Quilting chat—10/15/2002
HGTV: Welcome to HGTV's hosted chat room. Today, Alex Anderson, host of Simply Quilts, is here to answer your questions. Hello, Alex!
Alex Anderson: Hi everyone, I'm so glad you found out about the time change for this chat today.
Question: Will you be doing any shows on whole cloth quilts? I have questions on marking the designs so they will last for quilting, but disappear when finished.
Alex: Yes, in fact this new season we did a show on Welsh quilting, which is the grandmother to whole cloth in America. Please watch for it. May I suggest you use a silver Verithin pencil.
Q: Alex, are you planning on having any episodes on Quilting with Limitations? Arthritis, wheelchair, and other handicaps?
Alex: What a great idea...we haven't done that yet. I will be sure to pass the idea on to the producers.
Q: Why are there so few new shows being shown this season? Are you going to have any shows on thread work?
Alex: Originally (because of 9-11), HGTV ordered less shows than last year. However, they re-upped for more shows that will be taped at the end of January, so, all in all, this season there will actually be more shows than in the past. I would suggest you write to: comments@hgtv.com with your concerns. As for threadwork, you'll have to wait and see. ;^)
Q: What is the best way to determine color value?
Alex: One neat trick is to look through red plastic. You'll be amazed at how that enhances the value differences. I just put the two pieces of cloth next to each other and determine, which is light and which is dark. By the way, I had a terrible time with value the first decade of my quilting life. I would always separate by color, not light and dark.
Q: I want to make a design wall. Will flannel or felt work the best?
Alex: Either is fine. On my design wall, I found a gritted flannel. It was created by quiltmaker Diana Leone. And that's gridded, Watson, not gritted. LOL He tries really hard, you guys! We'll make a quilter out of him yet!
Q: Hello Alex....my question: Do you think it would be an interest to have an "update" show on new quilters?
Alex: This sounds like an intriguing idea. Please email me at alexandersonquilts@hotmail.com for more specifics. Thanks!
Q: Today's guest, Carol Porter referred to paper foundation applique, how is this done? I've only done needle turn applique.
Alex: That show was taped a loooong time ago. And I didn't see it today. But my guess is that she cuts the shapes out of paper and basted the fabric onto it, then appliqued it down.
Q: Alex, have been watching for 2 years solid, and have finally finished my first 2 quilts. Looking for more wonderful "stuff" to learn this season. Like the question and answer sessions.
Alex: Woo-hoo! This type of communication is among my very favorite. My motto is: So many quilts, so little time...
Q: how much focus fabric do you buy if you aren't sure what pattern you are making?
Alex: I always buy enough for a border—just in case. Worst case scenario—I'll use it for the backing.
Q: Hi, Alex. I am looking for a stained glass Xmas runner.
Alex: This next season, we are doing a patriotic stained glass quilt. I have seen a rise in popularity for this type of quilt. Just look online, in magazines, etc. I am sure you will stumble onto one.
Q: Do you know if HGTV is planning another Strolling the Block Quilt project? And when does your show air with the 2002 quilt on it?
Alex: I know the website folks are thinking of another project. Specifics I am not aware of. As for Strolling the Block, I'm looking... oh—it's episode 836. And with the way they are stretching the new shows out—I couldn't begin to guess.
Q: How do you figure out how much fabric to buy when it calls for 162 31/2" squares and 51 3-1/2" by 9-1/2" rectangles?
Alex: I have a really cool book called Taking the Math Out of Patchwork Quilts, by Bonnie Leman and Judy Martin. It's a dinosaur and probably out of print. But it has charts to help you figure it out. You could try calling the Cotton Patch in California—ask for Sherrie. 925-284-1177 is the phone number and ask her if there is an equivalent publication available today. I think there is.
Q: Alex, Do you know of an easy Double Wedding Ring quilt pattern?
Alex: I've never made one, and the only one I know of was John Flynn. Somehow, I can't equate double wedding ring with easy—LOL! If you find an easy pattern, let me know.
Q: Alex, will you be in Houston at the festival?
Alex: Not this year. :^( However, Bernina is having a really cool live webcast of the show from their site. I will be your host. Now you will ask—how will that happen without me being there...and the answer is: smoke and mirrors—LOL!
Q: I caught the episode on whole cloths and fell in love. Let's see more.
Alex: Okay, that one did just air.
Alex: I loved it, too. I thought Marjorie had really valuable information.
Q: I'd like to see a show about applique. Any plans to do some soon?
Alex: We did a whole lot one season on applique. Kind of rested it for a few seasons, but now I think it's time to get back into it.
Q: I wish they hadn't moved your show to new hours, the old times were much better.
Alex: Because Simply Quilts is shown simultaneously in all time zones, there is always going to be a few unhappy campers. Last year, we West coasters had to get up at 5:30 a.m. And interestingly enough, there are West coasters that preferred the 5:30—6:30 time slot. You know I have mentioned before that HGTV does indeed listen to viewer input, so it is important to voice your opinion. As for myself, I prefer 6:30 to 5:30—LOL.
Q: Alex, I love your show and wouldn't miss it. I love miniature and small size quilts. Do you have any shows that feature those kinds of quilts?
Alex: A while ago we did a show with Sally Collins (by the way, she is one of the world's best quilt teachers), and it was loaded with valuable tips. Please watch for it.
Q: Will you have Billie Lauder on more in the new shows? I love your show Alex.
Alex: Unfortunately, this new season, and we all love her to pieces, but we were targeting new guests.
Q: I am doing a Grandmothers Flower Garden. Do you have any suggestions on how to apply the binding?
Alex: That was my very first quilt I ever made. I did a soft scallop and used a bias binding. What you need to do is look at antique quilts and decide what you like, because there are a lot of options with this pattern.
Q: Alex, what is your opinion about mixing hand and machine quilting in the same quilt?
Alex: My philosophy is: anything worth doing is worth doing well. And as long as you handle the quilt with respect, I don't really see a problem with it. But, I am not sure what would happen if the quilt were judged. But as today's show reminded us, judging is very subjective.
Q: Hello Alex, my husband wants to learn to quilt, and wants a project with instant gratification. Do you have a suggestion for a first quilt?
Alex: LOL—don't we all. Lots of men are starting to quilt now—it's wonderful. I would steer him in the direction of simple, but graphic: how about a log cabin?
Q: Alex, I've tried many time to email you and my email is always returned. I know I have the right address, so do not know what the problem is. Any suggestions?
Alex: Let's make sure they are the same: alexandersonquilts@hotmail.com And if so, I haven't a clue.
Q: Any suggestions on how to find a reliable quilt appraiser?
Alex: Amer. Quilt Society out of Paducah certifies folks. I would start by contacting them.
Q: I just want to THANK you Alex... after 28 years of "wanting" to quilt, because of your program I am quilting.
Alex: I am so glad you stumbled upon Simply Quilts. You know, this might seriously change your life.... or should I say your pocketbook? LOL Welcome to the club! :^)
Q: Alex, I'd like to know...I am a "new" quilter. You signed by friendship block for me, Thank You!! What was your first quilt like?
Alex: It was a grandma's flower garden. My grandma started it in the '30s—I finished it in the '70s and it ended up being the size of a bath mat. But that's okay—the rest is history.
Q: Do you know if the HandiQuilter machine is easy to use?
Alex: I do not know—I haven't used it. However, you can call Melissa at the local quilt shop. 925-371-7064 is the number. Ask her—she owns one and will know.
Q: Alex, in applique, I know you are supposed to match the thread to the fabric as closely as possible, but what if the fabric is a two toned. Do you go with thread to match the lighter or darker of the tones? Especially if the fabric print is about the same area amount for the light tone as the dark, neither tone dominates. Thanks!
Alex: My guess would be to go lighter. My stitches are not exactly perfect, and I rely on the benefits of silk thread as it hides the stitches. I do know there is controversy surrounding the use of silk, but I know the benefits outweigh the caution.
Q: Hi Alex....will you be doing more with foundation piecing or paper piecing again??
Alex: It seems every season it gets covered, but I don't think we did this season. The problem is we do so many shows in a short amount of time that my memory goes into a blur.
Q: Any advice on making quilts for people who want to pay you for your work? Like how to figure a price?
Alex: This is a toughie. There are so many variables that enter in where you live, complexity of the pattern, size. I can appreciate you asking the question. When people work for me, I pay per hour. You need to strike a deal that both parties are comfortable with. DO NOT sell yourself short. Your time is a valuable asset.
Q: I love your show! (And I found it by accident, and you're the reason I started quilting!) =^_^= I tape almost all of the episodes. Will you be making more shows on how to quilt clothing of varying kinds, and not just outer garments?
Alex: LOL—are you referring to my personal underwear?! Kidding aside, if you have specifics you are thinking of then please, please email me.
Q: What is gridded flannel?
Alex: Good question re: question above. It has lines printed about every two inches both horizontally and vertically. Call Thimble Creek in Walnut Creek, California. I don't have the number. They carry it. Or you can visit: www.thimblecreek.com (Personal trauma—I lost my address book two weeks ago :^( If any of you know where it is, I'll offer you a 10 dollar reward—LOL. Phone number: 925-946-9970. That's the number for Thimble Creek, by the way.
Q: Will you do a show on what designs to quilt on what style quilt?
Alex: We did a show with Jean Wells a few years ago on that. I am currently working on a book about quilting design, and the number one tip I can give you is to look at other quilts very carefully, both antique and new, and assess what you like and what you don't like.
Q: Will you be visiting the Midwest in the near future? Perhaps Chicago, IL or Paducah, KY?
Alex: I am not hitting any specific guilds or shows in the near future in those areas. My travel days have been severely limited...rats!
Q: Hi Alex, I'm just getting started with quilting, any suggestions?
Alex: Keep it simple. Keep it small for your first few projects. The sense of accomplishment and success is very important. And do what you love.
Q: What is the best fusible web to use for applique if you would like to hand quilt.
Alex: I am not familiar with specific products / brands to direct you. I would use something lightweight. And check out Sue Nichols technique. It uses very little fusible, which makes it easy to quilt through. Season 700, I believe.
Q: Alex, thank you for telling us how to make the log cabin with a twist! I am going to try it. Now, let's have the patterns for the other quilts in your show lead-in. My question is how do you prevent the "tenting" when joining the points on the Laura Nownes star quilt?
Alex: You guys cannot believe how many times I was asked about that log cabin quilt. I am so glad Bonnie was willing to come and show us. I made a lone star about a million years ago. As I recall, the issue is all the bias edges. So, I would say be very careful when pressing. We did a show on this several seasons ago with Laura Nownes.
Q: I just saw the great redwork fabric you designed for P&B Fabrics. Fabulous!!! I am a big redwork fan and was wondering if the look is still in or is it on it's way out.
Alex: Thank you! I think it is very "in" and I think it is going from the historical look to more modern interpretations. The only way I can gauge this is by the popularity of classes, etc. I think redwork or bluework is the perfect drag-along project.
Q: At quilt guild this month we were to give a quilt show as our roll call. Your show was by far the favorite.
Alex: Ohh—thank you! You have to know that I feel honored to be the host of this show. It never occurred to me how it would take on a life of it's own. (Ulterior motive: To get more people hooked on quilting—LOL!).
Q: Alex, where do you search out and finds your guests for your shows?
Alex: They come to us in a variety of ways. But for the general public, anyone can send me a proposal (the more info and excellent photos the better) at: Alex Anderson
PMB 139
1141 Catalina Dr.
Livermore, CA 94550
And I will pass it on to the powers that be. I promise. In fact, we are looking for new people and new techniques always.
Q: Alex, will we see more Redwork this season? I loved the Roly Poly circus quilt pattern.
Alex: I would love to do a show on children's redwork quilts. The thing is that we have to space out repeat techniques so that they don't crowd each other's glory.
Q: I just secured the layers of a small wallhanging with buttons. Should it wash okay?
Alex: If the buttons are the kind that can get wet—yes. Oh, one thing. Make sure you followed the batting manufacturer's instructions on how closely the batting should be secured.
Q: I am making a quilt of shoe fly blocks. I am done with the top but need ideas on a border. the blocks are all different fabrics.
Alex: When I am trying to decide on a border (and I want to piece it), I look at the shapes in the block, and I consider repeating one of those shapes. This little trick seems to work every time.
Q: Is it good for a beginner to use the sewing machine or do it by hand?
Alex: There is not a right or wrong answer to this. That's the great thing about quilting—you can do what you love and explore techniques you want to try.
Q: When will we see the show on your sewing room?
Alex: That was so much fun to do. My dad was on again. I believe it is show $815. By the way, it looked HUGE in the field piece, but not so in real life. And just like on my kid's quilting cover, my cat got in it.
Q: I have a lot of my grandmothers old quilt patterns from the forties. I would like to get in touch the historical quilt society and find out if they would like them as I am not a quilter.
Alex: Absolutely. Please contact Nancy Kirk at www.KirkCollection.com. But think really hard about this. Would any of your children possibly be interested?
Q: My husband is remembering the episode you had with your dad on it. I know he built your quilt frame, did he build you any quilt racks? If so, what kind of finish is quilt friendly? DH wants to build quilt racks, and we are unsure of the finish.
Alex: He did build me a quilt rack...and we painted it, which was probably not the smartest thing. But the wood goes through a sleeve when the quilt hangs, so it is not actually touching the quilt itself. I don't know the answer to your question, but it's a good one. I would talk to a wood expert.
HGTV: Well, everyone, our chat hour has ended. We appreciate all of you joining us at this new chat time. And thank you, Alex, for answering our questions.
Alex Anderson: Thank you, Julia and Watson, and of course all of you who joined in today. The questions were really good! Feel free to come to my website and hang out on the message boards: www.alexandersonquilts.com. There are a lot of cool quilters who want to meet you! Goodbye everyone!
