Alex Anderson 1/16/2002

HGTV: Welcome to HGTV's hosted chat room. Today, Alex Anderson, host of Simply Quilts, is with us to answer your quilting questions. Hello, Alex!

Alex Anderson: Hi, everyone! I'm so glad you decided to join us today!

Question: Hi, Alex. At the beginning of your shows, there is a quilt with a black background and bright Amish colors. Is there a pattern for that?
AA: I get this question at least three times a week -- thanks for asking. I believe it is a tessellating log cabin, and hopefully we can do a show on it next season. This is the number one-asked question I get. :^)

Q: I'm new to hand quilting, how many stitches per inch should I expect?
AA: I'm not going to answer this directly because, what is more important, is how even they are. Once you master that, the size will come. My first stitches were about two to the inch, and now they are between 10 to 12.

Q: How many new shows in this season?
AA: I believe in the 700 series there are around 65.

Q: Hi Alex. I am planning a baby quilt, and I wanted to do on a solid fabric and to use silk for top of the quilt. So can you please suggest for me what type of silk and batting to use?
AA: I've never worked with silk, and frankly I would be concerned about its sturdiness especially for a baby.

Q: How do I hang a quilt with distorted and wavy sides? I have sewn a sleeve on top and hung from a dowel. The sides are now flappy and distract from the beauty of the old piece. Thanks.
AA: If this is an old quilt, I think you just have to live with it. If it were a new quilt, I would try to block it into shape. I am not a quilt restoration person, so this is my guess.

Q: Alex- your Quilting with Kids book will be out in February and now in Quilters Newsletter Magazine I see that you have another due out in April called "Paper Piecing". You are WONDERFUL! Tell us about the new book and whatever else you have up your sleeve...
AA: I am so excited about the kids book that I can't hardly stand it. The paper-piecing book will be out in April, and it opened my eyes to a technique I was STRONGLY resistant to. It works with traditional patterns that I love. In addition, (Shhhhh! Don't tell anyone!) I am working P&B Textiles, and we will have a really cool historical red work line coming out this spring. After that, we'll see.

Q: Hello Alex! I love your show AND your Web site. Do you have any suggestions for someone who would like to open their own quilt shop? Thank You.
AA: Thank you! I would strongly suggest going to spring market mid-may in Kansas. In addition, visit all the quilt shops you can and see what you like and don't like. But, most importantly, you MUST approach this as a business, not just as a hobby. Good luck!

Q: I need pattern for hand quilting a borgello quilt. Thanks.
AA: That's a toughie without seeing it... How about an overall wavy design that complements the curves of the pattern?

Q: Will you have a show on making handbags from pre-quilted fabric?
AA: I think that subject matter is better suited for Carol Duvall or the show Sew Much More. We try to stick to quilts, with a few garments thrown in here and there.

Q: Hi, Alex, I enjoy your show very, very much. I wish your show were on in the evenings also. My question is about redwork. What stitch do you use and how many strands of floss. And what color red? Thanks so much.
AA: Good question! :^) I use two strands, and in fact, I have used DMC # 831 and #817. The new red work line of fabric is designed. It was #321 not #831, by the way. The fabric is designed around #321. I think the name of the stitch is the outline stitch. On the back side of my work, the stitches are so close and small that it is almost a continuous line.

Q: What would you suggest to be a beginner's pattern, and where do I find the patterns?
AA: Stick to something really basic, like rail fence, log cabin or 9-patch. Simple shapes are the way to go. My Start Quilting book has these patterns. I also suggest starting with a wall hanging.

Q: What is a good quilt pattern to showcase 1930s reproduction fabrics?
AA: You can use anything, really, even something as basic as a 9-patch. I did a 9-patch variation for my rotary cutting book, and it turned out pretty cool.

Q: Alex, what is your preferred marking method/tool for quilting?
AA: Of course there isn't a definitive tool, but I really like the Silver Verithin pencil. You can get it at your quilt shop or art supply store.

Q: Is there a good book for beginner quilters?
AA: Yes -- Mine! LOL! Also Fonns and Porter have a good one. It has a lot more info than mine, but it is also more expensive.

Q: I can't seem to be able to pick out my colors for any quilting project. How do you find the right ones?
AA: I do a two-hour lecture on this and have also written a book on it. It is really easy once you understand the basic rules. Probably the number one thing is value. And I always start with a plan in mind, i.e. a holiday quilt, a focus fabric quilt, a neutral quilt, a solid quilt, etc. and the list goes on.

Q: Do you use 100 per cent cotton for everything? Even the quilting thread? Not a blend or something.
AA: A big YES!

Q: Hi, Alex. Thought that I would let you know that the Doc is now quilting and loving it! The only problem is that I cannot seem to use my new Jem Machine. LOL. ~ Camie and Doc
AA: Love you guys!

Q: What type of thimble do you use when you are quilting? Any suggestions for new quilters?
AA: Get a thimble with really deep indentations. It is the thimble that will be holding the needle, not your fingers. There are several on the market, and you need to shop what works for you. Alex says sidebar -- I just took a three-day workshop with Gwen Marsten on 19th century folk art applique. What a blast!

Q: I would like week #2 instructions for flower folding quilts. I saw it and loved it, so I would like to make it
AA: You can call C & T Publishing at 1-800-284-1114 or go through Amazon.com. The author is Rebecca Wat. Fantastic Fabric Folding is the title.

Q: Hi, Alex. I'm making my first crazy quilt, and I'm wondering if I am supposed to do the embroidery before I put the quilt sandwich together or after?
AA: Before. :^) A lot of these quilts do not have batting -- consider that.

Q: Hi, Alex. I first want to say -- thanks sooo much for such an inspiring show. Your great Web site and delightful Message Board, they all bring me joy every day! A question -- any plans to come back to Vermont Quilt Festival in the future and what kind of classes do you have in plans for the future? Again, thanks for all the inspiration!!
AA: Thank you! :^) Unfortunately I am not able to travel as much these days due to the inconsistent taping schedule of Simply Quilts. Last year we taped during the summer, which we've never done before. However, I do love the Vermont Quilt Festival and advise everyone to go there. The good news is I am now teaching at the local quilt shops who supported me 20 years ago. :^)

Q: What do I need to start a quilt?
AA: The basic tools and of course good fabric. I get embarrassed plugging my book, but it really is meant for beginning beginners and supplies you with great information. It's called Start Quilting with Alex Anderson. When I started quilting, the local library was an excellent resource. And the price is right.

Q: I was hoping to get on the live chat with Alex Anderson to ask about the piece they did on making quilt squares in alternative high schools as a type of self-expression. No one has answered emails and was hoping this would help.
AA: This is embarrassing, but we've done so many field pieces. The one that comes to mind is the segment featuring kids that worked in a museum in Los Angeles. Please visit my Web site (www.alexandersonquilts.com) and post your question. Maybe someone will remember the exact details. As for working with kids in school, just do what you are comfortable with. There is not an exact answer for what works for who.

Q: Alex, I would like to know how to start to make a career in quilting.
AA: What an interesting question, because there are so many different ways one can earn money. I chose to be a teacher. My friend Paula quilts other people's quilts. My editor Liz chose to go with a publishing company. Identify your talent -- your specific talent -- and go in that direction. If you are good at what you do, the word will get out.

Q: In 1994, my Grandmother gave me two (1930s) quilt tops passed down to her from her stepmother. And she said, "I know you will do something with these." I did not know how to quilt then, but I knew these were special. So I promised myself that I would learn. I found you show in 2000, and I was so excited that I couldn't stop talking about it. My husband got tired of listening to me, went to the local quilt shop, bought me an Elna and signed me up for my first quilting class(hand quilting)! I can't thank you enough for helping get me started. I am now the President of our 80+ member guild in Northern Illinois.
AA: How cool is that! In fact, your letter is an answer to the previous question also! Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Q: Where can I get the directions for the beautiful bindings presented on today's show?
AA: Isn't Sally Collins the best? Go to the hgtv.com Simply Quilts resource guide (show page), type in her name, and hopefully her information will be there. I think she is one of the best teachers in the United States. If anyone has the opportunity to take a class from her, do it!

Q: Does Sally Collins have a book that shows her binding techniques?
AA: She has two books. But I'm not sure which is the right one to get. Just a minute, let me look. Call C & T publishing: the number is 800-284-1114. I can't find it.

Q: I am looking for an author of fictional books about quilting that was on Simply Quilts several weeks ago? Can you tell me who that might be?
AA: Jennifer Chiaverini is who I think you are looking for.

Q: Binding corners -- does the fold go in different directions for front and back?
AA: Without seeing it, I'm not quite sure what you are asking. The best thing to do is look at other quilts to see how the quilt maker handled it.

Q: Hi, Alex. The binding show today with Sally was wonderful. I wondered if you've had time to make any quilts lately (aside from DD's graduation quilt) or are you swamped with work for your books and your show?
AA: Frankly, since 9-11, I've had a hard time sitting in front of my sewing machine, so I've fallen into red work big time. However, I must say that Gwen's class has gotten me totally motivated to get busy again.

Q: Alex, what is the pattern called on your intro that is floral with dark and light colored fabric?
AA: The only one that comes to mind is the log cabin tessellation.

Q: Hi Alex! Do you have any favorites (tools, hints, techniques) for hand applique? Thanks.
AA: There are so many hints and tips that I couldn't begin to address them here. I have found it helpful to take classes from different teachers, since every one has their own angle. As for tools, use the best available, good pins, good fabric and scissors, etc.

Q: I'd love to see more baby quilts.
AA: Actually, we had a show scheduled this past season, and it got cancelled at the last minute -- because the guest has a newborn and couldn't make it.

Q: Will you be hosting more artists in the field of crazy quilting?
AA: Who knows? I do know it is extremely popular and we have only scratched the surface. In the end, it is the producers call.

Q: Hi, Alex. It's nice of you to take time out of your schedule to chat with us. How often do you do this?
AA: I love doing this and we chat once a month.

Q: How do you cut stripes without them looking like a "V"?
AA: First make sure your fabric is folded correctly, use both the lines on your mat and your ruler. It happens to the best of us.

Q: What is the difference between a bias edge and a straight grain edge?
AA: Bias -- the straight and cross grains are on a 90-degree angle -- it's how the threads are woven. Bias is a 45-degree cut across these threads. An outside bias edge is disastrous because it will stretch unmercifully.

Q: Hello, Alex. I love the show. I am a new quilter and was very apprehensive about attending a quilt guild meeting. I just want to let beginner quilters know that they should find a local guild. I have learned so much and am inspired every month by the work the different members bring to show. My guild does a BOM and a fabric exchange each month. We also make quilts which we donate to local organizations. What types of activities does your guild have? We could use some new Ideas.
AA: First off, hooray! You did the right thing. We have a retreat every other year along with the quilt show. We organize bus trips to quilt shows. We have a member show-and-tell every meeting. We, too, donate quilts to local organizations at the Christmas luncheon. And we have many groups with different themes, like 'quilters with young kids' -- you won't see me at that one! LOL!

Q: You said in the 6/5/01 chat that you had just finished a paper-pieced kaleidoscope -- I've never seen such a thing, and I'd love to try it. Is it in a book somewhere?
AA: It will be in my new book coming out in April. I used kaffe facet stripes, along with pastels, and I must say it is out of this world!

Q: Alex -- Any shows that SQ will travel to this coming year that you may be at?
AA: I'm not going to be at any major shows this year, and because we are not yet in production, I'm not sure where we will be going. It isn't typical for me to be where the taping takes place. In fact, they want to keep me out of the way -- LOL!

Q: I watched your show today on binding. Is there a good way to create a binding that you do not have to sew by hand?
AA: I believe there are some ways, I'm just not aware of them well enough to instruct you.

Q: Thanks for your show, Alex. I'm hoping you can demonstrate the hand-sewing portion of binding sometime. That is a really tricky process that I don't understand right now.
AA: Okay, great, I will pass that on. It's not much different than hemming a dress only the stitches are smaller.

Q: Thanks for your terrific show!! I recently inherited some pieced but not quilted tops. They are from my grandmother/great-grandmother. I am undecided as to finishing them as quilts and possibly ruining their value or just keeping them as they are. Any suggestions? I am just getting into quilting to use fabric my mother collected to make quilts for everyone in the family as memory quilts. So I'm looking at two dozen. Simple patterns and family tradition is tying off. Yeah!!. Any suggestions for a new quilter?
AA: First off, I probably would not fiddle with the quilt tops. I've seen too many ruined. Later on down the road, you might want to do something with them. Most importantly, you want to keep them historically correct. Suggestions for a new quilter? Keep it simple.

HGTV: Well, everyone, our chat hour has ended. Thank you for joining us today and asking such terrific questions. And thank you, Alex, for chatting with us today.

Alex Anderson: Rats! I can't believe we're out of time! Thanks so much for logging on today. Please come back on the 12th of February for the next one. In the meantime, feel free to hang out at the www.alexandersonquilts.com message board. :^)