First off, thank you all for such amazing comments to yesterday's post. Your comments were better than my post, so if anyone hasn't read the comments, please do go back and see what folks had to say. Amazing, articulate, caring opinions all. I am having a crazy kind of week, so I have not been able to respond to all those thoughtful comments. Please forgive me. I started a new job this Monday, and it is taking my last ounce of concentration and effort. I am praying I am not to old to learn something entirely new. My time and brains are both totally taxed. If you want a humbling experience, just try acquiring some new skills. It ain't easy, in quilting and in real life! Time will tell if this employment experiment was a good idea. If it doesn't work out, I can always go back to retail, right?
Today I would like to talk about raising our skill levels in quilting. Some of us may be happy as clams making quilt after quilt with nothing more difficult that half square triangles. Forever. And you know what? That's ok. It could be that for you, it is all about the fabric, or making quick quilts for charity, or relaxing with a hobby you don't have to think to hard about. There shouldn't be any Quilt Police coming around telling you to raise it up a notch.
That being said, some of us are eager to advance our skill level at some point. Goodness knows, I am always promising to do more machine applique, take on embroidery, and do more machine quilting. And at some point in my quilting career, I thought it would be fun to try curved piecing, paper piecing, and hand applique. I tried these new techniques because I was interested, and because I wanted to move on. This is good too, but by no means mandatory. Hawaiian style applique would be a great advanced skill to acquire, but that does not float my boat, so I will give it a pass. My new found knowledge in the areas I have chosen to pursue has given me great joy, and my projects that exemplified these new techniques gave me a lot of pride. So, I am all for trying new things and trying to acquire new skills. But that's me. And I get so much enjoyment out of it, I don't hesitate to encourage all of you to learn more about the art of quilting.
If you are interested in reviewing the basics and learning some new ways to do things, two bloggers are featuring a program of tutorials that you might find interesting. Piecemeal Quilts and Grey Cat Quilts are devoting a lot of time on creating these posts, and I found them to be quite good. They are starting out with how to make pinwheel blocks, and talking about various methods of constructing half square triangle units. I thought I knew all there was to know on those subjects, and was pleasantly surprised to learn a few new tricks. Over time, they plan to cover topics such as fabric choices, cutting, components of quilt blocks, and progressively more challenging techniques. I will be checking them out to see what more I can learn. And if the new lessons don't pan out, I will go back to making quilts out of charm squares.
34 responses to “So, If You Want to Move Your Skill Level Up a Notch…”
What a lovely quilt! Making that quilt would take me moving up more than a few notches, but I hear you saying I don’t have to move up until I’m ready or never, as long as I’m happy! Yep!!
I do have two books on Mariner’s Compass quilts and three paper piecing patterns for it, too. You know what has stopped me cold from making this quilt – or from trying? Fabric selection. For this quilt it has to be right and I’m totally waffling on what that is. Silly, huh?!
Thanks for the tutorial links. I’ll bookmark them. For quick piecing techniques, I like Billie Lauder’s books.
Good luck with the new job! I hope you enjoy the work and the people you work with.
Hugs!
What a lovely quilt! Making that quilt would take me moving up more than a few notches, but I hear you saying I don’t have to move up until I’m ready or never, as long as I’m happy! Yep!!
I do have two books on Mariner’s Compass quilts and three paper piecing patterns for it, too. You know what has stopped me cold from making this quilt – or from trying? Fabric selection. For this quilt it has to be right and I’m totally waffling on what that is. Silly, huh?!
Thanks for the tutorial links. I’ll bookmark them. For quick piecing techniques, I like Billie Lauder’s books.
Good luck with the new job! I hope you enjoy the work and the people you work with.
Hugs!
I love the quilt you have pictured with this post. I’ve always wanted to make a Mariner’s compass quilt. I think I may just have to try it soon! 🙂
I love the quilt you have pictured with this post. I’ve always wanted to make a Mariner’s compass quilt. I think I may just have to try it soon! 🙂
Any chance you have the name of the pattern used for that quilt in the picture? Or was it something you designed yourself?
Any chance you have the name of the pattern used for that quilt in the picture? Or was it something you designed yourself?
Your lasted quilt from Miss Rosie is beautiful. I do not understand all that other stuff that has been going on maybe it is over my head. I have more to worry about. raising an autistic son. who is 19 yrs old but mentally 5 yrs old. My point is people have weird points & things are taken out of point. I love reading your blog. I got my mom reading it too.
kim
Your lasted quilt from Miss Rosie is beautiful. I do not understand all that other stuff that has been going on maybe it is over my head. I have more to worry about. raising an autistic son. who is 19 yrs old but mentally 5 yrs old. My point is people have weird points & things are taken out of point. I love reading your blog. I got my mom reading it too.
kim
The Mariner’s compass is beautiful. I think there is room in this world for all kinds of quilts. If one likes to do complicated piecing, applique or large simple blocks that show off beautiful fabrics, it’s all good. It is a way for all of us to get our creativity going and matters not how difficult or simple the process. The important thing is how it makes us feel inside. I love all your quilts and totally agree with your comments regarding simpler to make or more difficult quilts. To each his own……………
The Mariner’s compass is beautiful. I think there is room in this world for all kinds of quilts. If one likes to do complicated piecing, applique or large simple blocks that show off beautiful fabrics, it’s all good. It is a way for all of us to get our creativity going and matters not how difficult or simple the process. The important thing is how it makes us feel inside. I love all your quilts and totally agree with your comments regarding simpler to make or more difficult quilts. To each his own……………
Good luck on the new job and thanks for the links!
Good luck on the new job and thanks for the links!
Ok…. I can’t shut up about this…. the fact that you had to do a “Disclaimer” post is just bothering me. Nothing you wrote required a “disclaimer”, and the fact that you feel you needed one is the very thing that turns me off about starting a blog of my own.
In fact, it is “my opinion” that “simplified quilts” are a trend at the moment and rightly so– those quilts are quick and more affordable; they are lovely and relaxing to make. Who among us in this economy has not felt total kinship w/ countless quilters through the ages who have, obviously, left this world, but whose quilting was based purely on need, economy, tradition, and love? No matter the skill level of our projects, isn’t that what we’re all trying to do?
Ok…. I can’t shut up about this…. the fact that you had to do a “Disclaimer” post is just bothering me. Nothing you wrote required a “disclaimer”, and the fact that you feel you needed one is the very thing that turns me off about starting a blog of my own.
In fact, it is “my opinion” that “simplified quilts” are a trend at the moment and rightly so– those quilts are quick and more affordable; they are lovely and relaxing to make. Who among us in this economy has not felt total kinship w/ countless quilters through the ages who have, obviously, left this world, but whose quilting was based purely on need, economy, tradition, and love? No matter the skill level of our projects, isn’t that what we’re all trying to do?
I have been quilting for 20+ years now. I have been through that ‘phase’ in my quilting lifetime where you just HAD TO do the most difficult pattern and use all the new tools and gadgets. But, at some point I decided that is not for me. I am in this to enjoy it and make gifts for those I love so that they can use them – not just look at them and admire my ‘skill level’. My ego is just not that big -anymore:).
I so enjoy the ‘quilt alongs’ that some of you have done and are doing. It is so much fun seeing all the different looks that you can get with the same pattern. I particularly love the fabrics and patterns that you use since you seem to use the same lines that I have used or have in my closet – or want to get in my closet… So keep doing what you are doing Nicole. While tutorials are helpful and have a place, give me the type of blog you are writing each day. I have no idea how you get all that you do done from day to day and still work outside the home! Thanks for all you do and the best to you in your new job!
Marsha
I have been quilting for 20+ years now. I have been through that ‘phase’ in my quilting lifetime where you just HAD TO do the most difficult pattern and use all the new tools and gadgets. But, at some point I decided that is not for me. I am in this to enjoy it and make gifts for those I love so that they can use them – not just look at them and admire my ‘skill level’. My ego is just not that big -anymore:).
I so enjoy the ‘quilt alongs’ that some of you have done and are doing. It is so much fun seeing all the different looks that you can get with the same pattern. I particularly love the fabrics and patterns that you use since you seem to use the same lines that I have used or have in my closet – or want to get in my closet… So keep doing what you are doing Nicole. While tutorials are helpful and have a place, give me the type of blog you are writing each day. I have no idea how you get all that you do done from day to day and still work outside the home! Thanks for all you do and the best to you in your new job!
Marsha
Okay, the comment section in the top post is closed…I wanted to comment.
Here’s my comment: PEOPLE!! Lighten up!! There have been WAY too many overly-sensitive people making snarky unkind remarks.
If you don’t like/agree with a blogger’s comments PLEASE respond nicely OR MOVE ON.
Really, why would you read a blog that ruffles your feathers. Obviously, the blog is not your cup of quilting.
This is supposed to fun and inspiring!!
Okay, the comment section in the top post is closed…I wanted to comment.
Here’s my comment: PEOPLE!! Lighten up!! There have been WAY too many overly-sensitive people making snarky unkind remarks.
If you don’t like/agree with a blogger’s comments PLEASE respond nicely OR MOVE ON.
Really, why would you read a blog that ruffles your feathers. Obviously, the blog is not your cup of quilting.
This is supposed to fun and inspiring!!
Love your blog always will good luck with your new Job.
Hugs Mary.
Love your blog always will good luck with your new Job.
Hugs Mary.
Give yourself a break, Nicole. This is your blog, so you can say anything you wish. If someone takes offense to that, they should just move on. Personally I enjoy your blog very much!
Give yourself a break, Nicole. This is your blog, so you can say anything you wish. If someone takes offense to that, they should just move on. Personally I enjoy your blog very much!
I’ve noticed that the difference between “difficult” and “time consuming” has been rather blurred in the previous discussion. (For example, I’m personally unfazed by huge numbers of tiny pieces, but not interested if I can’t mostly chain piece it with a sewing machine – essentially, my favorites are low or medium skill, but highly time consuming.)
Likewise, size and scale aren’t being well distinguished. (I’m picky about scale, in that I like small pieces, but I’m happy to make both big and small quilts.)
I tackled quilting having already done very ambitious projects in other media, and thus I arrived with a reasonably well developed ability to judge my own stamina. My concept of a beginner is someone who lacks specific skills, not necessarily someone who’s naive about what it takes to finish a big project. I think some of the talking at cross purposes is coming from people having very different concepts of what a beginner can do.
I’ve noticed that the difference between “difficult” and “time consuming” has been rather blurred in the previous discussion. (For example, I’m personally unfazed by huge numbers of tiny pieces, but not interested if I can’t mostly chain piece it with a sewing machine – essentially, my favorites are low or medium skill, but highly time consuming.)
Likewise, size and scale aren’t being well distinguished. (I’m picky about scale, in that I like small pieces, but I’m happy to make both big and small quilts.)
I tackled quilting having already done very ambitious projects in other media, and thus I arrived with a reasonably well developed ability to judge my own stamina. My concept of a beginner is someone who lacks specific skills, not necessarily someone who’s naive about what it takes to finish a big project. I think some of the talking at cross purposes is coming from people having very different concepts of what a beginner can do.
I hope everyone else will stop talking about dumbing down quilting, too. I don’t like drama in my quilting world. Can’t wait to see your Eventide top. It looks beautiful!
I hope everyone else will stop talking about dumbing down quilting, too. I don’t like drama in my quilting world. Can’t wait to see your Eventide top. It looks beautiful!
i like simple and complicated. There’s a certain charm in a simple quilt made from patchwork squares. But then who doesn’t love those show pieces that take our breath away.
i like simple and complicated. There’s a certain charm in a simple quilt made from patchwork squares. But then who doesn’t love those show pieces that take our breath away.
Amen Nicole. This subject has been beaten to death and then some. I am sorry YOU have to apologize for basically nothing in my humble opinion. You are my favorite blogger and I love that you are so sharing. Keep up the good work you do quilting and FORGET the rest. It is just nonsense. To each his own as far as quilting goes. End of topic!
Mary
Amen Nicole. This subject has been beaten to death and then some. I am sorry YOU have to apologize for basically nothing in my humble opinion. You are my favorite blogger and I love that you are so sharing. Keep up the good work you do quilting and FORGET the rest. It is just nonsense. To each his own as far as quilting goes. End of topic!
Mary
Nicole – Don’t let this spoil things for you. The trouble with being anonymous or not, sitting alone in front of a computer screen and not having a face to face dialogue is that there is no back and forth exchange of ideas. It’s just a comment and reaction and that is not productive at all. We only get one go around in this life and we all get to choose how we handle the hours we are given. I’m with you always. You are an exceptional woman with exceptional ideas and talents.
Karen L.
Nicole – Don’t let this spoil things for you. The trouble with being anonymous or not, sitting alone in front of a computer screen and not having a face to face dialogue is that there is no back and forth exchange of ideas. It’s just a comment and reaction and that is not productive at all. We only get one go around in this life and we all get to choose how we handle the hours we are given. I’m with you always. You are an exceptional woman with exceptional ideas and talents.
Karen L.
Hi Nicole. I’m woefully behind in my blog reading but wanted to add my congratulations to you on the new job (how brave of you – you’ll do great I’m sure!), on your future granddaughter (yay!) and your progress on your beautiful quilts (stunning as usual!). Hope the sun is shining where you are! It’s gorgeous here in the East Bay and spring has certainly sprung (almost feels like summer). Your blog is always such a treat to stop by and visit on.
Hi Nicole. I’m woefully behind in my blog reading but wanted to add my congratulations to you on the new job (how brave of you – you’ll do great I’m sure!), on your future granddaughter (yay!) and your progress on your beautiful quilts (stunning as usual!). Hope the sun is shining where you are! It’s gorgeous here in the East Bay and spring has certainly sprung (almost feels like summer). Your blog is always such a treat to stop by and visit on.