Episode 111: A Quilter's Identity, Managing Fabric & Batting Shrinkage and Quilting Superstitions
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ก.ย. 2024
- In this episode, Sherri and Chelsi discuss what it means to be a quilter. They distinguish what it means to identify as a quilter and everything that entails. They also share their thoughts on managing shrinkage in fabrics and batting and read a quilting superstition/tradition from a listener. Leave a comment if you know of any other quilting superstitions.
Show Notes Blog Post: www.aquiltingl...
Cozy Earth: cozyearth.com/
Cozy Earth 35% Off Sitewide with the code: AQUILTINGLIFE
New Podcast Email Address: aquiltinglifepodcast@gmail.com
Radiance (Quilt on the Wall): tidd.ly/3Ti30tz
Luminosity (Quilt on the Table): tidd.ly/3SZbOmP
Home + Sort Organizing Undated Planner: amzn.to/3JQEfim
Uptime Book: amzn.to/3WxFjzu
podcasts.apple...
podcasts.apple...
Patchwork Garden Remix (Top Ladder Behind Chelsi): tidd.ly/42XntHk
Shine Remix (Bottom Ladder Behind Chelsi): tidd.ly/432zvPM
Happy Go Lucky 2 (Top Ladder Behind Sherri): tidd.ly/3IfpsNH
Tulip & Vine (Middle Ladder Behind Sherri): tidd.ly/3PPuF2R
Starry-Eyed (Bottom Ladder Behind Sherri): tidd.ly/49V0HSq
Flowers for Emma (Behind Billy): tidd.ly/48Z8tve
Garden Stars Sampler (On Far Wall Above Sewing Machine): tidd.ly/3qLszYh
NOTE: Some of the links provided here are affiliate links.
Where to Find Us:
Facebook: A Quilting Life with Sherri & Chelsi: / 459389991531728
A Quilting Life Blog: www.aquiltingl...
Chelsi Stratton Blog: chelsistratton...
A Quilting Life Patreon: / aquiltinglife
A Quilting Life Instagram: / aquiltinglife
Chelsi Stratton Instagram: / chelsistratton
A Quilting Life Pattern Shop: www.etsy.com/s...
Chelsi Stratton Pattern Shop: www.etsy.com/s...
Music:
Lucidity By Kings • Video
Artist SoundCloud / onlyfeels
Music Promoted by goo.gl/5NfMV4
Congratulations Billy & Bride! The photos your Mom posted were lovely! In response to being a “quilter”, it’s the same as someone saying “oh I’m just a Mom” when discussing professions!. That’s so belittling for Moms!
I love the comment I am a quilter! I feel that is who I am. I am a mother, business owner and a quilter. I founded Quilts for Survivors and now I am known as the quilt lady or the quilter with a heart of gold.
Last week I received an award from the governor General of Canada 🇨🇦 and was affectionately greeted as the quilt lady. I am blessed to be able to use my passion to help bring healing to my indigenous communities. 🧡
Congrats on your award-what an honor!!
Chelsea are you still planning to do the Summer slice sew along with strawberry Lemonade or is that a figment of my imagination?
About identity...
Again, equating quilter and piecer is just not honest.
Very few people calling themselves quilters complete their quilts 100% on their own
I loved the comment by Nancy, "I am a quilter." I love quilting, it is a therapy, a live line to sanity, Quilting is my joy! I don't sell most of my quilts, I give them away and the joy on their faces if worth the cost plus of quilting. Thank you for your inspiration and beautiful fabrics.
When I made my first quilt at about 14yrs old. The lady who helped me told me that it is tradition that once you make a quilt you must make 12 more to give away. She mentioned that this was some pioneer tradition. And I have never heard this tradition since then, but I have made at least that many and love the thought of giving even more.❤
The "I am a quilter" comment struck a chord with me. It is my bliss and more. Every time I have had a hard decision to make and I need to ruminate on my options, I quilt. Quilting provides a creative outlet as it does most quilters. What I never could imagine was the important role it would have in my recovery from a liver transplant. I was so very sick, I lost fine motor skills and temporarily the ability to walk. My brain had been filled with toxins which made focusing on even the simplest things difficult. Quilting became my physical and occupational therapy. Today I am happy to share that I spend time every day sewing quarter inch seams and looking forward to my next project! Thank you for the great topics! I am enjoying every one!
I used 2 layers of prewashed flannel on my last quilt, it had a nice weight and quilted beautifully. I ran out of batting and needed to get a quilt done quickly for a gift. Don’t be afraid to use flannel. I wish designers and manufacturers would create a 108” flannel for backings that match their lines... My family likes the feel of flannel on quilt backs.
Great comment, quilting is so much more than a hobby! It’s who we are.
Thanks for another wonderful podcast- brought me to tears to hear my comment read- thank you.
Please encourage Moda about the wide backs in your fabrics- I think they would sell beautifully!
Ooo Mary! You’re famous!! 😂
Chelsi, over here in Scotland we would never say Pr-oh-ductivity. Always Pr-odd-ductivity. Your pronunciation is perfect; you're just living in the wrong country!
Regarding the table runner. Batting shrinkage is why washed quilts take on the crinkly appearance. It is possible to wash some battings (the package will say if you can). Obviously, it’s a quick dip in water, not a washing machine cycle. I prefer not to prewash batting because it gets very pilly from friction during the drying cycle, and I like the crinkly look. If a batting for a table runner or placemat is too thick, items placed on it will wobble.
Your viewer could use a polyester batting which doesn't shrink at all. Although I prefer the cotton batting.
How about a book club where the "meeting" is virtual or online, like a podcast? Then us non-locals can participate. Just a thought!
I loved that topic about quilting not being a hobby. Its so true. I think I view it as an identity too. I go to quilt groups, my friends are quilters, my home is filled with quilts, I donate and gift quilts, I find solace in the act of quilting and donning a quilt when I go to bed at night. My life is totally wrapped in a quilt. * I do also want to make a comment about the mistakes in a quilt. I heard once on a documentary with Mary Fons that Amish do not do that and it is a myth. And, funny , their quilts are so much more perfect than mine! Ha. I dont know... Maybe its true, maybe not. Who knows.
Congratulations to Billy and Bride, and your family celebration. I’m a retired mother/grandmother who has always loved quilts. I promise myself when I retire I was going to dive into my passion. Quilting is a way to entertain, but more importantly to challenge my brain. Using hand and eye coordination, following instructions/techniques all rolled into one. I pick patterns / fabrics that I like and give quilts to those who I know love them. Thanks for all you put out there for us to learn and enjoy. 👍❤️🙂
Congratulations Billy!!! Great episode!!! Beautiful listener quilts and quilts by Chelsi!! I, too, loved the comment by Nancy about being a quilter! It is who I am and brings me happiness!! I've made new friends and developed my creative self. Thank you all for being a large part of that wonderful quilting community!!
I create at least one quilt a week (I know.. it's crazy!), and I use flannel for the batting about 80% of the time. I buy white flannel by the bolt when it's on sale at Joanne's (~$6 yd). I love how drapey the quilts are with flannel batting, plus it makes quilting on a domestic machine alot easier because it rolls up nice and tight, which makes it easier to fit and maneuver in the throat of my machine.
Do you sandwhich the flannel between the top and bottom of 2 cotton layers or do you just quilt your pieced top directly to the flannel?
@@juliehornaday1024 I use it just as I would any batting -- sandwiched between the top and the backing.
Do you use only one layer of flannel? One quilt per week is AWESOME! I have enough fabric to do that I just need energy🫤
@@marylynnlutenski9196 Yes, just one layer. I *don't have energy -- that's why I quilt! I find it relaxing. I sit and sew, and watch TH-cam tutorials ;) When I'm extra UNambitious, I cut fabric for my next project(s) so they're ready to go when I finish the one I'm working on, or when I get bored with the one I'm working on. Sometimes I have so many going I forget what's what!
Not a quilting superstition, but related. In machine embroidery, the superstition is that as soon as you leave the machine it knows and then that’s when the thread breaks, or the foot gets stuck under the material.
Agree that quilting is part of my identity! If I meet a new person I am bound to mention it if the conversation is longer than 2 minutes😊
❤I am a quilter! I believe that those who are not a part of our community don't see that, and all they see and understand is that, yes, it is just a hobby. I don't blame or get upset. I do explain to them if I need to.
Great suggestions on the books. Thank you Sherri.
🎉congratulations again Billy! 👏 ❤
Congrats, Billy!
Sherri, I appreciate that you are so well read and pass these titles on to us!
I attended Beauty school and we were told there is a mistake in every haircut.
In NZ we say prod - uctivity as in cattle prod.
I started quilting in 2013. My mother went in the hospital in December of that year. Things weren’t done right by the medical community and my mother passed March 3, 2014. It took me a long time to pick up my quilting again, but I needed something to help with the PTSD that I now suffer with. Quilting has literally become my therapy. When I picked it back up again, I had to start with something really simple so my brain could handle it. I’m doing a bit better (except for the nightmares and anxiety) and have worked my way back up to more complicated patterns. Thank you for your podcasts. I really enjoy them.
I was told it is a “Humility Block”. I unintentionally do make mistakes.😂
Love the discussion around "I Am a Quilter". I quilt and cross stitch and have done so since I was a child. Many of my friends have never even sewn on a button. People always have complimentary things to say about my finished creations, but I think it takes a true "maker" to appreciate the art, skill, attention to detail and passion to understand that doing these things fulfill me. I'm a wife, a mother & all other things, but a large part of my soul is filled by being a "maker". Does it matter to me that my finishes may never be appreciated after I'm gone? No, because I know the fulfillment came when I made it. If it becomes a family heirloom later, that's great, but that is never my purpose.
Congratulations, Billy.This has been a great Episode. Hope to see wedding pictures on social media somewhere
I don’t think anything needs to fix you, Chelsea you’re perfect the way you are. Learn to work around who you are and give yourself a little grace. Enjoy where you’re at in life now because you can’t go back to yesterday.
I prewash all fabrics before I sew with them, starch before I cut fabrics. I also prewash my 100% cotton batting. I have never used batting that hasn't been pre washed.
Quilting has always been about utilising scraps and making practical things. A hobby, like many others. And no one cares much... until you convert it into a trendy business. And that changes everything. Now it's all about more, and quantity doesn't guarantee quality.
More pressure - less joy.
Some of us do not want such "success"
Thank you for this episode. Yes, quilting is a hobby for some of us but it has been the best therapy for stress after a hard day at work for me, I call my sewing room my happy place. The process of creating a quilt is good for our brains. I proudly call myself a quilter.
I’ve also heard of the Amish putting a “Humility Block” in their quilts. That’s what I call my mistakes. 🙋🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️
I'm with most on the "I'm a quilter" comment. For instance, regardless of where I am, if someone comments on my purse (which I made) I say "thanks, I made it!" But even if I'm shopping somewhere & depending on the item in question, I'll say "I'm a quilter, so....." I know I'm not alone in the fact that we can see quilt patterns in random objects 🤣🤣 Tiles, rugs, etc.
Can't wait to see Sherri's denim quilt!!
I love your podcast and look forward to each episode. I watch it on Monday mornings while I get ready for work. It’s the bright spot in my Monday morning. I will also give my plea for some 108” backings. As a longarm quilter, I love to use them whenever I can. Thank you all, and congratulations on your wedding Billy!
For table runners or small craft projects a batting made of 100% polyester will not shrink. I have found my bamboo batting does definitely shrink more than my 80/20 cotton polyester batting.
Congrats Billy!!! I am cracking up listening today when you talk about future Sherry! My wife is a cross stitcher and she is constantly saying “current me is so happy that past me threaded the next color so it’s all ready for me to just sit and stitch!” Or…”Future me is going to be disappointed because I don’t feel like setting up the next project”. Ps I absolutely love all your non quilty chats/books recommended etc. I’m literally reading Effortless finally after buying it last year!
I also agree that you need a couple of 108 wide backing fabrics. I was so disappointed when I bought 4 yards of the grandmother’s flower garden. I guess I hadn’t totally listened that it was 60” wide and not 108” wide. Granted I will still use it but to sew it together for a queen size quilt back, I would have needed more yardage. But, I still love your fabrics and patterns. I’ve been collecting them. I just need to take your pattern books and make a quilt. Thanks for all you do.
Why do we need productivity books... teaching others that what u do and have is never enough? It's all about coveting.
Better read 10 commandments and seek peace from competing and stressing
Congratulations to Billy! I have enjoyed your podcasts and the variety of topics. I have used white flannel for batting from JoAnn's for years in Project Linus quilts. I think the quilt drapes better around the body than using 80/20 batting. Before using it in a quilt, I spread the flannel out flat on my penisula and wet it significantly (not dripping) with a spray water bottle. I let it air dry flat overnite. You can see it shrink up as you spray and unsprayed areas will pouf up, alerting you to areas you missing spraying.
Hehehe 😂. In Australia we say productivity the way Chelsie questioned it. Depends where you live. It's a bit like the roof word. We pronounce r-oo-f. Sherrie pronounces it r-u-f. Fun with the intonations.😂
Great episode! I’m so excited I just signed up for the Garden of Quilts event in Utah in September. I’m registered with two of my friends for your Medallion quilt class, Sherri. You and Chelsi are my very favorite fabric and pattern designers! Your fabrics are so fresh and cheerful. Your patterns and directions are wonderful!
I make my quilts with the cheapest(its thinnest) flannel i can find for my summer quilts for myself and my family, it makes the most amazing and cozy quilt…like a coverlet weight and I use hobbs polycotton for winter quilts. Try out cheapy flannel and youll probably love on summer quilts
I’ve used flannel as “batting.” Flannel shrinks a LOT and if you want to use it as batting, it’s a MUST that you prewash and dry it to shrink it first. I’ve used it in a table topper, because it has a more “drapey” effect. It was a large table topper that drapes off the sides of the table, so I didn’t want the stiff edges that traditional batting would create. It produced that soft drapey outcome that I was after. It turned out perfectly.
Love your podcast and all your other videos! Your family dynamic is endearing and inspiring! You’re like part of my quilting family in my sewing studio. Please share a few photos from Billy’s wedding when you get a chance! 🥰
A Canadian would pronounce "productivity" as "prawductivity" the way Chelsea did.
23:23 I made a simple patchwork quilt for my MIL. I wasnt aiming for perfection since my mantra is "better finished than perfect". My MIL asked me if I was following that superstition since she found a few errors. Honestly I was a bit offended that she was focusing on the mistakes but I soon got over it and told her that I don't need to make mistakes on purpose since im human and they just happen. lol I havent gifted her another quilt 😂
Love so many things on today's episode. I look forward to hearing and seeing the denim quilt. While I have never washed batting I believe the 100% cotton batting I used to use, included in the instructions the requirement for washing. If the listener is concerned about shrinkage in her table topper I think she should! I would wash the batting in a large sink or wash basin. Just dunking the folded piece to soak it. Then gently rinse and squeeze. Lay on a towel flat to dry.
I would prefer a non-fiction book club. I do like fiction, but, I just don't have time to read everything and I prefer to learn something even if it is just history.
I enjoy all your episodes. I especially appreciated the comments about being a quilter. I felt affirmed about my interest and identifying myself as a quilter.
Did i hear correctly Billy is getting married this weekend? If so Congratulations. it has been a hot minutes since I had time to listen to your wonderful podcast.
Thank you for the book recommendation.
Just wanted to comment on using flannel instead of batting in a quilt. I was advised to use flannel when backing with minky that way it wouldn't be too heavy especially for a baby quilt. So I use it all the time when backing a baby quilt with minky and I love the drape and how super soft and light it makes the quilt.
In the UK we would say productivity with the prod pronounced with the o as in hobby or lobby ☺️ Love your podcasts and congratulations to Billy hope you all had a fab day x
If you ever decide you might want to include people that aren't local in a book club, a Discord group might be the perfect way to do that.
I would say….the lady making a table runner should just use a polyester batting that is made for table runners. They come in a package and you can buy them easily.
Coldcwash in the laundry won't cause shrinkage so put laundry instructions on your label
I love the multi colored stripe print. I’m doing the Strawberry lemonade hearts and home log cabin and I’m mixing in the stipe with it Can’t wait to get finished and share a pic
Speaking on table runner I have the same question about shrinkage. Could we use some other batting wool, or bamboo, or soft and stable or something along those lines?
YES, Quilting/Sewing isn't like doing the Sunday Crossword Puzzle. It is a part of you. It takes time,energy, money, mental and physical energy. For me to make quilt blocks I have physical pain due to my previous back surgery. I have to space out my time to quilt to have resting time inbetween. I will not make quilts for others because they have no idea what it takes to make a quilt. They don't realize material costs at a minimal $12 a yard. When I make a quilt I am invested in the quilt, I have memories of it.
When my granddaughters lived in Florida I quilted them with 2 layers of white flannel in them so they wouldn't be too hot and heavy for them to use.
Chelsi we use the Prod-uctivity pronounciation here in England. ❤
I think for avoiding puckering one would want to do heavy quilting close together.
This video just made me smile so much this morning. From wedding plans to the listener emails…Angie, your two quilts are lovely and the Fall Dash quilt is gorgeous! That one really inspired me. And Nancy’s remarks about being a quilter were so appropriate. Sewing/quilting for those of us who learned from our grandmothers and mother, it surely is a life skill and something to be celebrated. I treasure those memories and the joy that quilting brings to my life.
I think it's a lot of worry about not much. When I've seen used table runners that have been washed, they are still fine.
If you want to add a flannel to a quilt. I double wash mine so I have an absolute minimum of shrinkage.
Definitely would love another online book club! Please consider it
I love the quilt hanging behind Billy. is that one of your patterns Chelsea
Don't use a batting with polyester for a table topper or hot pads as it may be damaged by melting with a hot dish.
I would love a non-fiction book club through your patreon group!
I agree with the person who emailed about being a quilter as her identity! When I meet people, I don’t refer to my job (which I have had for over 36 years & love), but I say pretty quickly as “I am a quilter.”
Congratulations Billy and Isabel!❤❤❤❤
Do you make squares out of the denim? If so, how big are the squares?
I enjoy your utub I use flannel for table runner and baby blanket but wash it first
Nancy’s comment “I am a quilter” was so wise. If life prevents me from getting into my sewing room for a few days, I go through actual withdrawal! LOL If I don’t have time to sew, I’ll go into my sewing room and take 10 minutes to organize or prep something to calm myself. I need to quilt, it occupies my mind a good part of my day. If I can’t fall asleep, I’ll do quilt math in my head to calm my brain and it works! YES, I am a quilter! ❤ 🧵 🪡
I mostly read non fiction I would love to join a non fiction book club
I agree with Nancy, sewing and quilting is a passion.
The way you say productivity is how we’d say it in the UK.
Yes, the Amish often refers to it at a humility block.
Do you do any quilt as you go techniques added to your block quilts
I think flannel is a great option for table toppers and table runners to lie flat.
I agree! I make mistakes throughout my quilts!
For a table runner the flannel will lay flatter Depending on what you were to set on it
So relate to this comment Nancy. It started out as a hobby/ desire to finish my late mom’s blocks and now is totally part of my identity ❤
I now need to order 2 more fat quarters for these two quilts Ha Ha
And the more dense you quilt a quilt the less heat it holds. The looser your pattern is it will retain more heat therefore making it better for warmth.
Congratulations Billy & Bride
I have used prewashed flannel gor table runners they are thinner so if you set dishes on then they sit better
I think you may have a little Aussie in you Chelsi we pronounce productivity exactly the way you said it. I guess either way is acceptable - your bubbly positive attitude to life is fantastic.
In Canada too!
Congratulations Billy !! May your wedding day be full of joy. ❤
Thank you. I AM A QUILTER❤❤❤❤
Congratulations!!!!
We moved into a retirement community this year. My neighbor graciously is teaching how to quilt my first blanket. So far it's been the best feeling in the world (releasing creativity, expressing yourself, & gifting to someone). I call this "wholeness." ❤
I plan to enhance my skills over time and maybe one day teach someone, too. Thank you for your hardwork, dedication, and love on this channel.
Many Blessings! 😊
Angie from NC here (my daughter changed our TH-cam name 🤪) yall- I FOUND SOME HEXIE fabric woohoo! 🎉
I love quilting and have sewn many quilts since I retired in late 2020. I have myasthenia gravis so it’s something I can do at home while watching quilting uTubes!!!!
I appreciate all three of you and look forward to all of your videos. I SUPER enjoy Billy and hope soon he will show us the backings on the quilts you present in your videos.
Best of luck Billy to you and your wifey! Congrats to the whole family. Love you all!
Congratulations on your marriage Billy. CHEERS, to a happy life together!
My "antique quilts" made by my grandmothers, are all flannel batting. They used it because it was less expensive and easily obtained. Remember, they didn't have the array of batting types we have access to now. Also, I've noticed that because they hand quilted everything, there was no reason to stitch small motifs. Many battings require smaller quilting designs because of the type of material used to make the batting. Flannel is just another layer of fabric. While they are thinner, lighter quilts they aren't less warm just lighter in weight. I must add that the flannel layered quilts have maintained their structure far better than the 2 I have that were made with batting. These quilts were used, washed in a tub or a wringer washer and hung in the sun to dry. Perhaps that's why the batting broke apart. I believe cotton or wool batting was all they could find.
Thanks!
Great episode - I finally think I can identify as a quilter, now that I’m semi retired. Work used to be my main identity,if that makes sense.
Also, the listener asking about how close quilting stitches need to be- yes, stitch in the ditch is usually enough. But also, check your batting description- it should tell you minimum quilting distance.
Congratulations and Best Wishes Always Billy and Isabelle! The superstition I have always heard is…sew on Sunday and you will be removing the stitches on Monday. It comes from doing work on a Sunday instead of keeping it a Holy day. My how times have changed! I do believe in keeping one day from work but, my husband had to work on Sunday for many, many years.
One of your best episodes! Thanks so much for all your encouragement and positivity. Your vlog is one of my favorites.
Congratulations, Billy! Best wishes for many years of health and happiness together!
Congrats to Billy and Isabel on their wedding. Happy fun celebrations. Did you gift them a quilt?
You guys create such Beautiful fabric lines & patterns 💜
Keep up the good work. Congratulations to Billy & his wife too