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I can do it!

Yes, I really can! After years (16) of shying away from chain-piecing, I have finally found that I can do it - and save time and thread!

I think the main problem was that I had seen chain piecing demonstrated on Simply Quilts (a tape and DVD) by folk like Eleanor Burns. It looked so slapdash. It didn't occur to me that she could do it quickly and without pins because she had been doing it for years. I had a quick try, but it didn't work (for me). So, even with my tiny, half-inch long seams, when doing miniatures, I would start and finish off every seam.

At the beginning of this week, I started a small quilt (24") a scaled down version of our planned Group Quilt for our next show, so that people could see what they were aiming at. This involved 121 very simple 2" blocks. They are so simple, I thought I would really try to make a go of chain piecing. So I did. I pinned and went slowly and it worked. I'm so very pleased.

Moral of the story: if there is some technique you tend to avoid, have a go (or another go >g

Reply to
Pat S
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Woohoo! Good for you!!!

I love *any* speed technique and employ every one I can possibly use on every project. But then I admit that I have the attention span of a two year old. That's why I have so many UFOs! LOL

We're proud of you- good work! When do we get to see a photo of this tiny masterpiece- I know that from your previous work it will be absolutely amazing in all ways.

Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.

Reply to
Leslie& The Furbabies in MO.

Well, Pat. I don't know whether to laugh or be inspired. I think I'll just Happy Dance for you. Congratulations. Polly

"Pat S" Yes, I really can!

Reply to
Polly Esther

Congratulations! I pin too - sometimes. It's one of those "it depends" things. Sometimes all it depends on is how I'm feeling that day!

Hmmmm, now that you've tackled chain piecing, what will be next?

Reply to
Louise in Iowa

I absolutely agree.

As you know I've been sorting out. I came across a (to me) novel way to thread a needle. You put the needle on the thread, not vice- versa. Apparently this is something that can be done, even in the dark, and especially in front of folks (which is something I can't do... stooopid, I know, but...).

I had to baste a cushion this morning. I decided I'd give it one more go.

Do you know, it worked. I shall have to practise with a smaller needle, now, but I think I've got the co-ordinationy bit right now.

I am long sighted, and needle threading is becoming a nightmare in poor light.

Nel (GQ)

Reply to
Sartorresartus

Well done, Pat!

-Irene

Reply to
IMS

Reply to
Allison

Reply to
Roberta

When you are chain stithcing, do you use a short stitch? Uh, how short? Barbara in HOT SC

Reply to
Bobbie Sews More

If you mean me, Barbara, I am using 2.2; but that is mostly because the seams are only 2" long at the most, so I want a few more stitches per seam. If I were doing an ordinary block length seam, I expect I would go back to 2.5. However, I have only just started as you can see, so I know nothing yet. . In message , Bobbie Sews More writes

Reply to
Pat S

Way to go!

I too pin each little piece before putting them through the machine. And I love it!

Claudia

Reply to
claudia

Thanks Pat! I asked because I usually piece with a longer stitch to give the quilt a more old fashioned look (to me anyway). Also, I only use larger blocks, or scraps of cloth because it takes less time. I read somewhere, sometime, that if you use a large zig-zag stitch, then when you turn it over it will more resemble a hand stitch. I used this on knit squares once and I liked the look. Barbara in HOT SC

Reply to
Bobbie Sews More

A word of warning, Pat, my friend. Has anybody mentioned that it is a good thing to check the amount of thread on your bobbin before you launch into a long line of chain-piecing? And a question - not once after hundreds of quilts for the needy newborns has one wee babe complained if I floated or chopped a point although I do try for accuracy - do you find any effect at all in your accuracy by chain- piecing? Polly

Reply to
Polly Esther

Reply to
Taria

Taria, I'm with you. I could hear the 1230 and the 155 when the bobbin ran out; not so with the 440. I thought it was my hearing. And ! I was too polite to mention that it is our Leslie who holds the record for Most pieces chained without a bobbin. Do we have any challengers? Polly

"Taria" I wonder if there is a record for the most pieces chain-pieced without bobbin thread. I probably am not tops but maybe near it. On my old Bernina I could hear/feel when the bobbin thread was just about out. Not so much with the machines since.

quilts for the needy newborns has one wee babe complained if I floated or chopped a point although I do try for accuracy - do you find any effect at all in your accuracy by chain- piecing?

Reply to
Polly Esther

I just sewed 26" of binding on without bobbin thread. Okay, not sewn on. But after another bobbin was in, I knew exactly where to sew the line again ;)

G> Taria, I'm with you. =A0I could hear the 1230 and the 155 when the bobbin= ran

Reply to
Ginger in CA

Not mentioned, no! But I am going so slowly, and the seams are 2" or less, so it isn't 'critical path analysis' in this instance >gA word of warning, Pat, my friend. Has anybody mentioned that it is a

Reply to
Pat S

Reply to
Roberta

I never thought of trying to listen for a change in the noise the machine makes.... good idea!

I don't mind running out of thread so much...but since I try to pull pins out before they hit the needle I always have a lot of repinning to do once the thread runs out. Such a pain when trying to match seams LOL!

Allis> I wonder if there is a record for the most pieces chain

Reply to
Allison

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