January 2008
The program at our January 2008 meeting was roundtable discussions on Machine Quilting by Loretta Painter, Now that the Binding is On, What is Next by Patty Ashworth and Needlefelting by Sheila Rauen. Download Patty's Notes or read Pam Huggins' summary of the discussions:
From Loretta Painter about machine quilting I learned:
1. She premarks the entire quilt before stitching. She has her whole
quilt plan figured out. She generally marks with Fine Line Crayola
washable markers. The "fine line" markers only come in an 8 pack
which
she buys at Walmart.
2. She uses a 60 wt poly thread or 100 wt silk thread and a size 90
(#14) Schmetz top stitch needle. She only uses wool batting for large
bed quilts.
3. She swears by the Juki TL-98Q straight stitch only sewing machine
for both piecing and quilting.
4. When free motion quilting, she sits to the left of the machine. She
ties off and burys her start thread before quilting.
5. Her free motion speed is relatively slow.
6. She uses a large hoop for stippling.
7. When doing grid work, she has a mylar plastic template that she
sticks on her marked line with double stick tape, and then uses that as
a guide for her needle. If she nicks it a lot with her needle, she just
cuts off the ragged piece with her rotary cutter. The mylar template
helps to keep her line straight.
From Patty Ashworth about What to do with quilts after the binding I
learned:
1. Document, document, document. Patty not only labels the quilt, but
she takes a picture of it and places that in a book along with
identifying information of the quilt.
2. Keep a notebook for show entries. Some shows only take quilts that
are two years old whereas others allow quilts up to 10 years old.
Obviously you would enter the "only 2 years old" quilt show first.
3. Be careful of posting pictures of your quilt if you plan on entering
some shows. If you have posted pictures of your quilt online- it is
considered "published" and some shows won't accept it.
4. Consider using a permanent marker to write your name and date on
your quilt. Heat set that and then apply your label over the marker.
That way if your quilt gets lost or stolen, your name will be under the
original label.
5. Keep a master list of your work each year. For Patty, this is a
matter of documentation of her work. For me, it's more a way to see
what I've accomplished and learned throughout the year. Very valuable.
6. Patty also keeps a card file on her quilts to list shows they have
been in or will go to.
7. Entering shows for Patty is not only a way to share her art, but
also a way to make business contacts. Something to consider if you are
in the business of quilting.
From Shiela Rauen about needle felting I learned:
1. It's a heck of a lot easier to use a needle felting machine than
using the hand tools- athough I believe she still does both.
2. Use only natural fibers (like cotton, wool, silk) for needle
felting. The nylon or poly fibers will break your needles.
3. Needle changes in the needle felting machine are few and far
between. Shiela has yet to change the needles in her felting machine
and she's pumped out a great deal of work!
4. Use a stabilizer underneath the fabric you are felting onto.
5. Consider combining other techniques with your needled felted
creations. Shiela does her trademark free motion embroidery in
conjunction with her needle felting for a tremendous result!!
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