1. What kind of machine do you use?
I have a JUKI TL-98Q. I do all my piecing and quilting on this. I do not have a long arm or a quilting frame. Nor do I send my quilts out to be quilted. It's all done on this baby. For those of you who have read my blog for awhile, this is old news, but I LOVE my sewing machine. I would recommend it in a heartbeat. If I had any complaints about it is that it is straight stitch only-no zig zag. And it's kind of loud. (More my husband's complaint than mine.) This machine is FAST and durable. It is a workhorse. It's a professional grade machine and the large throat makes quilting even a king size quilt attainable. One feature that I scoffed at when I bought it but now I would not be able to live without is the auto cut feature. I LOVE it.
2. What kind of batting do you use?
Warm and White. With all the white fabric I use in my quilts, this is the perfect batting. I buy it a roll at a time (40 yards). It's nice to have it on hand when I need it and it saves me countless trips to the store. I buy it at JoAnn's on sale or with a coupon (or both).
3. How much fabric do you buy for your stash at a time?
Usually quarter or half yards. Unless it's a good sale...then I buy a yard, two yards or the rest of the bolt. :)
Usually quarter or half yards. Unless it's a good sale...then I buy a yard, two yards or the rest of the bolt. :)
4. What kind of thread do you use?
I order most of my thread from Connecting Threads. I love their product. Otherwise, I use serger thread in some cases because it's thinner. I like this option especially if I am concerned with the thread blending in with the fabric.
5. What fabric do you use for the backgrounds in your quilts?
I love Quilter's Only Cotton in the color Parchment, which I buy at JoAnn's, usually by the bolt when it's on sale or with a coupon. The white white that I use is bleached muslin. I've just recently started to use it, but I love it already. I have a bolt of that in my stash as well.
6. Do you pre-wash?
No. And I really don't want to debate this, LOL.
7. What do you do with all your quilts?
I use some of them in my home-I rotate my lap quilts quite a bit. I give some quilts as gifts and donate some to charity.
I use some of them in my home-I rotate my lap quilts quite a bit. I give some quilts as gifts and donate some to charity.
8. How do you wash/dry your quilts?
I machine wash them in cold with regular detergent. Then dry them in the dryer on high heat.
9. I want to get started quilting...where do I start?
An easy quilt to start with is a small one (baby or lap size) using just plain squares. The ragged squares quilt is a good beginner quilt, as well. If you are unsure of the process, I would recommend a beginners class at your local quilt shop or learning from a friend.
10. Do you have any tips for stippling?
I have a free motion quilting tutorial here, complete with video (but no sound). The only other advice I can give is to practice, practice, practice. A side note: I do not think that all machines are cut out for stippling. I'm not saying that it can't be done, but a good quality machine will make this much less frustrating. I can say that from much personal experience.
11. Do you use a stitch regulator while quilting?
No.
12. How do you find so much time to quilt???
This has to be by far my most asked question.
I'll list what I think helps...
-my machine is fast and dependable.
-I have a dedicated spot in my home where I leave everything set up. I work on things here and there throughout the day whenever I have a bit of time.
-I stay home a lot. (which results in lots of quilting time.)
-I'm a workaholic so I'm almost always working on something.
-my blog motivates me a LOT.
-working from my stash and having materials on hand (like batting, plenty of background fabric and thread) saves me lots of time running around.
-I've been quilting for 8 years and obsessively for the past few years, so I've got quite a system down now.
-my kids are used to my obsessive quilting habits, but I am always on call. Some days are better than others.
13. Where do you buy most of your fabric?
I shop on-line a bit (Cia's Palette, Fabric Shack, Fabric.com) but most of the fabric I buy from my local quilt shop (there are 3 that are reasonably close to my house) and I prefer to buy fabric in person whenever possible, but it is nice to have the on-line option.
Alright, I think that's all I've got for now. If you have other questions I'll either add them to the list or answer them in the comments.
And one more thing I'd like to add...I'm not a professional quilter...I'm just a mama that loves to quilt. These are just my thoughts and tips on quilting based on my personal experience.
As always, thanks so much for reading. I love creating and I LOVE sharing what I have created here on my blog. :)