Kaye England's "Double Dozen" |
If it's not, is it your sewing machine's fault?
Can you make a 12 1/2 inch square 12 1/2 inches each time without fail?
Why not?
Is it really because you don't have a 12 1/2 square ruler to check yourself?
Do you believe that old saying "She who dies with the most fabric wins!"?
Do you know in your heart that the next tool, ruler or sewing accessory will dramatically transform your quilting forever?
Have you ever had a "Mirror, Mirror on the Wall" moment with yourself about your own cutting, sewing, piecing and/or quilting technique?
We all have been guilty of these thoughts and more about our craft. But where does the blame for error and shall we say "creative diversions" from good technique lie?
May 4th was that "Mirror, Mirror" moment for me. As a relative "youngster" in our guild, I was one of very few who had not been quilting before the advent of the rotary cutter. My skills come from my mother-taught 4-H dress and apron making days, but otherwise, I am self-taught.
Kaye England demonstrating use of her "Nifty Notion Quarter Square Ruler" |
Skill is a result of practice.
Accuracy is a result of good technique.
Kaye asked us, "Why square up when you can do it right the first time?"
Below are some of the tools which we learned were hampering our ability to make a perfect 1/4 seam the first time. The search for the perfect 1/4 seam is truly one in which the piecer needs to look within themselves. The honesty of that fact combined with having a master teacher like Kaye England point out all your faults (or all the lint which you didn't know was building up in your machine) to a group in a fun-loving and constructive way is a humbling experience to say the least.
Kaye England and the ladies of Q.U.I.L.T.S. Schenectady |
Thank you for the inspiration, Miss Kaye. I hope some of it sticks!
ThisQuiltingMama and Kaye England |