Brave and courageous of you, Jean. I wish I had your determination and spunk. Hats off to you. Yes, when you finish it you will be chuffed to bits and it will be splendid. You will have to pop a bottle of champagne to celebrate your achievement. The clam shell is a lovely shape and you will queen of it.... take care of your wrist
Thank you Jean letting us see a professional use the rulers for the fist time,as you say the videos make it look so easy, so I am going to give it a go not expecting perfection first time i think you are awsome,thanks for letting us see all the oops,you are making great progress
I am SO NOT A PROFESSIONAL!!!! LOL!! I am just me sewing in my little room, silly enough to set up a camera and video me, warts and all!!! :) Thanks so much for watching and the praise! :)
I have learned so much from your quilting trials and journeys!! Love your enthusiasm and great sense of humor. I have just purchased the rulers and so excited to give them a whirl
You have?!?!? Oh my...all the best using them! Please let me know how you like them! I love the results, but, whew, what a chore!!! :) Thank you for watching!
Jean you are awesome! So glad you are getting it figured out. What an inspiration for us all. As I’m sure you know, the skipping stitches can also be a result of your sewing speed (machine speed) and your hand speed not being the same. So perhaps because you are going a bit slower the skipping has stopped. Along with the other few things you have tried. Love seeing your progress and all your projects! This has been one of my favorites. I ❤️❤️ Fig Tree and Co. fabric!
I so enjoy your videos, and how you approach quilting! In every video, I learn and laugh. Feels like you come over for a chat and chew and we work together on a project. Thank you so much! I watch Laura too..I also ordered the snow boards from Amazon...they DO work!
Thank you for watching me! I know I'm a bit all over the place and talk a bit much, but I do like to have a laugh (at myself!) and just wing it and see where it all goes!!! :)
I think this blanket is really hard work, this clamshells I would do in the borders or only in some blocks! Your free motion quilting looks much more pretty and interesting! Thank you for sharing your experience! 😸
I've committed now and have to do the whole thing in the clam shells! But I will DO IT!!! I am bound and determined ~ and just a little bit crazy~! :LOL!
Jean Truelove if you are talking about the Supreme slider, yes. I started off using nothing then I use a Teflon oven sheet, next I use that snowboard thing and last the Supreme slider. I like the supreme slider.
As far as the glare, if you can see well enough with your other lighting, try turning off your machine light. I noticed this a few years back on a TV sewing tutorial and it was a good solution with their setup. More difficult for you to see but way better for demonstrating for viewers. I always look forward to your videos. Not only are they informative but I find myself smiling a lot, and occasionally laughing out loud.. You’re fun to watch. Thank you. Judy Schmidt
You nailed it Jean. The physicality of rulers is different. I have two sets of Westalees and love the possibilities those rulers offer. But. I've decided I'm going to use them when I quilt "Quilt as you go" style and small projects. I think practice practice practice is the key, on smaller projects is the best approach for a ruler beginner, like me. The designs are so beautiful. I've watched a ton of Westalee you tube videos and practice seems to be the key. BTW, at the beginning of the video you tossed your clamshell onto the quilt, lol 🤣. I'm loving your videos. Also, as you venture out in public at the various quilt shows, I hope you are prepared for all the happy faces who see and recognize you. I'm going to the show in Lancaster and if I see you I'll scream and ask you if we can take a pic together! Your fans love you!
I'm so ridiculous...here I am spouting off to people to 'start small' ~ 'work your way larger` ~ and OFF I GO embarking on quilting 10 million clamshells on a humungous quilt!!! :) LOL! I will be SO EMBARRASSED if anyone recognizes me!! Oh dear!!! I have created a monster!! LOL! :)
Jean Truelove oh trust me... having read so many of the comments left for you, your followers genuinely admire you. It's a compliment and honor if any of us get a chance to meet you. So embrace, and enjoy. You've brought a lot of happiness to us. I am 90% finished with the four oven mits I've made based on your tutorial. I can't wait to show You!
By the end you will be a wiz. I respect that you didn't quit. I think I would have. You are doing an awesome job. Any new skill takes time. Lol. I can say that safe from behind my computer.😁
Jean I tried the quilting rulers and I ended up packing mine away because I myself like the free motion. I can't wear the quilters gloves either, what I found that helps me a lot are secretary fingers, they are little rubber finger tip and I love them. I too need to feel the quilt plus I found my hands get too hot with the gloves. I don't wear the tips on all my finger just my strong finger (pointer, middle and thumb) and I still have plenty of grip to move the quilt freely. They work best for me. It's food for thought...Good Luck!
No snow here, so none in the shops, might try my friend overseas hahaha! Threw my $110 slider mat out, a real pain in the butt. I am trying to free motion a charity baby quilt, dark green bottom without little rose buds and a pale blue top with wee bears. Bottom thread keeps coming through the top and making the baby blue look as though it's dirty. Must take it back to the shop as I am tearing my hair out xxxx
I am also new at the ruler work and I found that using silicone spray on my work surface really works well (my husbands idea) and I also hate the quilters gloves but I saw a video that the girl had cut off the thumb and index fingers of the gloves and I did that with mine (I used garden gloves so I wouldn't waste the gloves if it didn't work for me) it worked great I could use my fingers to thread the needle if needed and also I could feel the fabric. I also ordered the Juki ruler foot $50 on amazon and it seemed to do a better job for me. Just letting you know my experience I was so frustrated at first but the thing that I realized my problem was also lowering the foot slighter helped my stitches too. Good luck I'm still a beginner you are farther along than me.
Sandy, I found that lowering the Westalee Ruler Foot helped too. It can't be too high above the quilt sandwich or the thread sheds and skips. But I also ordered the Juki Ruler Foot with the spring in it because I know my Janome FMQ ruler foot with the spring in it also works better for me than the Westalee ruler foot on my Janome. I loved the Juki Ruler Foot when I tried it at the Expo. Also, I watched the same gal who cut a couple if finger tips off the right hand glove. I tried it on my Machingers and LOVE it!
Before your wrist starts to hurt and stop you from quilting for a few days, get yourself a wrist brace it will help when you are applying pressure on the ruler. Looking forward to see one more of your lovely quilts.
Okay. Lets talk about that tension. !!!!!!! What a workout! I WANT to like the rulers....but my shoulders and back DON'T!!! LOL! Thank you however, for liking my quilt! Our son and daughter in law got this one....and they DO appreciate it:)
My word, Jean!!! How do you accomplish so much? You're amazing. I like the clamshells....I don't know if I would be as brave as you and tackle them though! LOL! And this has nothing to do with quilting....you have like a 40's look going on with your hair up. It looks very becoming on you!I got my JUKI wednesday night. I haven't actually sewn anything on it. I can't decide on making a new church dress or a disappearing nine patch quilt. Maybe I should set up one of my other machines and do both...haha...ahh...decisions decisions. Keep up the great tutorials. I love them.
The 40's look was 'created' by getting out of the shower this morning with soaking wet hair and sticking it up on my head!! LOL! Thank you though!!! You must 'christen' your Juki somehow!! Exciting!! :)
Jean, looking good. I have the same machine and ruler set from Westalee, glad to see you had the same frustrations as me! Once I got the hang of it I found that going a little faster keeps my stitches more regular. Also, don't know if you are aware that Sew Steady makes an acrylic extension table for this machine that is 24 x 32 inches which allows you to sit and sew as on a long arm quilting machine. The bulk of the table/quilt is then on the sides and you turn the machine so that it is facing you. I'm probably not explaining very well but if you go on their site and enter "large extension table" you can see the video. Love your candor and you have inspired me to tackle the big one!
rosemarie greenland I tried that configuration at a quilt show with the Juki and really liked it. It really does give a lot more room because the quilt puddles differently than how you normally quilt sitting like you would at any machine.
I didn't know about the extension table....I think it would take a bit of getting used to having the sewing machine configured that way, but I will look into it! Thank you! :)
Jean Truelove I think you might like it. You get a lot more space to quilt since the bulk of your quilt is puddled out on your right and left sides. Your machine can actually be put on a frame and be used as a long arm, granted you don't get very far but I've seen them in action and they preform very nicely.
Rosemarie, I got my Juki today! It was offered as an "I Want It All" package at the Sew Expo WITH the additional 24 x 32 FMQ table and the Westalee ruler set and Juki Ruler Foot (better than the Westalee ruler foot (IMHO) because it has an adjustable spring). I tried FMQing on this setup at the Expo, and it was FABULOUS! In my research, you're the only other person I've seen who knows about the 24x32 FMQ extension table and uses it! I can't WAIT till my table arrives (it had to be ordered)!
Jean I think you are so use to flying thru the quilting that rulers will just slow YOU down...especially on a HUGH quilt..lol. Hey just put the ruler away and do it your way..dig out ruler one day when you have a baby quilt.😊❤😇
Hello there friend I think you're doing a lovely great job I think your problem is you're used to the free motion it goes faster and this is a slower process but I think in my eyes you've nailed it like always making such beautiful quilts stop beating yourself you are great and true at what you do love your work your sense of humor like I've always said you one of a kind you go girl until next time happy so sewing❤
And I usually work at 'warp speed'....so this S L O W and T E D I O U S method, although very pretty and effective, slightly annoying! :) Thank you so much though! :)
Thanks again Jean, looks like you are getting the hang of it, you have really encouraged me to try these. I broke my right elbow in a couple of places a few years ago so hoping it won't give me a problem, have you thought about wearing a wrist brace to see if that helps. X
Hi Jean, same thing with me...those gloves & slider doesn't help me. I'm getting ready to start machine quilting a lg. quilt for my son tomorrow. I use adhesive spray to baste layers together. I straight sew in the ditch for this one as I did quilt as u go for the squares. It is a buzzsaw pattern. I then put a thin layer of batting between top & backing.Now that both son's have a quilt, it's time for me to sew for myself--ha! Blessings Jean-- I LOVE ur enthusiasm!
Hi again, I have to retract my comment about the machingers. I had to use them for son's quilt! The thing is so heavy I couldn't easily push through machine( I am only straight stitching in ditch) I ran out of the Dritz Repositional spray adhesive & had to finish using Dritz basting spray. There is a difference! The latter is stinky & is harder to re-adjust layers if needed. I don't recommend. I had considered buying quilting templates. I now think not, You are more patient than me I think,,lol Thanks for great tutorials!
I have never used the spray adhesive, like I said, and somehow I am hesitant BECAUSE of the smell, stickiness....but I will see. I don't want to discourage anyone from these rulers...I am somewhat getting used to them ~ its just such a different process than one I am used to! :)
The sprays don't gum up machine needle. I've used for about 8 yrs. But I used Dritz repositionable, which Walmart isn't carrying right now. I think I bought also at JoAnn's. Will check there. I am very sensitive to smells, There was no smell with the Dritz. The Dritz Basting spray has a definite smell--but didn't give me a headache,I also turned on my floor fan..lol Once u wash the quilt the adhesive is gone. I really like using sprays as I'm not worried about shifting while moving quilt around so much under my very short throat plate. I do spray only the batting, not fabric top or backing. Very little is needed & I make sure to smooth out any wrinkles. LMK if u try? I am not sure I will try the quilt rulers( not due to ur review) I do very simple quilting--probably have 15 tops waiting to be finished!!!! Blessings!
I love fons & porter fm gloves, I cut the fingertips out. then I can feel the material, thread needle, etc. this really works for me. I tried the slider supreme, waste of money for me, I pitched it. had thought about the snowsleds that Laura suggested. Interested in the ruler thing. Love the clam shell you did. I may give this a try, I am impressed however bit slower than FM. Maybe this gives us more control with this ruler.
The ruler is absolutely more precise and makes a super pattern (whatever one you are using), in a way that free motion quilting doesn't do really. I think I will like them ~ but I'm not giving up my FMQ anytime soon! :)
You've got quite a bit done! Bet you'll get quicker and quicker and have it quilted in a few days. Ruler makes a neat clam shape. I've watched Angela Walters work with rulers but she was on a long arm suppose it's got to be easier for her with a quilt on a frame xxx
I like you cos your you more like me down to earth no nonsense you keep being you, your great the way you are not everyone has to be the same it would be boring lol
Since you already started with this ruler, would you try to superglue some tiny thumbtacks to the ruler to grip the quilt? These rulers should have some pointy things built in. I always doubt when I see quilters demonstrate on smaller projects.... NOT the same, and they should know it.
I watched a video with a lady doing some rulers, she said get a hopper foot. Did you ever hear of one of those? Laurel, I love her too. I got the sled thing, haven't used it yet. I like your free motion designs better. So you don't start in the middle with the ruler then? You start at the bottom? You are doing great with it. You go girl! So proud of you, I knew you would be good at it.
I started at the bottom because the clam shells sit on TOP of the row beneath and that's how I figured it out ~ don't have a clue whether it is right or wrong! :) Thanks so much for following along! :)
PUHH HAHAHA! "The boobs, as it were" ... made me spit out my tea! (cleaning screen) ... OH WOW! Thank you for including those still pics, NOW I get what it looks like and I LOVE IT! So glad that I was fortunate enough to come along on this journey with you. I am definitely going to give this a try, even if it tries to clip my free-spirited, quilt police hatin, wingin it style LOL! TFS! (HUUGS) ^ _ ^
These are definite game changers as far as a much more precise polished look, but I still prefer my loosey-goosey FMQ :) But I do like these clamshells! :)
That is nice on the close up photos. But I still think your FMQ is much prettier. You notice the speed you have with your FMQ. I just love watching your videos I can't wait to get my juki. Great video today Jean🌷
Your quilt is gonna be gorgeous! I cant use those gloves either. I wear compression gloves due to Ra in my hands. Those do help keep me sewing ect longer.
If I get rulers I think I'll stick to straight or slightly curved ones. I'm all about getting my quilt done. My quilting is almost all SITD with some echoing and curves tossed in now and then.
I’m impressed and, as you get more done on your quilt, you’ll find your groove. Are your block joins getting stuck on that snow-slide thingy? You know, where the cutout is under your quilting foot? What you’ve done so far looks great!
Hi Jean, just wondered why you are working from right to left? Would it “flow” better from left to right if you are right handed! What do I know, never tried, but I’m going to have a go, ruler ordered! Well done you for perseverance, and for, as always making us laugh while you learn cos we all learn too,much love and laughter,Kris, Lymington,England x
Oh the Questions!! I DON"T KNOW WHY I DID WHAT I DID!!! LOL! Didn't have a clue where to start, how to start, why to start, when to start....but START I did! And I just chose where it decided to go!!! :ILOL!! I am so glad to be around folks for a bit of comic relief, although I should start being more 'professional and boring'...! LOL!! :)
Jean Truelove Don’t you dare be boring or so professional that none of us know about the real world of quilting! We watch YOU because we love listening and learning from you and having a bit of a giggle with you too.Yes I watch others, but I can’t wait to see what you do, how to have a go anyway and if I get in a pickle, just laugh, no big deal eh? This is all supposed to be fun,thanks Jean, Kris in Lymington England
kris morris Your question! Why don't I go left to right?!? Oh. My. Word. !!! I listened to you and it is SO MUCH EASIER!! Thank you thank you. Along with many other wonderful suggestions, I am making progress!! 👍👍👌
It is sort of a quilt as you go method ~ circles with batting in between then sewn together and the rounded edges turned to the front and stitched down. No actual 'quilting' necessary. I saw a picture and copied it! :)
... the effect is something that you just wanna look at. If you had stippled it, however nice that would have been, I'm sure it would not have had the same effect... and effects are what Artists create, Jean
I do notice when I'm using rulers for curves "boobs, as they were", lol! that it really helps me to work from top to bottom, instead of across, if that makes any sense. I think it's because I'm pulling the fabric towards me that it makes it feel easier. I feel like I have a lot more control that way. I also have very weak wrists and hands (on both sides). I know you're probably up to your ears in advice at this point, but I thought I'd just offer it up and you could decide if you wanted to try it or not. I think I feel the same way you do, that I love the look of the ruler work, but it is a very tedious and slow process compared to free motion. I really like to mix a little bit of both in my quilts, especially if I want really straight lines. I love to use a straight ruler for stitch in the ditch or for echoing around st in the ditch (inside triangles and what have you) and then mix it with free motion so I have some structure in with my spirals and such. Using rulers opened up a whole new world to me in my quilting endeavors.
I started at the bottom thinking that I can see where to 'set' the legs of the clam shell on the 'top' of the curve...makes sense in my brain. I think I will get out my wrist brace, like suggested. I do think I might just like these things, once I get the hang of them, but I do find them a bit slow (and I'm Speedy Gonzales!! But I'm open!!! :)
Jean, you have got your work cut out for you. Wouldn't it have been easier to stitch in the ditch and just do clam shell as nice decorative touch to border. I can't believe you are going to do the whole thing with clam shell. It's going to be gorgeous though
The ruler foot can be adjusted up and down on the actual shaft it is screwed to. I just loosened the screw and bought it down a hair. Seems to work better.
yeah, you gonna need some ' religious devotion' to get to the end of that. A clam shell border would have sold it and it would have been enough to manouver through the machine. You gonna be a martyr, innit
