Alex Anderson 4/22/2002

HGTV: Welcome to HGTV's hosted chat room. Alex Anderson is here to answer your quilting questions. Hello, Alex! Happy Monday to you!

Alex Anderson: Hi everyone! I am so glad that everyone has stopped what they are doing to join us today!

Question: What is the easiest way of storing garments you will use in a quilt? Do you cut them into squares or how?
AA: Humm... I've never made a quilt out of garments, but I love the idea. I would make sure they are clean and cut them up -- not into squares -- but into the largest pieces of cloth possible. Then you can store them flat in a box until you are certain what types of patterns you'll be making.

Q: A couple of weeks ago on Simply Quilts I saw a quilt that looked like Dogwood blossoms. Can you tell me where I can get a pattern for it?
AA: The exact quilt does not ring a bell. My assumption is that it is applique. So I would just start searching applique books until I found a pattern that reflects the look. Sorry not to be of more help on this one.

Q: Hi Alex. In your opinion, what is the hottest trend in quilting today?
AA: Buying fabric! LOL! Seriously, I don't know. There are so many great things going on in so many different areas.

Q: What are the most important things to remember when selecting fabric color and patterns for a quilt? Also, will you be in Sisters, Oregon for their annual quilt show in July? And where else will you be this summer?
AA: I won't be in Sisters this year. Basically, this summer will be spent taping Simply Quilts. On Labor Day weekend, I am the featured quilter at the Marin Quilt Show in Northern California. As for fabric selection, the biggest thing is value. Make sure you have a complete range of light to dark fabrics.

Q: When will you begin taping the new season and how many new shows will there be?
AA: Mid-June -- HGTV has ordered 39 shows. Behind the scenes: the producers have the horrific job of having to pick which shows to tape because there are so many great ideas out there.

Q: How much input do you have into the making of the shows? Do the producers run ideas by you? Do you know what you'll be taping in advance or just show up and be surprised?
AA: Throughout the year, I collect proposals from publishers, independent quilters, etc. When the show goes into production (like we are right now), I go down to Los Angeles and meet with the production staff. We all look for ideas that have not yet been covered, or for cool new techniques. We will also explore what subject matters have not been adequately covered. Then I go home, and it is up to my wonderful producers and HGTV to ultimately decide what shows to air.

Q: Alex, you're killing me! Any chance of getting your show moved so that I don't have to keep getting up at 5:30 am to watch?
AA: It's killin' me too! LOL! HGTV makes these decisions, so please write to them and let them know. And remember, Mother's Day is around the corner... think about asking for a VCR. :^)

Q: You said in a previous chat that you had made a photo transfer quilt for your daughter's graduation. Which technique/preservative did you use? I haven't found any that stood up to being washed. :(
AA: First off, I need to give kudos to Sandy Bonsib, as she did the photo transfer for me. Just recently, I was made aware of how these different processes do fade. As for my daughter's quilt it is an heirloom, not a user. I do know this, the companies who are developing products for this technique are doing their best to solve this problem.

Q: Will you be teaching any classes in the northeast? And a quilting question: After watching the show and reading several books authored by your guests, I am still confused as to wash before or after cutting strips and should I cut the strips crosswise or lengthwise? I also wanted to tell you that I discovered your show while recuperating from hand surgery. I have many projects planned for when my cast comes off. Thanks and keep up the good shows!
AA: Glad you found the show, and that it has inspired you! No plans on the table for the Northeast, as my traveling days have shrunk to almost none. If you want to prewash your fabric (I do) wash it before you cut into it. If you cut the strips width-wise, it will have a little give. If you cut it lengthwise, it will have no give. The only time I cut lengthwise is if width-wise is not large enough. In reality, either way is fine.

Q: I am looking for patterns similar to Sunbonnet Sue, but of a Dutch Boy and girl. Do you know where I can get such patterns?
AA: I'll bet you could find it on the internet somewhere. Post your question on my website bulletin board www.alexandersonquilts.com, and someone will respond I'm sure.

Q: Okay, who is typing your responses here? You've always claimed to be computer illiterate but someone is putting in emoticons!
AA: My buddy Watson! :^) (Howdy, gang) Now Watson, what would you like to say? Hey Watson, got any thoughts on starting to quilt? (...Ummm. I'm thinking about it!)

Q: I have a pattern out of a book, and I was wondering if it is the actual size or how do I size them?
AA: Without seeing the book, I don't know. It should tell you somewhere in the general instructions -- if not, call the publisher and ask.

Q: Where can I purchase the triangle cutting guide used on the kaleidoscope quilt from last week's show?
AA: Go to my friend's site: www.battsintheattic.com, and ask Paula, because she really loves this ruler.

Q: Two questions: How much say do you have in the guests/projects featured on Simply Quilts? Why does the eye of my needle break the thread when I hand quilt (I do try to move the thread as I sew)?
AA: For show production details, I went through that earlier in the chat. :^) So please check that out -- and remember that a chat transcript will be posted hopefully by Wednesday. As for thread, make sure you are using quilting thread because it is heavier than sewing thread and never have it longer than 18 inches. Hopefully this will solve your problem. One time, I had a spool of black thread that I ended up throwing away. I think it was just rotten.

Q: Is it safe to store fabrics in plastic containers?? I enjoy your show so much!
AA: Thank you! My concern with plastic is that, if it gets damp on the inside, mildew will set in. So, I probably wouldn't.

Q: What flower did you choose for the redwork for the Mexico cruise? And are you going to be teaching any hand quilting classes in 2002 in the San Francisco bay area?
AA: I haven't decided yet. My girlfriend got her 10 cents in and said hibiscus, but probably I will go with the state flower. As for the rest of 2002, I'll make appearances possibly in the fall, either at the Cotton Patch or the Quilted Lady in Tracy.

Q: You have been an inspiration for me. I have been quilting two years, and at the time I started quilting I quit smoking. After watching your show I had to start and have been addicted ever since. My second quilt was a New York Beauty.
AA: Wow! New York Beauty? I just made that block this past year. Talk about jumping in big time. I have to smile, because being addicted to quilting is much better than smoking (but maybe more expensive -- LOL).

Q: Is it save to prewash 10-inch pieces of batik fabric by hand, or will the dye run?
AA: That is exactly why I would prewash it, to test it out and to make sure the dye doesn't run. You'd rather find that out in a sink than on the quilt.

Q: What size hoop is best for quilting a full sized quilt? 14" 12" 24" or?
AA: I would use a 14" or a 16".

Q: I've just started quilting and am a beginner to sewing as well, what tip do you suggest?
AA: Keep it simple. And small. Truly, I am amazed that the above quilter's 2nd quilt was a New York Beauty.

Q: I've recently fallen in love with primitive/folk art applique. Do you plan any shows featuring this?
AA: We've done several shows on that. I think it is charming, and everyone has a different take on it.

Q: How do you make a design board for arranging blocks?
AA: There are several ways. If you have a designated wall where it can be a permanent structure get Celotex and cover it with fleece or flannel and attach it to your wall. Another option is 1/4-inch foam core board. When you are done using it you can simply slip it under a bed.

Q: Alex, I am a beginning quilter. I don't really even know how to cut a square out of a piece of material and keep cutting squares. My quilt needs a 21 1/2-inch square. Do I need to use a carpenter's square to place on the edge of the fabric?
AA: I would use my rotary ruler and mat together to get a square that large. The grid line will be your best friend (of course your mat needs to be larger than the block you are cutting).

Q: On today's show the guest was making quilts from fat quarts, stating that she has patterns/kits for these quilts. Any idea where you can get them?
AA: If you go to the resource guide on the hgtv.com, it will give you the contact information for each guest. Search for episode number: QLT 415.

Q: Do you plan a book of guests patterns and shortcuts?
AA: Wouldn't that be wonderful? You have to keep in mind that a lot of what is covered is copyrighted by the publisher, so I don't see realistically how it could happen. But, permission has been granted for many of these things to be featured on the hgtv.com website to be used as a resource.

Q: What is the best way to block a quilt?
AA: I get my quilt entirely wet and literally T-pin it into shape, either on the carpet or on my design wall. You will pin every two inches. This can be a miracle worker for problem quilts.

Q: How do I launder quilt blocks that are about 50 years old that my grandmother made?
AA: Not being a quilt restoration expert, I cannot begin to advise you (especially without having seen it). Nancy Kirk of www.kirkcollection.com is a wonderful resource. You might try contacting her.

Q: I am working on my needleturn applique. Can you suggest a good book to help me?
AA: I think practice is probably what will get you there. Try and take the bite out of the appliqued piece from underneath rather than the side -- this helps hide stitches.

Q: Hi Alex, I am relatively new to quilting, but am ready to create a little bit more than just a fence rail quilt. What design would you suggest?
AA: Pick anything that intrigues you. A lot of people love the log cabin design.

Q: Will you be going to Paducah this weekend for the quilt show?
AA: No, I won't be in Paducah this year. :^(

Q: I've recently learned there are many toxic chemicals used in the coloring process of fabrics. Do you wash your fabric first?
AA: I do. For several reasons. And if I want it to have the stiffness of new fabric, I simply size and / or starch it when pressing it.

Q: Alex, how can you tell if quilting thread is just for hand quilting or if it is okay to run through your sewing machine, too? Is there a weight on a thread that is a no-no to put through your sewing machine? Thanks.
AA: It will say 'hand quilting' on the end of it. And it is typically thicker. As for weight of a thread on a sewing machine, it probably depends on the specific machine you are sewing on (whether it will accept it).

Q: I loved the Simply Quilts sampler quilt -- who gets to keep it?
AA: I love that quilt, too! Right now, Margaret Miller is touring with it. I hope to get it for the set next season.

Q: I want to machine quilt-what is the best way to get started?
AA: I would take a class. It is an art, and I think there are a lot of little tips and tricks you should know in order to achieve great results.

Q: Which Simply Quilts show was your favorite -- to tape, and in general?
AA: Well, to be on the safe side, I always pick the one with my dad. But really, it would be impossible to pick a favorite guest, show, etc. because of the uniqueness of the different guests and quilts.

Q: I just watched the episode with the "Simply Quilts Sampler". It was beautiful! When the quilters that contributed a block were shown I saw something that looked like tiny "Quilt Pins". Did someone make them on your show? What are they made of?
AA: The show you may be asking about is show #505, which will air May 8th in the afternoon time slot.

Q: Does Billie Lauder have any books available?
AA: I know she has a ton of patterns and some little, pamphlet-type books with quick tricks and things like that. I believe it is self-published. I haven't seen her in six months, so who knows what cool new things she has out.

Q: How many [shows] do you tape in one day?
AA: Four -- that's why I can't remember things sometimes! LOL

Q: Can (would?!) you recommend quilt shops in Phoenix, San Ramon (near San Francisco)and Irvine for a trip I'm taking with my husband in late May and early June. Of course, thanks for teaching me everything I've learned about quilting!!!!
AA: There are a ton of cool shops in the East Bay (S.F.). Cotton Patch in Lafayette. Thimble Creek and Walnut Creek. The Village Quilt Shop in Pleasanton. And Inbetween Stitches in Livermore. They are all within 30 minutes. Bring tons of money!

Q: I have arthritis and would like to know if you will be covering quilting for those of us with handicaps?
AA: That is an excellent idea. Excellent. I will pass it on to the producers, and thank you!

HGTV: Well, everyone, our chat hour has ended. Thanks for joining us today. And thank you, Alex, for taking the time to answer our questions.

Alex Anderson: Thank you, everyone, for coming! It's been a lot of fun,, and now I think it is time to go quilt! ;^) Talk to you next time...