I have quilted for years, started with easy patterns, then harder quilts and now almost at 70 back to the easy patterns. Lol I love the three yard quilts, fast and easy.
I've been quilting for 42 years. I like the idea of making the complicated patterns, but the reality of finishing a quilt fast is what I prefer until I use up more of this stash.
Thanks for all the demonstrations and explanations! I am very impressed with how successful you two women have become! My Mother taught me how to sew and opened a world of joy for both of us. Remain blessed.
Hi Donna, I have to admit, I heard someone else call their seam ripper Jack and just had to adopted the name. The only problem is, I can't remember who it was. :)
Thanks so much for your simple yet very helpful tips. Donna, you said, you can't cut twice, but haha if you make a mistake and have to buy more fabric because you didn't measure twice, you can cut twice...just not the same fabric, so , Donna, you are right.
I’m a self-taught quilter. I made matching log cabin quilts for my boys beds when they shared a bedroom. They were OK, but nothing to write home about. I have watched tutorials since I got my first iPad a few years ago. I bought a gallon of best press and a sprayer. It really made a difference. Also, Fran, I ordered you fat quarters book and I received it yesterday. I’m going to be brave and try some fat quarters. New things always scare me as my sewing skills have deteriorated as I age. I’m 74 and enjoy my quilting as much as always. I do have trouble matching my seams. Happy Thanksgiving ladies.
Oh---- If I could give you (Donna) and Fran a big huge hug, I would. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! I am still learning how to quilt, I learned so much from this video, I have even saved it, so I can even refer back to it. I cannot thank you both enough. Wonderful Tips and Tricks on how to make a beautiful quilt and how to avoid making mistakes!
Thank you for the video. It's great to be reminded of the little steps that make all the difference. Sometimes I rush and don't follow all the steps and pay for it later.
Yup she's still here! She's been busy putting all the videos together. You'll see her on tomorrows show. She'll also be in Hampton with us for our first in person show!
Love watching you Donna and Fran. You are both a pleasure to watch and learn from. I would love to see Fabric Cafe sale fabric by the yard online. All I can find is kits and remnants. Maybe I'm just not looking in the right place... I'm not sure. I love a lot of what you show but often don't want a kit or all three pieces of fabric in the kit. The option to go online and purchase say one of the pieces in whatever length I want would be such a nice option. Anyways I really do enjoy you both. Thank you for all that you do to help us all in the quilting universe.
Hi Rebecca, your wish is our command! Although it won't happen overnight, we have a new year's resolution to add more fabric by the yard. We even kick it off with a segment on Fabric by the Yard. Keep watching! Donna
Well this was over too fast. It doesn't matter how long you've been sewing, videos like this are always helpful. And you two are fun to spend time with. I always enjoy your videos. Happy Thanksgiving to you all and all of your families.
Organizing in bags is a great idea when you're heading for a guild meeting or retreat. Also works for sewers who do their sewing in a shared space at home. Hand weights already live in my sewing area for healthy breaks. Alt weights: soup cans, tomato cans, and a new jug of maple syrup. Thanks for making quilting so much fun.
I used to read through patterns too quickly and made cutting mistakes a couple of times, cutting more strips/ squares than I needed. I've learned to slow down and read cutting instructions several times before cutting.
Hi Ann! It is a starch and sizing spray that helps protect your fabric and lock in your seams. I'll link you to their site for you to read more and possibly find something near you! www.maryellenproducts.com/best-press.html
I have just finished my first quilt and did a lot of learning. When cutting out I am never sure just where to have the ruler. On the line or just off it, not a big difference but it worries me to cut things equal. Just love watching .
Hi Sharon, We know that every pattern can't contain all the general instructions, so we started the Free Goodies page to simplify things! Glad you like it! Donna
I have just completed my first ever quilt from your HO HO HO Christmas selection using the Christmas Forrest pattern. I enjoyed the entire process and learned a lot about what not to do from watching this video. One thing I did intentionally however when doing the economy binding was to do it opposite from what your tutorial states. Your tutorial indicates that when wanting to produce a machine only binding to first attach the binding to the back side of the quilt and then fold it over to the top and then top stitch the top. What I chose to do was the opposite (attach to the front and fold over to the back as you would normally do for a hand sewn blind stitch on the back) However I did a machine stitch from the top "in the ditch" to catch the binding on the bottom. I did need to use a lot of pins along the top edge, and it may take a bit longer to complete, however by doing so, I got the following advantages: 1) The top looks perfectly even in the width of the binding and the border material is absolutely even. Because I was sewing from the top only, I had total control of the visible width of the binding while pinning it and putting the stitches in the ditch from the top side, the top is totally "clean" along the border. 2) Another benefit to this method is that if there is any difference in width of the wrap around portion of the binding (hard to press this perfectly), it is now moved to the bottom/back of the quilt where it is not as noticeable to the eye. I had picked up this tip from Kim Diehl. She refers to it as a "chubby binding", but it uses a little less material than traditional binding and takes bulk out of the corners. Thanks so much to you guys - your kits are great, and I love the videos and pairings of material you have!
Congratulations on finishing your first ever quilt! So glad that you were able to take different tips and techniques and find something that works for you! Good luck on your next project! 💙🧵
@@FabricCafe I will be taking the 6 Christmas fabric kits I recently ordered from you and using different patterns to produce 6 Christmas quilts for my family members for next Christmas. I am sure to learn a LOT from your videos between now and then, lol :-)
@@AnitaSouthall I have made great progress so far. 5 quilts, all different patterns. Two new ones are nearly finished and I am doing them with "Chain Reaction" as it allows me to make custom 7.5" squares, each with a 5.5" embroidery of a Lionel train car or engine I created from pictures using Artistic Designer software.
What a super helpful video. I started to use a sewing machine foot that is made only for sewing quarter inch seams. It has a small metal piece that keeps the fabric in perfect alignment. I love it.
@@JB-wu9dc I found it in a set of 8 feet for Brother. It was on the Home Shopping Network but it is not available anymore. If I find another, I will come back and post it for you. Also try searching quarter inch foot and your machine brand. Hope we can find it!
also be very aware of the type of shank, low or high that your machine is. Also try local quilting stores for confirmation of the type and model you need to match
For the first quilt in this video, Wouldn't it be fun to use a beautiful border print. I have so many I bought the other projects, actually too many. Lol. I can't wait to try that with a row of four patches between each border stripe. 🎉
I have a question. I would like to make a 3yd quilt but I have 2.9yds of the fabrics I would like to use. Will this be enough or do you absolutely need the full 3yds?
Another great video!! ❤️ A suggestion for you; use darker fabric for your demonstrations. I really could not see most of the first part of the video’s Fabric samples on the lighter mat with light fabric. But I love love love your ideas and quilts!!! 😍😍😍 I’ve made 6 of them in the past couple months. Thank you thank you!! Happy Thanksgiving to you all!! 🍁🍽🦃
i knoiow this is an old video but when I first started quilting my squares were almost always 1/4 or 11/8 narrower than they should be. a friend watched me and she said when I was cutting I tipped my rotary blade under at an angle, under the ruler, trying to be exact I over cut. and so my quilts were an inch or so off every single time. or I ended up making a 1/8 seam to make it right.
I will say that iactually have a 10lb weight that i put at the top of my ruler to help it to stap put. I also have the invisible grip tape stuff on all my rulers...that helps also 😊
with your weight put one end on the ruler and the other on your mat at a 45 angle. this makes it less likely yo move. especially if you are cutting more than one layer.
Hi Pam! Good question! Backings for all of our 3-yard quilt patterns can be made with just 3-yards of fabric. If you are making one of our patterns larger than the default lap size, then you will need more. We have free guides on our website that steps it out for you. You can find it here - www.fabriccafe.com/Borders-Backings-s/2015.htm
It can be tough for sure, but practice makes perfect! You could try on scrap pieces to see if that helps get more consistent. You'll get it, we believe in you! 💜
You guys forgot to tell newbies to PRESS their fabrics prior to cutting them. If you don't start with good practices you cannot end up with a quality product. You have to teach those!! (I'm a quilt teacher).
I have quilted for years, started with easy patterns, then harder quilts and now almost at 70 back to the easy patterns. Lol I love the three yard quilts, fast and easy.
I love your comment! Thank you! Donna
Yes the easier ones with larger blocked are very enjoyable and rewarding.
I've been quilting for 42 years. I like the idea of making the complicated patterns, but the reality of finishing a quilt fast is what I prefer until I use up more of this stash.
3:13 3:23 @@laurienorton7422
Could these two ladies be any friendlier and likable? Thanks for making these. They really make me want to watch.
Thanks for all the demonstrations and explanations! I am very impressed with how successful you two women have become! My Mother taught me how to sew and opened a world of joy for both of us.
Remain blessed.
Jack. The ripper!! Oh Donna. You are a hoot 😁
Hi Donna, I have to admit, I heard someone else call their seam ripper Jack and just had to adopted the name. The only problem is, I can't remember who it was. :)
The use of a clapper is a phenomenal successful way to flatten those seams.
Donna and Fran I use a rice pack with 3 pounds of rice. I can also use it as heat pack.
Great idea! Thanks 😊
@@rebeccasorensen7925 I've also used a 28oz of tomatoes for a weigh before I found a weight at Goodwill...
Thank you for this video. No matter how long a person has sewn, it is so important to be reminded of good sewing practices.
Thanks so much for your simple yet very helpful tips. Donna, you said, you can't cut twice, but haha if you make a mistake and have to buy more fabric because you didn't measure twice, you can cut twice...just not the same fabric, so , Donna, you are right.
I always make a couple of copies of the pattern so I can mark off some steps without marking up the original. Love them all!
I’m a self-taught quilter. I made matching log cabin quilts for my boys beds when they shared a bedroom. They were OK, but nothing to write home about. I have watched tutorials since I got my first iPad a few years ago. I bought a gallon of best press and a sprayer. It really made a difference.
Also, Fran, I ordered you fat quarters book and I received it yesterday. I’m going to be brave and try some fat quarters. New things always scare me as my sewing skills have deteriorated as I age. I’m 74 and enjoy my quilting as much as always. I do have trouble matching my seams. Happy Thanksgiving ladies.
So glad you can join our TH-camrs! Donna
thanks for this video! mistakes are always my biggest fear
Oh---- If I could give you (Donna) and Fran a big huge hug, I would. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! I am still learning how to quilt, I learned so much from this video, I have even saved it, so I can even refer back to it. I cannot thank you both enough. Wonderful Tips and Tricks on how to make a beautiful quilt and how to avoid making mistakes!
Thank you! So glad that you found it helpful, that's why we do what we do! 💜
Thanks......been sewing forever. Now I know why mine aren't as good as y'alls!
Thanks for watching! Donna
Thank you for the video. It's great to be reminded of the little steps that make all the difference. Sometimes I rush and don't follow all the steps and pay for it later.
Our local foster kid charity recommends "Checkmate" as a pattern for quilts made to be donated to them.
I have never seen the play the piano idea. Luv ❤❤❤ the tip about it.
Hey Marion, so sorry but I don't think we will be getting anymore of this specific version in stock.
I have to add a comment about your ironing board. I love it. I want it and the space to use it. Am I looking a tad green? LOL
Is Hannah still working? I was so grateful seeing a younger person interested in quilting!
Yup she's still here! She's been busy putting all the videos together. You'll see her on tomorrows show. She'll also be in Hampton with us for our first in person show!
Love watching you Donna and Fran. You are both a pleasure to watch and learn from. I would love to see Fabric Cafe sale fabric by the yard online. All I can find is kits and remnants. Maybe I'm just not looking in the right place... I'm not sure. I love a lot of what you show but often don't want a kit or all three pieces of fabric in the kit. The option to go online and purchase say one of the pieces in whatever length I want would be such a nice option. Anyways I really do enjoy you both. Thank you for all that you do to help us all in the quilting universe.
Hi Rebecca, your wish is our command! Although it won't happen overnight, we have a new year's resolution to add more fabric by the yard. We even kick it off with a segment on Fabric by the Yard. Keep watching! Donna
Well this was over too fast. It doesn't matter how long you've been sewing, videos like this are always helpful. And you two are fun to spend time with. I always enjoy your videos. Happy Thanksgiving to you all and all of your families.
Organizing in bags is a great idea when you're heading for a guild meeting or retreat. Also works for sewers who do their sewing in a shared space at home. Hand weights already live in my sewing area for healthy breaks. Alt weights: soup cans, tomato cans, and a new jug of maple syrup. Thanks for making quilting so much fun.
Thank you so much for these videos I have been quilting for many years and am always looking for info. Yours is great. ❤
I used to read through patterns too quickly and made cutting mistakes a couple of times, cutting more strips/ squares than I needed. I've learned to slow down and read cutting instructions several times before cutting.
Thanks for all the tips and tricks. Love your videos. Thank you
Thank you for sharing, novice, love watching and learning x subscribed x
Thanks Karon! So glad you found us! Hope you have a great week and keep growing in your quilting journey!
Great information. Happy Thanksgiving Donna and Fran 🦃🦃
I am so glad you made this video. 😢it definitely hel😮ps me. Thank you
So glad to hear that, Sherri! That's why we do what we do 🥰
I still use sandpaper points under my rulers. And I like my Black and yellow O.... rulers
Thank you for sharing these wonderful tips. I definitely needed to hear this!!
Thanks for watching! Donna
Great tips ladies! Thank you! ❤️❤️❤️
This was helpful.
Hi what is Best press? I'm from UK but I don't think we have it here, love to know what I could use! Love you tutorials 💓
Hi Ann! It is a starch and sizing spray that helps protect your fabric and lock in your seams. I'll link you to their site for you to read more and possibly find something near you! www.maryellenproducts.com/best-press.html
Love this video on my first checkmate project I managed to make all of those mistakes. Hoping practice makes perfect.
So glad it helped! Donna
I have just finished my first quilt and did a lot of learning. When cutting out I am never sure just where to have the ruler. On the line or just off it, not a big difference but it worries me to cut things equal. Just love watching .
Hi Fay! I usually place my line on top of the fabric edge when cutting my pieces. - Fran
Thankyou ❤️❤️👍
Thanks,ladies. Great to see you together. Happy Thanksgiving .
Excellent! Thank you!
Tks for this. Very helpful points. Freebies pages are so welcome.
Hi Sharon, We know that every pattern can't contain all the general instructions, so we started the Free Goodies page to simplify things! Glad you like it! Donna
I have just completed my first ever quilt from your HO HO HO Christmas selection using the Christmas Forrest pattern. I enjoyed the entire process and learned a lot about what not to do from watching this video. One thing I did intentionally however when doing the economy binding was to do it opposite from what your tutorial states. Your tutorial indicates that when wanting to produce a machine only binding to first attach the binding to the back side of the quilt and then fold it over to the top and then top stitch the top. What I chose to do was the opposite (attach to the front and fold over to the back as you would normally do for a hand sewn blind stitch on the back) However I did a machine stitch from the top "in the ditch" to catch the binding on the bottom. I did need to use a lot of pins along the top edge, and it may take a bit longer to complete, however by doing so, I got the following advantages: 1) The top looks perfectly even in the width of the binding and the border material is absolutely even. Because I was sewing from the top only, I had total control of the visible width of the binding while pinning it and putting the stitches in the ditch from the top side, the top is totally "clean" along the border. 2) Another benefit to this method is that if there is any difference in width of the wrap around portion of the binding (hard to press this perfectly), it is now moved to the bottom/back of the quilt where it is not as noticeable to the eye. I had picked up this tip from Kim Diehl. She refers to it as a "chubby binding", but it uses a little less material than traditional binding and takes bulk out of the corners. Thanks so much to you guys - your kits are great, and I love the videos and pairings of material you have!
Congratulations on finishing your first ever quilt! So glad that you were able to take different tips and techniques and find something that works for you! Good luck on your next project! 💙🧵
@@FabricCafe I will be taking the 6 Christmas fabric kits I recently ordered from you and using different patterns to produce 6 Christmas quilts for my family members for next Christmas. I am sure to learn a LOT from your videos between now and then, lol :-)
@@gordonhope9219 OMG, 6 is ambitious indeed, how are you getting on with them?
@@AnitaSouthall I have made great progress so far. 5 quilts, all different patterns. Two new ones are nearly finished and I am doing them with "Chain Reaction" as it allows me to make custom 7.5" squares, each with a 5.5" embroidery of a Lionel train car or engine I created from pictures using Artistic Designer software.
Could you fold the fabric in half for those of us with short arms?
Hi Pam! Yes! I usually leave it folded as it came off the bolt. That helps my short arms too!
What a super helpful video. I started to use a sewing machine foot that is made only for sewing quarter inch seams. It has a small metal piece that keeps the fabric in perfect alignment. I love it.
Where did you find it?
@@JB-wu9dc I found it in a set of 8 feet for Brother. It was on the Home Shopping Network but it is not available anymore. If I find another, I will come back and post it for you. Also try searching quarter inch foot and your machine brand. Hope we can find it!
also be very aware of the type of shank, low or high that your machine is. Also try local quilting stores for confirmation of the type and model you need to match
I really enjoyed this video thank you
This was very helpful
Excellent tips! Thank u.
Thank you Thank you💖💖💖💖💖
The fabric is beautiful, just love your videos
Thanks! Donna
Wonderful information! Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Enjoy the day.
Thanks so much! Happy Thanksgiving!
The longer you have been sewing, the better acquainted you become with Jack.
Thank you for all the great reminders!
From one Donna to another, Thank you!
🦋💖 Happy Thanksgiving be safe be well and be happy
For the first quilt in this video, Wouldn't it be fun to use a beautiful border print. I have so many I bought the other projects, actually too many. Lol. I can't wait to try that with a row of four patches between each border stripe. 🎉
Yes! You can make it however you want and thats the fun!
As always this was a great and helpful show. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.
Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving to you! Donna
Thankful for your show!
So thankful for all our viewers! Donna
I have a question. I would like to make a 3yd quilt but I have 2.9yds of the fabrics I would like to use. Will this be enough or do you absolutely need the full 3yds?
Thank you ladies, so helpful
Thank you so much for your comment! Donna
I use my gallon jug of Mary Ellen's Best Press as my weight to help hold my ruler while I am cutting.
Great use of that jug!
Appreciate the helpful information on the video as well as the free goodies on your website. Happy Thanksgiving to you and the whole crew!
You are so welcome! And Happy Thanks giving to you! Donna
Great video.....good tips & tricks. Thank you. 😊👍💕
Happy Thanksgiving 🦃
Thanks so much! Happy Thanksgiving! Donna
Awesome tutorial ladies!! Happy Thanksgiving 🦃🍁🍽
Thanks you! And Happy Thanksgiving! Donna
Love the tips . 🥰
Thank you!! Donna
Hope you all have a very happy Thanksgiving.
Thank you Shirley! And Happy thanksgiving to you! Donna
Great information. Does fabric cafe sell that pressing board?
Thanks! No we don't sell that board.
do a TH-cam search for wooĺ pressing mat or make your own ironing board
Thank you, this is very helpful! 😊💕 Happy Thanksgiving!
So glad you enjoyed it! Happy Thanksgiving! Donna
Donna where do I buy the
"green thing" as mentioned in this video.
Hi Marion! Never fear, the little green thing is here! - www.fabriccafe.com/product-p/021273.htm
Another great video!! ❤️ A suggestion for you; use darker fabric for your demonstrations. I really could not see most of the first part of the video’s Fabric samples on the lighter mat with light fabric.
But I love love love your ideas and quilts!!! 😍😍😍 I’ve made 6 of them in the past couple months. Thank you thank you!! Happy Thanksgiving to you all!! 🍁🍽🦃
Thanks for the suggestion! Donna
After you’re done pressing, if you put a clapper on it, it will look even better and make crisper seams.
Do you use a scant 1/4" or a true 1/4"?
I usually use a scant quarter. But the most important thing is to be consistent on each project. Donna
What are sandpaper points.
i knoiow this is an old video but when I first started quilting my squares were almost always 1/4 or 11/8 narrower than they should be. a friend watched me and she said when I was cutting I tipped my rotary blade under at an angle, under the ruler, trying to be exact I over cut. and so my quilts were an inch or so off every single time. or I ended up making a 1/8 seam to make it right.
Is word fabrstill available
Hi Billie, unfortunately we are sold out of this kit. I believe it was from Contempo, you may be able to find it elsewhere.
I will say that iactually have a 10lb weight that i put at the top of my ruler to help it to stap put. I also have the invisible grip tape stuff on all my rulers...that helps also 😊
Great tip!
What are sandpaper point
with your weight put one end on the ruler and the other on your mat at a 45 angle. this makes it less likely yo move. especially if you are cutting more than one layer.
Hi Courtney, thanks for the extra tip! Donna
When using a weight on the end of your ruler, put one end on the mat to help keep it from sliding.
Great idea!
I use my daughters 5 pound weight to hold my ruler, especially if it is multiple layers.
🥰
How about washing all fabrics first before doing anything
Never talk about backing very often. Could you also include the amount of backing you will need for each quilt.
Hi Pam! Good question! Backings for all of our 3-yard quilt patterns can be made with just 3-yards of fabric. If you are making one of our patterns larger than the default lap size, then you will need more. We have free guides on our website that steps it out for you. You can find it here - www.fabriccafe.com/Borders-Backings-s/2015.htm
I can measure twice or three times and still cut it wrong. I’ve done it on a bargello quilt.
The weight makes a lot of difference. It doesn't even have to be a very heavy wieght. A one or two pound is usually enough.
I have a set of 1kg weights, which is 2.2 lbs. use them both because bending is painful
Before I got a dumbbell, I used a maple syrup jug for weight.
That sound sew sweet! 😉💜
I swear by using my heavy hand weights to avoid any ruler 📏 shifting
Cutting is my problem….don’t know if I will every get it.
It can be tough for sure, but practice makes perfect! You could try on scrap pieces to see if that helps get more consistent. You'll get it, we believe in you! 💜
You guys forgot to tell newbies to PRESS their fabrics prior to cutting them. If you don't start with good practices you cannot end up with a quality product. You have to teach those!! (I'm a quilt teacher).
Thanks for commenting. Yes, I agree, and we have covered that point in some of our other videos. Donna
Not a fan of your choice of material. But like the paterns
Full body looks dangerous to me.
Great tips! Thank you