Alex Anderson 12/17/2002

HGTV: Welcome to HGTV's Hosted Chat Room. Today, Alex Anderson, host of Simply Quilts, is here to answer your questions. Hello, Alex, and happy holidays!

Alex Anderson: Hi everyone—I'm so glad you've taken time out to join us!

Question: Generally, how much fabric do you purchase when buying for your "stash" rather than for a specific project?
Alex: Anywhere from a third yard to a half yard unless it is a focus fabric, and then I'll buy a couple of yards. And the reason for that is just in case I want to use it for a border.

Q: Hi Alex, I would like advice on how to begin designing fabric. I know how to draw designs, and have an art background, but how do you make contact with the fabric producers and what type of medium do you submit with...any tips or help would be appreciated! Thanks.
Alex: Great question! Different companies work in different ways. If you are really serious about this, I would go to Spring Market in Portland, OR and set up appointments with different manufacturers you might want to work with. Unfortunately, there's not a standard rule, like in publishing. You will need to get registered by your local quilt shop.

Q: What do you mean "registered with your local quilt shop"?
Alex: The Market is for "trade only" and not open to the general public. You will have to get registered via your local quilt shop, a vendor that is attending, etc... And, I must be clear, that everybody cannot be bombarding their local quilt shop to attend shows like this. I think I've just opened a can of worms! And, you might be able to get in by yourself if you can show that you are a business. I know I've opened a can of worms! Please don't call you local quilt shop...LOL!

Q: I see... I have a tax id number for my quilt business...will that work?
Alex: I don't know, but it's definitely worth calling Quilts, Inc. in Houston, Texas, and make sure you set up appointments with companies beforehand if you are able to attend.

Q: Alex, Love the show(twice a day)!! Have you ever used Jon Flynn's machine quilting frame system? I think it might be a good present!
Alex: Thank you—John is a personal friend of mine, which makes it a bit strange that I've not tried it! I would get on the message board on my website and post the question. There you will get input. It's www.alexandersonquilts.com.

Q: Hi Alex "Merry Christmas"! Would you please post your email address again, thank you.
Alex: It's alexandersonquilts@hotmail.com and Merry Christmas to you!

Q: Hi, Alex, wishing you and yours Happy Holidays. Thanking you and HGTV for many pleasurable hours "Simply Quilting."
Alex: Well thank you! And it's because of you guys that my show continues to stay on the air :-)!

Q: Hello Alex, I'd like to thank you for remembering us guys in your shows. I have a box of my father's ties and would like to make a quilt out of them. I was thinking about a crazy quilt design, do you have any ideas or any other designs?
Alex: Make sure you check out Shirley Botsford's book, Daddy's Ties... Watch for this around Father's Day... However, I think a crazy quilt would be wonderful! Btw, I'm really excited that more and more men are getting into quilting—also, check out the episode 454.

Q: Hi Alex. Thanks for having Jean Wells and Dennis MacGregor on your show. I have most of the posters shown and Dennis' 4 seasons prints. I'm the person who has a quilt size version of the Twisted Log Cabin on the opening of your show.
Alex: REALLY??!!!! You cannot even imagine how many inquiries I have about your quilt!! Please e-mail me, if you don't mind....

Q: When you quilt for yourself, what do you like to do? Applique, pieced?
Alex: Oh, um I really like it all!! It just depends on the look I want. Right now I'm working on a cherry quilt using the buttonhole stitch on my machine. I'm getting pretty good at it! LOL

Q: I am currently making a denim fray quilt, how can I be sure that the seams won't fray?
Alex: I don't think it's a problem from what I've seen... If you're at all concerned maybe tighten up the stitch a little bit.

Q: Merry Christmas! Due to an ice storm I missed strolling block show. Is there any way to get a copy or will it be re aired?
Alex: Why not just use the info on HGTV.com? At this point, HGTV does not sell copies of the show... It will re-air...please look for it on the online program guide...

Q: How do I learn to quilt with my thumb. I am, as they say, all thumbs when it comes to that!
Alex: If you are doing the rocking stitch in the traditional way.. simply get a thimble that fits your thumb and reverse your motion. Check your library for my book, Hand Quilting. At first, your stitches won't be as nice as the others. But everyone who has learned this agrees that it is easier.

Q: Where is Spring Market? I live in Portland, Ore. And when will you be in the Sisters area next?
Alex: I don't have the exact dates of market, but go to www.quilts.com for information. It is in May, early May I think. Currently, a visit to Sisters is not on the books just yet.

Q: Alex, how can I squeeze in quilting time into a busy life with children and a job?
Alex: Great advice many years ago—if you even have two minutes on your hands use it. You'd be amazed at how many quilts have been between stirring the beans on the stove! When I had kids underfoot, there was always a quilt on the frame ready for stitches.

Q: Alex, I love your show. how long have you been doing Simply Quilts? And how long have you been a quilter? Don't stop, because of you I am now trying my hand at quilting at age 65.
Alex: Very good. I've been quilting about 25 years and we are entering into the 9th season, but in real time it's been 7 years.

Q: Any plans for a booklet full of hints for lefties like me?
Alex: Like me, too? No....I think the word is called "adapt!" LOL

Q: Alex: On "Your Studio" episode, why is there a Ken doll in your accessory box?!!! I also have a few toys in my studio to keep my mind young!!! Have a wonderful holiday!!!
Alex: I don't think that was our show...if it was, somebody snuck it in! Oh—are you talking about the photo of my son? LOL

Q: Any tips for working with flannel. I'm getting ready to make a baby quilt for my first grandchild? Also, have you ever used Alto's quilt cutting system? I still have trouble cutting strips and it's frustrating because I can't figure out what I'm doing wrong?
Alex: I have not used that system. Once again, please take advantage of the message board on my website. As far as flannel goes, I would tend to use easier patterns b/c it can act funny sometimes.

Q: Alex would I be able to order your quilt books from either site?
Alex: Yes, if you order from my website, I will be more than autograph them for you. Another choice would be to go through www.amazon.com.

Q: When are new shows going to be on air?
Alex: The newer episodes will most likely air after the holidays are over.

Q: Hi, Alex. I love your show. I would love to see more shows on stained glass. Is any coming up?
Alex: We did one this season, this past season, and I'm not sure if it's aired or not... it's a patriotic one.

Q: I am only a recent quilter. So far I have done machine quilting in the ditch and meandering. Is it possible to do something like feathering on the machine?
Alex: Anything is possible on a machine. It's simply a matter of practice and skill. As for myself when it comes to fancy machine quilting, I pay my friend Paula Reed to do it b/c she's got the touch.

Q: Alex, when are you going to show us your new studio? I recall on your website, you mentioned adding on a new room for just that purpose.
Alex: I believe this last season we did a show with a field piece, it aired 11/20... BTW, it looked huge in the field piece b/c of the angle they used...it's not really that big...LOL

Q: Hi, Alex, I really love your show. I am looking for a black-eyed susan pattern as opposed to a sunflower pattern.
Alex: That sounds intriguing...nothing comes to mind right off the bat...sorry!

Q: Will you be having Kimiko Sudo with her new folded flowers on your show? She has a new book out.
Alex: I don't know what the guest list is this next season. I did take her book to the producers. She is fantastic!

Q: Do you set aside a certain time for your quilting?
Alex: I should! I don't...but I find that a lot of my quilting is done between 4 in the afternoon and 7 in the night when my husband comes home.

Q: Alex: When will you be on the east coast teaching? I'm from upstate New York and would love to take classes from you since I enjoy not only your talent, but your wonderful sense of humor!!!
Alex: Currently, I'm not traveling very much due to the unreliable taping schedule. Thank you. ;-)

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your family? Kids? Ages? Interests?
Alex: My kids, my oldest son is 23, just graduated last spring from college (can't believe it!) He is currently seeking steady employment, right now he is a Kelly girl LOL! My daughter is a sophomore in college, plans to study with Gonzaga next year in Italy—how cool is that!! As for extra stuff, I like to mess around in my garden and take walks with my dog and of course, sometimes with my husband also LOL! Actually, my life is very normal and probably a lot like any of you have any kids in the same age bracket.... If you can call having kids in that age bracket normal! LOL

Q: Alex, I am looking for a 365 days quilt calendar, have seen in a quilt shop somewhere. Any idea of where to get one?
Alex: The one I like is put out by Martingale—it's Nancy Martin's. Try their website, www.martingale-pub.com.

Q: I have a silly question. I understand how to measure for adding border lengths. In a larger quilt, to get that accurate measurement, should I stretch the entire quilt out, fold it in have and take double the measurement? What are some tips for getting the accurate measurement across the centers on larger quilts?
Alex:} That is an excellent question and my quilts are rarely over 70 inches. I think it's best to get a tape measure and measure it with the quilt fully open. But I'm certainly to discussion on this one... BTW, if you live in the LA area and want to be a part of the Ask Alex segments, please go to my website and submit questions. I'm pretty sure the producers are currently looking for people. It's really not scary and will give you an inside glimpse of how Simply Quilts really works. We will be taping the last two weeks of January.

Q: What is the best way to hang a quilt with scalloped edges so they don't droop over?
Alex: I've never done that—I don't know...now that's a good one for the Ask Alex segment.. we'll let the producers figure it out LOL What about individual quilt clips? That's what first comes to mind...

Q: I started a machine applique quilt using invisible thread. Is this going to be a problem in 10-15 years with the thread deteriorating? How can I fix it?
Alex: Yeah, I don't know. That is a concern of mine also with this thread. Do I use it-yes. I don't think it's really been around long enough to know the answer. Although, I think we all know the answer and don't want to face it.

Q: Are going to tape new shows next year, and how many?
Alex: The end of January—39 new episodes. :-)

Q: Happy Holidays! On some of your shows, guests suggest getting ideas from coloring books, could this cause copyright problems?
Alex: I'm sure it could! Especially if you're going to be selling this or using it in a commercial format. Copyright is a real sticky area, which is why there are copyright lawyers. Good catch!

Q: Your shows about piecing quilt tops are great, but I'm new at this and would love to see more about techniques on machine quilting.
Alex: We have done shows on that...and we try each season to balance the info. I would recommend you start taping Simply Quilts on a weekly basis and watch for those shows. That's one of the benefits of HGTV re-airing shows...

Q: I am interested in machine quilting and am just a beginner. Any suggestions on good books I could get?
Alex: Harriet Hargrave book is the first that comes to mind, check out her website www.harriethargrave.com, called Machine Quilting. Her work is on the level of "master."

Q: Who picks your guests?
Alex: It is a decision made by committee and ultimately it rests on the producers shoulders. We receive hundreds of proposals every year, and then we try to balance the subject matter and various skill levels. It is a painful decision at times to decide who will appear and who will not b/c there are so many wonderful things going on in the quilting world. If anyone wants to be considered to be a guest on my show, send the info directly to me at PMB 139, 1141 Catalina Dr., Livermore, CA 94550. I then pass it on to the producers.

Q: Will you do more shows on art quilts? And are there any good books to learn about art quilts?
Alex: This next season we have some really great artists coming on in addition to great field pieces. Quilt artists all have their unique approach and often times they are not as published as traditionalists b/c their whole outlook is different. Given that, I would join the largest, most progressive guild in your area. And attend monthly meetings. Also, take advantage of workshops where these artists are flown in.

Q: Just like anything, there are fads in quilting. For example, rag quilts were hot, redwork has reappeared. Can you talk about what you see to be the up and coming "hot" quilting ideas and projects? Thanks.
Alex: I often get asked that question and I never know how to respond b/c there is so much going on... So, in answer, I don't know...what is hot to one person is old news to the next..... And also, it's often a regional thing...

Q: What is the next quilt show you will be attending?
Alex: I will be at Road to California for a trunk show put on by the Fabric Patch in Montclair, Calif. We start taping the following Monday. Then probably Quilt Market. I don't really have the opportunity to travel to the different shows.... Oh yeah—I may at the one in Chicago in April, with Bernina, but no firm plans on that yet.

Q: Do other members of your family quilt?
Alex: My dad knows how to hand quilt b/c of his quilt frame business. My daughter has made two quilts. Other than that, I'm the lone ranger! I'm hoping that when my daughter settles down, she'll become more involved. At this point, she's claiming her own identity!

Q: Do you have a new fabric line coming out? If so, any details you can tell us?
Alex: I just met with P&B Textiles last week and we have a few ideas up our sleeve, but it will probably be a year before you see it. Thanks for asking! At this point the secret is safe with me! LOL

HGTV: Well, everyone, we've run out of chat time. Thanks for joining us this afternoon. And thank you, Alex, for answering our questions.

Alex Anderson: Thank you everyone for joining in today. I know you're all super busy with the holidays. I look forward to next month's chat and hope to see you then