Before You Begin "Quilting wisdom" comes primarily from two sources-one's own experience, and other quilters! Hints, shortcuts, and practical know-how are traded at quiltings and sewing circles. But not all of us have access to these gatherings. Grandmothers, aunts, and neighbors have traditionally been reservoirs of quilting secrets. But not all of us have these treasures. Good pattern books have thorough instructions, but few include details about choosing needles or how to stretch or condense a quilting pattern, or what to do about a stain. Tips for Quilters is a treasure of quilting wisdom, assembled from a premiere group-those women who have perfected piecing for generations, who long ago learned how to prevent thread from knotting while quilting, who continually experiment with new tools, new batting, new markers. I hope that you find Tips for Quilters second best only to being in a roomful of quilters! While these experts are not physically present, I have tried to preserve their voices in the advice they so generously offered. In many cases, several quiltmakers submitted similar ideas. The name listed represents a specific rendering of a particular idea. May be you warmed as I have been by these contributors' generous sharing of their experience. May you grow more confident and find quilting more satisfying because of what you learn here. -Rachel T. PellmanChapter 1. Selecting Fabrics"I look for balance, keeping whites, yellows, and extra bright colors interspersed evenly through the whole quilt. I make sure I use enough of an accent color so as not to look like an accident and to make the quilt sparkle."-Darla Sathre, Baxter, Minnesota"Sometimes the pattern itself seems to call for certain fabrics; a Grandmother's Fan, for example, would seem appropriate in soft, Victorian-looking colors. Patterns like the Ohio Star or Eight-Pointed Star need bright or dark main colors for the star points which I want to emphasize."-Marilyn Umble, Atglen, Pennsylvania"Usually I choose a print first, then pick colors rom the print to match the solids or the smaller design prints I want to include."-Betty Boyton, Gordonville, Pennsylvania"When I'm planning to applique, I squint my eyes to see if the colors I've chosen blend."-Sharon van Meter, St. Charles, Missouri"Whenever I find a good light color, I buy a yard because it's always harder to find lights. I try to mix large prints, small prints, color values, etc." - Nancy Wagner Graves, Manhattan, Kansas"I try not to use a dead white background. Instead, I find a neutral fabric with a slightly textured look for the background."-Shirley Liby, Munci, Indiana Excerpted from Tips for Quilters: A Handbook of Hints, Shortcuts, and Practical Suggestions from Experienced Quilters by Rachel T. Pellman All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.
