Saturday, January 19, 2013

Ask The World A Question...

The last time I did "Ask The World A Question", it was a big hit. Definitely making this a regular feature.

If you're new to the Question and Answer post it's very simple...ask a question and my wonderful readers from all over the world will answer it for you!!



All you do is ask a question in the comment section. Someone who reads my blog from all over the world can answer just under that question by clicking in the "REPLY " button. There are so many helpful people in the world who can share so much...some have blogs, and some do not. I thought this would be the perfect solution for everyone to ask any question and then we can all help!!

Just an FYI...when you are clicking "reply" in any blog comment format, you are not "replying" directly to that person's email address. You are just replying on my blog under the question, so everyone has to return here to see the answers.

Ask questions about cooking, recipes, crafting, sewing, blogging, photography, vacations in other countries or states, decorating families, babies...anything goes.

Here's how it will work...
  • post your question in the comment section
  • everyone will read the question 
  • if someone has a helpful answer, that person will click the "REPLY" button right under that particular question and post the answer!!
  • that way everyone can read the answer too!!
  • this is helpful for some who don't like to share their email address or who are "no replies" and there isn't an email address to respond to 
  • just come back to this post to see if your question has been answered!!

If you'd like to read the other Q and A post you can click HERE and HERE to see how it works or to see if some questions might be helpful for you too.

Have a great day everyone,
~Karen~


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89 comments:

  1. I have a runway edition brother that cost me $79 three years ago. The tension is dead and the cost to get it looked at is more than I bought it for. I'd rather not take my expensive husqvarna machine on the road exposing it to bumps and humidity. I am looking for a $200 to $400 machi e with things such as a needle up/down, feed dogs that drop for free motion, walking foot, several stitches and maybe an alphabet, but not mandatory. I do so love that curvy straight stitch that the new modern quilter are doing!
    Thanks for any suggestions!

    glen In Louisiana

    What machine do you like or have?

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    1. Have you thought about a second-hand machine?
      I leave my (expensive) Bernina at home and take my second-hand Pfaff 1467 to workshops etc.
      It has everything you want(it has a built in walking foot that can be engaged or not) and quite a lot of embroidery stitches. It does a better satin stitch than my Bernina and has a couple of alphabets (maybe 3 but I have never used them..)
      My Pfaff was made in Germany and is solid and well-built.

      A sewing machine dealer may well have machines from people who have up-graded.

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    2. I use a Brother 9050 and I love it. It has all the features you are looking for and it cost me around 200 if I remember correctly.

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    3. My machine was abig more expensive ( I think like $500) and it is a Baby Lock Sofia. It is only a 3/4 size machine and it has survived 3 moves and 3 countries. It might be a great travel machine for you!

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    4. I use a basic Brother's machine. It's so basic it doesn't even have a serial number! It's light and easily portable. I use it for my 2nd machine. I got mine of Overstock.com. Here's the link: http://www.overstock.com/Crafts-Sewing/Brother-XR9500PRW-Computerized-Sewing-Machine/6358734/product.html
      Overstock has quite an inventory of machines, many of them very reasonable priced.
      Good luck!

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    5. I got a Janome Jem for travel. I love it-- it is a smaller size but has lots of features. There are several price points that should be in your price range.

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    6. I bought a Janome on overstock.com a few yrs ago for $35. They have different stock coming in all the time, so you never know what you can pick up!! I would be careful of Brothers. Especially traveling. They seem to go out of time a lot. At least everyone that I have bought. I've went thru 4 or 5 of them. And they aren't worth putting any money into them after they start having problems. Just my opinion! Tricia

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  2. I tried to start sewing on my mom's very old machine a year ago- I got as far as getting a (pretty much) straight line before I got so frustrated & just sent it back to her. Now, I'm absolutely determined to stick with it so for Valentine's Day, my hubby is getting me a new sewing machine.

    My only problem is I have absolutely no idea what an ideal beginner's machine would be!

    Anyone who could suggest a good one for a newbie would be awesome! Also, suggestions from you seasoned sewing gals of what other types of tools/notions I should have before starting my journey into the sewing world again?

    Thank you in advance!

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    1. Dear i started sewing in 2012! Actually in March 2012. And it's been only almost one year that i'm making Tilda dolls. My sewing machine is Singer Promise 1409. This is simple enough to understand at the very first beginning and talented enough to let you make anything you want. You can have a look here: http://www.singerco.com/products/2137/1409-promise
      Tell the seller what you want to do and they will help you to buy the suitable one. But if you're new to this subject, i'm telling you this machine will be very much enough.
      Good luck ^_^ and let us know if you made it ok?
      Lots of love

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    2. I concur wholeheartedly with the advice above! Think of your sewing machine as an investment and only buy one with the features you think you will need/use. You can always move up to a bigger and better model later if you want to!

      As for notions, a must-have in my opinion is a rotary cutter. This makes cutting much more precise and even. Jo-anns or Hobby Lobby usually sell a "kit" that includes the cutter and a mat that is to be used along with it. I must say, though, that like most things, don't try to go too cheap here - Olfa is a good rotary cutter that will be better in the long run than the cheaper models. Other must-haves would be pins, a seam ripper, measuring tape, and a decent pair of scissors.

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    3. Use any 40% coupon from JoAnn's for these purchases. I bought my granddaughter's a little at a time and used a coupon for each item unless they were on sale for 40% or more off. You can't go wrong with the notions at JoAnn's. I concur also with the advice on the machines. I used my first machine (Viking) for 30 years and then moved onto a Bernina with more functions when I started quilting. My daughter is still using the Viking almost 38 years later from when I first got it!

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    4. This might be too basic, but when I was in school, we sewed on Janome Schoolmate S-3015. http://content.janome.com/index.cfm/machines/Specialty/Schoolmate_S-3015 This was great for learning, and I was never frustrated. But since I don't own a machine now, this is the best I can help! Good luck!

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    5. A good way to check out a variety of brands is to go to a quilt or sewing expo. Most of the major sewing machine manufacturers usually have displays. That way you can "test drive" a bunch of different brands to see what feels right for you. Check with your local quilt store to see when any shows are scheduled in your area or do a Google search. If there aren't any, maybe you have a sewing machine dealer nearby that sells several brands. You can't go wrong with any of the major brands, you just need to figure out what works best for you.

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    6. Hi Chantal,
      Great question. I know my first machine was a $50 garage sale purchase my Mother made. She gave it to me and I always wanted to throw it out of a window...honestly! On my first wedding anniversary my husband bought me a very nice sewing machine. I won't mention the brand, but I will tell you it was a starter edition for $1,100. I never did use all those stitches and if I had it to do all over again, I'd buy a good used machine that I could test. I'd want a great straight stitch and a great zig zag and I'd be done. Check your local Craigslist or something similar and find something you can test that works well and get to sewing. Save your money for the extras you'll need later if you end up loving to sew.

      Smiles,
      Kelly

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    7. Oh, wow. Thank you ladies for all this awesome advice! It is definitely much appreciated and has made me that much more excited to dive right in.

      Thank you all again!
      Chantal

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    8. I want to second or third the suggestion that you buy from a dealer. I got a machine a couple of years ago that was gently used and still came with lessons. It had been a decade since I sewed and I literally could not figure out how to thread the thing even though I had been sewing for something like 60 years.

      Go to a dealer. It doesn't really matter what brand the sewing machine is. The dealer won't sell a bad machine to you because you WILL be coming back into his store.

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    9. I too am wanting to buy a new sewing machine and I would like something that is better than the basic but I do not want the top of the range. I found online an article by Christine Mann called SEwing MAchine BUying GUide on www.stashbooks.com which I found very informative. My question is What is best to buy an electronic machine or a mechanical one and if some one could give me any advice here I would appreciate it.
      Happy sewing!

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    11. I bought a Janome about 3 years ago from Hancocks and I Love It!! I had a Singer that my mother got me when I graduated from high school and I never really liked it. I had a hard time controlling the speed and had it in and out of the repair shop to try and get that fixed, even with a new pedal it just never worked right. My Janome is wonderful and I have pieced over 20 quilt tops on it and even quilted one queen sized quilt on it. Just wanted to give an opinion on the other side of dealers. Sometimes they are too pricey and if you have a good repairman like we do here in M-town, the big name fabric store models will work too. Good luck.

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  3. How do you keep your projects organized?
    Do you only plan one project at a time or do you buy tons of fabric then plan what to do with it.

    I wish I could find a better approach which is no plan at all!

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    1. I keep my projects in 9x13 inch cake tubs I bought at Wal-Mart. That way I have patterns and fabric together, and I can work on them as I want. I still have a lot of projects I'm in the middle of, but this helps to keep them a bit more organized. Also right now I'm using out of my stash, so I don't buy any new fabric unless it's to finish a project.

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    2. The most brilliant tip I received in 2012 was this: When you buy fabric for a project, write on the selvege WHAT it's for and WHERE you bought the fabric.

      Every single week someone would come into my shop and say, "Did I get this here?" when they ran out of fabric.

      I have beautiful sets of fabric all wrapped up pretty, cuts in specific amounts. What I don't have is the pattern that I bought the fabric for (before 2012). When you buy fab for a specific pattern, even if it's one you come up with in your head right there at the LQS, store the fabric with the pattern or drawing of what you want to do.

      You will NOT remember. :-)

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    3. I save the plastic zipper bags that linens come in and use them for each project. Sheet bags work great for large projects and this is also how I take them to the quilter's with my name and phone number clearly marked on the bag. She loves it! When I buy fabric I have sticky notes in the pocket of my purse and I write how much yardage, etc the fabric is and the project it was purchased for on a sticky note and put it on the fabric before they put it in the bag.. When I get home it goes right in the bag. If it's not going in a bag then I pin the sticky note to the fabric so I remember. All of my stash is marked this way with how much yardage is there. It saves time when I need to find something for sewing. Yes, I'm insanely organized! Oh and taking these clear bags to the fabric store when I need to match fabric is fabulous as I can see the fabric without even opening the bag!

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    4. I buy large pizza boxes for 50 cents each from the local pizza place. I put the fabric, finished blocks, and patterns in them. I have a label maker and make a label for the outside so I know what is in them. When I am done with that project, I can just cover the label with a new one!

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    5. LOVE the pizza box suggestion! Clever!

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  4. I use the Blogger platform to blog. I would love to know how to display pictures in a "mosaic" (I hope that makes sense) that readers can click on and make larger to view better!

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    1. Not for sure what you are asking but I use Windows Live Writer (free to download program)to compose my blog posts. There are several ways to display your photos and one of them is grouped together. I find I have more options for my photos in this program vs composing in blogger. You link to your blog address in the program then you can either post directly to your blog or it will go to the post list as a draft to be posted when you decided. I use the one that posts to the draft as I always preview it before posting. Sometimes I will have to go in and add a space between paragraphs and it also gives me another read through to catch errors in spelling, grammar or just to make sense!

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    2. You can make collages in Picasa in any style or size that you like. Then you just save them and upload them into your post as a photo like normal.

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    3. I use the Blogger platform as well and as far as I know you won't be able to create the mosaic/collage directly in blogger. I use www.picmonkey.com to create my photo collages, save it to my desktop and then import it into Blogger as a single photo. Hope that helps.

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    4. I use the Mosaic Maker at http://bighugelabs.com/. I asked the same question on my blog last fall and that along with picmonkey was suggested.

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    5. I just made a simple mosaic for the top of my blog using Picasa... it is free and you can also add text to your pics to have your blog name or personal info sealed into the photos for sharing on sites like Pinterest to get readers back to your blog. I don't think I have seen a blog where a mosaic can get bigger but blogger does let you size each pic you have imported by clicking on the pic it will highlight options on the bottom of the pic... hope that helps! Kathi

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  5. Does anyone have experience with a Reliable iron? I have one and loved it until one morning it was 'dead', no heat at all. My favorite feature was that you could change the auto off setting. Any repair info that I have found was to return it to Canada for $79.00. Anyone else?

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    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    2. I have had mine over 2 years and no problem with it so far. I blogged about it when I first got it on October 15, 2010. Mine is the Reliable Velocity which is the larger one. Will be checking back to see what others experience too.

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    3. You can fee free to e-mail me and I will help you get it replaced. My e-mail is IHaveANotion@yahoo.com. Unless you dropped the iron there is no reason it should have stopped working. I have several Reliable Irons and I have to say they are my favorite hands down. The folks at Reliable are very good people and I know they would want you to be happy with your purchase.

      Kelly

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  6. Great Saturday Morning!
    I would appreciate any simple info on numbering comments. I find it very difficult to give away a prize based on comments and I think numbered comments would really help!
    Thanks in advance, take care, Leslie

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    Replies
    1. I will be watching for this answer because I too would love to know how to do this! Thanks for asking Les!

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    2. Here's a fairly recent tutorial with pictures:
      http://thecutestblogontheblock.com/tutorials/new-how-to-number-comments-on-blog-posts

      and a follow-up Blogger setting if it doesn't work:
      http://aturntolearn.blogspot.com/2012/04/how-to-number-your-blog-comments.html

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    3. Follow this - it worked for me and others that I have passed it along to!

      http://echinopsaster.blogspot.com/2012/05/help-with-numbered-comments-in-blogger.html

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    4. Thanks so much ladies! I will check all of the links out and hopefully get this set up on my blog.

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    5. I just HAD to come back to thank Deb@asimplelifequilts!!

      I tried the first link from the cutestblogontheblock posted above and it was like trying to find a needle in a haystack.. or at least it was for me..

      So I decided to try your link Deb... SIMPLE!!! so simple I could have slapped my forehead!! Nothing to search for... no groaning.. no stress...

      Just simple copy and paste in to one box!!! Everyone that wants their comments numbered needs to come to your blog and read your tutorial.. All it took was 15 seconds to do!!!!!!!!!!!!

      Seriously folks!

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    6. "yay i did it too thanks Deb :)))

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    7. Didn't work for me. I tried the Echinops and Aster site. Easy to do, but it didn't number anything. I think I remember reading a while back that if you use Internet Explorer it will not work. It must be a browser like Chrome or FireFox or Safari, so that could be the reason my comments don't get numbered. I wonder if I put the code in while on Chrome, will it be there when I go back to Explorer? I read a few comments from the Echinops and Aster site about this and there were a few people who commented it did not work, so I am guessing they too had Internet Explorer?

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    8. The Echinops and Aster method will work, but will not show up in Internet Explorer. I made the change on my blog while in Internet Explorer, and thought nothing happened. When I viewed my blog in FireFox, though, the numbered comments were there.

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    9. I just found another method: http://www.helperblogger.com/2012/08/add-numbers-to-blogger-threaded-comments.html

      That shows how to number threaded comments, so any replies to the main comment are lettered, rather than numbered. For example, the first person would leave a comment (number 1), and any replies to that comment would be labeled 1a, 1b, etc. The next comment to the original blog post would be comment 2.

      I hope that makes sense! Oh, by the way, just like the other methods, this method does not show up in Internet Explorer, but does in FireFox.

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  7. Blogger isn't displaying an icon for getting pictures from my computer anymore but wants me to use my phone, etc. to upload. Anyone else have this problem? I've stopped blogging because of it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I read on Blogger that they're having difficulty with it in Explorer (and I'm having the same issue you mentioned in both Explorer and Mozilla Firefox). I'm able to upload pics to blogger through Gogole Chrome. Could it be an evil Google plot or just a huge inconvenience? Hmm... But I just upload my pics through Chrome and then go back to Explorer to write or edit. I'm intersted to hear how other folks are dealing with this.

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    2. Do you have a box that says Get Files. There isnt a browse bar by this, just a box that says Get Files. I have that and click on it and it takes me right to my photos on the pc.

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    3. This was posted in another group and seemed to work.
      I had the same problem yesterday, and solved it quite by accident. When you want to insert pictures, change from "compose" view to "html" view and then click insert pictures, it will give you the usual "browse" option there.

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  8. I also have a Blogger question. Many of the blogs I read have cutesie little pictures to go along with what is written. If I go to Google images, almost every pic or graphic is copyrighted. Where do you get the type pictures I see in the blogs that are not copyrighted?

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    Replies
    1. Can you give a link to what you are referring to? They may purchase them from the stockist. I know I buy images from Dreamstime. You can check them out for images.

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    2. www.graphicsfairy.blogspot.com has vintage images that are not copyrighted.

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    3. I would check out photobucket.com They have gazillions of pictures that you can use for free

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  9. I love the things made out of selvages. How wide should they be cut in order to have a usable selvage left?

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    Replies
    1. When I cut off my selvages, I cut off about 3/4". That is usually the writing, plus about another 1/4". I have made several things from selvages, including covering my sewing chair with them! :)

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    2. Thanks, Loretta! That helps...8-)

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  10. What is the best way to start quilting? What would be the best type of project to start with? I would like to begin quilting, but just don't know where to begin. Thank you!

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    Replies
    1. I would start with a small project like a potholder or small wall hanging. A simple pattern like a nine patch is a good place to start. Then when you feel comfortable you can work into bigger projects. Too many people start out with a queen sized quilt and get overwhelmed!

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    2. Find something you like, something not too complicated and just dive in. If you have a guild in your area, consider joining. Quilters are wonderful people and typically will be willing to help you with any questions you may have. They also have sewing days where you can go and sew with other guild members....they can be fun and very educational.

      Smiles,
      Kelly

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    3. Do you have quilting stores in your area? I'd start with taking classes from them. They are usually held once a month or so for a few months. Sometimes they're a bit expensive, but the classes are well worth the money to learn the tricks of the trade. If you don't have a quilt shop near you, buy a learn to quilt book. You don't want to get frustrated by winging it on your own & not having it look good to you.

      I agree with Kay about starting with a simple block pattern, like the 9-patch. I also belong to a guild and Kelly is right, we want to share our love of quilting with everyone we know.

      Good luck.

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    4. Make a mug rug or a placemat or a table runner as these are all small enough to make, yet have all the same characteristics of a quilt, whether you piece, applique or both.

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    5. If you can't find a class locally, check out Craftsy.com. I've taken a lot of classes from them. They have a Block of the Month class that is free. The 2012 BOM is still up there, but I'm not sure if you can join that one now, but there is a 2013 BOM that has begun. Both of them are free classes and perfect for beginners.

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    6. A little over a year ago I started with a beginning quilting book by Alex Anderson and made a small log cabin quilt. The instructions were so simple to follow and the end result was so beautiful it gave me the confidence to take on bigger projects. Beware tho, it's very addictive!!

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  11. I want to begin looking into embroidering. Does anyone have a machine they would recommend? I'm looking for anything below $600.

    Thanks!

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    Replies
    1. I have recently gotten into Machine Embroidery and the first machine I had I bought at a guild meeting for $350. I still have it and would love to sell it....but....it is very basic and several years old. It takes floppy disks and doesn't have a USB port. I'm not thinking anyone wants this type of machine any longer. I found the machine I currently use on SewItsForSale a yahoo group. I love my new "used" machine and it is a Babylock. My experiences have always been positive with the Babylock embroidery machines because they are so user friendly. I test drove several other models and each time I became frustrated with their manuals and having to ask even the basic of questions. Keep in mind I'm a visual learner and that was just my experience. I know many others with other brands and they are thrilled with their machines.

      Smiles,
      Kelly

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  12. I would love to improve my fabric piecing skills. I often find myself frustrated when my corners or angles don't match. Any suggestions or recommendations for improving my piecing skills. By the way, I'm not interested in the foundation piecing skills.

    I appreciate any tips you have to share.

    Smiles,
    Kelly

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    Replies
    1. I don't know if you have bought any books that would help with your skills. I like Fons & Porter's Quilter's Complete Guide. Websites for different quilting business also have basic lessons. All of the suggestions below are free, as are many others. Just google free quilt lessons.

      FREE: McCall's Quilting has online lessons on single subjects: attaching a border, accurate 1/4" seam, etc. http://www.mccallsquilting.com/lessons/index.html

      Missouri Star Quilt Company has loads of videos on different techniques. You can look up their station on YouTube http://www.mccallsquilting.com/lessons/index.html or go to their site: www.missouriquiltco.com Their site is really fun to look at and they have terrific daily deals.

      Connecting Threads has free tutorials also. ConnectingThreads.com

      YouTube has a wealth of quilt tutorials. You can search for what you want to learn. There is always a few different videos. I usually look through them to determine which I think is easiest to follow. This is how I learned to do continuous bias binding.

      The great thing about video tutorials is you can do the technique while following the video. You can pause when you need to or go back over the same step as many times as you need it.

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    2. Kelly this may sound crazy but I just bought a new machine a couple of months ago. All of a sudden my seams are matching better! I decided to do a little closer looking and measuring and found out that the old machine I was using had great lines for lining up 1/4", 5/8" etc. on the plate so I used them faithfully....but when I measured them they weren't accurate! The new machine had much more accurate lines. I also use the old trick of putting down several layers of masking tape on the plate at 1/4" to make a "ridge" for my fabric to butt up against. That helps me. When corners or angles don't meet for me it's usually because my 1/4" seam isn't always accurate; the above tricks help that. blessings, marlene

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    3. I agree with Quilting Nonnie - those are all great sources. Eleanor Burns and Sharon Schamber are also very good instructors and can be found on You Tube.

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    4. Take that Kaye England Class on Craftsy -- "Piecing the Past" or something like that. While I won't be piecing a Civil war era quilt. Her piecing method instructions rock and transfer to any style. And by the way, I really liked the sampler blocks she taught. They work with any style fabrics!

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    5. What a great idea about the masking tape - I would like to use that one!!!!!!

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    6. I agree with the above suggestions. I have a few of my own to add: Use spray starch before you start cutting your fabrics and during the piecing process. It helps to obtain precision piecing because the fabrics "behave" better - just make sure not to use too much or you can distort you fabric and/or seams. A little goes a long way!

      If you're having issues with your blocks not coming out the right size, or units matching, test out your current 1/4" seam allowance. This seems to be one of the more difficult things to get just right.

      To test, take (3) 2 1/2" x 6 1/2" rectangles and sew them together. Press. If you're using a scant 1/4" seam allowance, your square should measure 6 1/2". If you want more information on this, you can check out the blog post I did, http://thecraftyquilter.com/2012/02/the-perfect-14-seam-allowance/

      You could also try the current skill building block of the month going on right now at Pile O Fabric: http://www.pileofabric.com/post/2012/12/28/skill-builder-block-of-the-month. This just started and so far, Alyssa is doing a great job. She includes videos as well as pdf's and it's free!

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  13. Why do my cakes & muffins get gooey, sticky on top when they are stored in a zip top baggie or in a Tupperware? They're not under-baked & storing them in the refrigerator causes the same problem. I'd love to make muffins like the restaurants that have a nice crust on top.

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    1. I have no idea why I asked a baking question instead of quilting/sewing! LOL Maybe it's being 1 am might have something to do with it?

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    2. Baked good deteriorate over time and have a very short shelf life. That's why the best bread is fresh-baked. How's that for an answer!?

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    3. Thank you everyone!!! I'm so inspired :)
      Kelly

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  14. I'm your newest reader and follower, would love for you to check out my blog when you have a minute. Thanks for hosting and have a great day!
    Audrey @ neverendingdecorating.blogspot.com

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  15. Is it too late to ask my question??? I want to make stuff with Burlap! But, it stinks and I searched and someone said they washed it on a gentle cycle...that didn't work...Help please. I know how you pull one or two threads to then cut, I know how to fry it...but, I want a few pillows and a table runner and and.....MORE!!! If anyone has some experience and tips I'd be forever grateful! :) Thank You!

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    1. With anything that is stinky, & I can't remove the smell, I put outside in the sunshine. I don't know why it works, but it does. It may take a day or two, but it works. My daughter bought a Coach purse off eBay that smelled like smoke. She put it outside for 1 1/2 days and the smell is gone.

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  16. I have question. When you make something using a pattern or a tutorial that you either purchased or found for free online, which do you prefer to use a pattern (a few drawings, mostly written text) or a tutorial (mostly photographs with some text)?

    Do you have apreference for which format you would purchase online?

    When you go to a quilt or fabric shop they sell patterns, but online you can buy pdf patterns or tutorials or find free ones and I want ot know if you have a preference or not?

    I have several free tutorials on Craftsy and I have one pattern and one tutorial for sale there too. Before I design quilts or other things to sell, I would like to know which format to create them in. I wonder which sells better? If it's free, people will use any format because it's free, but if they pay, which one would you pay for?

    Thank you so much for your input! You can also email me directly: patchouli (dot) moon (dot) studio (at) gmail (dot) com

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  17. I am getting ready to make a t shirt quilt... I know the quilted pieces have to have stabilizer... can anyone recommend a good video or series of vids that have been done on making a basic t shirt quilt??? I can embellish but I need something to follow... I have made 1 quilt in the past and it turned out awesome... I want the same for this quilt. Thanks for any help you can give :) Kathi

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    1. If you just fuse a lightweight fusible interfacing to the wrong side of tee-shirt front, making it a bit larger than the block size you want. Then with your square ruler, cut out the fused tee-shirt. Example: Cut 12.5" square if that is what size works or you want to work with. I find it easier to fuse the interfacing first and then cut the blocks to size. Then sew as you would normally sew. The interfacing stablizes the fabric so it doens't stretch and makes it easy to sew. That's pretty much it. As far as adding sashing, or other fabrics, that's a design choice you can make.

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    2. aha, cutting the interfacing LARGER is what I messed up on my last one! makes perfect sense! Thanks!

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  18. I am not a blogger but am having so much fun reading blogs and getting ideas. My question is do I have my own blog to enter free give always? Do I join that persons blog before I enter? How do I find contests? Ann

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  19. You shouldn't have to have your own blog, but there should be some way to reach you if you win. Some blogger request you join their blog and some don't, you just need to read their rules. Normally by following blogs, you'll find other give-a-ways. Have fun!

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