Quilting chat—03/11/03
HGTV: Welcome to HGTV's hosted chat room. Alex Anderson, host of Simply Quilts, has joined us to answer your quilting questions. Hello, Alex!
Alex Anderson: Hi everyone, I'm so glad you've joined us today!
Question: Hi Alex, I'm interested to know if you will be doing a show on labels and the best info to include on them. Also how to best make them on your computer. I never miss your shows! Thanks!
Alex: We did one many years ago... I believe with Billie Lauder. In the season we just taped, we did a segment on information that should be included about your quilt, when you are documenting it. I think you'll get some good ideas from it.
Q: What is your favorite block pattern?
Alex: Ohh, I don't think I could say one for sure, but it is fair to say that I am drawn to traditional patterns.
Q: Who should a person contact to check out the possibility of having a fabric company print fabric? I suggested to the singing quilter, Cathy Miller she have the words to Quilter's Embrace printed on fabric for Guilds/etc. to put on their comfort quilts (charity).
Alex: That's a really great idea! You should contact all the companies and see which one might be interested.
Q: Have you started taping for the upcoming season? If not when will you begin? Will there be more new episodes in the upcoming season than in the past?
Alex: We just finished taping 39 shows this past January. It is my understanding that they will not be airing until October '03.
Q: Alex, on the afternoon show today your guest demonstrated long arm quilting. You seemed to enjoy it very much. Have you experimented with it since the filming of the show?
Alex: I was amazed at what Linda could do with the long arm. A friend of mine recently purchased a long arm machine. In fact, she's going to take lessons over the next few days. I told her that as soon as she has it figured out, I want to come over and play! I have to believe like so many aspects of quilting, that practice is everything.
Q: Hello Alex, I was wondering which brand and size hand quilting needle you prefer? I am in between trying to find the right needle, thanks : )
Alex: I use a few. Probably a size 10 or maybe an 11. And currently, I am using the ones that come in the little black package from England. But John James and Clover are also pretty good.
Q: Can I put a quilt-top Not washed onto backing that has been washed?
Alex: You can do anything you want - LOL But I think I would prefer them to be the same. :^)
Q: Hi Alex...I was wondering how much one of those long arm sewing machines would cost...I love your show and watch it twice a day.
Alex: I don't know, but I know they are not cheap. I would suggest emailing today's guest through the hgtv website. My friend got one barely used.
Q: Is the long-arm machine you used today on the show hard on your back or shoulders?
Alex: Not having done it myself, I don't know. But I do know that quilters use these hour after hour. I suppose getting it to the right height would be the key.
Q: When was your first show?
Alex: If you are referring to Simply Quilts, it was 8 years ago.
Q: Hey Alex, Great show. My questions: 1)Will there be more Simply Quilts in the future? Will there ever be Simply Quilts on Saturdays?
Alex: Thank you! Yes, there are 39 new shows waiting for you to view. In the beginning, Simply Quilts was on Saturday. I know a lot of quilters who work during the week, so it wouldn't hurt writing comments@HGTV.com and expressing your opinion supporting Saturdays Guess what - Guess what! As most of you know, I'm unable to travel these days, however, I will be at the International Quilt Festival in Chicago on April 12th in the Bernina booth. If you are in the area, please please stop by!
Q: Hi, Alex! Like most quilters, I can't resist buying fabric. As a result, I have miles and miles of it. My not very serious problem is this: I often find I can't use my stash because I hoard it. I might need that fabric in the next project, and if I use it now, what will I do later? (I guess I can always buy more, and I will.) Do you ever face this same dilemma? Thanks for all the great ideas.
Alex: LOL! I think we all face that - but here's my philosophy. There will be something better at your quilt shop the next time you visit, so go ahead and use it.
Q: Hi Alex! I was wondering if you were going to do a show on biscuit quilting
Alex: We haven't to date, but that's an interesting idea.
Q: I am about to finally have a sewing room. Alex, tell me what things should I be sure to include? The room is 11 x 13.
Alex: Most important is excellent lighting. Also, I like having a table that my sewing machine sits down in, so it's one level surface. And don't forget a design wall. Mine is Celotex, covered with a gridded flannel. (Designed by Diana Leone.) Past that, visit other friends' workspaces, and see what you like. That's how I came up with my plan.
Q: What's new for this season?
Alex: I can't tell! But...I think you'll be happy.
Q: How are the show guests picked?
Alex: Throughout the year, I collect proposals, then, when it is time to go into production, the producers and I meet and look for number one, new ideas. #2 Subject matters that haven't been thoroughly covered, and last but not least. #3, shows that appeal to different skill levels.
Q: Hi Alex! I am a beginning quilter and would like to know the best quilt to start with. Love the shows-very informative.
Alex: Something simple and small, that's what I always advise; rail fence and log cabin are great places to start.
Q: Do you have any advice for cleaning embellished quilted wall hangings?
Alex: No - what an interesting question. I suppose I would do something like Nancy Kirk did with antique quilts - vacuum through a mesh screen.
Q: Hi Alex, is it ok to machine piece a quilt with quilting thread?
Alex: I suppose if your machine will let you, it's fine. But personally I've never done that.
Q: I love to buy fabric but feel guilty because my current stash is SO FULL! Any suggestions as to what to do with old, "now ugly" fabric?
Alex: Periodically, I go through my stash, pull out what I know I will never use, and gift it to a worthy cause, like a school or how about a new quilter who doesn't have the benefit of a super-duper fabric collection.
Q: Hello, from the east coast! Just watched a show with Linda Taylor on long arm quilting are these machines costly and where do you get them?
Alex: They are not inexpensive, that's for sure. I would contact Linda via the HGTV.com website or surf the internet. Make sure whoever you get it from can give you the proper lessons or refer you to the right source.
Q: Alex, will you be doing any shows on Fabriscapes, or "art quilts?"
Alex: Oh, yes, every season we try to put in art quilts. While I am a traditionalist myself, I always get very inspired by art quilters.
Q: I just loved the show on the kids quilts that are being made in the classrooms. I am so inspired to try this next year. I hope that you will provide more info on this for future shows.
Alex: I worked with kids in a classroom setting when my son was in 2nd or 3rd grade. It was a terrific experience, and I would suggest that anyone who is thinking about it should commit and do it.
Q: I enjoy stamped quilt blocks embroidery. What is the best way to finish them?
Alex: I am actually not quite sure what you are talking about. But whenever I am in a quandary on how to finish something I look at other quilts constructed in a similar fashion and assess how the quilt maker handled it.
Q: If you could purchase any sewing machine which one would it be?
Alex: LOL. How can I give a balanced answer when I am Bernina's spokesperson? The main thing to look for in a higher end machine is a reputable dealer.
Q: I was thinking of using some of my grandmothers old clothes to make a quilt, but in going through them they are all polyester. Can you make a quilt out of this?
Alex: Sure you can. The challenges would be different. For instance, is a polyester going to melt when you touch it with an iron? Any fabric is fair game for a quilt, it simply is a matter of understanding the properties and behavior of the fabric.
Q: Is the quilting in the garden show in Livermore going to be in Sept? firm date yet? p.s. I love your hairstyle and color this year!
Alex: Well thank you! Not everybody did - LOL! Yes, it is going to be the 4th Saturday of September. This year we will enjoy the work of Yvonne Porcella. And the private quilt collection of P&B Textiles. 9 to 4pm Livermore Calif., Alden Lane Nursery.
Q: You said you like traditional patterns, and it seems that stars are you favorite. Do you have a favorite star pattern?
Alex: In the olden days, I would have said, Sawtooth star. But now, I've made so many different friends, I'll be hard-pressed to pick. I also like simple patterns, like 9-patch, log cabin, etc.
Q: How about some pre-washed corduroy in a quilt for some tactile interest< I think it would be fun in a boys' quilt!
Alex: Yeah, how about in a rag quilt? Might be kinda heavy, but for a boy, it would sure be durable.
Q: Hi Alex-I love the show. Have you seen the Handi-Quilter that uses your home sewing machine as a machine quilter? Loved Debbie Mumms block broken heart that was on this morning. Wish it had been on the website as I didn't get it written down. Thanks.
Alex: Unfortunately, a lot of the older shows aren't on the site, but with the newer seasons, we are taking care of it. I haven't personally worked with it, however, there has been some discussion about it on my message board. After the chat, you may want to swing over to www.alexandersonquilts.com and search the archives.
Q: Can you make a living with a long arm quilting machine? Yes, there is always a need for people to quilt quilts. But I would suppose it would depend on how quickly you worked. The lady (Fay in San Ramone, Calif.) who did my daughter's college quilt is booked up months in advance. I suppose it just depends on, if you can gather a clientele.
Q: Are hand quilted blocks any less strong and durable than machine quilted blocks?
Alex: I've never really thought about that. Interesting. I'm pretty sure my quilts, which are handquilted, could hold their own against a machine quilted quilt. Hmmm. I'll have to think about that.
Q: Why are you unable to travel? Are you OK?
Alex: Wow! Yes, I'm great. That's how rumors get started - LOL. Most travel engagements book out years in advance, and with the unreliability of my schedule, it has been impossible for me to plan travel. Thanks for asking though!
Q: Hi Alex, Love your show and have learned so much, but would like to see Karen Stone's New York Beauty foundation piecing demonstrated. Is there any chance of this being on your show sometime soon? Thanks.
Alex: Actually, we did a show with her. It was show #521. Her work is AWESOME!
Q: Who are some of the quests in the new season which you just completed filming?
Alex: Nope! But there are some good ones - there were tons of good ones.
Q: I am interested in designing patterns for crib quilts and selling my designs to magazines. What is the best starting point to accomplish this goal?
Alex: I would contact the magazines you are interested in working with and ask them if there is a market for this. Many times, people put things in magazines simply for the exposure, so that is the competition you are up against. Publishing, for the most part, is not an extremely lucrative market. However, I would still give it a try.
Q: Do you know the show numbers of the 39 new ones?
Alex: The new season which will start in October is our 900 series.
Q: There has been a lot of talk on your message board about Matt's quilt that was made from several there would you be willing to show it on the show sometime?
Alex: It is an unbelievably awesome quilt. In fact I have it here to be photographed. I don't think we would be able to have it on the show, because we would need release forms from all participants. When we get the professional photography back, I'll share it on the website. It is spectacular.
Q: When you iron your fabric after prewashing, do you iron from selvage to selvage or along with the selvage?
Alex: I don't know! LOL. Does it make a difference - tell me, tell me! Maybe this is something I need to know! Help.
Q: I have made a couple of quilts and the problem I am having is when machine quilting the quilt top pinches at the spots where the stitches meet, what am I doing wrong?
Alex: That is a very interesting question I don't know the answer to. Please go to this website: www.battsintheattic.com and ask Paula. She machine quilts my work and will probably have the answer for you.
Q: Alex, will you be at the Houston Quilt Show in the Fall?
Alex: No, I won't. At least, I don't think so. But who knows, because I didn't expect to be going to Chicago.
Q: I recently read a quote from one of the "famous" quilters comparing long-arm to regular machines. She said the longarms are like drawing a picture by moving the pencil over the paper, while machine quilting is like moving the paper under the pencil. Thought that's a good comparison.
Alex: Oooh - that is really good. I've never thought of it that way. Sidebar: the control that Linda had over that machine was amazing to see in person.
Q: Alex, Loved today's show on long-arm quilting. Friends do it, but have never watched it. Thanks for all you've done to promote quilting, You're an important part of quilt history-in-the-making. In that vein, as a board member of the American Quilt Study Group, I'd like to suggest you/your crew visit our 2003 seminar, Oct. 10-12 in Dallas. Dallas will be in midst of "Quilt Mania," simultaneous quilt exhibits @ 8 major museums.
Alex: If we are in production or close to it, I think this would be a great venue to visit. Would you PLEASE send me info that I can have on hand. Mail it to: Alex Anderson, PMB 139, 1141 Catalina Dr., Livermore, CA 94550. And by the way, your comment is incredibly gracious. Thank you.
Q: What would be the best book you could buy that shows every step of quilt making in detailed illustrations?
Alex: There is some good ones out there. Fonns and Porter have a good book. Quilts, Quilts, Quilts is another favorite book. When I first started quilting, I would visit all the local libraries on a regular basis. It was amazing what was available for free.
Q: I have 25 yards of a large flower print, what quilt would you make out of it?
Alex: LOL - or how many quilts is the question! I would consider using it for a border, then use fabric that coordinates for the central part of the quilt.
Q: What advice would you give a new quilter on buying a budget minded machine?
Alex: When I purchased my first Bernina, I bought ...oh, man, this is a big question, actually, and an excellent one... then the top of the line. However, nowadays, all the different manufacturers have different models from the basics all the way up to computer interactive embroidery systems. I would test drive all the different manufacturers you can. Seriously assess how you will be using the machine. And ask around to see if the dealer is reputable.
Q: What batting do you recommend for wall hangings?
Alex: For handquilting, I typically use Mountain Mist Light. I do want to try out Dream Cotton - I've heard it is pretty delicious. As for machine quilting, I would prefer 100 percent flat cotton.
Q: Do you ever use fabric from "chain stores?"
Alex: I really try to support the local quilt shop. Today, we are delighting in an industry that is growing by leaps and bounds, and I firmly believe that without the benefit of the local quilt shop we wouldn't be where we are today. However, when I first started quilting, it was a financial burden. So I purchased fabric where I could afford.
Q: I'm interested in joining a quilting bee in my area. How would I go about finding one?
Alex: When I first started quilting, I posted a note at the local grocery store. I believe that group still meets today. Also see if there is a guild in your area, they can help you out.
Q: Alex, I'm intrigued with picture quilts, will there be more shows on that?
Alex:If you are talking about photo transfer, I don't think we did that this season, but with technology changing the way it has we will be planning on repeating the subject matter with the new innovations in mind.
Q: Do you need to put batting under the flannel on the design wall?
Alex: No. Very good question.
Q: Since you are so busy, do you get to find much time to work on your very own projects
Alex: In fact, I am hand-appliquéing a border right now. Well, not exactly RIGHT now - LOL. But this is one of the benefits of not having to travel so much.
Q: Hi Alex, Love your show...I am in the process of quilting an old project, started many eons ago....it is not 100-percent cotton and you should see the calluses. Please warn again and again to use cotton ouch!!!!
Alex: LOL! My first quilt had Laura Ashley upholstery fabric on the back...
Q: Hi Alex, About what size scraps are you comfortable with keeping in your stash and what size are you comfortable throwing in the wastebasket :-( :-) ...
Alex: Depends if I like the fabric or not - LOL. Everybody has their own personal rule about this - and no way am I going to get in the middle on this one - LOL!
Q: Is it possible to use an invisible thread to hand quilt?
Alex: I'll bet you are talking about the nylon filament. I would choose not to.
Q: Any ideas for easy, accessible "stash" storage?
Alex: I love my wire pull-out baskets that are available at places like Lowe's or Home Depot. They seem to have worked the best for me.
Q: Alex, I'm very new to all this... took my first class in August '02. We used your Start Quilting as our springboard. Everyone says I'm catching on quickly and they love what I've done so far. I want to be able to use a computer program but have no idea where to begin. Which programs would you or others recommend? Maybe a suggestion for a tight budget and a future budget that isn't so tight. Thanks. Couldn't do without your show.
Alex: I haven't really experimented with the computer programs. This is a good question for the message boards on my site: www.alexandersonquilts.com. You'll get lots of useful input. The folks there are pretty computer savvy.
Q: Are the sprays you can use to protect your quilt from damaging sunrays safe for your quilt?
Alex: Thank you for that question. That was a tip a producer came up with, and I had a discussion whether we should use that. The producer won out - as they usually do. But she has assured me that it was a viable tip and much like sunscreen that we use as human beings.
HGTV: Well, everyone, our chat hour has ended. Thanks for joining us today. And thank you, Alex, for answering so many questions.
Alex Anderson: Wow - we really got through a lot of questions this time! Thanks Watson and Julia. Thanks for so many people taking time out of their busy schedules to drop by. Please come by and hang out on my message board. I like to stop by and see what's going on periodically.
