2009 Quilting Site Plans
Wednesday December 31, 2008
It's hard to believe that 2009 is almost here. I have lots of plans for the Quilting Site this year, but there are always so many things to write about that intended projects often get placed on hold while I work on what's most popular, patterns. This year my goal is to write more general how-to articles, like a section all about different types of applique. And machine and hand quilting. And quilt as you go. And more videos to demonstrate things in a fluid way. But I always appreciate your input -- you come to the Quilting Site in search of information and it would be wonderful if (eventually) you can find everything you are looking for.
I'd also like to have a team of pattern testers -- anyone who'd like to make an occasional block or even small quilt before a pattern goes live. Your feedback would help me make sure that instructions are clear as can be for others, and I know that your fellow quilters would benefit from seeing multiple interpretations of a pattern. If you are interested, just send me an email.
For now, how about some input? What type of quilting instructions would you find most helpful? Just use the Comments link to let me know.
Comments
I would like to see instructions and ideas for making the popular quilted jacket out of a sweatshirt.
I really need easy instructions on machine quilting with my sewing machine. I don’t have enough open space to handle rolling up a quilt to machine quilt and I would just love to be able to do something besides straight stitches!
I’d like to see small pattern ideas…..placemats, runners, wall hangings. Simple things for gifts. I’d also like to know how to use my machine for machine quilting. I don’t have a large enough space to do too much, but I’d like to do more than just lines.
Thanks for reading
I’dlike to see more patterns that offer the measurements and cuts for a single block. Sometimes I just want to try it, or see if I can make it look good from my stash or even to have odds n ends for a sampler type project. Often I don’t do a quilt because the cutting instructions are for a huge project I may not want to do.
I would like to have a way to print ALL of the directions and photos in a PDF format or a printer friendly format. Now, I have to print each page at a time.
Very helpful would be to include things like an email address instead of a link.
Being a tester sounds like fun, but I can’t find an email address to let you know.
I like your Site very much.
1. I’m excited about the APPLIQUE instructions that you have planned! 2. I’d also like to learn more about how to do the BINDING on the finished pieces. 3. How important is the DIRECTION THAT SEAMS ARE IRONED IN as you finish the blocks and sew them all together into a finished quilt top? Does this affect how easy it is to actually quilt the finished top?
3. What is “PAPER PIECING” exactly? I’ve never found it clearly explained. Why are some patterns paper pieced and others not?
Hi Janet I am interested in learning how to quilt without a hoop and quilt as you go. This would in able be to take projects with me when I babysit my grandchildren. Thanks for all your great work.
I like the idea of videos to help explain things better. I like to “SEE” how to do a project.
I also would like to see small quilting projects for gifts.
I would like patterns for placemats, table
runners and how to make a quilted jacket from a sweat shirt. enjoy your patterns. Thanks
Oh, please ..more for beginners…I would like to know how to piece and hand quilt.
Thank you so much for all you do.
I would love to have small quick projects for gifts, also seasonal table runners and kid friendly projects that my granddaughters could do, they are 10 and 8 and love to sew and quilt with me. Thank you for all of the wonderful projects and tips.
Accidently found your web site 5 months ago, thats the time I started quilting. I have learned so much from you already. All the above suggestions are thing I would also like to be better at. Would enjoy being a tester for you. Have completed 5 quilted items using your free patterns. Thank you. You have made quilting fun to learn.
I am for the videos. I once saw a quilted purse done on a video and was very impressed with the entailed instructions.I would love to find this video again, my mistake, I didn’t bookmark it thinking I could go to your site and just pull it up. Maybe you could help me with that.
I am looking forward to 2009 and all you have planned. Love most of the free patterns!
I really would like to see more foundation or paper pieced patterns on your site. They look like they would be very fast to do and would use up a lot of scraps that I have accumulated.
You’ve received lots of good ideas so far and I would like to second the request to make instructions easy to print all at once. Personally, I would like to see more on quilting designs for the domestic sewing machine. It is so much easier to find pantos for longarms but I’d love to experiment with fun patterns on my machine. Thanks for a great site!
I think it would be fun to have contests! Maybe quarterly and seasonal. Say best quilted valentine, christmas stocking, etc!
VaNella
Another quilter requested this earlier but I too would love to see instructions on how to quilt as you go. Am a big fan of your website - thanks for all the hard work you keep putting into it!
I am a huge fan of your website. I have learned so much form your newsletters. I also would like to see videos HOW to’s. I would also be interested in more smaller projects. and I love anything scrappy. Thanks for all your free patterns available. I so appreciate your time in giving us more of the things we love to do. quilting is my favorite passion.
Dittos on:
1) The quilted jacket Would this be using a sweatshirt as a base?
2) PDF files
3) PAPER-PIECING PATTERNS (She shouts with extreme enthusiasm!)
NEW IDEA: How about Electric Quilt Project files?
Thank you everyone — please keep the comments coming, because they are a huge help.
One thing real quick (I have a doctor’s appointment and will be gone a bit) you can print patterns real easily. When you’re on a pattern page, look in the upper right hand corner for the little printer icon/link. Click on that and presto, all the sidebars and ads are stripped out. Right now it’s printing all pages together (sometimes About.com tests those functions and there might be times when you’ll get one page at a time).
I would not mind doing an occasional test patten for you. Your instructions are almost always easy to follow especially with pictures to accompany the instructions. Sometimes we just need to “see” what we are doing.
Would like to see more !!!! paperpiecing patterns and instructions for same. Easy ones for beginners. Thank you, Linda Rohland
I have learned to quilt with your help, which is deeply appreciated! I would love to see HOW TO videos. All the suggestions above are great and I agree with ‘em all:)
I enjoy most of the patterns, however, I wish it was possible to have them in pdf format, rather than having them spread over many separate pages. Before I save any of the patterns, I have to make my own pdf files, as I save all patterns to a flashdrive.
I too, would like to be able to print the directions to a pdf file..to save or to print. Being a mother, grandmother, working full time plus.. I need simple ideas for gifts. Things that can be done in a sitting or two. I also would like the to do video’s, as I am a visual learner.. Thanks
For those wanting projects that can be quilted in strips or blocks using a regular machine, the “Quilt-as-you-go” method lends itself to this very well. I have been able to adapt several different quilt patterns to use in this manner.
I would love to see a section of more advanced quilting projects and maybe even a section on the website to discuss more advanced techniques.
I enjoy your patterns and your downloads on specific, helpful techniques. I, too, would like more projects that are useful as gifts and I would enjoy knowing more about quilt-as-you-go.
I’d love to be able to save instructions to a printable format like .pdf. I’d also like to see piecing instruction when you use paper or foundation piecing. And maybe some machine quilting that does not require use of quilting frame or a long-arm quilter - maybe quilting with a small machine using the “push ‘n shove” method, rather than the “roll up tight” method.
As a fairly new quilter, my biggest obstacle is color selection. I would love a way to have you and/or others see selections I might make and give suggestions or ‘coach’. I just discovered that with paper-piecing even I can get all those pesky seams to match up and the corners & triangles to look like they’re supposed to…! Gosh, my blocks even end up the size they’re supposed to be! I found (your info on) rag quilts very advantageous as I too have a regular machine and little space. (Felt like an exercise workout just handling the binding for a twin size!) The whole quilt-as-you-go concept is very appealing for the same reasons….I can totally complete a quilt, not just a top, and not have to pay to have it long-armed etc. I’m anxious to understand applique and all it’s forms; something more extensive than simply fusing a cut-out on, I think.
Thank you soooooo much! You are SO good at this! I don’t think a pattern has passed that I haven’t printed and been intrigued with. (The paper stacks don’t come close to matching my stash yet tho! - glad I discovered the ‘print’ key not long after I discovered you & this site) I started quilting about 2 yrs. ago - slowly - and with only 1 how-to book (The Quilters Ultimate Visual Guide)….I was delighted to discover you were a contributor! Neither you nor the book has EVER led me astray - only excited me about quilting more and more. Many many thanks again - from an avid fan & follower! (who knows not what she knows not)
Quilt as you go. I can’t seem to get my brain to understand how to piece together the blocks after they are quilted. I am a beginner and would love some detailed instructions. I have read alot of articles on the subject, but just cannot get it.
Hi everyone, Happy New Year from Australia.
I would love to see a continuing beginner style lesson format, with projects using different styles of quilting with basics thrown in along the way, for each project. It could continue in a weekly way that anyone can join at any time and not feel like they are behind but still learn and TRY all the techniques. I know things are done like this now, but would like to see smaller projects that can build into bigger ones later as new skills are learnt.
This is how I teach my “how to quilt” classes to older people from my church. I have used this site as an inspiration to my classes.
I would also love to offer my inspiration in trying out your patterns as a helper.
Hi everyone, Happy New Year from Australia.
I would love to see a continuing beginner style lesson format, with projects using different styles of quilting with basics thrown in along the way, for each project. It could continue in a weekly way that anyone can join at any time and not feel like they are behind but still learn and TRY all the techniques. I know things are done like this now, but would like to see smaller projects that can build into bigger ones later as new skills are learnt.
This is how I teach my “how to quilt” classes to older people from my church. I have used this site as an inspiration to my classes.
I would also love to offer my inspiration in trying out your patterns as a tester.
Thanks for everything you do Janet. I would like to see an area for small projects such as pincusions, ornaments, needle keepers, quilted bags–quick gifts. Another thought would be an area for the new gadgets or techniques—maybe instructions for making a design wall, or a quilting ironing board or a quilt rack—-get the men involved. Thanks again for everything.
I would enjoy more show and tell, such as perhaps posting a pattern on Friday and then everyone show what they did the following week, even if it is only a block. I would also like to see “challenges”, with items outside of the box. Quilting was started as a method to use up what was available. It has turned in to an art, but not for everyone. One thing that comes to mind at the moment is socks. The bottom wears out, but the rest is still good. Can they be used as batting? Has anyone tried? Discussions about subjects such as this might be inspiring.
Thank you.
Hi Janet,
I would love to see more on quilting with a domestic machine. I have quite a few flimsies to quilt and feel a bit overwhelmed as to how to approach it. Quilting as you go is an option I’m beginning to explore.
Thanks for your time in creating this site
Diane
I think the “challeng” idea is a great one. I know I would enjoy seeing other people’s interpretations of the same project I’m working on as well as any comments or shortcuts they may have come up with. These challenges could apply to a square, a small quilt,use of a particular fabric pattern or color requirement, how a particular pattern can be worked into a project (quilt, tote, table runner or placemats, pillow, etc.), innovative ways to apply a particular technique, etc. A challenge could be set out monthly or bimonthly with a deadline for return of photos and comments. Something like this could really spur on creativity!
By the way, love the website and the links. Free patterns are fun and inspiring, and member discussions have been very informative and helpful. All of you have been great.
The challenge with show-and-tell afterwards sounds like a great idea. I’m always interested in how other people would interpret a pattern I’m using in terms of color, size, final application. Challenges could be set up with specific block patterns or small quilts, use of particular fabric patterns (eg. polkadots) or colors, incorporation of a specific pattern into another project like a tote, table runner, etc. I’m sure you could come up with all sorts of parameters to inspire creativity.
I love your website and links as well as the various online discussions. I have gotten a lot of valuable information from other member’s experiences. I’m also interested in quilt-as-you-go ideas as well as other quick quilt projects (eg. big blocks, strip piecing, etc.)
By the way, HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL.
I have been purchasing some of the newer yo-yo makers and I know a lot of other people have, too, since they are so difficult to find in my area. I love making these yo-yos in many different sizes and I have plans for some of these, but I am having a hard time finding patterns for using these pieces. Also, other uses for them.
Also, if there could be ideas for series type quilts or journal quilts. I guess challenges could do that.
what happened to the quilt tips i really enjoyed tip of the day please return it
I, too, don’t have room to roll a quilt to machine quilt a pattern on my finished quilt. Ideas? Special (inexpensive) machines just for this? Quilt as you go? I also love to see new quilt patterns open in the email - grabs my attention! Oh, and would love a list of websites specializing in unusual fabric patterns! Thanks so much!
I would really like to go back to the roots of quilting. Back to some of the patterns of our fore mothers. We have great new ways to reproduce their patterns, and its an opportunity to study our past and learn some real history about the blocks we make and why.
I would love to be a tester I love to quilt and have all the stuff I need right down to my own quilting machine. So send them my way. I tried to chick on the link but it just would not go anywhere so I hope you get this.
Jan
I’d like to see three things:
1) children’s quilts, like animal applique, cars, truck, trains
2) patterns that show both an easy block for beginners & a more difficult block for more advanced quilters (for example: simple star versus a Mariner’s Compass-type star)
3) pictures of quilts with different color combinations
Love your site!
To Eileen…you can install what is called PDF factory pro onto your computer and that will allow you to print all the pattern instructions at once. Just go to PDF Factory and download the free trial…never ending usage. I have had it for almost a year now.
I would love to see something on Journal Quilting. It is a topic I just came acrossed and it looks very interesting….
I would like to be a tester. I’ve been quilting for several years and would enjoy the opportunity. Thanks
Hi from Australia - would love if you could send some rain our way! Most of the ideas seem to have been covered, however, more videos showing “how to” would be useful. Would love to test patterns for you, I have been sewing quilts for a few years and always pass on your website to new quilters I meet.
More articles and tips for machine quilting on my sewing machine. Practice exercises for free motion quilting would be very helpful. I’ve never tried “quilt as you go”, but would like to learn more.
I think it would be fun if we could do a block of the month quilt. Then maybe we could send our pictures in each month to see how they are all different. Maybe a sampler quilt or something. One class I went to the lady would give directions for different sized quilts and you could choose which size to make, baby-twin or full.
I would truly enjoy being an amateur tester following your guidance on line. This is a very interesting site Thank you and looking forward to hunting up info when I need some help in the future.
First and foremost I would LOVE to be a tester=:) Most ideas have been mentioned:
BOM
Smaller projects
Paper Piecing
Small Water color project
Applique
Binding
EVERYTHING
I never can find good directions for mitering the border on a “pointy-end” table runner. Also, would like to see directions on where to place binding to begin and how to finish the ends.
I would like some patterns for placemats or small table runners or table mats
I want to see instructions for making a quilted jacket from a sweat shirt
I would like to see a pattern for making a quilted jacket from a sweatshirt.
I would like to see how to do quilted tote for a beginner
I would like to see quilted eyeglass case for beginner
I would like to see methods of “quilt as you go”
Kathleen
I love your web site like most of your readers I also would like ways to machine quilt other than straight. Also small projects, I also would like to see maybe some more paper piecing projects. I like to try anything. Many thanks
I would love to see placemat patterns. A nice small project to get started on as a new quilter.
I would be happy to make blocks for you-
I would love to see more on “quilt as you go”, as well as techniques for accurate piecing for the Mariner’s Compass design.
I have just discovered your site trying to research quilting frames for use with home machines, not longarms. This seems to be a little researched area so I would like you to add that to your list of Honey Do’s ( tee hee) I would also offer up my time and machine to test patterns for you from time to time…and any products you may be looking to review…Thank You for asking us what we need. Angie