Lately, I have really been wanted to connect more with my followers on FaceBook, and couldn't think of a better way than to open up a questions and answer post! I allowed any and all questions, even if it had nothing to do with Turning Twenty. I believe when we connect with other people, even through social media, we begin to have more positive emotions which lead to a greater happiness. Who doesn't want to be happier?! Connecting with people begins an "upward spiral" of well-being and happiness, which is what we all want.
I only received a few questions, but I believe this will pick up. Here are the questions and my responses!
Julie- I'm new to quilting and purchased the book to do the stained glass quilt (Book # 5) I also purchased a TON of different colored material..but the instructions state to use fat quarters...so now IDK how to do this. Do you have any video tutorials?
A- Julie, video tutorials are something I've felt awkward about doing, however looks like I will be doing video tutorials in the near future. To help you with your dilemma right now though, let me explain. My Turning Twenty book series are patterns written specifically for fat quarters. If you can cut 18" x 21" rectangles from your assorted fabrics, you can then cut according to the pattern for Stained Glass. Hope this helps. By the way, welcome to the wonderful world of quilting!
Kim- I would like to know what you do with your fabric scraps. When is a scrap small enough to throw away? I get so overwhelmed with my box of scraps. Sometimes I think I should just donate it. I somehow feel that could be a freeing experience.
A- Scraps, scraps, scraps! How they pile up. Kim, two or three times a year I box up scraps and yardage and donate these to be used for charity quilts. However, as you might guess, I have a huge, gigantic, massive scrap stash. If it's 2 inches wide I keep it, regardless what length it is. I've purged so many times throughout the years, but doubt I'll ever be without a hefty scrap stash. Donating fabrics is very rewarding. I guess what happens when we give it away....it comes back to us a hundredfold! :)
Leslee- Can't help but wonder if you remember my mama, Bo Burkett. I think of her and you every time I see one of the quilts she pieced and you quilted. Such treasures!
A- Leslee, not only do I remember your sweet mama, but I remember you! Your mama talked about you and Dana all the time! God truly used Bo in my life to help instill the confidence I needed to do what I'm doing today. Seriously, from the very first time I quilted for your mama, she became my own personal cheerleader. Hiring me to quilt for her, helped tremendously toward paying off my first quilting machine, she was a very prolific quilt top maker! The last time Gary and I visited with your mama was at her big birthday party! I think of her so often and love her still. Thank you for writing. I hope all is well in your life.
Peggy- I have heard that writing a pattern is tough because you don't know of the reader's skill level. Did you find this true for your patterns? (which I love)
A- Peggy, here comes the truth....I despise writing pattern instructions! I love every aspect of quilting except for that. Writing an accurate pattern requires discipline, mental focus, good math skills and ability to communicate. I CAN communicate, although sometimes my grammar isn't quite correct. My math skills are fair. Mental focus and discipline are not my strong suits. I try to write as if the person following my instructions has minimal sewing/quilting experience. I've been told that I write 'too much' instruction. I've also been told the detailed instruction, with photos and diagrams, have helped many succeed in making a quilt when they didn't think they could! That's what makes me happy. Now, here's my secret....I have skilled family and friends who can take my writing, make sure it's accurate and make me look like I know what I'm doing! Thanks for loving 'my' patterns. :)
Thank you SO much for the interaction. I really enjoyed hearing from everyone and can't wait to do this again. Let me know if you enjoyed this as much as I did! Hoping to doing it again soon :)
Blessings,
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