In a bind
I finally braved up and learned how to attach my walking foot. It was really worth being nervous over.
Not. It took about 30 seconds to change.
And now I have four quilts that need binding. :)
I've talked about how I like making my own bias tape for binding, but now I'm feeling a little overwhelmed. I'm really thinking about getting one of these. Does anyone have one? Is it worth it?
ps. Anna talked about serging her quilts before binding them the other day...I've always done the same thing, but was afraid to admit it since my quilting skills are mainly self-taught. She gave me the reassurance I needed to tell you...it makes things so much easier!!
Serging your quilts before binding them...that sounds interesting. May I ask why you do it and what the benefits are? I taught myself to quilt and sew about 1 year ago and I am always looking for tips...not that I have a serger, but I know they have a serger adapter thing for my machine :)
ReplyDeleteI have one of those and I am embarrased to say, I have never used it. I got it as a gift because I am such a gadget girl. I recently asked how they have been received by users at my local JoAnns and all the clerks at the fabric counter said they had personal experience with it and loved it. I have been using alot of bias tape in my sewing lately, so I may break it out. I am slightly intimidated by the lengths of fabric you need to cut to make your own bias tape but I better get over that!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see the finished product!! I am so in the mood to craft and make stuff.
ReplyDeleteElise
I am a self-taught sewer and quilter and bias tape/binding intimidates me every time, but the tool makes it look so easy and obviously would pay for itself pretty quickly since we always have tons of scrap fabric lying around that could easily be repurposed into bias tap!
ReplyDeleteKnow what intimidates me? Serging. My grandma asked me if I wanted her serger. Why can't one machine just do the work of all? Do I really want another machine for the sole purpose of serging? Isn't serging "just for clothing"? ACK!
OH , Just when I was going to dip my toe into the world of quilting! That all sounds really complicated for a Devonshire girl like me!!!
ReplyDeleteLove Linda
I have a walking foot, but have absolutely no idea what it does! What do you do with it?
ReplyDeleteI LOVE THOSE SHEETS! (Yeah, excited enough for all caps) Where did you get them? I've been scouring thrift stores but no luck so far.
ReplyDeleteSo will you be putting what ever it is you are making with those vintage sheets in your etsy shop? Like for ME to buy?!?!?! :O) I can't wait to see what it looks like when you are done. I am a HORRIBLE sewer - probably cause I haven't had enough practice. I could only hope I will be as good as you one day.
ReplyDeleteOnce you make your own bias tape once you'll never want to mess with one of those machines. You can make very nice bias tape without actually cutting on the diagonal which makes it much easier. Making your own is a great way to use up your scrap pile and gives your quilt such a personal look.
ReplyDeleteI'm posting my way through a quilt along right now. I'm just about to get to binding the quilt in the next few days. Hopefully I can make it seem less intimidating.
http://boyohboyohboycrafts.blogspot.com
I really wanted one of those machines, but wasn't sure how much I'd use it. I found this awesome little metal gadget and made my own bias tape. It was awesome. This was my project: http://mommytimecrafts.blogspot.com/2010/05/memory-wristlets.html
ReplyDeleteGood lucky!
I was going to purchase one of these and a strip cutter from Joann but when I read the reviews I changed my mind,as it sounds like they don't always work how you would hope they would.
ReplyDeleteI always make my own binding - don't think you need a machine. I do have a little handheld "thingy," though that does all the folding. I just feed it through and iron it. Once you make your own, it's hard to buy the plain ones, huh?
ReplyDelete:) glad we can swap tips and tricks
ReplyDeleteAs a quilter of 12 years, I can say that I've never used a serger but I do know some quilters that have. I learned how to make bias tape the old fashioned way.....really old fashioned...with safety pins and an ironing board. Might just have to check out the automated one. Can't wait to see the finished product!!
ReplyDeleteThere's a great tutorial here for making a massiv strip of bias tape out of a rectangle of fabric. Very cunning. http://www.prudentbaby.com/2010/05/how-to-make-bias-tape.html
ReplyDeletethe bias tape maker thing is totally not worth it. i've spent most of thts summer focusing on bindings... making your own is a breeze. you can totally do it. p.s. i've made 2 quilts based on your bunting one with patchwork binding... haven't posted yet as it's a surprise gift.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE my serger! I use it all the time and it's so easy. It was also my grandma's. I will totally be serging the edges of my quilts from now on... great idea!
ReplyDelete