FAQ

Hello!  I've had lots of emails recently about our quilts and patterns, of the how do you do...? variety.  So, in the interest of sharing knowledge, techniques, favorites, etc. I thought I'd present a little frequently asked questions post.

So here goes...

FAVORITES

It would be impossible to miss my love of 100% cotton solids, and the best of the best are Kona Cotton Solids!  The color is true, the quality of the fabric is wonderful!

            

I have a question for you lovely folks?  Would it be helpful to have a reference list of stores that carry a large variety of the Kona Cotton Solids?  If that would be a benefit, let me know, and I'll compile a list for you!

THREAD:

Piecing - Gutermann or Superior 50 wt

Quilting - Gutermann, Superior, or one of my favorites...YLI Silk 100 wt thread.  This is what I used on the Jukebox Quilt 

Batting - 99% of the time I use Hobbs Heirloom Fusible Batting.  It's wonderful, and works perfectly for me.  It is such good product, I am not a fan of pin basting, or any kind of basting for that matter, so this works really well.
 

PREFERENCES:

To prewash or not prewash??? I generally don't prewash, but there are some exceptions...isn't there always an exception?  I would strongly recommend prewashing all hand dyes; I found out the hard way about that one.  The same holds true for Batiks, especially the reds!  Often times my quilts are being used in photos, or for shows; so I want the crisp / not laundered effect.  This is my preference, but definitely not a recommendation.

Another great product is SHOUT COLOR CATCHERS - these are wonderful, and I always use them when washing a quilt.

Ironing - steam or no stream?  For general piecing I've become quite the fan of finger pressing.  But nothing flattens a block like a good burst of steam, though I desperately want to avoid distorting the blocks.  So, in the end I choose steam, but I use it with caution.

GENERAL INFO:

Do I belong to a quilt guild?  No...I tried once, but the quilt police threw sticks at me (kidding, kinda) so my daughters and I are our own little guild. 

What kind of sewing machine do I use?  Bernina Aurora 440

Do I have a long arm machine?  NO  

Would I want one?  YES, that's on my dream list!

Do I do my own quilting?  YES

Are your patterns available in my particular State?

Our patterns are available through three different options:

1. Our patterns are sold through our pattern store for retail sales
2. Quilt shops can order wholesale by contacting me - see the pattern store for contact info
3. Also, they are available through Brewers Quilting and Sewing Supplies for wholesale

Request that your local quilt store carry our patterns if they don't currently stock them

That's all I can think of at the moment...any questions?  Anything I didn't cover?  Let me know, there's nothing I love to discuss more than quilting! 

Cheers,

Cherri

Comments

[Nanette]

All good to know! Thanks.

[CJJ]

A list of online stores would be great!
I am wondering where to get the Hobb's Fusible batting and the Shout Color Catcher. Do you have any problem quilting on your 440 with that batting?? You did mean that you quilt all of your quilts on your 440, right?? How about a post or two or three with tips on that process. My 440QE arrives today. :D

[Elena]

what color thread did you use to quilt the Jukebox quilt? is it clear? thanks! elena

[Lauri]

Hey! We have the same exact machine!
I just tried a quilt guild...the quilting police did not like me either! We should have our own little Bee when I can make it to Kingwood again...one of these days...