"But it's not done yet!" they say as I come closer to get a photo of a beautiful quilt in the making -
"That's exactly what we want to see!" I reply - knowing that seeing the project in progress is more inspiring to get others to want to sew, than simply seeing the overwhelming finish as a whole.
Agree? Disagree? What stage of a project encourages you to want to dive in, chop up fabric, and sew it all back together?
Besides - Gail's lovely purple featherweight looks so GOOD next to her exploding heart quilt as it comes together.
It's like "Quilting still life" Where the machine, the pieces, the tools, notions, thread - everything - becomes a whole scene that we can also see ourselves part of.
Across the room this one is also coming together -
And by the time I returned from the dentist - there was the finish up on the design wall.
Fantastic!
Check out the lips on these fish! Cute!
And I love this - I shared a bit of it in yesterday's post -
Some of you asked for the pattern:
Here you go!
Garlic Knots blocks are becoming Garlic knot wreaths!
Sashings are being added!
Some are putting on bindings -
While new projects of giant flying geese are on portable design walls in the foyer.
I may have had to spend a chunk of the afternoon sitting in a dentist's chair - but the quilters just kept on quilting!
It's nice to know they could hold down the fort while I was away!
It's fun to have Gail & her Quilt Buddies in residence for the weekend!
As for that dentist thing - I've got to go back and have an old filling replaced. Oh, the upkeep of half-a-century old teeth. It's always patch-patch-patch, isn't it?
The upside is - it's not going to need a crown at this point. So there's that.
Post dental work: Step out photos!
I'm still in the "borderlands" of writing the New River Star pattern. I'm including optional methods of making flying geese - and since I didn't take photos of optional methods while making the border myself, I'm having to backtrack a bit to make sample units and photograph the process.
Question: When I do this - include several different ways to make a unit - does it help you?
I never know.
And then there are even MORE ways to get the job done - so what if the 4 ways I present do not include the method that someone else prefers? (There is always YouTube!)
In other words - am I spinning my wheels including these methods?
I have included traditional rotary cutting (Always a standard) My Essential Triangle Tool method, Stitch & Flip corners with drawn lines and the Simple Folded Corners Ruler way.
Is that enough, or too much really?
The sooner I finish this pattern writing thing, the sooner I can get back to my own sewing!
I think we are going to shoot for the "over the porch rail" photos today - tomorrow looks horrid. As in possibility of snow/freezing rain bad.
It is what it is - so we'll just quilt through it!
Quiltville Quote of the Day -
Instead of putting others in their place, put yourself in their place.
Oftentimes this will lead to the realization that your problems are not as bad as you think they are.
Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
53 comments:
I personally appreciate that you provide multiple ways to accomplish the same thing. It gives me an opportunity to try something different that I might not have considered yet. The same is true for the options for cutting using different tools. Each of us will have to decide which method works best for ourselves. But the fact that you take the time to describe the many roads to the same end is wonderful as far as I am concerned! Thanks so much for sharing your vast knowledge with us. You are definitely NOT spinning your wheels you are spinning new ways for us to approach our quilting!
Also, I love the exploding heart quilt!!!
The "Rainbow Bracelets" pattern appears to have been updated and is now called "Ambient Bracelets"!
Beautiful in progress pictures this morning! Such inspiration..😍. As regards to your multiple ways of making flying geese…I think just including a simple way that anyone can use without specialty rulers, and then the way YOU do it would be sufficient. You could just mention other ways and people could look those up on YouTube as you said. It has to be a lot of work to offer so many different options! But, we love you for whatever you decide to do!💝
I like the optional methods. Not everyone thinks the same way or has the same rulers
You are perfect!! Your teeth might not be, but I think the methods and directions you provide are perfect. A Choice of 4 ways to make half square triangles should be sufficient for all! In my not so humble opinion... freely given, since this time I waited until you asked!!!! Fuss & feathers, the teeth under my crowns are full of decayand i need an oral surgeon for a 'treatment plan' -- reads big bucks!!! So, I'm happy to be able to use my stash and your encouragement and rulers to choose a distraction from the woes of aging and years of neglectfull ignoration!!! Moving on: I'm waiting for the "orange & red" (the first part) paper pieced, no name yet!? project.... I have so very many projects in waiting, or PHds... I'm thinking I may use all those many orphan blocks to make some quilted hearts to get into THAT project... AND Want to make some bowl cozies for gifts, people seem to like them so uch... it's raining again... new weather term: atmospheric river! for my little portion of South San Diego Couty. this one today should run thru and then we'll have pretty much clear skies until Wed/Thurs next week, when the river runs thru again!!! LOL This has gone over-long, thanks for all you do for the quilters... I feel like a member of the family, and never want to take advantage ofyour good humor... Hugs and thank you again for sharing the Inn and all the adventures... Cats in Carlsbad CA
It's wonderful of you to include in the pattern these methods of making flying geese. It might be easier on you though to have a sheet on flying geese construction that includes all of these methods and have it under your tips and techniques category on the blog. Then each of your patterns could reference that and just include the link to the technique and tip posting on the blog? DONE. Could save you a lot of time. Enjoy and appreciate all you contribute to the quilting world and thankful that you share your life with us, the good and the bad.
Bonnie, good question. After classic rotary cutting method (good to include I think) I like when you explain your chosen method and why. Sometimes because it works for scraps, sometimes because you can be more efficient, whatever, it is just interesting to learn in detail why you make the construction choices you make and how you do it. I have been quilting a long time and don't usually need a pattern to figure out how to piece a quilt but sometimes I buy your pattern just to see that series of construction choices, and to get your special tips. --Because I agree there IS YouTube. But that is just one of your thousands of cheering voices.
Bonnie, thank you for trying to cover All the bases when writing your patterns but I don't think you need to. Experienced quiltes already have a method of 2 they like and I think having so many choices would be overwhelming to newbies. I would choose 1 basic method (without your ruler) and the method using your ruler. Save yourself a lot of time and effort.
I think your including multiple ways to make the flying geese/HSTs/snowballs/name any block is a good thing, but I also think that we all need to appreciate your time in providing those alternatives and acknowledge that you can't address every single process out there. Good Lord, your patterns would be 100+ pages and then you'd get complaints about that. Everyone has their favorite method and no one is going to change their mind. Keep on doing what you're doing (but you better never give up including individual piece sizing...LOL)
I like both the Essential Triangle tool and the Simple Folded Corners methods of cutting. Thanks for putting those in there for me! I am slow and steady getting ready to put my Grassy Creek together. Better Late than Never!
Sorry I forgot to put my name in there! Thanks for Essential Triangle Tool methods and Simple Folded Corner ruler methods, it helps!
It seems to me that people who are new to quilting would especially appreciate the different options of making flying geese, for instance. I tried several methods before finding which worked best for me.
It's helpful to me to see a couple of ways to do something, but it would be even more helpful if they were set off in their own section. When reading through the Chilhowie directions, for example, there were times when it helped me to draw boxes around the sections so that I could see where the next actual step began, vs another option of doing the same thing. Just a simple visual block. Thanks for including the options!
By all means, please keep including alternate methods to make a unit. For each of us "seasoned" quilters that may have already learned what works for us, there are the new quilters still experimenting and learning. I'm always looking for methods that are more efficient or improve accuracy, or...Learning never stops!
I appreciate your explanations and the offers of different methods to sew a pattern. It makes me think-and improves my end results!
It might save time and effort for you, and make the patterns less voluminous if you were to create a "Various methods for creating flying geese (or whatever)" instruction manual that could also be downloaded with the pattern. That way, you only have to do it once.
I really appreciate the different methods you show for constructing the blocks but I agree with Sue in that it would save a lot of your precious time to create the instructions for each method once and the post them in your Tips and Techniques section. Then you can provide a link to those tips in your instructions and folks can look them up themselves. I often go there to find help and usually find something else that I had not thought to look for. Your tips and techniques are invaluable for all of us whether we are new to all of this or experienced. I appreciate everything you show us and share with us. I never miss a blog and I have incorporated many of your techniques into my quilting journey. They make my projects turn out so much better. Thank you!
You are one of the very best at writing quilt patterns and I’ve seen many people comment on this over the years, so I’m not alone. I’ve been quilting for over 40 years and am still picking up tricks and tips from you! Yes, I do believe providing 2 or 3 methods of doing something is worthwhile. You explain things so we’ll through your descriptions and pictures, a method seen before and not understood may very well “click” with your explanation.
Oh YES Bonnie learning all those methods is really helpful! And I think we had more newbies than ever this year making your mystery, those tips and alternative methods have to help them. Your explanations are terrific! Happy Sewing!
100% agree :0)
I was thinking the same thing. Multiple methods under the tips and techniques category on the blog. You do the work of writing it once and reference it in your future patterns. I do enjoy trying multiple methods to see which works best for me.
That is an excellent point, sometimes another method is just more efficient :0). I've been following you a long time Bonnie and love how you change and incorporate new rulers and techniques as you learn them :0). Your a great teacher and inspiration!
Even though I've been sewing for 60 years, I appreciate having alternative sewing directions so I can try them and decide which is best for me. Your patterns are the best!
I like the multiple ways as I don't always have the gadgets/tools. Seeing how some of the tools are used sometimes inspires me to get them. Amy
Personally I don't think it is necessary to include more than your two main methods for making flying geese. You can make a lot of extra work for yourself by trying to include more methods. Most quilters, I think, have a preferred method they will use anyway. If you want to just add links to videos for other methods, I feel that is sufficient. Don't drive yourself crazy trying to do it all! We appreciate all you do do for us!
Please, please, keep including your alternate directions!! I've learned everything I know about quilting from your Mystery Quilts and their wonderful directions! It helps me to understand how to convert a "standard pattern" to methods that are easier and more economical. I love learning from you!!! Have a great day, Bonnie.
Great idea, if it isn't too much extra work!
very good idea Pam! Also Bonnie, you could just include a link to the alternate methods.
Tremendously helpful. I also assume that a lot of new quilters find any tip you post as parcels of gold. BLESS YOU!
You are definitely NOT spinning your wheels. I sure appreciate the options as well as your clearly detailed instructions. Thank you so much.
I like the different ways for piecing a block. Depending on your stash you might not have the right size scrap and different ways can be helpful for just that reason. I agree that if you had a reference in your patterns to tutorials from your blog, it could save a bunch of time on your part. Just my humble opinion.
Options are always appreciated, I think. Your quote today is sort of a "walk in their shoes" sort of thing and I agree that we all need to do that often. So much creativity is happening all the time at the Inn! Thank you for including us!
First, I love, love, love the purple Featherweight! If I ever see one or decide mine needs a new paint job, it will be purple!
And I love Quilt Still Life photos. I take pictures of my in-progress works for myself and also to share with some of my Quilty friends. It’s like the chapters in a story.
I appreciate and learn from your detailed instructions of different methods of making many different units. Sometimes one method will work better in one scenario and sometimes another method is called for. I like the suggestion above about having a Tips and Techniques post on methods for HST, hour-glass blocks, Flying Geese or other standard units we build over and over. This would lessen your load for pattern writing because you would be able to link to the T&T pages plus it would lessen the number of pages in a pattern for us to print out. I think it was a great suggestion made above.
Enjoy the weekend and ‘quilt on’!
I've gone looking for alternative methods online, but when I read your instructions, I always get the "Aha!" moment. Sometimes I use yardage, sometimes I use scraps. Your methods show me the different ways to approach it. That said, I 'm a +1 if you did a downloadable instruction sheet of various methods so you don't have to constantly reinvent the wheel. You do so much for this community already!
Depending on your stash one technique of making a block might not always use up our stash. I don't have large squares for no waste flying geese. I would have to cut from yardage, but to use up my stash, I need a different method with strips. Which is my excuse of making scrap quilts. Your options are great but I agree with Pam and Cheryl that updated techniques in your Tips and Techniques section that you could reference in your patterns would save you time in pattern writing. Sometimes it is confusing when there are so many options in the pattern that you are not sure what step you are on. But keep the basics in the pattern. Love your patterns.
Beautiful Exploding Hearts! It's always time for Heart Loving Quilts. I still have that one on my TO-DO List. Love the Garlic Knot wreaths too. An idea for a Christmas Quilt. I'm getting inspired for the 25th of the month. 2 methods of making a block unit should suffice. and link to your tips tab on the blog, save some re-writing for even pattern. Love all that you do for us! Chilhowie is coming up on the list too. Binding and Hanging Sleeve going on Rhododendron Trail this weekend. Quilt show in two weeks. EKKK!
This is exactly what I was going to suggest as well. And, if another method for flying geese becomes popular you can always update your page. I’d provide only 1 or 2 in your pattern (traditional and using your method).
Optional instructions are a must. Please continue. Thanks.
Poor Bonnie... sitting in the dentist chair while others are having the fun! I am with you on the teeth, though. I would love a total rehaul on mine but unfortunately it is not in the cards. As for the first question. I love to see a quilt in the various stages in progress. For example, when you were posting about the New River Star, as you were posting the blocks, I didn't think I would enjoy it as much. But as soon as you posted the whole quilt, I went, "OOOOO!" I loved it. So for that one, I am all over the place! But the other question, do you post too much? I don't think so. Everyone's brain works differently, so one method may work for you, but others struggle doing it. But, it also gives us a chance to step outside the box and try something that might be our new favorite method. And it also depends on what we are doing. If all of the geese have to match, I love the 4 at one time method. If they are scrappy, well that just gives me a chance to chain piece! (Which is my favorite part of the whole process!)
I always enjoy seeing what others are creating. It's inspiring to me. I hope y'all stay warm tomorrow during your nasty weather. I did see a 90* mark on the weather read-out. UGH! Tomorrow we are supposed to cool down just a bit. It is Spring Break finally for us so it's time to rest up and sew away. Maybe through in a little getaway if I start feeling better. Have a great weekend!
Bonnie. I would encourage you to do whatever YOU prefer as far as adding multiple ways of making blocks or units. Truly, you provide so much info while there is so much readily available on the internet. I realize that I'm in the minority here, but I don't need four ways to make the same block; especially if you find yourself backtracking to take step out photos and write add'l instructions! Happy weekend to you❤❤❤
Thx for alternate instructions! I learn something new or re-learn in every pattern! Sue Ryckman
I agree with Pam and the others. You'll only have to write the instructions once and just refer to them when writing the pattern, since you use flying geese in many of your designs.
I love that you give us many options for different ways to make blocks!! I know that it takes more work on your part, but it is appreciated!!
Show your favorite way and, if possible, include links to other methods on you tube....or just tell us to check you tube for other options. Your patterns are wonderful and easy to follow! Keep up the good work but make sure you enjoy yourself while you are doing it.
low!, you are a true educator. You know that folks don't all learn the same way, so by providing alternate solutions ,you are reaching experienced sewers and newbies . An excellent way to grow the art. Thanks for recognizing those needs and all your extra efforts. Sticky notes can cover the unused methods so you can concentrate on the chosen method. Then there are folks who do not use the internet that easily, which just shuts them down. When I am using a non-Bonnie pattern , I restructure it in Bonnie methods. Not everyone has the talent to write clear instructions. Again thanks fir your true dedication to the art of quilting.
I love having multiple options. Sometimes one of the options “click” better.
Part of the joy of quilting (for me) is figuring out multiple ways of accomplishing a task. Oftentimes I use multiple methods within the same quilt. It helps me keep from getting bored with repetition. Also, I them have a variety of "tried and true" ways of making units so if a pattern calls for different sizes than what I have on hand, I can use a different method to get the job done. Long answer for your question, but do whatever pleases you! I am going to continue using all of your methods plus ones I come across.
Another vote here for you to show the various ways to do [what ever the thing is, HSTs, Flying Geese, etc.] then refer folks to that reference document when these things crop up in future patterns. Do the big work once then no need for you to re-explain those standard techniques for every pattern. And the info is available for those exploring to find their preferred methods.
Handcrank Denise in MN
I think it's important to include for quilters who are still learning...and honestly we are all still learning. You could do it just once though and reference "look here for a variety of ways of doing flying geese" if it made it a bit easier (and go into depth on a download sheet or something like that).
Absolutely, I can't make things turn out with the easy angle but would never have tried the folded corner if it was for being in the mystery directions one year. That is the main thing we brag about to other people about your patterns besides be so detailed and easy to read.
I appreciate you always giving us more than one way to skin a cat!
I almost always use your essential triangle tool when possible after taking several classes from you! I appreciate all you do for us!
Kathy Brigham
I definitely learned new ways of making flying geese from your patterns and mystery quilts. They are ways I would not have thought to try otherwise and I greatly appreciated the extra information, as now I can make them more efficiently and accurately. I'm sure it's a lot to make units for, photography, and write out every time though, so I would understand if you changed up how you are including that information or reduced that information. You know what works best for you, I just wanted to let you know that your work was appreciated and used by this quilter at least!
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