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Questions & Answers on Quilts
In this section I answer common quilt and marbling questions that have been asked by students, clients and friends. This section is in addition to my process section where I go into greater detail about how I create a marble quilt.
There are no absolutes in life and making a quilt is no exception. Many roads can be taken to create the quilt in your mind. Please take my answers as my path and not necessarily yours. I can simply share with you what works for me and you use what feels right for you. Trying new techniques can be a fun, rewarding process and keeps the mind moving and spirit flowing. |
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Machine Quilting
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Q. Why did you change from hand to machine quilting?
A. Back in the late 1980's I walked through my guild's annual quilt show and realized I hadn't gone up and inspected closely most of the quilts. I had been experimenting with machine quilting but this was the first show I had a piece in that was machine quilted. At that show I believe I was only one of two or three members that showed a machine quilted piece. If the quilting was done well you couldn't even tell it was machine done unless you got up close. The beauty of quilting is that when it is well done either by hand or machine the results are marvelous.
Also at that show I had several long time members come up to me and make negative remarks about me submitting a quilt not hand quilted. Some of these friends I held in high regard and was a bit upset for a brief time. Now I can laugh because back even then I saw that by mastering machine quilting I could now make all the quilts I wanted. I never held the prejudice against those quilters who's remarks stung. After all I am the one that allowed such unenlightened comments to harm me. Instead it instilled in me a desire to refine my techniques even further and prove them wrong. No matter what field we strive to have our voice heard there will be those that put up walls for us to make us firmer in our convictions. Granted switching from hand to machine quilting is simply a small example of finding a technique that works for you and envisioning the possibilites that await you. I also caught a glimpse of endless possibilities when I got my first computer.
I love machine quilting and can go deep inside in mediation just as hand quilting allowed. The process is slightly different but the end results are the same...connecting to our spirit.
Q. Do you have any advice for quilters trying machine quilting for the first time?
A. Make sure your machine is in good running order, you have all the proper tools, and remember 95% of the problems you encounter learning the technique you create, not your machine. There are many fine books out on machine quilting so educate yourself before you try.
Q. Do you have any advice for quilters trying machine quilting for the first time?
A. Make sure your machine is in good running order, you have all the proper tools, and remember 95% of the problems you encounter learning the technique you create, not your machine. Thee are many fine books out on machine quilting so educate yourself before you try. |
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Paper Piecing
Q. Why are you concentrating on paper piecing?
A. When I started quilting in 1974 I didn't know about paper piecing. So I never attempted small blocks or compass patterns. I find this patchwork technique very appropriate for all levels of sewing ability and especially for beginners. It is a satisfactory experience to be able to concieve and then sew a small block accurately. Paper piecing allows the new sewer this opportunity and then they might get hooked for life...hahaha. That's the danger of patchwork!
If you would like to learn about paper piecing click here.
Q. Do you prefer using paper or fabric for your foundation piecing?
A. For large blocks like 5 - 7 inch I prefer paper and for 2 - 4 inch blocks I like fabric. Each sewer needs to try both techniques to decide how they want to incorporate it in their quilts. |
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Showing Work
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Q. What is the point of spending extra time to sew on a hanging sleeves?
A. Using a hanging sleeve is a safe, secure and least damaging way to hang your quilt. I apply the sleeve just before I bind the quilt. The binding is then applied for extra reinforcement of the sleeve. The quilt will hang with equal weight to distribute the stress and avoid unwanted stretching. On some quilts I also sew a small sleeve at the bottom for a small dowel to be slipped in so the quilt will hang flatter.
Q. Why hang a quilt? Aren't they meant for beds?
A. A major advantage to hanging fiber art beside the aestetic beauty is the noise reduction from other sources. Wall quilts can make a room feel cozy, quiet and peaceful.
Q. How do you handle negative comments?
A. Most comments that one might construe as being critical or negative are only the view of the person speaking. One needs to consider the motive and situation. If your work is being commented on by a judge, one would look upon them as guidelines for improvement for example.
And if you push the envelope it is almost a guarantee that you will hear put downs. I put such comments down as ignorance and as such ignore them. Each quilter is on their own path and we need to honor all approaches. I don't expect other people to always understand my work. |
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Marbling
Q. Why do you marble?
A. Like quilting, marbling was a heart felt connection from the first moment I tried those early pieces. There was no turning back. Why does one fall in love? The beauty in life is discoving those parts of your self and I have been blessed to find not only quiltmaking but marbling. My breath is still taken away sometimes when I lift a dripping cloth from the paint and see the printed pattern. |
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Q. Is it hard to learn to marble?
A. No, it is easy once you educate yourself on the process. There is some preparation involved like making carrageenan, treating the fabrics with alum, getting paint and making combs. Once you have gone through the entire process several times you will find it almost as easy as riding a bike or driving a car. The secret is in taking your time and being willing to experiment a bit until you find the right paints and fabrics. Working with the colors is a wonderful education and I learned more about color combinations during marbling than from any other source. |
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What Works Best
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Q. Do you have any hints for sewing quicker?
A. Over the years I have tried many different techniques and tools as I explored quiltmaking. I usually use one rotary cutter, one of two mats, several different rulers, cotton thread and cotton fabric. So my advise is to keep it simple and if you find a technique or tool that resonates with you than add it to your library of knowledge. Only build and save what resonates and discard the rest. This way you will always enjoy creating patchwork, doing applique and quilting.
Q. Where do you find your inspirations?
A. Art is drawn from all of life and it is through the links in our life that we connect. So stay open to the process of life and embrace your loves. This is where you will find the themes and energy for your quilts. |
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Connecting
Q. Is it a good idea to join a guild?
A. There are many ways to connect in the quilt world. Joining a guild os pne option worth exploring. i learned so much on many levels during my years of involvment first in the day and then night chapter over a fifteen year period. Our guild grew from less than a hundred members to well over 400 members with associate members. Another wonderful alternative is to join a small quilting circle. Sometimes you can find these through your local quilts shop or guild. Just sitting, sewing and sharing can connect one's spirit. In our busy, demanding world we forget that soul connection can only happen when one is open and quietly talking with others. This is the gift of a sewing circle few acknowledge. A simple needle and thread can connect souls for life. |
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| As we each expand our consciousness in pursuit of self expression, one discovers art splashes over into many areas. Remember to draw from all aspects of life for inspiration: a beautiful sunrise, a song, a scented rose, succulent food, loving embraces, to carry the spirit high. Connection is all around. |
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