Are you passionate about quilting but worried about the expenses? Well, fret not! In this video, I'll share with you some fantastic money-saving tips to help you enjoy quilting on a budget. Let's dive right in! Chat with me below do you find the cost of quilting too excessively high? what are your thoughts.
It's not just special rulers. The whole industry has changed wanting their designers to put out so many collections with so many pieces to each collections, each have their own thread line, notion lines, books and there are all different thread and notion companies saying they have the ultimate tool. Even sewing machine companies update way to often. This all creates a syndrome, of I want to use the newest and the best. What has it done to the mind of the sewist? It's created households of overflowing totes, forgotten notions, and why did I buy this products. We all need to slow down, take a good look at what we have, what we really should invest in and enjoy the process.
Absolutely!! I often think of the beautiful quilts our grandmothers, great-grandmothers, etc. made with no more than scissors, pencils, brown bags, cereal boxes and talent. Thank you for this video!
I agree. I have a brown paper bag template my grandmother used for her lemoine star. Pattern must be about 50 years old. My granny passed in 1981 and I recently finished her quilt.
I do love Missouri Star and their channel for many reasons. I too am frugal and tend not to buy tools or templates unless I can see a number of different uses for them. And to their credit, Missouri Star does frequently present tutorials that show various ways to use their tools and they celebrate a template that has multiple uses. Missouri Star does focus a lot on using precuts for their quilts. Sure you can cut yardage to the sizes you need for blocks, but buying precuts gives you many colors/designs in one package. And using precuts gets you to the piecing stage more quickly if you are a person who doesn't particularly enjoy the cutting process. I know that building up Missouri Star's business began with a significant financial need for the Doans. They have lived frugality in their own lives. Now, they cater to the idea of providing tools and fabrics to meet the needs of many quilters and quilters-to-be. I think one of the great things they have done is provide restoration of buildings and employment for many people in Hamilton, MO. I have never ever heard anyone on the MSQ channel say "To make this quilt, you MUST buy this or that." But I also applaud that you are showing people ways to do things that don't involve buying something special. This is a skill that was necessary in the past and to a large degree we, as a society, have lost it. There is something satisfying about figuring out how to make do with what we already have. And that is a a skill that would benefit a lot of us. So keep doing what you're doing. Let's not forget that we are all unique and we each choose priorities based on our season of life and our means. There's room for everybody, and we need to support each other in developing our creativity. There is never just one way to accomplish that.😉
I’m so pleased you’ve made this video! All these expensive rulers and different notions can take some of the joy out of sewing,as someone else said we need to think of how our parents grandparents did their quilting on shoestring
I agree with the points in your video. To MSQC’s credit, I have heard them say, multiple times, “you don’t really need this or that ruler/ template. Just grab a bowl or straight edge from around the house”. I also appreciate that they show you exactly how to make it. No pattern required. Besides quilt shop clearance sections, I look for quilt shops going out of business. I have saved hundreds of dollars buying their name brand fabrics for $2-3 a yd!!
When I started watching MSQ quite a few years ago they linked their pattern for free, they stopped doing that. I still watch faithfully every Friday. I do love that some like Jordan Fabrics still give you the printable pattern for free if it belongs to her. Robert Kaufman has an awesome collection of free patterns also.
I agree 100%. As a new quilter you feel “if I don’t get those exact templates my project won’t be as beautiful as theirs”. I have learned that I don’t NEED all those templates or every half inch ruler! Thank you for using your voice to help the newer quilters. Love your videos!!
Thank you for the amazing video and perspective! I’m 63 and just decided to teach myself to quilt and can’t tell you how much money I’ve spent on rulers and fabric. I love your grounded approach- it’s exactly what I didn’t know I needed! ❤
A million percent correct, Karen!! I fell into the money trap when I first started quilting 4 years ago and regret a lot of what I own that I don’t use. Another tip is that there are tons of free patterns online, through TH-cam and Pinterest. I’m convinced that I will rarely ever purchase another pattern unless it’s something really special. Btw, I love your hair! Very cute!
By using fabric from thrift stores , quilt covers, men’s shirts you not only save money you are also mindful of the environment. Thanks for speaking up 👏🏽
In Canada, value village, renaissance or the salvation army are my go to places for quilting fabrics. Good for my budget and the environment. Bed sheets are fabulous. Happy quilting to all !
Wow I love the fact someone thinks like me about all the over priced supplies and other youtubers saying don't buy fabric cheap because it's not good. They are all just in it for the money 💰 Love your channel❤
I agree with you on all your points of quilting I am a old school quilter I use what I have for sewing. I have another tip I like to share with everyone I belong to a sewing group and a sewing guild and the members will bring in the fabric,patterns, and notions for who wants the items.
I agree totally. If you think Missouri star is bad, you should listen to laundry basket quilts. It's hard sell to the Max. It does take a little bit of the joy out when you need a bank loan to make a quilt. The quilts that I've made that touch my heart are the ones made from my families recycled clothing. Like you, I'm a country Australian quilter and don't fall for all the hype. There are exquisite quilt shops near where I live but I refuse to pay up to $30 per metre when I have so many shirts, shorts and scraps from 26 years of quilting in my sewing room.
Thank you so much for this video. I'm new to quilting and was getting overwhelmed with the costs of all the supplies. This will help me to really think about what I really need and don't need. I didn't know about printing out stencils. Great tip....
I’ve been quilting for over thirty years and has seen the amount of quilting merchandise available and the prices increase by leaps and bounds. The industry has grown and is now big business. Years ago there was far less quilting gadgets,notions or fabric as we have today. We didn’t have precuts and had to match our own fabrics. We could probably do without 80% of the rulers, notions and gadgets we have today and still make beautiful quilts. Happy quilting.
Hi from Melbourne. I started my quilting journey when Covid started, and I decided to do everything by hand. As a nurse, an older nurse, I found the hand sewing so good for my mental health. My style of quilts was story/memory/photo, and I wanted to make a quilt for my granddaughter in South Africa. As you know, our lockdowns were extremely difficult, and the longer the lockdowns the bigger the quilt became. When I started my husband insisted on good tools. My initial layout was about $600 but that included a laser printer, ink, rotary cutter, two rulers, large ruler and thread cutter, cutting mat etc. All that was necessary and I still use it. A large expense, which I thought was necessary and was such a waste, was buying every single type of needle that everyone suggested. I tried them, didn’t like them, bought something different. And because there wasn’t a person to speak to at the shops, I did click and collect and then I didn’t like the product. One day when our shops opened, I found a pack of needles in the $2 shop. You know, I hand sewed that entire reversible queen size quilt using two of the needles. The quilting I used different needles. Only now did I find a quilting needle I like. I have so many packets of unused needles, many I don’t even know to which packs they belong. The same happened with expensive thimbles. By the way, that quilt took me 2 years, and as soon as our borders opened, we took it to South Africa.
What a beautiful story I love it, wow do you have a pic to share ....... some viewers were very angry with me about this video, but I felt strong that it should just sell us unwanted items and certain should just really support and sell what is really needed, thanks you for sharing such a grand story, I certainly loved it immensely.
Thank you for your wonderful video. I've been sewing for a very, very long time and when I started to watch the newer quilting videos, I wondered how our grandmothers and great-grandmothers ever quilted without all the gadgets out in the marketplace. All of them are selling stuff that you don't need (I mean all of them Fat Quarter Shop, Shabby Fabrics, Missouri Quilting, Lori Holt, Debbie Shore, etc. the list is long). The cost of fabric is just crazy and don't get me going on the cost of thread, it's crazy. Another thing I've noticed is that most of them are somehow connected, they use the same fabrics, the patterns are almost the same. Stop falling for all of this puff, just enjoy the quilting process! Thank you.
I totally agree with you!!! It's like looking in a mirror at myself....I do exactly everything you do!!! I've never followed a pattern ever. I just create my own!!! I make a lot of memory quilts with peoples clothing! It makes such wonderful quilts
I think this kind of reality check is important. A big industry has grown around quilting and they exist to make money. Because they can. But quilting existed before the industry existed. Our "training" and conditioning as quilters is that we have to trust the industry and the subtext of the marketing message is that if you try to veer off that path, your quilts will be sub-par. It's super important that we trust our own good sense, intelligence, ingenuity, and creativity AND at the same time educate ourselves as quilters so we know we are using quality products to make our quilts so they will withstand a lot of use and give us years of enjoyment--because it's a lot of work making a quilt! I am a quilty rebel and a BIG fan of thinking for myself and/or thinking outside that quilty box. The need for special rulers for so many things is a particular pet peeve of mine. There are ruler sets that make particular types of blocks easier (Tri-Recs set for example) but do we NEED them? Fact is, it's often possible to do the same thing without the special ruler. Plus, I have to store every tool I buy so I really want to keep the volume under control. The recent surge in popularity of English paper piecing is a particularly egregious case in point. They sell us papers, which we need, but I have proven to myself that I can print and cut out my own papers that are just as accurate and functional as laser cut commercially produced papers. It takes more time than handing over my credit card but I'm in control of that cost/convenience balance which makes me happy. Papers can cost $100 for a large quilt!! (Canadian dollars; I'm in Canada.) Then there are the acrylic templates. Another $100. And the message is that you will need to buy the template set to make the quilt: without the templates, this quilt will not be possible. I make my own from template plastic. You can mark and fussy cut anything out of your own templates. It's faster if you have acrylic templates because you can rotary cut around them which you really can't do with template plastic but that's a tradeoff I'm prepared to make. I feel like it's necessary to fight a creeping dependence on manufactured goods to replace our own abilities, training, and knowledge.I could go on and on but I've said enough already! Great topic. Since I started quilting 30 years ago, I have been fighting the message that if we are not prepared to buy every single thing without counting the cost our quilts will be less than. It's just not the case.
Thank you for such a detailed picture of the industry, this video was created out of frustration not for myself but for the message that you must have every product to make a quilt I do hope that new quilters read your message in full. Thank you for sharing g your wisdom. You are older than me as in so has seen more with Quilting so your words are very wise. Thanks you once again. A well said message. 👏👏👏👏
Omgoodness!!! I am so glad I came across your channel!!! You have the same thinking that I do about quilting!!! I am so blown away. But I love to go rogue on quilts sometimes and just not think. But I always go back to the old days of how women use to make them because they needed them to keep warm in the winter. I even had a hope chest to put one in for when I got married. I made it by hand and cut the squares out by hand out of polyester clothes. Love your thinking!!!
Really enjoyed this video. This introduction to your channel impressed me so much that I just subscribed. As a fourth generation quilter and instructor for many years, I could not agree with you more. It is so refreshing to see a fellow instructor who really cares about their students and is so willing to share their special tips so freely. We teach to share our craft and skills with others and that brings us joy. Teaching never made me financially rich, but the wealth of happiness, satisfaction in seeing others excitement over their accomplishments and friendships I made along the way is a lasting "wealth" that is beyond measurement. Thank you for caring and helping to keep this beautiful art alive.
I made a twin size patchwork quilt of scrap fabric. No fancy ruler, rotary cutter or cutting mat; just a pair of scissors a school style 12 inch ruler and an old 70’s sewing machine. The only extra cost was the thread and a previously thrifted sheet for the backing. It was my first quilt with simple squares…just a fun project for me to sew with my ten year old son. We chose coordinating colours from my fabric stash and planned the layout and repeats carefully. He enjoyed learning to use the sewing machine and has done a few more sewing projects since then. The quilt is beautiful despite its simple design. The cost? almost nothing…making memories with my son? priceless.
Couldn’t agree with you more, I’m in the uk so don’t order from American companies as postage is more than the items. I hate yellow rulers as struggle seeing through them, I do like creative grids large ruler. My other bug burn is fabric has gone through the roof in the past 18 months, why are tons of shops charging new prices on old stock
I'm new to quilting, only two months, but majority of my precut fabrics have come from Temu. I have some really pretty jelly roll strips and packs of precut blocks. Temu can be quite addictive lol I live near a market with several cheap fabric shops, and I've bought several pretty fabrics at £3 per metre. Oh, is it Minky you couldn't remember. I made a baby quilt using a minky blanket for the back, and I've bought more to make more baby quilts. Using a monkey blanket means it doesn't need batting if any sort. I've used sheets instead of batting for the two lightweight quilts I've made. Love and agree with all your advice in this video 💞
I'm a new quilter at 59y.o. I dont know color, I'm slowly getting the basics of course, but I won't buy yardage yet. Putting color's together freaks me out, it's so hard!!!! So for right now I have to buy things that go together (Walmart has fat quarter bundles for $6 or $7 and yardage for $4). The day I buy a bag of scraps will be a welcomed miracle! Thankyou for your video, it was a big help! I was feeling bad watching the designers and shops on you-tube that my quilts can't compare. You gave me some confidence!
This is great advice. I like your channel for a refreshing dose of common sense and for the inspiration. You always talk about creating and sewing. Not about buy this and then buy that. It's quilting for the rest of us.
I taught myself to quilt by watching YT - very grateful to you all. I match my fabrics by matching the colours/shades, as you pointed out. I also don't buy fabric on impulse - I buy for my project. I have added to my notions over time but still not falling for the "must have" latest gadget. I've never bought a pattern. I have bought a couple of books from goodwill tho for joy and inspiration. TFS.
Thanks for this video! You are exactly right! I have spent a small fortune on my quilty habit! Starting to destash! Keep up the good work! I love you and your style!
Rulers, patterns and kits, oh my... way too expensive. When I started quilting I bought a book with hundreds of blocks and how to make each at different sizes. Yes, that was worth it. Once you get a little experience you don't need to buy the patterns (I have never bought a pattern) and kits. Also, I can get 1 yard of fabric (on sale often) for the same price as a fat quarter. I'm on a tight budget and frugally purchase all of my quilting items. Love your channel! Thank you!!
I invested in a big book of quilt blocks, with a print in color & line drawings of the block. Best purchase aside from the basic ruler, mat and rotary cutter. I bought a cute quilt pattern and as a dressmaker, I found the cutting instructions a bit confusing. Maybe just me, but I’m reluctant to buy more patterns and I like figuring out the geometry from my book.
I'm new to your channel, I totally agree! I also have fallen into the hype of buying several rulers and the beautiful, gorgeous lines of fabric that I drool over. I also have lots of regrets. 😔I recently went to an estate sale. The lady that passed was a sewer. She had several machines, fabric and notions. At first, I was a kid in a candy store! After I got home, I realized that I could be that poor women.😮. Her children were getting rid of her things. They didn't need or want them. The only value, to them, was to sell them. I started thinking of how much stuff I have. The amount of fabric that I will probably never use. I've stopped buying fabric until I make a significant dent in what I have. I sew because I enjoy it, I have enough to give me LOTS of joy! Thank you for the reminder😘
I may be wrong, but Missouri star had just built all those shops and then covid hit. Maybe they took a really big hit financially. But they are really expensive and I too don't watch a video when you have to buy a specialty ruler. But I have to say that I bought a t-shirt quilt making kit and it was the best decision I made for that project. The ruler was great. And the backing was a dream. Better than anything I have used.
MSQ made tons of money during Covid. Everyone was stuck at home and started quilting. We couldn’t go to the stores, so ordered supplies from MSQ. There is no suffering going on at MSQ. Covid was their biggest money maker. 💰 They used us.
You are so right. What attracted me to quilting in the beginning was the idea of using scraps left over from other sewing projects. I had little money at the time. I started out with cardboard templates that I made myself, my sewing machine, basically one ruler, pencil , thread and scissors. I bought remnants and grab bags of fabrics at flea markets. And guess what? I made quilt blocks. It’s easy to get caught up in spending a lot but not necessary. And it uses more imagination doing it that way.
I'm a Missouri Star fan girl, but I too watch the sales. I've got a wall of templates and rulers and end up using only a couple of basic ones. I do like MSQC's five inch ruler and the 2.5 ruler, but as Jenny says, use what makes sense to your brain. As to fabric, I love me some Moda, but the discount wall at my store always has lots. Great backing fabric. Muslin is a nice backing fabric too. Good tips! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this.
Thanks for this. I took a class March 2023 and got hoodwinked by my quilting shop.i have 3 rulers a square a triangle and the long one showed i refuse to buy anymore. My second quilt was built around teatowels and some embroidered panels and its still my favourite. I have stopped going to the quilting shop because she laughed at me trying to do improv when I've only been quilting for a year. I have found a cheaper longarmer who works from home. I buy my fabrics from Spotlight when on sale.i am currently makingaa quilt using old pillowcases. I did buy some fabric from a thriftstore to try out a kaleidoscope quilt but found out later it was polyester. 😮 you have given me some more ideas and i thought of another clearance store where i can get backing fabric. Thank you so much for being so honest
I couldn’t agree more! I have turned off tutorials that require specialty rulers many times. Mainly because I liked one pattern but then I would have the ruler and would feel guilty about not using it.
If I could figure out how to do it without that specialty ruler or template, I don't feel guilty, but sometimes it is hard to come up with an alternative . I usually turn off the tutorial if I see it heading that direction.
Totally absolutely agree. It’s ridiculous. School glue is a pound, sewline glue pen and refills are a fortune compared. I’m so anti these rip off quilting supplies and suppliers.
You are absolutely correct! We do not need all the rulers templates and patterns. And I love the tips you gave about sales and saving money on fabrics and shopping sales. Good video!
I agree. At 62, I'm brand new to quilting and was so overwhelmed on what I need and what i don't. Thank you fir giving such great advise. Also i have ordered several fabric squares from temu. In several sizes to get started.
I think your thoughts are excellent, and I enjoy your videos and your personaltiy. I think that improvising and figuring things out leads to great satisfaction.
Thank you from another discount table fabric shopper. Thanks for sharing these common sense approaches to quilting and for reminding us that piecing fabric together started (in many cultures around the world) as a way to make do and be thrifty.
Just found your channel. You're so right. I make lots of my quilts from scraps n leftovers fabrics, love MSQC videos but not swayed by the idea of spending my money on tools etc. its all marketing. I love Jenny's spontaneous n honest n direct words to be creative and go for it.. always do stay within your budget. So thank you for sharing ❤❤from Tasmania, Australia
Thank you! I was literally this past week contemplating the purchase of these bunny & egg rulers/templates at MO star, but after hearing your reasoning, I have reconsidered! You make so much sense, and I'm too easily caught up and impulsive when I visit quilt shops! I wouldn't use them enough justify the purchase!!
I agree with you. I had to leave my job for early retirement due to a bad accident at work. I am always having g to scrimp and save just for the fabric. I would love to spend lots of money on fun toys but it is not possible. Learning to be use what I need and ❤being inventive. Thanks for the tips.
I 100% agree with you ! ❤ Great talk on your video. New subscriber here. I also had aha moments about rulers, fabrics & patterns etc. It has gotten CRAZY. I quit quilting for almost 3 years. So now I am A LOT more resourceful. If i can get 2nd hand electric blankets from the thrift store I take out the electric cords and I found there are 2 layers of blanket that are thin and then I take them apart for 2 large pieces of batting. The electrical cord parts I use for rope in the yard. I also sew like batting materials to make a larger piece of batting or stabilizer. If I need a shape in plastic or acrylic ( plexiglass ) because I am going to use it a lot, I ask my local window glass shop if they can make it for me and how much. I once had them make leaves and other shapes of various sizes very inexpensively. My pet peeve in addition to rulers is ……kits, I see a kit and think oh cool there is almost everything to make the quilt……………OH NOoOOOO….. then I find I have to buy the pattern and often times template or ruler SEPARATELY ! ! ! ! WHY !? Is the pattern NOT included ! Just boggles my mind ! The quilts I make I give away because most people cannot afford to buy them. Quilting is a therapy for me . And it offers some comfort to others. I was inspired by the child’s book The Quilt Makers Gift. Thank you all viewers for your comments and Crafty Quilting Designs ! You all are very talented and creative. Have a marvelous day everyone !
I have never bought precut material for the 25 years I have quilted, except last year. I needed black a selection of black and white to finish a quilt and I saw one jelly roll that worked perfectly. I have so much material from the 90's that I will never be able to use, however. Thanks for your tips as I agree so much. I do have a lot of rulers I don't use but have used a few new things that I bought recently. They were not expensive!
I am new to quilting as well and it is overwhelming listening to all those opinions out there. I have bags of jeans I collected over the years and thought about using flannel sheets in addition to the jeans blocks instead of buying fabric. Also thrift store shopping is on my agenda. Thank you for your honest chat!
Good ideas, although I have to say that the Temu squares were pretty poor quality and inconsistent. I did get some other good stuff from Temu (Japanese style strips) which were much better. Also, I never throw away woven clothes. They all get cut up for quilt fabric, and any leftover pieces are snipped and saved in plastic bags to use for stuffing pillows, dolls and other crafts. As for MSQC, they have good tutorials and I just ignore their shameless hawking of special rulers and tools.
Great tips. Love the view on rulers. Elaborating on a couple of tips. My mother cut her templates from cardboard. Don't want to use cardboard, you can get relatively inexpensive sheets of plastic. I use men's shirts too. One of my thrift stores sells men's shirts for $2 ea. I have also gotten sheets for $2‐4. I also didn't use pre cuts. You are cutting them for a block and you end up with pieces left over. Buy yardage and cut your pieces.
Thanks for this. I bought tools and realized I already had them. I almost bought a triangle set. Then I realized I could use the 45 & 60 degree lines on the ruler I had. I do get some great ideas from Missouri and use the tips and measurements for creativity. Every once in a while I'll purchase something just to support an artist and designer. But I realized I don't have to buy every single tool.
Love how you think!!! I have been quitting for years and have never bought batting. I use blue jeans or a heavy fabric. As for patterns, look in kids coloring books. You can find all kinds of cute pictures.
Hi Karen. As a beginner in patchwork, learning from TH-cam, I do exactly what you say, using fabrics from shirt and other clothes, duvet, etcétera. For me is absolutely right. I enjoy watching videos of boxes opening, but it’s difficult to me understand how they buy so many and expensive ones and in many occasions just leave them in a shelf and love videos from MSQC and other big shops, where I’ve learnt so much and I’m thankful because they offer a lot of free pattern, but I understand they’re a business and want to sell. I suppose there are options for everyone. I love your videos.
Karen, this video is so informative! I definitely agree with you about the high prices of quilting items, especially fabric, batting and backing. I can make gorgeous pre-cut quilt blocks from inexpensive beautifully printed old bedding, tablecloths, curtains, even OLD DRESSES! Many of them have the most beautiful vibrant prints and designs that would be ideal for making quilt blocks. The fabric quality from these items is also quite impressive. Thank you for mentioning about going to thrift stores. I never thought to do that, and I have a couple of thrift stores near me.👍
Thank you ❤️ I love this video! Although I am not a quilter, I do create a lot of items using fabric. Years ago I started buying clothing from thrift shop's and deconstructing it. It is amazing the fabrics that I find! Everything from silks, velvets, linens, and laces. My purchases support the thrift store and I am helping to keep things out of the landfill. Fast fashion is a huge problem! Anyway, just wanted to share my thoughts. Thank you again for your honesty. I feel like you are my favorite Auntie that always tells it to you straight! 😅 ❤
I purchased a lot of the temu fabric to practice making blocks before I cut into my yardage. I didn't have any problems with the Temu fabric except for the purple, it bled when I spray starched it as did the red. Some say cotton while others are a blend. I have my quilt from my great grandmother dated 1967, I'm sure it's not quilting cotton, more like clothes kids had outgrown. Thanks for sharing. I agree with the rulers, if you can afford a 12 inch square you will be sitting real good. Happy quilting!
You are right in every aspect, i dont buy patterns, and i will write down block details from you tube if there is one. I really like, I have loads of details for many items, but when i start to quilt, i end up making my own. One day, I promise myself i will use them, but not yet, lol thank you for this ❤️
Today first day i saw your channel. I agree whole heartedly about too much cost. As a new quilter a year ago, i got caught up in the buy, buy, buy sendrome; patterns and material. However, as i learn more techniques, i am reallizing i have learned to just adapt patterns i have already bought. I still have too much expensive precuts, but i think i hv learned my lesson. Ty for good video.
I love your ideas. I was shocked at the cost of fabric. I started buying cotton fabric squares from dollar tree because I like the thickness of the cotton. Then I cut them and make baby quilts to donate. I recently found a beautiful flat sheet I never put on my bed because the fabric was so pretty, I got that from a second hand shop years ago. That I will use for a bac king.
Oh I so agree. I think I have thrown away a ton of money when I first started quilting. Instead of purchasing a new template or ruler I check to see if a friend may have one that I could borrow. I really appreciate your tips, hacks, for quilting. Now I am on a fixed income and I find tons of free patterns online!!! Thank you so very much! I love these hacks!!
Thank you! Just being honest. People try to take advantage of newbies/beginners. I'm new to the quilting world and I'm not deep in all the gadgets that they've been trying to get me to buy into. I thought it was just me who got sick of the "must have" for quilting punch lines. I head to the Internet for whatever is FREE! I'm new to your channel. Thanks for your honesty.❤❤❤
I always head to the "last chance" section of the fabric stores. A lot of good fabric for 70 percent off...yes please! Remnant shelf always a good option, too. I also bought temu fabric...good fabrics, good price. Thanks for your videos!
I know I am a bit late to this but……. I have only just got into quilting and I have fallen into the trap, spent a fortune because I thought I had to have it. Thank you for your honesty.
I'm with you on the "back in the day" quilting! I think that every time I see someone talking about how important it is that all the paper templates for English paper piecing be identical. They didn't have Cricut or these die presses back when EPP started! 😅
Half the fun is creating my own patterns. I have been sewing since l was 8, . My mother sent me to singer sewing school as a punishment for failing a class. And it was the best and most joyful summer l ever had. Been sewing ever since .l😊
I buy fabric from a few Etsy vendors. Better prices and they will put together a set of whatever I want. I agree about the rulers. In my area, the quilt shops have all closed, so your tips are helpful to me. My grandmother used old quilts as batting, boy those quilts were heavy! For lightweight quilts, a thrifted flannel sheet can be the right batting. By the way, Sweetheart, I needed to turn the volume down while listening to you.
I always advise new quilters not to get on the bandwagon of buying every speciality ruler sold. And looking at sites like quilters cache for patterns etc.
I also watch a lot of Indian crafts people and Russian craftspeople using scissors and cardboard and a desk ruler to cut their patchwork. I like to adapt the rulers to suit, if I have one I can make do. Agree whole heartedly. I am humbled by the wonderful Indian ladies making beautiful sari quilts BY HAND with a big needle and cast off clothing.
I'm with you! I used to watch them but almost every episode they are selling rulers! I'm on a very fixed budget but I love to make quilts. So my few pennies have to count! I don't want to spend so much money on rulers I would use once a year. So thank you for bringing this up! I felt like a cheapskate!
Bravo! 'Quilting fabric' used to be stained, torn, outgrown clothing, table cloths, sheets,etc. It was recycling before we knew the word. If people have $$ to throw away on all of the trendy stuff, fine. Go ahead, but it's absolutely not necessary.
Love seeing some common sense.I can neither afford all those special tools or want to store them. I just made a couple of Spring outdoor pillows using drop cloth fabric , yes a painters drop cloth(washed and dried it's super soft} a bunny template that was free online , added some novelty buttons that I ordered from Temu. Looks very Boho but really cute.I enjoy looking for ways to use what's in my stash. I have had a health crisis for the past 18 months making it almost impossible to sew. I am now through treatments and surgeries so I am jumping back in, now sewing almost everyday!
Totally agree Karen! I heard Jenny say the other day that you’ll need the lock block ruler! No I don’t! I can square up my blocks easily with the 45 degree mark on my ruler. I have ordered a lot of beautiful fabric from Temu! Keep it up Karen!
I'm not a fan of Temu, Shein, Alibaba or anything shipped for free from China. That free shipping isn't free, your country is paying for that, and delivering it for free as well. Hence why the USPS is doing so bad. At the United Nations, China has somehow has been designated as a "developing nation" (even though it brags it's the largest industrialized nation in the world) and the International Postal Service (which all nations pay into) pays for the international portion and your country pays for the rest of the "free" shipping. It's a scam I refuse to participate in and I am just nicely trying to inform everyone why we shouldn't buy from China.
Great video!! I watch Missouri Star once in a while, but any channel that suggest you buy items, I always ask myself if I already have something similar or something that will work. I noticed they use a lot of jelly rolls or packs of fabrics and I would never buy those. They are crazy expensive!! I don't want my quilt to look exactly like theirs anyway. I do buy from Temu and didn't know you can buy scrap fabrics from there. My experience is that most of the items are good, but some are not. They will usually credit you if you get a bad item. To save money on clothes, I buy cheap fast fashion items from them or Amazon and go through them to fix what they have cut corners on. Often that involves adding finishing seams and minor alterations. I have even bought items and turned it into a completely different item. You can buy a sarong or a lace coverup and use it as fabric or an embellishment. TFS
You are so right! I have wasted a lot of money in the past by buying tools I don’t need, too much yardage and by getting over excited when beginning a new craft and over buying when I should have put my toe in the wateriest.
Karen, it's refreshing to hear so many comments below that reflect my own discord with MSQC. When TH-cam started 15+ years ago I was enthralled with so much inspiration coming into my home sewing. However, the MSQC started me wondering the reason behind Jenny and Co, I had lessons in piecing, even though I had sewn fashion for 20+ years, because I didn't know why I wanted to cut up my beautiful fabrics and sew a 1/4" sa. OMG!!! She, Jenny, was a costume maker, in CA. So, I thought she could teach me technique. Well, truth be known, I was so frustrated with her methods of never squaring up, never pressing correctly, and she was reaching thousands of newbies teaching the BAD habits, when she herself was a new piecer. . Oh sure things have changed a bit for Jenny, but she still teaches bad habits. I have 60+ rulers and templates in my sewing closet..... eekkkk! most still have the backing paper on them. Oh yes, it was a bank breaking endeavor. I can't watch youtube quilter's who never give back. FQ shop has 100's of free patterns. MSQC has FREE tutorials on their $7 + patterns. RABBIT and EGG, I screamed at that.. lol OK I've gone on my rant. thanks for your insight and opinion.
Are you passionate about quilting but worried about the expenses? Well, fret not! In this video, I'll share with you some fantastic money-saving tips to help you enjoy quilting on a budget. Let's dive right in! Chat with me below do you find the cost of quilting too excessively high? what are your thoughts.
I really like what you have to say .
It's not just special rulers. The whole industry has changed wanting their designers to put out so many collections with so many pieces to each collections, each have their own thread line, notion lines, books and there are all different thread and notion companies saying they have the ultimate tool. Even sewing machine companies update way to often. This all creates a syndrome, of I want to use the newest and the best. What has it done to the mind of the sewist? It's created households of overflowing totes, forgotten notions, and why did I buy this products. We all need to slow down, take a good look at what we have, what we really should invest in and enjoy the process.
Beautifully said point on point
Yes!! And most of those which I've succumbed to purchasing, I've never used!! 🤦🏼♀️
Amen!
Absolutely!! I often think of the beautiful quilts our grandmothers, great-grandmothers, etc. made with no more than scissors, pencils, brown bags, cereal boxes and talent. Thank you for this video!
my point exactly
I agree. I have a brown paper bag template my grandmother used for her lemoine star. Pattern must be about 50 years old. My granny passed in 1981 and I recently finished her quilt.
@@debbiewood2675 wow that’s beautiful
I do love Missouri Star and their channel for many reasons. I too am frugal and tend not to buy tools or templates unless I can see a number of different uses for them. And to their credit, Missouri Star does frequently present tutorials that show various ways to use their tools and they celebrate a template that has multiple uses. Missouri Star does focus a lot on using precuts for their quilts. Sure you can cut yardage to the sizes you need for blocks, but buying precuts gives you many colors/designs in one package. And using precuts gets you to the piecing stage more quickly if you are a person who doesn't particularly enjoy the cutting process. I know that building up Missouri Star's business began with a significant financial need for the Doans. They have lived frugality in their own lives. Now, they cater to the idea of providing tools and fabrics to meet the needs of many quilters and quilters-to-be. I think one of the great things they have done is provide restoration of buildings and employment for many people in Hamilton, MO. I have never ever heard anyone on the MSQ channel say "To make this quilt, you MUST buy this or that."
But I also applaud that you are showing people ways to do things that don't involve buying something special. This is a skill that was necessary in the past and to a large degree we, as a society, have lost it. There is something satisfying about figuring out how to make do with what we already have. And that is a a skill that would benefit a lot of us. So keep doing what you're doing.
Let's not forget that we are all unique and we each choose priorities based on our season of life and our means. There's room for everybody, and we need to support each other in developing our creativity. There is never just one way to accomplish that.😉
You are 100% correct. Quilting should be fun but not bankrupting😊.
I’m so pleased you’ve made this video! All these expensive rulers and different notions can take some of the joy out of sewing,as someone else said we need to think of how our parents grandparents did their quilting on shoestring
I agree with the points in your video. To MSQC’s credit, I have heard them say, multiple times, “you don’t really need this or that ruler/ template. Just grab a bowl or straight edge from around the house”. I also appreciate that they show you exactly how to make it. No pattern required.
Besides quilt shop clearance sections, I look for quilt shops going out of business. I have saved hundreds of dollars buying their name brand fabrics for $2-3 a yd!!
Great job thanks for responding
When I started watching MSQ quite a few years ago they linked their pattern for free, they stopped doing that. I still watch faithfully every Friday. I do love that some like Jordan Fabrics still give you the printable pattern for free if it belongs to her. Robert Kaufman has an awesome collection of free patterns also.
I agree 100%. As a new quilter you feel “if I don’t get those exact templates my project won’t be as beautiful as theirs”. I have learned that I don’t NEED all those templates or every half inch ruler! Thank you for using your voice to help the newer quilters. Love your videos!!
you are very welcome
You are absolutely correct. Remember, Missouri star is using their channel as a commercial to sell products.
Thank you for the amazing video and perspective! I’m 63 and just decided to teach myself to quilt and can’t tell you how much money I’ve spent on rulers and fabric. I love your grounded approach- it’s exactly what I didn’t know I needed! ❤
I agree with you as well!! You can quilt without it costing you a small fortune! I am glad someone has spoke up and said something.
A million percent correct, Karen!! I fell into the money trap when I first started quilting 4 years ago and regret a lot of what I own that I don’t use. Another tip is that there are tons of free patterns online, through TH-cam and Pinterest. I’m convinced that I will rarely ever purchase another pattern unless it’s something really special. Btw, I love your hair! Very cute!
All the fabric makers ha e a ton of free patterns, like hoffman, Benertex, Moda and fat quarter shop.
thank you
By using fabric from thrift stores , quilt covers, men’s shirts you not only save money you are also mindful of the environment. Thanks for speaking up 👏🏽
I was floored when I went to thrift store and mens shirt were priced at $6-16. No way.
I get mine at a pay-per-pound place
In Canada, value village, renaissance or the salvation army are my go to places for quilting fabrics. Good for my budget and the environment. Bed sheets are fabulous. Happy quilting to all !
Wow I love the fact someone thinks like me about all the over priced supplies and other youtubers saying don't buy fabric cheap because it's not good. They are all just in it for the money 💰
Love your channel❤
I agree with you on all your points of quilting I am a old school quilter I use what I have for sewing. I have another tip I like to share with everyone I belong to a sewing group and a sewing guild and the members will bring in the fabric,patterns, and notions for who wants the items.
Thanks for sharing! great idea
I agree totally. If you think Missouri star is bad, you should listen to laundry basket quilts. It's hard sell to the Max. It does take a little bit of the joy out when you need a bank loan to make a quilt. The quilts that I've made that touch my heart are the ones made from my families recycled clothing. Like you, I'm a country Australian quilter and don't fall for all the hype. There are exquisite quilt shops near where I live but I refuse to pay up to $30 per metre when I have so many shirts, shorts and scraps from 26 years of quilting in my sewing room.
Excellent well done
Laundry Basket Quilts is like a QVC segment! Lol😂
Thank you so much for this video. I'm new to quilting and was getting overwhelmed with the costs of all the supplies. This will help me to really think about what I really need and don't need.
I didn't know about printing out stencils. Great tip....
Me too!
EXCELLENT, excellent video!!! Best advice I've ever heard for sewing/quilting. Go back to the basics and JUST HAVE FUN! Thank you for reminding me.
I’ve been quilting for over thirty years and has seen the amount of quilting merchandise available and the prices increase by leaps and bounds. The industry has grown and is now big business. Years ago there was far less quilting gadgets,notions or fabric as we have today. We didn’t have precuts and had to match our own fabrics. We could probably do without 80% of the rulers, notions and gadgets we have today and still make beautiful quilts. Happy quilting.
Very very true 1000 %
Hi from Melbourne. I started my quilting journey when Covid started, and I decided to do everything by hand. As a nurse, an older nurse, I found the hand sewing so good for my mental health. My style of quilts was story/memory/photo, and I wanted to make a quilt for my granddaughter in South Africa. As you know, our lockdowns were extremely difficult, and the longer the lockdowns the bigger the quilt became. When I started my husband insisted on good tools. My initial layout was about $600 but that included a laser printer, ink, rotary cutter, two rulers, large ruler and thread cutter, cutting mat etc. All that was necessary and I still use it. A large expense, which I thought was necessary and was such a waste, was buying every single type of needle that everyone suggested. I tried them, didn’t like them, bought something different. And because there wasn’t a person to speak to at the shops, I did click and collect and then I didn’t like the product. One day when our shops opened, I found a pack of needles in the $2 shop. You know, I hand sewed that entire reversible queen size quilt using two of the needles. The quilting I used different needles. Only now did I find a quilting needle I like. I have so many packets of unused needles, many I don’t even know to which packs they belong. The same happened with expensive thimbles. By the way, that quilt took me 2 years, and as soon as our borders opened, we took it to South Africa.
What a beautiful story I love it, wow do you have a pic to share ....... some viewers were very angry with me about this video, but I felt strong that it should just sell us unwanted items and certain should just really support and sell what is really needed, thanks you for sharing such a grand story, I certainly loved it immensely.
Good for you, not all of us have money to keep buying, I use paper then laminate, love this channel x
Thank you for your wonderful video. I've been sewing for a very, very long time and when I started to watch the newer quilting videos, I wondered how our grandmothers and great-grandmothers ever quilted without all the gadgets out in the marketplace. All of them are selling stuff that you don't need (I mean all of them Fat Quarter Shop, Shabby Fabrics, Missouri Quilting, Lori Holt, Debbie Shore, etc. the list is long). The cost of fabric is just crazy and don't get me going on the cost of thread, it's crazy. Another thing I've noticed is that most of them are somehow connected, they use the same fabrics, the patterns are almost the same. Stop falling for all of this puff, just enjoy the quilting process! Thank you.
Well said this is my point thanks for sharing your point of view
I totally agree with you!!! It's like looking in a mirror at myself....I do exactly everything you do!!! I've never followed a pattern ever. I just create my own!!! I make a lot of memory quilts with peoples clothing! It makes such wonderful quilts
Loved the 8 tips. I too get sick of quilt stores saying that you "NEED" this ruler or that ruler. I enjoy your videos very much.
I think this kind of reality check is important. A big industry has grown around quilting and they exist to make money. Because they can. But quilting existed before the industry existed. Our "training" and conditioning as quilters is that we have to trust the industry and the subtext of the marketing message is that if you try to veer off that path, your quilts will be sub-par. It's super important that we trust our own good sense, intelligence, ingenuity, and creativity AND at the same time educate ourselves as quilters so we know we are using quality products to make our quilts so they will withstand a lot of use and give us years of enjoyment--because it's a lot of work making a quilt! I am a quilty rebel and a BIG fan of thinking for myself and/or thinking outside that quilty box. The need for special rulers for so many things is a particular pet peeve of mine. There are ruler sets that make particular types of blocks easier (Tri-Recs set for example) but do we NEED them? Fact is, it's often possible to do the same thing without the special ruler. Plus, I have to store every tool I buy so I really want to keep the volume under control. The recent surge in popularity of English paper piecing is a particularly egregious case in point. They sell us papers, which we need, but I have proven to myself that I can print and cut out my own papers that are just as accurate and functional as laser cut commercially produced papers. It takes more time than handing over my credit card but I'm in control of that cost/convenience balance which makes me happy. Papers can cost $100 for a large quilt!! (Canadian dollars; I'm in Canada.) Then there are the acrylic templates. Another $100. And the message is that you will need to buy the template set to make the quilt: without the templates, this quilt will not be possible. I make my own from template plastic. You can mark and fussy cut anything out of your own templates. It's faster if you have acrylic templates because you can rotary cut around them which you really can't do with template plastic but that's a tradeoff I'm prepared to make. I feel like it's necessary to fight a creeping dependence on manufactured goods to replace our own abilities, training, and knowledge.I could go on and on but I've said enough already! Great topic. Since I started quilting 30 years ago, I have been fighting the message that if we are not prepared to buy every single thing without counting the cost our quilts will be less than. It's just not the case.
Thank you for such a detailed picture of the industry, this video was created out of frustration not for myself but for the message that you must have every product to make a quilt I do hope that new quilters read your message in full. Thank you for sharing g your wisdom. You are older than me as in so has seen more with Quilting so your words are very wise. Thanks you once again. A well said message. 👏👏👏👏
Omgoodness!!! I am so glad I came across your channel!!! You have the same thinking that I do about quilting!!! I am so blown away. But I love to go rogue on quilts sometimes and just not think. But I always go back to the old days of how women use to make them because they needed them to keep warm in the winter. I even had a hope chest to put one in for when I got married. I made it by hand and cut the squares out by hand out of polyester clothes. Love your thinking!!!
You are so welcome! wow you are awesome good going
Two excellent resources for free quilting patterns: 1. library books on quilting, 2. the websites of many fabric manufacturers
Really enjoyed this video. This introduction to your channel impressed me so much that I just subscribed.
As a fourth generation quilter and instructor for many years, I could not agree with you more. It is so refreshing to see a fellow instructor who really cares about their students and is so willing to share their special tips so freely. We teach to share our craft and skills with others and that brings us joy. Teaching never made me financially rich, but the wealth of happiness, satisfaction in seeing others excitement over their accomplishments and friendships I made along the way is a lasting "wealth" that is beyond measurement. Thank you for caring and helping to keep this beautiful art alive.
I made a twin size patchwork quilt of scrap fabric. No fancy ruler, rotary cutter or cutting mat; just a pair of scissors a school style 12 inch ruler and an old 70’s sewing machine. The only extra cost was the thread and a previously thrifted sheet for the backing. It was my first quilt with simple squares…just a fun project for me to sew with my ten year old son. We chose coordinating colours from my fabric stash and planned the layout and repeats carefully. He enjoyed learning to use the sewing machine and has done a few more sewing projects since then. The quilt is beautiful despite its simple design. The cost? almost nothing…making memories with my son? priceless.
amen welldone
I agree, I also bought bed sets on sale for quilting, both from the thrift shops and online stores.
perfect
I bought minky blankets on sale at Spotlight for $20 for backing fabric
Couldn’t agree with you more, I’m in the uk so don’t order from American companies as postage is more than the items. I hate yellow rulers as struggle seeing through them, I do like creative grids large ruler. My other bug burn is fabric has gone through the roof in the past 18 months, why are tons of shops charging new prices on old stock
Oh my! Yes! 3 and 4 year old design lines at £17/m - who are they kidding?
Absolutely! ❤ Quilts are priceless because of the creator not how much was spent on creating them.
I'm new to quilting, only two months, but majority of my precut fabrics have come from Temu. I have some really pretty jelly roll strips and packs of precut blocks. Temu can be quite addictive lol
I live near a market with several cheap fabric shops, and I've bought several pretty fabrics at £3 per metre.
Oh, is it Minky you couldn't remember. I made a baby quilt using a minky blanket for the back, and I've bought more to make more baby quilts. Using a monkey blanket means it doesn't need batting if any sort. I've used sheets instead of batting for the two lightweight quilts I've made. Love and agree with all your advice in this video 💞
I'm a new quilter at 59y.o. I dont know color, I'm slowly getting the basics of course, but I won't buy yardage yet. Putting color's together freaks me out, it's so hard!!!! So for right now I have to buy things that go together (Walmart has fat quarter bundles for $6 or $7 and yardage for $4). The day I buy a bag of scraps will be a welcomed miracle! Thankyou for your video, it was a big help! I was feeling bad watching the designers and shops on you-tube that my quilts can't compare. You gave me some confidence!
well done you very proud and those Fat quarter bundles are an excellent price well done.
This is great advice. I like your channel for a refreshing dose of common sense and for the inspiration. You always talk about creating and sewing. Not about buy this and then buy that. It's quilting for the rest of us.
I taught myself to quilt by watching YT - very grateful to you all.
I match my fabrics by matching the colours/shades, as you pointed out. I also don't buy fabric on impulse - I buy for my project.
I have added to my notions over time but still not falling for the "must have" latest gadget.
I've never bought a pattern. I have bought a couple of books from goodwill tho for joy and inspiration.
TFS.
Thanks for this video! You are exactly right! I have spent a small fortune on my quilty habit! Starting to destash! Keep up the good work! I love you and your style!
😊
Rulers, patterns and kits, oh my... way too expensive. When I started quilting I bought a book with hundreds of blocks and how to make each at different sizes. Yes, that was worth it. Once you get a little experience you don't need to buy the patterns (I have never bought a pattern) and kits. Also, I can get 1 yard of fabric (on sale often) for the same price as a fat quarter. I'm on a tight budget and frugally purchase all of my quilting items. Love your channel! Thank you!!
I invested in a big book of quilt blocks, with a print in color & line drawings of the block. Best purchase aside from the basic ruler, mat and rotary cutter. I bought a cute quilt pattern and as a dressmaker, I found the cutting instructions a bit confusing. Maybe just me, but I’m reluctant to buy more patterns and I like figuring out the geometry from my book.
I'm new to your channel, I totally agree! I also have fallen into the hype of buying several rulers and the beautiful, gorgeous lines of fabric that I drool over. I also have lots of regrets. 😔I recently went to an estate sale. The lady that passed was a sewer. She had several machines, fabric and notions. At first, I was a kid in a candy store! After I got home, I realized that I could be that poor women.😮. Her children were getting rid of her things. They didn't need or want them. The only value, to them, was to sell them. I started thinking of how much stuff I have. The amount of fabric that I will probably never use. I've stopped buying fabric until I make a significant dent in what I have. I sew because I enjoy it, I have enough to give me LOTS of joy! Thank you for the reminder😘
Thank you I just read your message to my husband he that ought it was very insightful and totally agree with, thank you
Agreed its addictive
I may be wrong, but Missouri star had just built all those shops and then covid hit. Maybe they took a really big hit financially. But they are really expensive and I too don't watch a video when you have to buy a specialty ruler. But I have to say that I bought a t-shirt quilt making kit and it was the best decision I made for that project. The ruler was great. And the backing was a dream. Better than anything I have used.
MSQ made tons of money during Covid. Everyone was stuck at home and started quilting. We couldn’t go to the stores, so ordered supplies from MSQ. There is no suffering going on at MSQ. Covid was their biggest money maker. 💰 They used us.
I so agree! I print items to cut by hand or I can scan to my cutter.
I’ve even gone to muslin as a stabilizer for my embroidery.
I love you Karen! You always brighten my day!
Vicky love you too such a wonderful message
You are so right. What attracted me to quilting in the beginning was the idea of using scraps left over from other sewing projects. I had little money at the time. I started out with cardboard templates that I made myself, my sewing machine, basically one ruler, pencil , thread and scissors. I bought remnants and grab bags of fabrics at flea markets. And guess what? I made quilt blocks. It’s easy to get caught up in spending a lot but not necessary. And it uses more imagination doing it that way.
100% correct
I'm a Missouri Star fan girl, but I too watch the sales. I've got a wall of templates and rulers and end up using only a couple of basic ones. I do like MSQC's five inch ruler and the 2.5 ruler, but as Jenny says, use what makes sense to your brain. As to fabric, I love me some Moda, but the discount wall at my store always has lots. Great backing fabric. Muslin is a nice backing fabric too. Good tips! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this.
Thanks for this. I took a class March 2023 and got hoodwinked by my quilting shop.i have 3 rulers a square a triangle and the long one showed i refuse to buy anymore. My second quilt was built around teatowels and some embroidered panels and its still my favourite. I have stopped going to the quilting shop because she laughed at me trying to do improv when I've only been quilting for a year. I have found a cheaper longarmer who works from home. I buy my fabrics from Spotlight when on sale.i am currently makingaa quilt using old pillowcases. I did buy some fabric from a thriftstore to try out a kaleidoscope quilt but found out later it was polyester. 😮 you have given me some more ideas and i thought of another clearance store where i can get backing fabric. Thank you so much for being so honest
I couldn’t agree more! I have turned off tutorials that require specialty rulers many times. Mainly because I liked one pattern but then I would have the ruler and would feel guilty about not using it.
If I could figure out how to do it without that specialty ruler or template, I don't feel guilty, but sometimes it is hard to come up with an alternative . I usually turn off the tutorial if I see it heading that direction.
Totally absolutely agree. It’s ridiculous. School glue is a pound, sewline glue pen and refills are a fortune compared. I’m so anti these rip off quilting supplies and suppliers.
Your table runner is gorgeous ❤
Thank you
Love this. As a younger person with low money then older with less. I did not buy any fancy rulers. My quilt turned how just fine. Thank you
You are absolutely correct! We do not need all the rulers templates and patterns. And I love the tips you gave about sales and saving money on fabrics and shopping sales. Good video!
Thank you Glenda
I agree. At 62, I'm brand new to quilting and was so overwhelmed on what I need and what i don't. Thank you fir giving such great advise. Also i have ordered several fabric squares from temu. In several sizes to get started.
well done, happy quilting, do let me know if you need help
I think your thoughts are excellent, and I enjoy your videos and your personaltiy. I think that improvising and figuring things out leads to great satisfaction.
110%correct Connie
Thank you from another discount table fabric shopper. Thanks for sharing these common sense approaches to quilting and for reminding us that piecing fabric together started (in many cultures around the world) as a way to make do and be thrifty.
You are so welcome!
You are so right! Lots of quilters can’t afford a lot of rulers!
Just found your channel. You're so right. I make lots of my quilts from scraps n leftovers fabrics, love MSQC videos but not swayed by the idea of spending my money on tools etc. its all marketing. I love Jenny's spontaneous n honest n direct words to be creative and go for it.. always do stay within your budget. So thank you for sharing ❤❤from Tasmania, Australia
Yard sales and old sheets, are a great way to get fabrics. I got two large tubs of mixed fabrics for 10.00 at a yard sale. It was great!
Great idea!! awesome
Thank you! I was literally this past week contemplating the purchase of these bunny & egg rulers/templates at MO star, but after hearing your reasoning, I have reconsidered! You make so much sense, and I'm too easily caught up and impulsive when I visit quilt shops! I wouldn't use them enough justify the purchase!!
Amen sister!!! Have also done many of the things u mentioned. Quilting/sewing is my happy place. It will not break the bank for me. 🥰
I agree with you. I had to leave my job for early retirement due to a bad accident at work. I am always having g to scrimp and save just for the fabric. I would love to spend lots of money on fun toys but it is not possible. Learning to be use what I need and ❤being inventive. Thanks for the tips.
I 100% agree with you ! ❤ Great talk on your video. New subscriber here. I also had aha moments about rulers, fabrics & patterns etc. It has gotten CRAZY. I quit quilting for almost 3 years. So now I am A LOT more resourceful. If i can get 2nd hand electric blankets from the thrift store I take out the electric cords and I found there are 2 layers of blanket that are thin and then I take them apart for 2 large pieces of batting. The electrical cord parts I use for rope in the yard. I also sew like batting materials to make a larger piece of batting or stabilizer. If I need a shape in plastic or acrylic ( plexiglass ) because I am going to use it a lot, I ask my local window glass shop if they can make it for me and how much. I once had them make leaves and other shapes of various sizes very inexpensively. My pet peeve in addition to rulers is ……kits, I see a kit and think oh cool there is almost everything to make the quilt……………OH NOoOOOO….. then I find I have to buy the pattern and often times template or ruler SEPARATELY ! ! ! ! WHY !? Is the pattern NOT included ! Just boggles my mind ! The quilts I make I give away because most people cannot afford to buy them. Quilting is a therapy for me . And it offers some comfort to others. I was inspired by the child’s book The Quilt Makers Gift. Thank you all viewers for your comments and Crafty Quilting Designs ! You all are very talented and creative. Have a marvelous day everyone !
Very heart warming message to us all thank you for sharing
I have never bought precut material for the 25 years I have quilted, except last year. I needed black a selection of black and white to finish a quilt and I saw one jelly roll that worked perfectly. I have so much material from the 90's that I will never be able to use, however. Thanks for your tips as I agree so much. I do have a lot of rulers I don't use but have used a few new things that I bought recently. They were not expensive!
I am new to quilting as well and it is overwhelming listening to all those opinions out there. I have bags of jeans I collected over the years and thought about using flannel sheets in addition to the jeans blocks instead of buying fabric. Also thrift store shopping is on my agenda. Thank you for your honest chat!
So so true...my mother made many quilts with only scraps from clothing she had made. She never had a ruler or template
AND THATS THE TRUE SKILL
Good ideas, although I have to say that the Temu squares were pretty poor quality and inconsistent. I did get some other good stuff from Temu (Japanese style strips) which were much better. Also, I never throw away woven clothes. They all get cut up for quilt fabric, and any leftover pieces are snipped and saved in plastic bags to use for stuffing pillows, dolls and other crafts. As for MSQC, they have good tutorials and I just ignore their shameless hawking of special rulers and tools.
That was funny ...shameless hawking but yes tutorial are good.
Great tips. Love the view on rulers.
Elaborating on a couple of tips. My mother cut her templates from cardboard. Don't want to use cardboard, you can get relatively inexpensive sheets of plastic.
I use men's shirts too. One of my thrift stores sells men's shirts for $2 ea. I have also gotten sheets for $2‐4.
I also didn't use pre cuts. You are cutting them for a block and you end up with pieces left over. Buy yardage and cut your pieces.
totally agree great tips thanks for sharing
Thanks for this. I bought tools and realized I already had them. I almost bought a triangle set. Then I realized I could use the 45 & 60 degree lines on the ruler I had. I do get some great ideas from Missouri and use the tips and measurements for creativity. Every once in a while I'll purchase something just to support an artist and designer. But I realized I don't have to buy every single tool.
Love how you think!!! I have been quitting for years and have never bought batting. I use blue jeans or a heavy fabric. As for patterns, look in kids coloring books. You can find all kinds of cute pictures.
lol you are soooooo correct I love that idea! Kids colouring book excellent.
Thank you. I’m just starting and I’m 76. In looking at supplies I was dumbstruck
1:01 This! You read my mind - I feel exactly the same way about them.
lol
Hi Karen. As a beginner in patchwork, learning from TH-cam, I do exactly what you say, using fabrics from shirt and other clothes, duvet, etcétera. For me is absolutely right. I enjoy watching videos of boxes opening, but it’s difficult to me understand how they buy so many and expensive ones and in many occasions just leave them in a shelf and love videos from MSQC and other big shops, where I’ve learnt so much and I’m thankful because they offer a lot of free pattern, but I understand they’re a business and want to sell. I suppose there are options for everyone. I love your videos.
very true they are a business thanks for commenting, I value your point.
Say on, Say on!! 🥰 I purchased a metal L ruler from the dollar store. It was a dollar!!
excellent love it
Karen, this video is so informative! I definitely agree with you about the high prices of quilting items, especially fabric, batting and backing. I can make gorgeous pre-cut quilt blocks from inexpensive beautifully printed old bedding, tablecloths, curtains, even OLD DRESSES! Many of them have the most beautiful vibrant prints and designs that would be ideal for making quilt blocks. The fabric quality from these items is also quite impressive. Thank you for mentioning about going to thrift stores. I never thought to do that, and I have a couple of thrift stores near me.👍
well done, thanks for sharing what you do
Thank you ❤️ I love this video! Although I am not a quilter, I do create a lot of items using fabric. Years ago I started buying clothing from thrift shop's and deconstructing it. It is amazing the fabrics that I find! Everything from silks, velvets, linens, and laces. My purchases support the thrift store and I am helping to keep things out of the landfill. Fast fashion is a huge problem! Anyway, just wanted to share my thoughts. Thank you again for your honesty. I feel like you are my favorite Auntie that always tells it to you straight! 😅 ❤
Thank you CLaire well done keep it away from landfill most don’t understand this fast fashion
this was great...this is how our grandmothers did it....reuse repurpose that fabric....old bedding works great ...shirts ...thank you
I purchased a lot of the temu fabric to practice making blocks before I cut into my yardage. I didn't have any problems with the Temu fabric except for the purple, it bled when I spray starched it as did the red. Some say cotton while others are a blend. I have my quilt from my great grandmother dated 1967, I'm sure it's not quilting cotton, more like clothes kids had outgrown. Thanks for sharing. I agree with the rulers, if you can afford a 12 inch square you will be sitting real good. Happy quilting!
Yep totally right
You are right in every aspect, i dont buy patterns, and i will write down block details from you tube if there is one. I really like, I have loads of details for many items, but when i start to quilt, i end up making my own. One day, I promise myself i will use them, but not yet, lol thank you for this ❤️
Today first day i saw your channel. I agree whole heartedly about too much cost.
As a new quilter a year ago, i got caught up in the buy, buy, buy sendrome; patterns and material. However, as i learn more techniques, i am reallizing i have learned to just adapt patterns i have already bought. I still have too much expensive precuts, but i think i hv learned my lesson. Ty for good video.
you are welcome
I love your ideas. I was shocked at the cost of fabric. I started buying cotton fabric squares from dollar tree because I like the thickness of the cotton. Then I cut them and make baby quilts to donate. I recently found a beautiful flat sheet I never put on my bed because the fabric was so pretty, I got that from a second hand shop years ago. That I will use for a bac king.
That is awesome!
You nailed it!! So appreciate this rant
Oh I so agree. I think I have thrown away a ton of money when I first started quilting. Instead of purchasing a new template or ruler I check to see if a friend may have one that I could borrow. I really appreciate your tips, hacks, for quilting. Now I am on a fixed income and I find tons of free patterns online!!! Thank you so very much! I love these hacks!!
Thanks for sharing!!
Great video. Loved your passion in the delivery of your message.❤
Thank you so much!
Thank you! Just being honest. People try to take advantage of newbies/beginners. I'm new to the quilting world and I'm not deep in all the gadgets that they've been trying to get me to buy into. I thought it was just me who got sick of the "must have" for quilting punch lines. I head to the Internet for whatever is FREE! I'm new to your channel. Thanks for your honesty.❤❤❤
You are very welcome
I always head to the "last chance" section of the fabric stores. A lot of good fabric for 70 percent off...yes please! Remnant shelf always a good option, too. I also bought temu fabric...good fabrics, good price. Thanks for your videos!
Temu is ok in my opinion
I agree with you 100%. I’m going to start a memory quilt out of family’s clothing.
Wow that will be lovely do share when your done I’d love to see it I’m sure we’ll all would love to see it
I know I am a bit late to this but……. I have only just got into quilting and I have fallen into the trap, spent a fortune because I thought I had to have it. Thank you for your honesty.
You are very welcome
I'm with you on the "back in the day" quilting! I think that every time I see someone talking about how important it is that all the paper templates for English paper piecing be identical. They didn't have Cricut or these die presses back when EPP started! 😅
Thanks for the money saving tips. You always have such great ideas.
You are very welcome thank you
Wonderful ideas and you are so right! Went through the buy-buy phase and now have so much I never even use. Thinking about reselling have if it!
go for it
Half the fun is creating my own patterns. I have been sewing since l was 8, . My mother sent me to singer sewing school as a punishment for failing a class. And it was the best and most joyful summer l ever had. Been sewing ever since .l😊
I buy fabric from a few Etsy vendors. Better prices and they will put together a set of whatever I want.
I agree about the rulers. In my area, the quilt shops have all closed, so your tips are helpful to me.
My grandmother used old quilts as batting, boy those quilts were heavy!
For lightweight quilts, a thrifted flannel sheet can be the right batting.
By the way, Sweetheart, I needed to turn the volume down while listening to you.
There was no music so don’t know why you needed to turn it down Thanks for watching g and commenting
I always advise new quilters not to get on the bandwagon of buying every speciality ruler sold. And looking at sites like quilters cache for patterns etc.
I also watch a lot of Indian crafts people and Russian craftspeople using scissors and cardboard and a desk ruler to cut their patchwork. I like to adapt the rulers to suit, if I have one I can make do. Agree whole heartedly. I am humbled by the wonderful Indian ladies making beautiful sari quilts BY HAND with a big needle and cast off clothing.
I'm with you! I used to watch them but almost every episode they are selling rulers! I'm on a very fixed budget but I love to make quilts. So my few pennies have to count! I don't want to spend so much money on rulers I would use once a year. So thank you for bringing this up! I felt like a cheapskate!
NOT AT ALL WELL DONE FPR NOT FALLING INTO THAT SPENDING TRAP
Thanks for the information on fabrics from Temu. I was hesitant to buy any but at the same time attracted because the price is great!
Bravo!
'Quilting fabric' used to be stained, torn, outgrown clothing, table cloths, sheets,etc. It was recycling before we knew the word.
If people have $$ to throw away on all of the trendy stuff, fine. Go ahead, but it's absolutely not necessary.
Love seeing some common sense.I can neither afford all those special tools or want to store them. I just made a couple of Spring outdoor pillows using drop cloth fabric , yes a painters drop cloth(washed and dried it's super soft} a bunny template that was free online , added some novelty buttons that I ordered from Temu. Looks very Boho but really cute.I enjoy looking for ways to use what's in my stash. I have had a health crisis for the past 18 months making it almost impossible to sew. I am now through treatments and surgeries so I am jumping back in, now sewing almost everyday!
Well done very happy that you are up and about again
My local thrift stores don't usually have fabric, but I definitely look through the sheets, blankets, and curtains section. 🙂
Totally agree Karen! I heard Jenny say the other day that you’ll need the lock block ruler! No I don’t! I can square up my blocks easily with the 45 degree mark on my ruler. I have ordered a lot of beautiful fabric from Temu! Keep it up Karen!
totally correct. well done you.
I'm not a fan of Temu, Shein, Alibaba or anything shipped for free from China. That free shipping isn't free, your country is paying for that, and delivering it for free as well. Hence why the USPS is doing so bad.
At the United Nations, China has somehow has been designated as a "developing nation" (even though it brags it's the largest industrialized nation in the world) and the International Postal Service (which all nations pay into) pays for the international portion and your country pays for the rest of the "free" shipping.
It's a scam I refuse to participate in and I am just nicely trying to inform everyone why we shouldn't buy from China.
Those lock block rulers are outrageously expensive. I don't have one.
Jenny also says and shows you how to use other rulers with a 45 degree angle. Obviously, you only hear what you want to.
@@jilbertb I also refuse to buy from temu
Great video!! I watch Missouri Star once in a while, but any channel that suggest you buy items, I always ask myself if I already have something similar or something that will work. I noticed they use a lot of jelly rolls or packs of fabrics and I would never buy those. They are crazy expensive!! I don't want my quilt to look exactly like theirs anyway. I do buy from Temu and didn't know you can buy scrap fabrics from there. My experience is that most of the items are good, but some are not. They will usually credit you if you get a bad item. To save money on clothes, I buy cheap fast fashion items from them or Amazon and go through them to fix what they have cut corners on. Often that involves adding finishing seams and minor alterations. I have even bought items and turned it into a completely different item. You can buy a sarong or a lace coverup and use it as fabric or an embellishment. TFS
You are so right! I have wasted a lot of money in the past by buying tools I don’t need, too much yardage and by getting over excited when beginning a new craft and over buying when I should have put my toe in the wateriest.
Karen, it's refreshing to hear so many comments below that reflect my own discord with MSQC. When TH-cam started 15+ years ago I was enthralled with so much inspiration coming into my home sewing. However, the MSQC started me wondering the reason behind Jenny and Co, I had lessons in piecing, even though I had sewn fashion for 20+ years, because I didn't know why I wanted to cut up my beautiful fabrics and sew a 1/4" sa. OMG!!! She, Jenny, was a costume maker, in CA. So, I thought she could teach me technique. Well, truth be known, I was so frustrated with her methods of never squaring up, never pressing correctly, and she was reaching thousands of newbies teaching the BAD habits, when she herself was a new piecer. . Oh sure things have changed a bit for Jenny, but she still teaches bad habits. I have 60+ rulers and templates in my sewing closet..... eekkkk! most still have the backing paper on them. Oh yes, it was a bank breaking endeavor. I can't watch youtube quilter's who never give back. FQ shop has 100's of free patterns. MSQC has FREE tutorials on their $7 + patterns. RABBIT and EGG, I screamed at that.. lol OK I've gone on my rant. thanks for your insight and opinion.
lol I love it, that' was a good Rant and a good read. lots of truth in your comment.