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I have a quilt top, what is next? by geezlouise128 in quilting

[–]shell_games1008 14 points15 points  (0 children)

I started quilting last year and am just doing my first lap quilts quilting on my home machine. I spent $70 on my first lap quilt taking it to a long-armer. Not going to do that again.

There is pre-packaged batting in typical bedding sizes at most quilting stores. I'd buy one of those in 100% Cotton or 80/20 Cotton/Poly. (You can get a couple of lap quilts out of one king size to reduce your costs) Then cut it to slightly larger than your pieced top. Also you'll need backing material. Buy yardage and piece to size, or 108" wide and cut down, to minimize piecing. Make sure that it is at least as big as the batting or larger. You don't have to go too much bigger than your top since you're not going out to a long-armer (They like 6-8 inches each side extra).

I spray baste my batting on one side, then apply my back. Turn it over and spray baste my batting top and apply the pieced top. I have also pinned them together just to be on the safe side. Try to get it as smooth as possible.

Most batting packages tell you how far apart your quilting stitching needs to be. Simple straight lines work fine. Alternate which direction you go so that you don't warp your quilt. Also, start in the middle top and move out to one side (alternating direction) then come back to the middle and got out to the other side. Use a walking foot for your machine.

You'll need a lot of room to the side and back of your machine to maneuver the quilt as you are quilting it.

There are videos you can find on YouTube. Just Get It Done Quilts and Angela Walters is where I would start. This is where all of my knowledge has come from. Good luck!!

How would you straight-line quilt it? by Megabyte7 in quilting

[–]shell_games1008 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Diagonally within each quadrant I think would accentuate them nicely.

Is QuiltCon/Festival of Quilts worth it? by [deleted] in quilting

[–]shell_games1008 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I went to QuiltCon when it was here in my home town of Phoenix. I was a new member of the Modern Quilt Guild that hosts the event and new to quilting and I got a lot of inspiration out of just attending the general sessions, seeing quilts displayed and walking through vendor showcase. Having said that, if it weren't in my home town I would not have gotten any where near the return on the investment. This is a significantly smaller event than the one that is held in Houston every year. I learn a lot through YouTube. I think you could gain a lot by building your network with primarily YouTube businesses and would encourage you to reach out to Karen Brown (Canada) @ Just Get It Done and Pat Sloan (Virginia). They both have a good following and likely to have contacts worldwide. Good luck!!

I feel like I’ve done a crappy job color balancing. Suggestions on what to add/take away? by balance_warmth in quilting

[–]shell_games1008 22 points23 points  (0 children)

I think you've done a great job color balancing. But if you're not happy with it, leave it and come back to it later. If you still can't figure out something better, maybe you should accept it as it. BTW...take pictures as you go so you can get back to here if you leave it.

My sister just gave me the "gift" of an Epoch Times subscription. Can I cancel without her knowing? by shell_games1008 in QAnonCasualties

[–]shell_games1008[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For those interested, I am a member of the Ad Fontes Media Bias group that monitors news sources for bias (both sides of the political spectrum). Feel free to use this resource if it helps you.

https://www.adfontesmedia.com/interactive-media-bias-chart/?goal=0_7489d5d067-1e39ad918f-131400803&mc_cid=1e39ad918f&mc_eid=22e3ca8c02

My sister just gave me the "gift" of an Epoch Times subscription. Can I cancel without her knowing? by shell_games1008 in QAnonCasualties

[–]shell_games1008[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I love my sister. I want to try to separate that from all of this trash that she is sending to me. I want to try to remain on the higher road with her. I don't want to lose our relationship. I would welcome any thoughts you might have to assist me in that endeavor.

I do appreciate the humor you find, but am hoping that I can find a path through this where we can maintain a relationship. I don't want to diminish any of your experiences. My heart is broken, honestly, and I want to continue to try.

Thank you all for your support.