tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13569819.post269222610325841282..comments2024-03-18T19:31:34.204-04:00Comments on Quiltville's Quips & Snips!!: Machine Quilting Thoughts....Bonnie K. Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16377635115790685301noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13569819.post-10949424539166800062013-01-18T10:23:20.923-05:002013-01-18T10:23:20.923-05:00Bonnie,
I started this new year (2013) with a thor...Bonnie,<br />I started this new year (2013) with a thorough cleaning out of my fabric bins and reorganizing by strips and blocks as you describe and I am already enjoying the quilts I can make, so thank you for that motivation! Next, I want to hone my abilities on my long arm, which, I have only owned for less than a year....Oh, I have the meandering puzzle piece stitch down pat, but really, nothing else yet and I'm wondering about pantographs....I tried a few, but with little success. I need some pantograph guidance...what should my first step be with this?<br />Carol Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13569819.post-68983647325277796522011-12-24T11:42:59.405-05:002011-12-24T11:42:59.405-05:00There are some great comments here and I only have...There are some great comments here and I only have one thing to add. Bonnie, your work inspires others like myself to stretch ourselves in our craft. Inspires us to try new quilting techniques and produce things we love. It is sad that the quilt show did not inspire you but it was a competition not an exhibition, so shake it of and find your inspiration so the rest of us can enjoy.<br /><br />There is a place for all, Art quilts should stay art on the wall, afar and our quilts can continue to be loved.TDJhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08817121569506932308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13569819.post-86412656032747672772011-08-05T21:41:46.139-04:002011-08-05T21:41:46.139-04:00I know this posting is several years old, but am g...I know this posting is several years old, but am glad I found it. I agree with carrie. For a few years I've read blogs of quilters using expensive new fabric lines, and making perfectly coordinated quilts, and causing a bit of hysteria with readers who wanted the newest fabric line, the newest trend, etc... And recently the "modern quilters"... I like pretty fabric just as much as the next quilter, but honestly, I love my boxes of sorted strips, my stacks of Goodwill shirt fabric, my kids outgrown dresses, and shared scraps better than all the fabric lines in the world. <br />This week I finished handquilting a very old quilt top that my mom kept in the cedar chest all my life. It was made by her great, great grandmother who was Cherokee. The fabrics by themselves are absolutely ugly, they are bits and pieces left from clothing or sacks, but put them together and it's like magic. The harsh colors soften, and blend together. If I didn't know better, I'd think it were a modern art quilt. So, I agree we need to remember who we quilt for, and do only what we love. Quilting has always been in my life, and for some reason it's simply what I do. I don't think I could live and not quilt. I've enjoyed reading everyone's responses.Hollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06327067076971964167noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13569819.post-30220619465931239102010-06-12T20:16:15.263-04:002010-06-12T20:16:15.263-04:00For those of you who don't want to sew down bi...For those of you who don't want to sew down binding at the miter, I want to share this blog tutorial. It works beautifully and is so easy!<br /><br />http://flourishingpalms.blogspot.com/2009/06/binding-tutorial_12.html<br /><br />Also wanted to say that sometimes quilts are too "cold." I think we all quilt to show our love so no matter your skill level, the love is there!<br /><br />Bonnie has inspired to many of us--thanks, Bonnie!Pathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17175729326250693062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13569819.post-7944508500900261862008-06-23T12:08:00.000-04:002008-06-23T12:08:00.000-04:00You do such amazing work, Bonnie. Don't second gu...You do such amazing work, Bonnie. Don't second guess yourself and just keep on doin' what you do so well. Your fans are listening!Ms. Janhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10804532085018616427noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13569819.post-81875591378309383202008-06-23T11:52:00.000-04:002008-06-23T11:52:00.000-04:00Everyone else has already said how beautifully you...Everyone else has already said how beautifully you quilt. I just really need to say this, at the risk of sounding harsh... but when you feel ashamed of your (gorgeous) quilting, what do you think that does to those of us who lump along and just hope our quilts will not come unraveled?! Too many people feel reluctant to put quilts in shows - even non judged shows. When a talented quilt artist like you thinks YOURS are not good enough... it doesn't help the "regular" folks who are working up their courage to show a quilt. I think you momentarily forgot the only rule we need to follow: "ignore the quilt police!" Take a deep breath and go back to being a Maverick and quilting in the way that you love. It works.Carol E.https://www.blogger.com/profile/02741550863747328734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13569819.post-41575941020069411482008-06-22T07:25:00.000-04:002008-06-22T07:25:00.000-04:00Bonnie, you quilted our DS's and DDIL's wedding qu...Bonnie, you quilted our DS's and DDIL's wedding quilt and it was a MASTERPIECE. At the time (last summer), I was the proud new owner of a longarm, but I knew I didn't have the skill to quilt the top the way it deserved. I was in awe when I saw what you did and if I ever can get halfway as good as you are, I will be very happy indeed! You do gorgeous work!!!Robinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13063217257923006591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13569819.post-61549444396207732052008-06-19T22:06:00.000-04:002008-06-19T22:06:00.000-04:00So you are meant to sew down your mitred corners!!...So you are meant to sew down your mitred corners!!???? who knew? not me I agree with all the above comments... its this attitude of what is ok now that made me leave my quilt guild, after being secretary & president!, I JUST LOVE QUILTING.... however it turns out is how it's meant to be....I am going to do a machine quilting class in August,just because I have more unfinished tops than I will ever get hand quilted!! but they will be the fold up-pullout-throw on the floor-dog sleeps on-we cuddle under ones!! the presents/specials I make will still be hand quilted because thats what I like doing the most & I feel when I hand quilt for someone else I have given them a bit of me with the gift....I personally love the pantograph work that you do it is very flowing & soft ..I too hate the -so closely stippled you can't bend it look- ok for the wall but not for comfort ..any way keep doing what you do we all love it ...maybe we should stop going to the formal Quilt Shows :))& hold our own with catagories like didn't buy anything new for this- ran out of the blue & had to substitute- creative sewing used in this ( eg: strips not quite long enough so pulled a bit)<BR/>My kind of thing !!<BR/>Clairequiltygalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01336235138214606914noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13569819.post-33930480208306065362008-06-19T16:24:00.000-04:002008-06-19T16:24:00.000-04:00keep on quilting Bonnie -- and do it your way! I ...keep on quilting Bonnie -- and do it your way! I first became acquainted with you when I stumbled onto the Scrapsaver System. I was hooked! I can't tell you the number of hours I spent pressing and cutting my scraps. You have inspired me -- and I am sure thousands of others.KarenC.https://www.blogger.com/profile/13905498988777948161noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13569819.post-17372336791211064172008-06-19T04:12:00.000-04:002008-06-19T04:12:00.000-04:00I like my quilts to be snuggly and those machine q...I like my quilts to be snuggly and those machine quilted ones are beautiful, but more of an artwork, not soft and comfy. Just do what you like, your customers obviously like what you do, too.Kucki68https://www.blogger.com/profile/08899834063961406187noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13569819.post-41391148672947168582008-06-19T02:33:00.000-04:002008-06-19T02:33:00.000-04:00Wow, what a thought provoking post you shared with...Wow, what a thought provoking post you shared with us today Bonnie! Look at all of these responses! I’m so glad you brought this up for discussion as I feel the same as you on a lot of views. And after reading the many replies I have to say that I agree with what Calidore said... about giving an arm just to stand next to you while you sew and quilt!! :) <BR/><BR/>Not everyone can afford a longarm quilter, an those that do save their money to get a quilt quilted, can not always afford custom quilting… so I love your comment about the fun panos! I agree, and am so glad that you enjoy quilting them – b/c that is about all I can afford at this time. <BR/><BR/>[i]"Thanks to these designers, edge to edge quilting no longer resembles a mattress pad or a cheap motel bedspread."[/i] Bonnie, I don’t' know if you were lookin for an AMEN, but [b]AMEN Sister!!![/b] ;c) <BR/><BR/>Thanks again for sharing your thoughts! - oh and also thanks for sharing the photos to go along with the post you know us very well… we love photos to keep our attention!!!<BR/><BR/>Love from Texas! ~bonniebingo~bonniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04591187786013490106noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13569819.post-90623064828251641262008-06-19T01:03:00.000-04:002008-06-19T01:03:00.000-04:00Bonnie,You're a maverick--you don't fit into the w...Bonnie,<BR/>You're a maverick--you don't fit into the world you viewed. There are "show" quilts and there are "love" quilts. And the show quilt makers love their quilts just like the love quilt makers love theirs. The quilting world has expanded into different facets. There's nothing wrong with pantographs or hand quilting. There's nothing wrong with heavily quilted artsy quilts. But I can tell you the general public thinks of a quilt as hand quilted.Marilynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15590505454197831780noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13569819.post-2927715987381289172008-06-19T00:01:00.000-04:002008-06-19T00:01:00.000-04:00Bonnie - Don't you dare change how you make or qui...Bonnie - Don't you dare change how you make or quilt your quilts. I would give my right arm (well I would if I wasn't right handed...lol) to be able to stand next to you while you sew and quilt - just the inspiration alone would be so worth it. Every time I look at your beautiful quilts I feel a sense of "rightness", a link back if you will, where quilting was a way of providing not only warmth but style in a time when there wasn't much in the way of luxuries. You have inspired me to try quilt patterns and materials (ie op shops shirts...vbg) which I would never have been game to try before. Even my quilting machine is getting more of a work out of late as your quilting designs are inspiring me to play more and worry less about the dreaded "Quilt Police". Don't worry about your style of quilting or how its even done. So long as you are happy with what you are doing, and I think I can safely assure you that the rest of us "Bonnie Fans" are very satisfied, then that's all that matters. Yes those quilts in the show are beautiful but I would much rather see my children wrap themselves and one of the dogs in my not so perfectly quilted quilts and know they are warm than have one that I would tuck away in the cupboard for fear it may be ruined.<BR/><BR/>Quilty Cyber hugs<BR/><BR/>CatherineCalidorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07118238727781108509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13569819.post-22567835191747774542008-06-18T23:37:00.000-04:002008-06-18T23:37:00.000-04:00HAVE WE FORGOTTON WHERE WE HAVE COME FROM??????? Q...HAVE WE FORGOTTON WHERE WE HAVE COME FROM??????? Quilting from its humble beginnings was all about utility and frugality. The fact that the finished product was beautiful was an added bonus. Scraps are really a patchwork of lifes adventures. It is so wonder ful to look at a scrap quilt and think back to where the fabric originated from. For me it might have come from a deceased friends stash or leftover from one of my other quilts, or perhaps from a friends leftovers or an old garment or from a gift or any of a multitude of other sources. Quilts are all about memories, thoughts, experiences and life -- oh yes and fabric. My quilts are beautiful in my eyes, well crafted and well thought out-- I don't need a judge to tell me that -- I don't need to have my work validated by anyone other than myself. I have done the best that I can do and that is all that matters!!! <BR/>We have our skills and talents because people have shared with us their skills and talents--- in turn we share with others so that the tradition and craft continues. Your generous sharing of your craft has enriched the lives of so many -- don't ever underestimate your contribution or your work.<BR/><BR/>carrie<BR/>the mischief makercarriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08349786089077019390noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13569819.post-80588168015912555462008-06-18T22:56:00.000-04:002008-06-18T22:56:00.000-04:00Dear Bonnie,I have been watching you via your webs...Dear Bonnie,<BR/>I have been watching you via your website for several years now. I first encountered you when you wrote on the longarm list about your trip returning from the Sisters Quilt show to Burley, Idaho. I was laughing so hard I fell off my chair as you talked about your being stopped for speeding and wishing the cop would hurry because you reallly had to go. I have been machine quilting for 18 years and it is so nice to see you write the things I have felt for years. When I started people looked down on me because I quilted by machine, then as that became okay I was thought to be less because I liked doing edge to edge or pantograph patterns. I fill a market for those that want their quilts quilted but can't afford the high dollar work. I also don't believe every quilt needs show stopping work. You have nothing to apologize for you bring such joy and sharing to quilting. Hold your head up high and enter some of your quilts to let others see all the options open to them. Hand quilters have nothing to hang their head about either they are a different enitity all their own and shouldn't be judged against machine quilted quilts it's not fair to either. You just keep on being you and doing you own thing. After all there are almost 2000 of us on just this list that are here because we like what you do just fine. By the way my husband and I are moving to Burley, Idaho. Keep up the good work.<BR/>Anita Owen<BR/>Olalla, Wa<BR/>Bed of Roses MQAnitahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17684233135863641715noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13569819.post-55191863905299843242008-06-18T22:45:00.000-04:002008-06-18T22:45:00.000-04:00I went to MQX in New Hampshire this year; and whil...I went to MQX in New Hampshire this year; and while I was very impressed with some of the fine detail work, I also realized I have no desire to own anything like it-- not only because I want to *use* my quilts, but also because I wouldn't want to pay for it. My longarm quilter has used mostly pantographs on my quilts, with some free motion work, and I consider myself fortunate to own such beautiful quilts--I never thought I'd ever own a quilt so beautiful until I found her. Longarm quilters like you fill an important niche in the marketplace, so keep on keeping on. Besides, these things cycle around every so many years. In a few years, hand quilting might be all the rage again. <BR/><BR/>If you're feeling like you don't measure up or if the competition is important to you, then put in the hours of practice and get better. After seeing some of your work, you could accomplish it. If not, then don't compare yourself to them, because you're unique in what you do. You also have a million devotees on the internet who love everything you do. I think that's pretty remarkable, and I think the comments on your blog are testament to that.<BR/><BR/>Hand quilting is beautiful, and I love it, but I simply don't have time to do it, or I couldn't use the quilt in my lifetime. Machine quilting is another means to an end and takes great skill to do it well. To each her own. <BR/><BR/>I don't mitre the corners on my bindings either, and I don't care if anybody else thinks I should! Exactly where is that in the rule book anyway?SueRhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13015207751862726531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13569819.post-69211253478281521372008-06-18T22:27:00.000-04:002008-06-18T22:27:00.000-04:00I'm not a long arm quilter (though I'd like to be!...I'm not a long arm quilter (though I'd like to be!). But I have to agree with what you've said here. At the big Mid-Atlantic quilt show I got tired of looking at quilts with so much close stippling. Some were very special but for the most part it got boring. Kind of a contest to see who could get the most thread on a quilt. What's with that???? <BR/><BR/>Very few of them were "happy" quilts. They were so untouchable. I can admire the skill but where's the "feeling"? <BR/><BR/>You make happy quilts. They make us smile. It's very hard to smile when you're saying ooooo and ahhhh. I'd rather smile! :-DKatiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12561892583686450813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13569819.post-22421985689226606282008-06-18T21:30:00.000-04:002008-06-18T21:30:00.000-04:00I think it's all dependent on why you do what you ...I think it's all dependent on why you do what you do.<BR/><BR/>Do you have the skill level to fill up a quilt with quilting? Probably. Do you have the motivation to do it? Probably not. Then what's the point?<BR/><BR/>I have learned I can go to quilt shows and admire and appreciate the art quilts and the intricate machine quilting and incredible embellishments and handwork, but if I compared my work to theirs, I would never make another quilt. And that would be a shame because it's my outlet, my release, my love language.<BR/><BR/>So I go to quilt shows to appreciate, to learn, to see what's new and what can be done, but not to judge my work by theirs. Maybe someday that will be important to me, but not right now.Stephanie Dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01613883248899266708noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13569819.post-50101221021971836332008-06-18T20:55:00.000-04:002008-06-18T20:55:00.000-04:00Wow! Looks like you struck a nerve! I agree that...Wow! Looks like you struck a nerve! I agree that some of the custom quilting we are seeing in shows now is over the top. You can't use that quilt for anything except to hang on a wall. Though they are gorgeous; they are not my style. I love the pantographs that are available now. The woman here in town that has done several quilts for me does nothing but pantographs...without a stitch regulator. She is so good, I dare anyone to try and find a stitch that isn't uniform. That, in my opinion, is art. Having danced with a Gammil myself a few times, I know it isn't as easy as it looks.<BR/><BR/>You should be proud. Your quilts are beautiful and loved. And bonus...look at all the people you have inspired. You even have me doing leaders and enders...me...who gave Mrs. Goodneedle 3 large trash bags of scraps last year.Salem Stitcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03544950900664044425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13569819.post-19971034557766286082008-06-18T19:39:00.000-04:002008-06-18T19:39:00.000-04:00Whew - a lot of reading here, and I see I have bee...Whew - a lot of reading here, and I see I have been 'spotted' by the gadget on the side! More fun!<BR/><BR/>I love your quilts because they are meant to be used and give the appearance of making-do. What good is a quilt if it sits on the bed and no one can use it, or sit on it, or have a fever and cuddle under it? And what if DH sits on one of those show stoppers when he has a screw driver in his back pocket?<BR/><BR/>Your quilts are all so friendly, doable, and down-to earth. I love them all. I also do hand quilting on occasion, and now there are hardly ANY other hand quilters, but I still don't win! Wahhhhh. And I DON'T like the movement to so many heavily-machine-quilted, but they had a place - just not my favorite.<BR/><BR/>Thanks again, for all you do for us.Elaine Adairhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14664504842156046995noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13569819.post-22719099286167160052008-06-18T19:17:00.000-04:002008-06-18T19:17:00.000-04:00Bonnie, I would much rather have a quilt that is ...Bonnie, I would much rather have a quilt that is "loved" than a quilt that has been "judged". The quilts that I've pieced, I don't "quilt", are not to be put in a show. They are made as gifts for the people that I love. These people don't care if a seam lines up or if the border is wonky. They also don't care how its quilted by me or someone else, sometimes they don't even know, lol. I think the people who sent you their quilts to quilt are so lucky to have had you do it. So, don't over think this. You know what is good for your quilts and your quilts always come out looking beautiful. So, keep up the good work and keep the piece. RenéeReneehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00703350722585198348noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13569819.post-43825269853473951222008-06-18T18:43:00.000-04:002008-06-18T18:43:00.000-04:00I agree with everything you've said. I generally ...I agree with everything you've said. I generally have edge-to-edge put on my quilts because I make them to use, not to look at. Now for the spanner, the custom quilting I like best is done by three women, one of whom uses a small "hobby" gammill, the other two using domestic machines. The girls who use the domestic machines really fill the quilt, but it's a whole different look to longarm quilting.<BR/><BR/>But for me, 90% of the time, panto quilting is exactly what my quilts need. They are still quilty, but the right panto just adds that bit more.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13569819.post-88093201086246715062008-06-18T18:32:00.000-04:002008-06-18T18:32:00.000-04:00I look at your quilts and think there's no way I c...I look at your quilts and think there's no way I can quilt the way you do. If you're feeling the same way, looking at other people's quilting, I might as well just sell my machine now! I try to do what makes me and my customers happy. I know I've lost a LOT of customers to quilters with computerized machines. They can quilt faster and less expensively than I can. I'm seriously considering getting out of the business. Quilting isn't nearly as much fun now that I feel I can't keep up with the new technology in the field and I really don't want to. I'm not sure how much longer I'll be doing this.Carolynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16276598913041251101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13569819.post-81604165875696690032008-06-18T18:03:00.000-04:002008-06-18T18:03:00.000-04:00I think alot of quilts are overquilted!!! In my bo...I think alot of quilts are overquilted!!! In my book the quilting (whether machine or hand) should enhance the design created by the piecing not take away from it or overshadow it. Hand quilting is still my favorite and that's what I do alot of!!Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07375097493115003018noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13569819.post-57157993888617980972008-06-18T17:50:00.000-04:002008-06-18T17:50:00.000-04:00For what it's worth, I'd rather have a Bonnie Hunt...For what it's worth, I'd rather have a Bonnie Hunter scrappy hand quilted or machine quilted quilt any day over and above any other I've seen. I've seen some beautiful quilts, but you take me back to a time that is long past for me. Back to when my Grandmother would put anything into a quilt top. I love the "old" feel of the busy, garbage can tops. Bonnie, YOUR quilts have inspired so many of us to try it, to step outside our own comfort zones. Hold that head up! WE are all so proud to call you friend and mentor! <BR/>Regina in MIBitnByAQuiltingBughttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04340944871743610239noreply@blogger.com