Quilt Interview

Today I am posting a quilting question and answer session with Amy at parkcitygirl. She is an amazing quilter and is super helpful.

Tell us a bit about you and your quilting:
Well, I'm a wife and mom of 4! We live in a small house, in a small town, in the Utah mountains where life is relaxed but busy in our household. Over the last two years quilting has become my creative therapy. The dishes and laundry are never completely done, but the quilts I make never talk back and usually stay folded the way I left them. :)

Another lovely sample of her work!

When piecing the quilt top, what foot do you use on your sewing machine?

I use a 1/4" foot, with a little barrier on the right side - Love it!! I also move my needle position 1 mm to the right for an accurate 1/4" seam. That little bit can make a huge difference in my finished block size! If you aren't sure you have an accurate 1/4" seam, try sewing 2 - 2 1/2" squares together. Press it and measure. It should measure 4 1/2" across, if not then try moving your needle a bit - not too much, and try again.

Hand quilting-any tips?
Nope! I have only done a tiny bit on mini-quilts. Just try it if your curious - break all the rules! That's how we find what works for us :)

Do you use matching thread to your binding color? I have a problem having my binding being wider on the back then the front and suggestions?

When I'm stitching down the binding (a favorite part) my thread is usually matched to the backing fabric. Or cream, which tends to disappear! If your binding is wider on the back you need a bigger seam allowance when attaching it on the front! I usually attach with a 3/8" seam allowance.

Do you press your seams open or to one side?

I learned to sew garments as a girl. Pressing my seams open is ingrained in my brain! I only recently realized that most (if not all) quilters press to one side. Even still I mostly press open - I like how flat the blocks lie, and personally find matching seams easier.

Best online sites to get fabric?

I love browsing at Fat Quarter Shop - it is organized amazingly, and shipping is fast! http://fatquartershop.com/
I love browsing on Etsy too, finding combinations that I would not think to try!
My Heart and Sew http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5352328
Sew Love Fabrics http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5811728
Fabric Supplies http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5680709
And Fabric Shack always has a deal on something! http://fabricshack.com/
Just a few favorites - there's so many good shops!

Free motion quilting- Any tips?

Taking that first plunge into free-motion quilting is a bit daunting! Practicing on paper first helps get a feel for the movement that want in your quilting. Many are surprised to learn it's just like drawing with thread! I also like to turn my machine (so it's perpendicular to me) -- it cuts down on the stress in my arms, and seems to give me more room to work! Just try it once :)
A sample of her quilting. I love this quilt, such fun colors!

How often do you change needles when quilting?

I probably don't change my needles often enough! I like to start each new project with a new needle, and then change it again before quilting. If you hear a *ping, ping* while sewing - your needle is dull!

Are there any special tools you can not live with out besides the basics?

Not that I can think of! I'm a pretty basic girl, and my sewing space is the kitchen table - I have to keep it all portable.

How often do you change your rotary blade?

Every other month usually.

How many bobbins do you wind when quilting?

As many empties as I have! Usually 3 or 4 - I'm getting ready to quilt my monster quilt, hopefully I can find 5 empties before I start :)

Do you get to a point where you don't want to keep every quilt you make?

Not that I'm aware of! I do have a couple listed in my etsy shop, but so far I have been glad to not ship them off :) I always love the project that I am working on - the fabrics have been carefully selected and cut, and the time put into making each block, while therapeutic, is costly. However, I do love blessing others with a handmade quilt full of love - it's fun to see it loved by someone else too!

These were questions I had and thought it would be fun to share since I am sure there are others out there with the same questions! Pop over and visit Amy and check out her beautiful quilts. Amy is also hosting the next sew along for the old red barn group if you want to join click here.