sandy l

I've learned that if a "friend" turns out to belong to the "Quilt Police Squad",............either learn to ignore her "advice" or ignore the person.

mom-6

I've learned that just because I don't like how it looks doesn't mean someone else may not just love it.
I've learned that I must pay attention to what I'm doing if I want it to work out right.
I've learned that some shortcuts are wonderful and others just don't work for me.
I've learned that this board is the most awesome resource ever!
I've learned that if it doesn't quite look right, it probably isn't.
I've learned (multiple times)that double checking BEFORE you cut is a really, really good idea.
I've learned that pressing really does make a difference.

Woodster

I've learned that there are too many wonderful things to make and there will never be enough time to do them all. I need to just pick one and get at it instead of adding more, more, more......I spend too much time picking and not enough doing.....

Gerbie

I've learned to follow good advice from others even if I think it might be a little quirky at times. One great tip I have to share is - when I purchased my Bernina 930 about 30 years ago, the owner of the shop told me to always unplug my machine from the outlet, when finished sewing if only for a few hours, especially if I am leaving the house to protect the machine from lightning and power surges. I started doing that the first time I used my machine and have continued, and do so with all of my other machines as well.
I learned this tip from a fellow quilter about a year ago-when you stick yourself and leave a spot or two of blood on the fabric, use your own salivia instead of water to get the blood out- doesn't sound as sanitary, but really works much better than a wet cloth and doesn't leave a stain or ring either.
I've also learned never to attempt to cut a pattern or block, or sew one up if you are in a hurry or pressed for time- normally bad results on both counts.
The best tip I have is never be intimidated or afraid to ask others for help or opinions. No question is too dumb to ask!! if you have a question about something 99 times out of a100 someone else has the same question or concern and is just too timid or afraid to ask for fear others will think they are dumb. When in doubt always ASK for help.
This is why it is so great to have this board- there is always someone here with an answer.

lclang

I have learned that it's always better to fix a mistake right away when you first see it and not sew another seam across it which will make it more difficult to fix it later. Also learned to cut threads on the finished and quilted quilt top with blunt end scissors so I don't nick the fabric, that a new needle is often the "fix" for sewing machine malfunctions, that choosing my own fabrics often leads to quilts that I really like better than using precuts and all from one fabric line, that I can design my own quilts if I want to and they turn out fine, and that it's a good idea to try some of the suggestions on this board to see if they are better than what I do now. That there are no quilting police and no quilting jail and I can do what I want to do regardless of someone else's rules!

lclang

Don't try to sew if you are tired, sick, or distracted. It gets me in trouble every time.

katesnanna

Thank you Jan. As always excellent advice, especially about not needing every ruler under the sun.

gramquilter2

I have learned always keep an eye on where your fingers are and not go super speed when using a rotary cutter. And know where those same fingers are when sewing with a sewing machine.

thyme2quilt

Use good, quality fabric!

Pat G

Dunster, this is so true. I've made things I was ashamed to show anybody yet when I did they just raved about it. Also true with my FMQ. I hate my work yet get praises everytime. So I'm learning to forgive myself for not being perfect no matter how hard I try.