Alex Anderson 7/12/2002

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

Alex Anderson: Hi everyone, I'm so glad you've joined us today! I've just returned home from taping 39 new episodes, and I am VERY, very excited about how they turned out. TONS of new guests and faces will appease and tempt you with new quilting ideas.

Question: I finally saw your show on longarm quilting this morning. Now I want a longarm all over again!
AA: Well, please don't hold me responsible -- LOL!

Q: Love your July Quilt instructions. However can't print off template B. When trying it freezes my system. Printed off A and C O.K.
AA: Hey Julia, this one's for you...
HGTV: Hi, all. I talked to the editor of the templates, and she said there was a problem with the filename. It has been fixed. If you still have problems with it, please, email me at webmaster@hgtv.com.

Q: What is a good quilt for just starting?
AA: Anything of simple shapes: rail fence, log cabin, 9 patch; and don't start with a big quilt in mind, keep it small.

Q: I have just started to teach quilting classes. Any advice concerning my own patterns and distributing them to the public?
AA: Wow, that's a big question. I actually did one pattern myself (not through my publisher), and I sent sample copies to several of the large quilt stores in the US in addition to the major distributors. As for teaching, wrap the fee of the pattern into the cost of the class, or charge a lab fee.

Q: I just wanted to thank you for recommending the book Taking the Math out of Patchwork Quilts. Although very difficult to find, we were successful on the Internet. I wish you would show more segments on hand quilting and piecing. I am making my very first one.
AA: You're in luck! Watch for next season. By the way, that is an excellent publication. I use it all the time.

Q: How did you think of the July block?
AA: Teehee... I like my block. It had to be patriotic and include my black and white stinky dog Lizzie. And guess what? She shows up on another month. Oh -- the watermelon on Lizzie's tail is in honor of my friend Rachel Clark who dresses in a watermelon outfit every 4th of July. You guys know her from the show.

Q: 1-How do you find time to quilt and manage a program? 2-What are you favorite tips that you can pass on to us? 3-Where can we locate the patterns from the show to use?
AA: No. 1 I don't have friends or a social life. :^( No. 2 Actually, on my website, we are going to start a new tip section, so check that out. No. 3 Your best bet is to go to hgtv.com and find Simply Quilts and type in the show number or the name of the guest. Back to #1: Actually I do have one friend -- LOL!

Q: Thank you for your show. My biggest problem is with color -- how do you learn value/hue/color combinations?
AA: Value is the most important thing. It is simply comparing light to dark. If you have a good range of value, the rest is all secondary. Some people like to use the tool ruby beholder (essentially red plexi-glass). It helps separate the value. I don't really like to plug my own book in this forum. But you might want to check out Fabric Shopping. (With Alex Anderson). It might be of benefit to you. :^)

Q: Have you considered making tapes for sale that would include all of the Billy Lauder shortcuts or Mary Ellen Hopkins crazy non-math methods? This would really be helpful.
AA: That would be a decision of HGTV. My suggestion is to write them with your request. Squeaky wheels do get the grease at HGTV. Write: comments@hgtv.com.

Q: Hi Alex, I would like to ask you why certain people come on your show and you give all the specifics on cutting the pieces and putting it together, but then when I go to your website, those specifics are not listed. It's my feeling that if they go on TV/when they go on TV they are making that pattern open to the public per say. Thanks.
AA: Basically last season and this season everything is up there. The editorial staff is working backwards to try and get all the shows filled in. Keep in mind, some of the shows specifics don't pertain. But thank you for your patience -- see there, the squeaky wheel does get the grease in this case. ;^)

Q: Alex, your show inspired me to start quilting 1-1/2 years ago. I am now currently working on 7 memory quilts made from my father's clothing. Thank you ever so much.
AA: It's letters like yours that keep me continually inspired. Welcome to the club...we love beginners!

Q: Hi Alex, I have seen crazy quilts on your show but I do not understand finishing them. Are the blocks just stitched together and nothing is put on the back for a finished look?
AA: The antique crazy quilt that I have is unfinished. If I were making a crazy quilt, I would be inclined to put backing on and not use batting in between.

Q: I am a new quilter and have a top all pieced. Although it's not perfect, I'm happy with it. I would like to machine quilt it, but am afraid to take the plunge. Do you have any suggestions to get started?
AA: Machine quilting is a true art form in itself. I would start with straight lines. You must use a walking foot or have a machine with even feed. Use 100 percent cotton batting and pin baste it like there is no tomorrow. That alone will make or break the finished product. By the way -- congratulations!

Q: Alex, I have some very lovely silks that a friend gave me from the far east, and I would love to do something with it but I do not know how. Could you maybe have a show on it?
AA: That is an excellent idea. Last year, we did a show with my friend from the Middle East, and she used really exotic fabrics. Her work is incredibly artistic.

Q: Have you been pleased with the July BOMs that have been finished so far?
AA: I've been gone all month literally and haven't had a chance to see them. I will check it out today. By the way, we did a show on this next season and several of YOUR blocks are on it. They are really, really cool -- thanks for sending them in to us.

Q: I used a wash-out marker to quilt my first quilt. Can it be washed out in a washing machine?
AA: Yes. Those are great tools, but they have to be handled very carefully. For example, never leave a quilt in direct sunlight or iron it when it has been marked.

Q: I have been piecing for 8 years. I am now 15 and have been watching your show for those 8 years. You are my inspiration!
AA: Thank you! Guess what, this next season, we did a show with a teen quilter. She is in Jr. High school, is a cheerleader, and her quilts ROCK! I have been hearing a lot about young quilters, and this is really, really cool. Thank you so much for watching -- maybe we'll meet one day. :^)

Q: What are all of the different types of fabrics that can be used to make a frayed seam type of quilt and still get the desired results?
AA: We did a show on this, and the guest used denim (a show for next season). I think anything will work. On the website we've done them with flannel, and I think this is cool also.

Q: What is a good book to learn applique?
AA: That's a tough question when you're asking someone who has written one...MINE -- LOL! Actually is mine is called Bare Bones Beginning. It features excellent photography -- see if your library has it.

Q: I'd love to set up a quilters' retreat here in Wyoming. What could a site offer (besides beds, food, big tables, and no paperwork) that would make it easy for you as a teacher to just come in and teach?
AA: Make sure there is also excellent lighting, or tell students to bring additional lights and make sure you have adequate electricity. Make sure the teacher has everything she needs, i.e. slide projectors, etc. Good communication is the key.

Q: Is it better to cut the binding strips on the bias or on the straight grain of the fabric?
AA: It depends on the edge of the quilt, if it is straight, I prefer straight of grain. If it is scalloped: bias.

Q: Will you have more art quilt guests on the show?
AA: Every season we do a balancing act, and yes, this next season we have some real winners coming on. Plus several field pieces honor the work of art quilters.

Q: Hi Alex! I love Simply Quilts and watch every day. Can you recommend a good book dealing with borders and bindings? I'm quite new to quilting and feel so awkward with borders. Thanks.
AA: LOL. Guess what my publisher wants me to write next... there is an excellent binding book out by Rodale right now, but I'm unsure of the title...sorry. Try a subject matter search on Amazon and see what you come up with.

Q: Is there any trick you can suggest for free-motion quilting to get the stitches even?
AA: I am in the same boat you are in, and what the local quilt shop has suggested is to purchase those sewing machine mittens/gloves. You know, the ones with the rubber dots. That's what I'm going to try next.

Q: Will we ever be able to purchase all the programs in a series on a DVD or tape?
AA: It's HGTV's call -- please write to them and suggest it.

Q: When shopping for batting I noticed that with wool batting there is a caution when using with Dark Fabric...Why?
AA: I've never heard that before...I don't know, but I'm going to find out. Could it be something like with lanolin or something? Could that be it? Come on my message board and ask that question. You should get a good response.

Q: How much fabric do you suggest that one buys if they see a fabric they like, but aren't ready to use it in a quilt?
AA: If it is a focus fabric, I buy enough for a potential border, otherwise anywhere from a third to a yard. It depends on how fat my pocketbook is feeling that day.

Q: I've heard you talk about "mini-groups" before what do you do in mini-groups and how can I join or form one? Also, how do you choose thread color when hand quilting? Does a contrasting color really show up?
AA: Mini-groups are a wonderful resource and provide incredibly special relationships. The first one I belonged to many years ago was started by posting a note at the local grocery store. Possibly you could take a quilt class and things will click. The more diverse ages and backgrounds, the more interesting the group. What goes on? EVERYTHING -- LOL. We did a show on this topic for the upcoming season, and this guest suggests you make a sample and go from there. There is no right or wrong with thread color.

Q: Alex, I love your show. I was wondering, is there a list of all the quilts that you have used as background? I have seen several that were not part of the guest's work which were very nice.
AA: Unfortunately, no. When I get asked about specific quilts hanging in the background I can never recall what hung on the set when. This season we used my quilts only because of the frustration of trying to remember whose were up.

Q: I have a bargello quilt that needs to be quilted yet, I am looking for interesting ways to quilt it. Do you have any suggestions?
AA: Whenever I'm stumped on how to quilt a quilt, I look at how other people have handled it until I find something I like. Since I can't see the quilt in person, I hesitate to comment. :^)

Q: I know you prefer hand quilting, but do judges prefer monofilament thread machine quilts, or can one use cotton as the top thread and feel comfortable about entering it in a show?
AA: Absolutely, in fact monofilament is a controversial choice, inasmuch as we don't know how it will stand up to the test of time.

Q: Where do you begin when you're just learning to cut fabric?
AA: Accuracy is the key. Pay attention to that and you'll be fine.

Q: I wanted to post a question on your website but it's not accepting new members. Any idea when I can join?
AA: I believe Matthew has reopened it.

Q: Alex, earlier this week you had a lady demonstrating a face quilt. When the camera was on your guest's face a quilt hanging behind her was absolutely beautiful. It was a star quilt in Red, White, and Blue. Can you tell me the pattern or maker?
AA: Oh, there we go -- that is so tough to figure out. I didn't see the rerun, and I just can't place it. I am so sorry. :^(

Q: Do you tape them all at one time?
AA: Yes, we do. Four shows a day, back to back. Thank goodness for wonderful producers and guests.

Q: When will the new shows start airing?
AA: Early October seems to be the debut for new seasons.

Q: I recently tried machine quilting and tried using metallic thread. It was a disaster! Are there some tricks to making it work?
AA: I haven't embarked on that journey yet. The show you want to watch for is the one by Ellen Anne Eddy. We spent a lot of time talking about thread and what happens. Also, if there is a store in your area that has an extensive inventory of threads, they should be able to help you.

Q: Will you be having any shows on tee shirt quilts?
AA: We did one a few years ago. The guest explained it in very straightforward and easy terms. Watch for it in reruns -- you may also be able to find some info online at the Simply Quilts page. Use the search engine to look up T-shirt.

Q: Will we be able to have a copy of the chat? Thanks.
AA: A transcript, according to our leader, Julia, will be available sometime next week.

Q: I just finished watching today's show with Nancy Odom; she is the best guest ever. Will you have her on again?
AA: She is not only a wonderful guest, she's a wonderful person. I think we've done 3 shows with her total. 741, 754, and 548 are the episode numbers. In fact she's working on a fabric line with P & B Textiles. Watch for it!

Q: You have mentioned belonging to a Quilter's Guild. How do you find a guild to join.
AA: Call the nearest fabric or quilt shop and ask them where one is in your area. They should be able to steer you in the right direction.

Q: How do you choose your guests?
AA: It is a group effort. We look for new ideas that haven't been covered or techniques that need to be covered in more depth. It is a difficult process because there are so many wonderful ideas out there and only so many shows. In the end, HGTV has final approval.

Q: The Longarm quilting show was wonderful. Any tips on machine quilting on how to get that flow?
AA: Practice, practice, practice. Also, make sure you have a flat surface to work on.

Q: Will any of these shows be on how to be a more organized quilter???
AA: YES!! In fact, we did a show on sewing spaces. You guys are red hot/right on with the questions today!

Q: Can you recommend a GOOD marking pen for quilt tops? I've been using the mark-b-gone water-soluble but go through them quickly and the points don't stay very fine.
AA: My favorite marking tool is the silver Verithin pencil. It shows up 80 percent of the time. For the other 20 percent I use other things.

HGTV: Well, everyone, our chat hour is over. Thanks for joining us this afternoon. And thank you, Alex, for answering our questions.

Alex Anderson: Thanks everyone for taking time out of a busy summer day to join in! Our next chat is on August 8th -- can't wait to talk to you all then!