Zoë MacDonald is E-Commerce and Social Media Manager at Canada’s largest manufacturer and wholesale distributor of quality sewing, quilting, and knitting supplies. Crafty lady and recent quilting convert, she is keen to share her love for the latest in notions.
11. Pressing makes perfect
I assembled one of my first quilt tops without stopping to
press at all. You won’t be surprised to learn that the result was lumpy. I
managed to flatten it out retroactively by reducing seam bulk with super sharp snips
and opening the seams with a very hot iron on
the wrong side.
Skipping this step cost me time in the end. Now, I’m more
than happy to press in pieces and along the way (while it’s easy).
10. Precise cutting is key
If you’re picky about being off by millimetres on your quilt
top, this degree of precision should start when you’re cutting.
Now I know that the same thing applies to all sewing
projects. If you want to be sure each piece will fit without adjustment and
that your seam allowance is just right, the pieces should be as accurate as you
can manage.
For absolutely straight strips no matter how long, use a Ruler Cutter to
avoid straying. For blocks or bigger pieces, try the True
Cut Cutting System. For the most perfect possible circles, learn
about the True Cut Circle cutter.
9. Pin now or seam-rip later
I’m actually partial to clipping, but I
think we can all relate. Truly understanding this from a quilting point of view
has kept me from skipping basting in garment sewing. It’s not time-saving to
skip it if you have to sew it twice.
I collect and use all kinds of clips, but my favourites are Unique Quilting clever
clips. They grip a little tighter than some others I have tried and come in
a large pack that doubles as a clip carrying case.
8. Understanding visual hierarchy tells you what your project will “look like”
Your design as a whole is much more impactful than its parts.
Imagine: A floral pixelated print fabric on a wrap shirt with gathered sleeves
and a thick braided-fabric collar. Or a multi-layer mullet skirt with sheer
black textured and gold-speckled fabric. Or, a mint-coloured chiffon dress with
a gathered waist and front ruffle. A bit much, right? All are garments I
carefully assembled in my pre-quilting days and promptly distributed to Value
Village where I’m sure they’re still hanging.
Quilting taught me to take an overview instead of zooming in
on many individual elements. Knowing that the final item will be digested in a
quick moment helps to understand what your project will “look like”. Dark
pieces adjacent to each other will look connected. A skinny strip and a
quilt-back quantity of the same fabric doesn’t give the same impression. If
everything is the focus, nothing is the focus.
I make much more wearable clothing now.
Up your design game by keeping your colours from clashing
(if you’re into that kind of thing) with a Sew Easy Colour &
Tone Guide.
For more detail on how to make the most of these tools, see
quilt professional Jennifer
Houlden’s post on QuiltSocial.
7. There’s no such thing as cheating
Embrace the
tools that allow you to spend more time on the parts you like most. The
tools you turn to often should “spark joy” when you pick them up. In my
experience, it helps if they are cute, like Clover’s I Sew For Fun
collection.
 |
| Clover’s Fabric Folding Pen for turning out bow ties or turning back seam allowances for applique is my pick for MVP – Most Valuable new Product! I don’t think I could have made two wedding parties worth of bow ties without it. |
6. It pays to utilize
sprays!
Before using 505 for quilting, I had not thought to use
sprays in sewing. Now, 202 is my go-to for pattern cutting, I use 303 for paper
crafts, Fabric Shield to protect my fabric folded by the window from fading,
and 606 for lace applique. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
5. Fusibles are your friend!
I’ve said this before, but it’s no less true now. For turning in edges, appliqué, and securing quilt labels, I have come to count on HeatnBond. Because of my familiarity with this product, I also now use it for applying zippers and trims in garment sewing and – of course – quick and easy costumes!
 |
| Add Cathy and I made these costumes using HeatnBond SoftStretch from her hotel room ahead of the Creativ Festival. The bones stretched and stayed put for the entire show! |
4. Use the right light
For the love of your eyes! Having proper lighting can
avoid straining your eyes and even improve your mood. With magnification for
finer work and four light temperatures to choose from, you can easily design
your ideal environment. For both precise sewing and colour-matching, this is
absolutely essential for quilting but helpful in all kinds of sewing.
3. Choosing thread can be just as exciting as choosing fabric
When you are using it primarily for construction, you may go
to great lengths to avoid showing it. One of my first garment projects was a
canvas jacket with kimono sleeves. Because I wanted to keep topstitching to an
absolute minimum, I did a bound buttonhole for the belt. I still love the look
of this finishing touch but no longer have the same sense of dread about thread
showing.
Not only has quilting made me realize that thread can be a
beautiful design feature, but it also built up my topstitching confidence. Now
I love to play
with thread as a design element.
2. Use quality scissors – of all sizes
It doesn’t take long for sewists or anyone cutting a lot of
fabric that you need a quality pair of dressmaker shears. But it really helps
to have a variety of sizes of scissor that are equally sharp. They’re just as
important to the process - like when you’re in the jam described in lesson 11.
1. Finished is better than perfect
This expression is a cliché for a reason, and yet it can be
difficult for perfectionist-minded people to accept. When I realized that
obsessing about the details keeps me from finishing projects, or sewing at all,
I made this my mantra. Is it worth it to pick and re-stitch that line wandering
just outside of the “ditch”? Sometimes yes, often no! Wrapping up one project
sooner might give you the opportunity to create even more while staying inspired.
What lessons have you taken away from quilting?
To purchase any of the products mentioned above, visit your local Canadian quilt retailer.
For more inspiration and product education, follow H.A. Kidd and Company Limited on Facebook.