- Measure twice, cut once. Need I say more? Not a huge deal if you cut it too big, but you've been warned…steer clear of me if I have cut it too small. I can throw QUITE the hissy fit. This hideous scene can be avoided if I would only listen to my own advice.
- When adding borders, measure across the middle of your quilt. Cut your borders to that size. Use Wonder Clips to perform the ol' Cinderella shoe trick to make your border strip fit to that size. Make sure that if your border is larger that your quilt center piece, put that on the bottom when you sew it so your feed dogs can do most of the work. To be quite honest, I'm not sure how I lived without these little buggers. I even use them for lots of things that don't ever involve sewing…chip clips anyone?
- As much as you are tempted, don't push or pull your fabric. Let your machine do the work. Especially when sewing with Dual Feed, you just need to gently steer. Seriously, let Bernina take the wheel.
- Change your needle and your rotary cutting blade more often than your natural instincts tell you to. You won't EVER regret it, I can darn near guarantee! If I had a quarter for every time I've said, "Why did I wait so long to change my blade," I'd be so very rich! I'm guessing you're not so different. It's a bit of a hassle in the moment, but the rewards are worth it. Save the hard work on your arm strength for the gym.
- Invest in good lighting where you sew. It makes a world of difference in your sewing and your attitude/stamina/eyesight as well. My son recently upgraded all of the lightbulbs in my entire house to LEDs and can I just say WOW! Run, don't walk!
- Do yourself a favor and get a BladeSaver in your most fav color. It's a great way to dispose of used up rotary cutter blades AND I use it all the time when I'm chain piecing to quickly cut my pieces apart without fumbling around with a scissors. Can I say again you won't regret it?
- Deal with scraps at the conclusion of that specific quilt. It's so much easier at that time to just organize them into color, size, cut into shapes right then and there. Also, it's always nice to have a neat and tidy sewing space when you are ready to start your next project. I know you don't want to but just give it a shot. It's like eating an elephant, just one bite at a time. Disclaimer - this is not my sewing room, but boy, do I wish! Photo credit goes to Sew Michelle. What a great system!
8. Use a thread saver. It's just a little scrap of 2 layers fabric that you sew on before and after your project piece. 1" by 1" will do you! I do this constantly. I love that way it keeps your thread tails to a minimum, the back of your quilt will look darn near as good as the front, and it saves you from the headache of the hiccups that can sometimes happen at the start of sewing. Oh, and as the name implies, it does save thread! If you're really an over-achiever, make your leaders and enders be 1/2 square triangles or 9 patches for another project!
9. Know when to throw in the towel. Some days, for me anyway, were just not born to grow up to be sewing days. Tell me please you know what I'm talking about. Once things start going downhill for me, for example, if I have to rip something out for the 4th time, it might be time to shut her down. Not that any of us have other hobbies besides sewing, right? Ha! That particular day might just be a day to knit, bake, watch a movie, or garden! I don't ever want my experience (or yours for that matter) to be frustrating. Just try again tomorrow, I bet it will go better with a fresh day on the calendar.
10. Have the right tool for the job. If you're a quilter, have a straight stitch plate, the correct size needle, high quality thread, and the best darn 1/4" foot that ever did exist. If you're more into home dec or garment sewing, get the right foot or attachment for what you're doing. It you have never checked it out, the Big Book of Feet is an amazing resource. I'm circling back here to the sewing should NOT be frustrating. We want it to be fun, entertaining, and as easy as possible. Fisherman and golfers have their tools; we can, too!
Piece out and happy sewing!
Suzie