1) the binding was the first quilt I'd done properly. It's not 100% perfect but I've since made a couple of mug rugs to practise and it's looking much better. I'm also going to try rounded corners too.
2) I desperately need a new sewing machine - one that can actually quit! My brother machine is so basic that I can't even drop the feed dogs, let alone get a decent free walking foot. The needles seem To need changing Everytime i use the machine, which is rubbish!!
I'm going to select the machine I like, and then save save save!! It's so tempting to buy gorgeous books and fabrics and patterns, but I'm not doing any thing I make justice at the moment so I need a new machine :) my machine is the reason there's so little quilting on the quilt! I would only be able to do straight lines in any volume, and even then the feed dogs seem to drag the fabric through which bunches the backing up! Ah well, I'll figure it out!
3) I need to be patient whilst cutting, piecing and sewing it all. I'm normally so desperate to see the final product that I rush things and am then not completely happy with it!
At least I know what I'm doing wrong and how I can improve...
4) use basting stitches instead of pins
5) buy some fusible web or bonding spray for sandwiching the quilt.
On the plus side, I really like the colours that make the quilt and the pattern was a new experience that I really enjoyed.
It's all a learning process, and honest reflection helps me improve - sorry for my ramblings :) xx
Each quilt is a learning experience. It takes time to practice techniques and discover which ones work for you. Not everything works for everyone.
ReplyDeleteI recommend going somewhere to try our your new machine if possible to see how it feels to you, again what is good for someone else may not be for you.
If you are thinking about free motion quilting long term, then you need a darning foot as well as a walking foot. And an extension table helps. Some people are offering these and the 1/4 inch foot at the moment as free extras with new Janomes. It saves a lot of money on buying them separately.
The thread used can make a big difference as well. Investing in good thread I have found helps a lot.