasting all that money! I will find a purpose for whatever I did. But, if I'm sewing something for someone, they get what I have unless they buy the fabric. I like 80/20 batting, but some of my projects require 100% cotton or they'll start on fire. But, if that's all I have, then occasionally someone will get a quilt with 100% cotton batting.

[@monicavalentine8472]

Love you purple quilt

[@robinr6399]

Me too! It's so pretty!

[@darleensanford7231]

First, I also do NOT do holiday or novelty fabric. I loved your rant about the "quilt police". They are not welcome in my space.

[@revelationquilts]

It's good to know I'm not alone. LOL

[@cindyschoen6086]

Quirkiness makes the world go round! I love my Jeep, also! However, other’s quirkiness inspires me!

[@monicavalentine8472]

My nearest local quilt shop is 1 1/2 hour away plus high dollar on products, closet joann/hobby lobby is an hour away. Local walmart with limited fabric selection 35 mins away. So if i can gind a deal on fabrics whereever i can

[@cathyblood6864]

2 youtube podcasters i watch came out with videos about Stanley cups and the ridiculous mania that is making people act crazy. Stampedes and hoarding, bragging etc...Even little kids are getting bullied at school if their parents gave them a fake one. I will now never ever want one. I bet you are the same! Your video was so entertaining. I feel like I have to write you a letter about my fabric choices and bug-a-boos now. It is 3 in the morning here so I'll have to revisit this later. I'm the same on a lot of those issues. Great video!

[@revelationquilts]

Haha - It's the same time here. Obviously we're night-owls. I'd love to know all your 'things'.

[@starboe7478]

I have very little fabric compared to what I see on most quilting related KZbin channels. I also totally clean slate my studio between projects. I keep my studio sparse. decor, pictures, and nicknacks make me feel crowded and distract me.

[@viviancothros5541]

I'm as quirky as you are!!!!🙃

[@revelationquilts]

I'm so glad!!!

[@k.mcintosh7257]

My quirks: I don't use precuts, I use bright colors, I cut with my mat on the floor, I do all my own quilting

[@stellacullum7739]

I don't care for holiday prints either.

[@nancymathisen9707]

I don’t buy new yardage. Only upcycled, remnants, and scraps from quilt guild members. Biodegradable material only (fabric, batting, thread) except in crazy quilts.

[@revelationquilts]

That is pretty awesome I think!

[@micheleh4016]

I have never put water in my iron. I used to until we moved to Florida and the humidity. Then I bought a new cordless Panasonic and vowed to never put water in it. I find fabric like Kaffe pretty from a distance. But it's like Liliy Pulitzer clothing- overwhelming. I love color but their's feels like it's screaming at me. And it's screaming, "Look at me!" Ugh. I have never used a specialty ruler or tool like that. You know vall those different sized acrylic squares and templates? Not for me. LOL

[@NolaTheAlamoChiliQueen]

I don’t buy lots of templates either. I still make my own from cardboard or plastic placemats.

[@revelationquilts]

Oh wow! That is a new quirk; the ruler thing. I like to try them to see what they do. I love a good quirk, don't you?

[@louisegriffin9128]

I only have 2 pieces of Easter and Halloween left over from making baskets and bags for the grandkids not for quilts.

[@virginiagrenier8572]

1) I tend to give novelty fabrics away. 2) I don't put water in my iron - just use spray bottle because I fear HOT water leaking and getting burned (safety first) 3) Starch attracts bugs so I use starch VERY sparingly 4) I don't follow trends either - fabric that is "dated" is given to me by those that follow the trends - yay me! I also go for function rather than fashion. I too have sympathy for things that are rejected by others - thus I have a LOT of other people's orphans 5) I don't have any preference for a particular brand or store - it's a matter of mood and convenience for me 6) I tell people that the quilt police have been fired and run out of town so we are free to do whatever we please - quilting is an artform, not an exact science. It's a matter of like and dislike NOT right or wrong. 7) If something is out of sight, it's out of mind so I'm striving to have things handy but also displayed in an appealing way. 8) My favorite color is orange - not the typical for sure. 9) I'm not a modern quilter but I'm not traditional either, I'm not theme/style based. If I like it, it fits in my décor. I'm not sure what I am other than frugal - I very rarely go shopping (mostly because people gift me their rejects. Also, I have no problem shopping the thrift store for bed sheets and shirts to use as fabric. 10) I HATE handwork - give me a machine and I'm content so no hand quilting or hand-stitched bindings for me! Virginia Clearbrook, Minnesota

[@revelationquilts]

We sound like twins!

[@davidhatfield5714]

Now, this was funny! I am very much like you. First of all, I totally do not like “novelty” fabric either, I do have “baby” fabric for baby quilts and Christmas. My fabric taste runs more toward “vintage”, I do not like the BRIGHT modern colors. I don’t like the “white on white” or the shiny gold/silver spots in fabric. I don’t buy from quilt shops simply because of the expensive prices. I would if I could, I do see quality differences. Paying $300-$500 for fabric for a quilt is not practical for me. My quilts are scrappy utilitarian that are used ofter, washed many times and my fabric and thread choices hold up great. Do not take my steam iron away from me, nor my starch! My irons hold up just fine and if you spray starch that block before trimming to size, for me, things just seem to go together better. I know I’m going on too much, but you asked for it😂 last thing..is 80% of my fabric and 95% of my thread came from estate sales and yard sales! Even batting, rulers and cutting mats. My mom was a “quilter”..she did machine piece but hand quilted all her quilts. When asked, I answer “I sew quilt tops”..I’m not a “true quilter”..I am a snob “only” about this! Don’t hate me for this one flaw. I do appreciate every quilt and all that entails! (KH)❤

[@revelationquilts]

Thanks for the great comment! I could never hate you for a tiny flaw like that. Also, I will never take away your steam or your starch! LOL

[@davidhatfield5714]

Thanks ..I’m getting ready to sew your Boho triangles quilt❤@@revelationquilts

[@monicalittle2856]

Mature... 😂 what a great word... quilt police better not expect me to be mature, a dot on the nose quells those quilting snobs!!

[@revelationquilts]

LOL

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

The most beautiful quilt I have ever made was made from a very ugly print. The fabric was cheap because the print was so ugly. I bought it because the print repeated twice in every yard. I staked and whacked it into twelve blade Dresden Plates appliques. When the blades were sewed together the ugly print pattern was changed. No two Dresden Plates came out the same

[@revelationquilts]

Now that's the way to do it! Well-Done!

[@juneworth9208]

I don’t like kaffe either nor Tula pink

[@juneworth9208]

If just made a 50cm square of 2inch hexiies all by machine! Wonder what they’d say about that? I made it to make a cover for my bernina will shape it one day 😊

[@revelationquilts]

I don’t dislike them; I just don’t buy something just because it’s trendy.

[@katielin2379]

I love the quilts you create. You use the word hate a lot.😢

[@revelationquilts]

I guess I should've done a count for that word as well. I counted twice. Both in the same sentence talking about clutter & chaos. I will pay attention in the future how much I use that word.

[@eleanorwittering3126]

You're not *into* "Kitch (art, objects, or design considered to be in poor taste because of excessive garishness or sentimentality, but sometimes appreciated in an ironic or knowing way)." Curious what your college background is, Art? Or did you take a series of *Art Appreciation Coursework* in college. I don't tend to go with *kitch/trendy/or novelty fabric.* And, sometimes I reach for that *ugly fabric,* too! I've learned that pairing it with some other fabric, the other fabric brings it to life--or the *ugly fabric* silhouettes another fabric and makes it *pop!* !

[@revelationquilts]

I don't have an art background and took the required artsy classes in college. I just tend to like clean lines etc. I favor the Art Deco or Art Nouveau sort of decor. Frank Lloyd Wright, etc. Does that make sense?

[@eleanorwittering3126]

@@revelationquilts Absolutely, I also see Picaso (cubism) in your quilting. Your quilting creations also suggest a mathematical penchant (geometry and spatial qualities).

[@eleanorwittering3126]

Also, I've already started organizing my quilting room(s) exactly as you have in your opening backdrop. With your particular quilting style, it makes sense that you'd also lean towards simplicity in your organization (I will be watching your organization video).

[@barbaraanne2136]

So you don't own a Gucci, Brighton, Doonney, or Coach?

[@revelationquilts]

LOL - I don't have any of those. I've only heard of 2 of them.