I have no clue how to do this, by Calico Chris

Admin Number of posts : 299 Registration date : 2008-09-02

Title: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: Calico_Chris on April 08, 2008, 06:20:44 PM
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This is supposed to be my first machine quilt. I have done a few really small projects machine quilting. I can stitch in the ditch and free motion is tricky. I want to just stitch in the ditch on this quilt with the even foot, no fancy free motion. I can see how to do the sashing, in straight long rows starting in the middle of the quilt but how can I stitch in the ditch around the stars using my quilting foot? I won't be able to turn the project at all, just go forward. Should I try stitching in the ditch free motion (a very scary prospect for me). How would you approach it?
Also, shoud I invest in those "C" clamps to keep the quilt rolled? They want 5.00 for two and I'm thinking I will need many many more than that. Is it worth the small investment?

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Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: Merry Bee on April 08, 2008, 06:28:13 PM
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I don't use c-clamps, but I use bicycle clamps. Actually, I end up leaving them off and do the fluff and turn method, now that I free motion.

On that quilt, though, I would, very patiently, with the walking foot, stitch in the ditch around those star points, and leave the needle down and turn. I put the speed on "slow" just to make it easier. You don't have to stitch every seam, but if you do the main motif, the quilt will look prettier, IMHO.

Your quilt is lovely! Absolutely beautiful. It will be worth every bit of the trouble you go to. You need to go slow, and reposition and maneuver the fabric, but that gives you a chance to rest and wiggle.

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Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: golo on April 08, 2008, 06:47:19 PM
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cc, very nice quilt... love the colors and pattern... :afro:

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Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: abertquiltmom9 AQM9 on April 08, 2008, 06:51:24 PM
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CC.... Beautiful........I wish I could give you advice.....I am still a greenhorn....sorry......but I would go for it...if it was mine......stitch in the ditch free motion.....take it slow and easy......no hurry.....

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Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: quiltermarynel on April 08, 2008, 10:08:00 PM
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I bought the bicycle clips and used them exactly once. If you have major problems with turning, one idea you might consider (after you have done the SID quilting along the sashing) is merely straight line quilting that includes the seam line of the outer of the 2 squares.

What I would do is something like the SID quilting you mentioned with flower petal quilting on the star points, and maybe a star in the inner square.

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Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: Merry Bee on April 08, 2008, 10:20:33 PM
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That sounds pretty, Marynel. If I were free motioning, I would do something like that, but with the walking foot, it is easier to just follow the shape of the piece.

It all depends on your method, I guess.

Free motion is good, if you work out the kinks on some table mats or something, first. I nearly always use the walking foot around the blocks, in the ditch, and along the edge of sashings, and then free motion stipple around the main shape (heart, star, etc) to make it pop out. I like to do some hand quilting on the borders, or put fancy variagated thread in the top of the machine, and do a feather.

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Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: quiltermarynel on April 08, 2008, 10:33:21 PM
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You are right there, which is why I mentioned 2 ways. I found free motion work scary to start with, but I really enjoy doing it now, althouhg I am not in Adam's class at all.

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Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: Calico_Chris on April 09, 2008, 03:59:40 AM
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Fluff and Turn method it is then. I think I will attempt to stipple the centers of the star, I can stipple decently, trying to follow a pattern up to now has had rather comical results, so I'm going to try and turn the quilt while stitching in the ditch, just take it slow......It will be a lesson in patience for sure. I wish I didn't have to start in the middle. I am planning on hand basting with water soluble thread. I guess if I'm turning it the clips would be useless except maybe on the sashing...these are clamps to keep your pants out of the chain i am assuming. I found some at amazon.com for 2.00 less than Joann Fabrics.
Thanks :1087:

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Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: Luv2sew on April 09, 2008, 06:32:59 AM
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C-Chris, I really like your colour combinations. One of my favourites! Good luck with your quilting! Looking forward to seeing your results. :afro:

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Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: quiltermarynel on April 09, 2008, 09:14:33 AM
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If you were using a long arm, you would not start in the middle, but on one side. I use my home machine and start wherever I please, BUT I do have to pin baste pretty well.

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Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: Merry Bee on April 09, 2008, 10:07:28 AM
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When I am making a full size, or larger, quilt, I do a couple of stitch in the ditch lines across the quilt, side to side and end to end. This divides the quilt into quarters, and then I can deal with the whole thing better.

I work the quarters, "quilting as desired"; then I can do the borders, zipping around the whole quillt with only that border under the neck of the machine. That is the best part.

I like to do fancy stuff on the borders, sometimes machine work, sometimes hand work, depending on the purpose of the quilt. Machine work is for most quilts, but handwork for the special ones.........ones for me to keep, or the ones for my baby grandkids, etc.

I like the pillowcase method, and DD was thrilled with it for the quilt I made for her class. She showed the quilt over the closed circuit TV, in a school assembly, with her children singing their song. The kids all protested that the color of the screen made the quilt look green!

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Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: Calico_Chris on April 09, 2008, 10:51:40 AM
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Merrry Bee, I like your idea of quartering it. I think it will make the entire thing more stable for turning. I was ironing and clipping strings yesterday and almost got myself talked into having someone else do it, I found a resonable priced lady last month. But the whole point of this quilt from the inception was to buy cheap (this is all Joanns fabric) and use it as a lesson piece, then give it to the kids and let them picnic on it.
So....onward quilting!! My girlfriend is coming over on Monday next to help me baste. I will again use the Sharon Schamber board method for basting, you really need two people to turn the boards (and it wont hurt to have her baste half :uglystupid2: )
I'll keep you all posted

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Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: finisher on April 09, 2008, 11:19:25 AM
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Chris..I think it's great that you have someone to help with the basting. :afro: When I did my Queen sized one with the board method I managed by myself..but it would be so much easier with someone to help with the turning..especially at the beginning.That first turn is a doozy if you're doing it alone!

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Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: Merry Bee on April 09, 2008, 11:24:47 AM
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I want to hear how that method works out for you! I think it sounds like a good way. I like basted quilts better than pins, but I use pins sometimes instead...I am always on the search for a better way to do things. You will learn a lot from this quilt, and I am glad you are going to try it yourself. I see my first quilt and laugh about it, but everybody knows it was a first project, using WalMart fabric, and made for an aunt who moved to a nursing home. The Lone Star piecing deserved better than that, but I had to start somewhere, and I thought she would wear it out, the way they launder things in those places. But it survived. The trouble is, DS loves it and considers it valuable. He keeps it for a keepsake. I am fine with that, though.

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Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: finisher on April 09, 2008, 11:33:52 AM
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MerryBee..I think that's how Chris did her Sampler quilt's basting? I did the quilt I have in the frame now that way..and it is a blessing to me! I don't have an area big enough to baste on the floor..and it's hard getting up too! The board method takes up a lot less space and you can sit to do the basting. If you have an office chair on wheels..you can just move along as you baste each section. I'm really happy Chris told us about the video. I wouldn't have known about it without her post and it's a wonderful thing for me. I have amassed quite a few large quilts that were just sitting there waiting because basting them was a problem for me. Now I'm back in business. :afro:

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Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: tlcquiltnut on April 09, 2008, 04:58:50 PM
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What is board basting , inquiring minds want to know....and learn.... :crazy2: sounds like something I could do as i too have little room on the floor for a big quilt for basting..
CC I am curious which stars you want to stipple in ...the big one (in the middle) or the small ones..? sorry to be so dense...
It is a wonderful quilt love every square inch of it....I like your idea of the cheaper way and learning quilt..I am not that brave yet...
I can't wait to see what you do, it will be good if I know you...

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Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: Merry Bee on April 09, 2008, 07:22:24 PM
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I know that finisher posted a thread on it, with a video, but I can't find it now. Sorry. I will continue to look for it.

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Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: golo on April 09, 2008, 07:35:58 PM
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didn't buickjim post something on that a while back....

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Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: Merry Bee on April 09, 2008, 09:00:07 PM
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Maybe that's who it was. Contact one of them and see if they have the link, TLC. Undesided

.

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Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: BearFoot on April 09, 2008, 09:50:02 PM
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I think this is the thread you were looking for:
http://www.quilterssanctuary.com/forum/index.php?topic=89.msg757#msg757 or this one
http://www.quilterssanctuary.com/forum/index.php?topic=89.msg6579#msg6579

Admin Number of posts : 299 Registration date : 2008-09-02

Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: Calico_Chris on April 10, 2008, 04:34:22 AM
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Yes I did use this method on my first quilt. I find I can baste much faster than pins. I am hand quilting and removing basting threads as I go.
My second one will be machine quilted so I'm going to use water soluble threads (just in case).
My first was a queen size and I did have the help of my (very disinterested) 21 yr. old son to help me turn the boards and keep everything straight as I turned them. I did have to fully extend my table plus put a card table next to it to accomidate the length.
This is the post from the other thread with the basting videos. The herringbone baste stitch has kept eveything on quilt #1 very secure

I found method helpful in basting my quilt. I used the herringbone baste stitch that she used as well.

This is a two part video

Part One:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhwNylePFAA

Part Two:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_EjBGz5vGQ

Credits given to Sharon Shambers Technique

NOTE: I suggest using wider boards, I think it will keep things from moving around during the basting process. Also I followed Finishers suggestion on priming and painting the boards (You don't want sap on your project) Also look for flat level boards.

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Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: golo on April 10, 2008, 07:56:37 AM
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Thanks CC... that was interesting to watch... I pin.. I think its faster... Are you going to use the water solible thread for your basting thread????

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Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: tlcquiltnut on April 10, 2008, 03:17:11 PM
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CC I liked this method may use it on my next quilt have been putting it off because of the BASTING PROCESS.... :idiot2:

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Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: Merry Bee on April 10, 2008, 07:18:45 PM
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I know. I hate to baste, pin, whatever, on the floor, and the table, even if you fold a quilt into quarters, is just not a good place to baste. My right knee is bummed, and didn't I have fun on the ski slopes until that happened! I would probably do it all over again, silly me.

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Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: charalquilts on April 13, 2008, 06:18:23 AM
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Quote from: Merry Bee on April 09, 2008, 10:07:28 AM

I like the pillowcase method, and DD was thrilled with it for the quilt I made for her class.

Merry Bee, What do you mean by pillowcase method?

Chris, you quilt is beautiful...good luck with the quilting!

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Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: Texasmusicmom on April 13, 2008, 11:05:50 AM
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Charalquilts...look under Beginners Help.....there is a thread called "pillowcase style" started by quiltermarynel. It's a great explanation of a bindingless method for quilts. I did two throws for a silent auction using her explanation. I liked it...easy and fast.

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Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: Merry Bee on April 13, 2008, 04:06:00 PM
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I made one today from an alphabet panel I had. DD was here and I sewed borders on the panel and put it together in a hurry by this method. It took very little time. I just stitched that so quickly so I could let her take it with her for a reading center "sit upon" in her classroom.

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Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: TxMaryQuilts on April 13, 2008, 04:24:24 PM
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Merry Bee, that is really cute. How perfect for little kiddoes to have the alphabet on there. It may have been simple but I am wowed that you did it in one day. You get an A+ and a smiley sticker

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Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: Merry Bee on April 13, 2008, 04:31:20 PM
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Thank you! My mother would be so pleased with me for having a smiley, and an A.

The children really love their URR quilt, and keep discovering new things about it, so I decided they need another one. That panel was 24" long, and was priced really low in a sale from Keepsake....excellent quality fabric, too. There were two printed on the 2/3 yard cut, and came to about $2or $3 dollar apiece. The backing and batting, and border were all scraps. This is the magic of quilts, to me, getting something so unique for so little money and effort. They will use it, probably fight over who gets to go to the reading center.

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Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: golo on April 13, 2008, 04:45:16 PM
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I just love that... you were so quick... Lucky DD to have you for a mom... :afro:

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Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: TxMaryQuilts on April 13, 2008, 07:20:51 PM
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Hey, if it gets them to read--I can't think of a better use for a quilt.

That was a good price Merry Bee. I signed up for their catalog ( I think it was theirs Undesided

) one time but never got one. I need to go sign up again.

You deserve the A. :afro:

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Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: Texasmusicmom on April 13, 2008, 07:30:43 PM
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Cute cute MB!
I have ordered from Keepsake.....have always had good luck with them. Catalogue is definitely "eye candy".

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Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: finisher on April 14, 2008, 05:23:30 AM
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VERY cute MerryBee! I like the border and the way you finished it off. :afro:

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Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: Merry Bee on April 14, 2008, 08:41:43 AM
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Wasn't much of a big deal. The panel is about 22 x 23", and she just wanted a little mat for a couple of kids and a few books, so it went together in about an hour, while DGS was asleep. It is nice to have a simple, quick project you can complete to give yourself a rest from things that are long, drawn-out projects.

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Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: Calico_Chris on April 20, 2008, 07:10:22 PM
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So tomorrow I'm planning on starting the quilting. This being my first machine quilted big project I was doing some reading on stitching in the ditch. I guess I always assumed that the "ditch" is on the low side of the seam right next to the seam line. But looking online I have seen it explained as ON the seam line up to 1/4 inch away. now I'm totally confused. What is stitching in the ditch?

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Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: Texasmusicmom on April 20, 2008, 07:22:06 PM
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That's what I call stitch in the ditch...what you said first.....you stitch into the low side so your needle just brushes, but doesn't pierce the high side of the seam.....at least that's what I do. :rolleyes:

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Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: finisher on April 21, 2008, 06:48:43 AM
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To me.."ditch" explains where the stitching goes. It's the lower side up against the higher side of a seam...just like you first thought..and the way TexasMusicMom described it. It's where I place the stitching when I'm quilting by hand as well.

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Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: Calico_Chris on April 21, 2008, 07:12:29 AM
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Well I started........using the turn and fight method :crazy2: I'm taking it slowly. Having a bit of trouble with my tension. I think the thread I bought is too big for my little spool holders tried both) I need to invent someway to get it upright, stable and out of the way.

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Title: Re: I have.......NO clue how to do this
Post by: finisher on April 21, 2008, 08:31:27 AM
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"turn and fight method".. :2funny:
I'm not sure what you mean by thread is too big? Do you mean the hole in the spool is too big? If that's it..maybe you could take a piece of sponge or cotton batting and jam a little in the hole?

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