Welcome to the final day of Quiltmaker’s Back to School Party! A quilt isn’t officially finished until it has a label, right? So QM’s Graphic Designer Denise Starck designed a quilt label just for your Frame by Frame quilt. It’s our special thank you for participating in the Back to School Party with us!
Download it, test-print it on paper, then print it onto printer-ready fabric. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure it’s permanent. Fill in the information with a permanent pen such as Micron Pigma .03. Peel the fabric away from the stiffening material. Follow the instructions in our label tutorial for a beautiful, easy finish, substituting your Frame by Frame label for the one shown.
Download and then print the label above by clicking here.
Today’s sponsors are Fairfield and Handi Quilter.
Fairfield has provided three packages of batting for giveaway. They contain crib-sized American Spirit batting described like this:
A balanced blend of 70% Natural Cotton and 30% Polyester, this batting quilts and drapes like cotton, yet resists creases like polyester. Ideal for machine quilting, it is both washable and non-allergenic.
This batting is needle-punched through a light scrim that provides stability, making it a great choice for quilting on a longarm machine.
We’d like to thank Fairfield for their sponsorship. We know that three lucky QP readers will enjoy giving this batting a try. (Giveaway details below.)
* * * * *
Handi Quilter has provided three DVDs entitled Quilter’s Academy Presents David Taylor: Machine Quilting for Beginners.
If you’ve seen David’s quilts or heard him speak, you have a pretty good idea that he’s a dynamo behind the sewing machine. I can’t think of anyone who couldn’t learn something from him.
We’d like to thank Handi Quilter for their sponsorship. Three lucky QP readers will soon be quilting up a storm because of these power-packed DVDs.
For your chance to win, please leave a comment below by midnight, Friday, Sept. 14 answering this question: On a scale of 0 to 5, how would you rate yourself as a machine quilter?
0 means “I’ve never tried it.”
1 means “I’m still a rank beginner.”
2 means “I’m a confident beginner moving toward intermediate.”
3 means “I have considerable experience, I know quite a bit, I still have lots to learn.”
4 means “I feel confident in my machine quilting.”
5 means “I am a very confident machine quilter and have mastered the techniques.”
We’ll pick three winners for batting and three winners for DVDs and post them here next week. The winners have been chosen and will be notified by email. Thanks for your comments, which help us to plan future issues of Quiltmaker.
Thanks ever so much for joining us during the Back to School Party. We’ll have a final wrap-up around the middle of next week.
1. I’m a rank beginner, but I’m having fun moving towards number 2!
I’m only a 1……insert sad face here!!
I have tried machine quilting (on a potholder!), so I guess that would make me a 1 rather than a 0. I have lots to learn!
Heh..I will say 1, but I WANT to say 2 – I just started using my quilting foot last week though, so other than straight line quilting I don’t have more than a bit of experience at fmq, I should be honest and say 1
I’d give myself a 3. Some things I’m good at, others I haven’t tried or learned yet.
I am seriously at level one, you can tell by the number of flimsies on my shelf. But I am practising.
For me it is a 1. I’m still a rank beginner.
No doubt about it, I’m a one. I’ve tried it once, on a queen size quilt and simply followed a pattern on the fabric I used for the quilt backing – very geometric.
I would rank myself as a 3. I have moved beyond stippling, can do a rather wonky feather but still have so much to learn!
I’ve had two classes, but I’m still very much a rank beginner. Having the time to practice is my challenge.
I would say I’m a 4. I’ve been quilting for almost 20 years. I haven’t done feathers, but I’m usually comfortable with stars, loops, leaves, double circles, and so on.
I would have to say 1, and working my way to a 2…..I have a quilting frame and machine, but still need lots of practice!
I would rank myself a 5. I have been machine quilting for 20 years now,…. I love it, and I just can’t get enough of it…. I am always looking for different ways to quilt a quilt…
I am always looking for a different pattern…
I am a 2. I have machine quilted one large quilt and I was happy with the results. A spin in the dryer hides so many flaws
I think of myself as a 1 verging on 2. I do the FMQC every month and I can see improvement.
Somewhere between a 0 and 1. Tried it once … ripped it out and finished it by hand
I’d say I’m between a 1 and a 2! But all I really do is stitch in the ditch or 1/4″ from the seam!
I think I rank myself as 2.5
I know quite a bit but my mom is a machine quilter so I let her have all her fun, I just give my input!!
I think I’m a solid 3 working on a 4.
I’m a 1 working her way to a 2 -slowly, but I’ll get there. Thanks for the great pattern & the giveaways.
I’m a 3, always looking for something new to learn.
I am for sure a #1! thanks!
I’m definitely a 1.
I am almost a number 2.
I would say I am between # 1 and #2. I try really hard, and have been working on being more confident. It seems to be difficult for me to keep my machine quilting even and consistent.
1 – a beginner, although I’m not sure I agree with the “rank” part.
I’m a “0″
Working up my courage though
I am definitely a 1. I need to create more opportunities to sew. It will be much easier once I have a sewing area.
I do all my quilting on a domestic machine a Viking Sapphire I think I’m a 2 working on 3 I keep a quilt in progress most of the time.
I’ve done quite a bit of straight line quilting but very little free motion so I rate myself as a 1. Thanks for the chance at your giveaway.
I’m a confident beginner moving toward intermediate.
I would rate myself a 3. Love to machine quilt but have lots to learn yet.
I’m a 2. I am working a bit on improving my skills each month, and have seen improvement this year.
Rate me a 1 1/2 ..no control over free motion & only have done geometric quilting ….I have oodles of completed tops &
lots of backings for them but am skitish about the quilting. Sure would like to try out your batting 70/30, it sounds lovely.
I am a 2. Still have a lot to learn.
I’m a 3 who still has lots to learn. I’d love to learn to make beautiful feathers, I think they really make a quilt come to life!
I’m definitely a “1″ Rank beginner. I’ve attempted it a few times but not much more yet.
Probably a 2.
#1 – rank beginner…but sure want to learn more!
I am still a beginner and mostly stick to pantographs on my short arm set-up. But I guess I am slowly getting ready for FMQ… Thanks for a chance!
I’m close to a 2 on my sit down Janome 6600 however, I just got a used stand up Handiquilter 16 and am definitely a 1. It is much different having the machine fixed and moving the quilt versus holding the quilt fixed and trying to move a big machine. It’s a whole new world. Definitely move practice required to get the feel of it all.
I’d say I’m a #4. I used to do a lot of machine embroidery and I’m comfortable with moving fabric around and making designs. If you asked me about piecing, I’m probably a #2. We all have our different strengths, don’t we. Thanks.
I’m middle of the road #3 “I have considerable experience, I know quite a bit, I still have lots to learn.” I know there is a whole lot out there to still learn. Thanks for the chance to win.
3 but learning more everyday
still at a 1
I will give myself #1. still a beginner.
I’m going to step out on a limb here and say 2, but just barely!
I AM A 5!!!! This is only in my head. Now I just top over the beginner and that is even with my longarm.
Julie
Wooohhh, I have no level yet I’m a beginner, that’s 0, I’m in process now, I’m still seeing, hearing and trying to learning, then I’ll try to quilting.
Probably between a 3 and 4. I have been quilting on my Bernina for over 30 years, and recently upgraded to the new 550QE, so I’m pretty confident with respect to a regular machine. I also have a new mid-arm quilting machine with a Pfaff, and still have much to learn with regards to that type of quilting, so I’m a “novice” in that regard!
A 2, can do it but need more work, plus my mother does beautiful hand stitched quilts so I usually pass them along to her to quilt.
3. I’ve owned 2 longarm machines for a little over 3 years, I have learned a lot, but I have a long way to go before I’m a seasoned pro, that’s for sure.
I’m a 0. Though I am just learning to make the quilt blocks. Will be trying my hand at quilting it once I have it done.
My number is 3. I have never heard of David Taylor but I know that I could always see, hear, learn and quilt by him. You, alone, have taught us so much. We have learned by this fantastic blog. Thank you for the giveways all week long.
Sandi T.
sandit1@sbcglobal.net
I’m a #3, confident but have more to learn. I’ve been quilting for 10 years now, I’m using my Pfaff machine for wall hangings & smaller quilts. I’ve been using the Millinum longarm machine, renting the machine for a variety of quilts the last few years. Love this hobby & look forward to a few years from now when I retire from my full-time office job and enjoy my quilting as a daily full-time experience.
I think I am a 3. I have been quilting for about 9 years now. I just got a long arm and have lots to learn. I enjoy my quilting because it puts me in the “Now” time of thinking. I love this blog. There is so much information and stuff to learn. It never ends.
I’m probably a 2, working on 3. I can follow simple outlines on the fabric, stipple, do some thread painting, etc. I machine quilt almost everything I do these days. With 3 kids at home, and working as a knitting instructor, I don’t have a lot of time to quilt, so anything I do has to be fast.
Think I will always be a 1, but it’s always going to be fun.
I am a number 1. Can you believe I have at least 10 tops and backs made just waiting to be quilted. Would love to become quite the free motion quilter. I have always been afraid to let myself go instead I have relied on all those really good long arm quilters and have paid lots of money to have all my quilts quilted for me. This would be a great opportunity to make myself learn yet another faze of quilting.
I am a number 1. Can you believe I have at least 10 tops and backs made just waiting to be quilted. Would love to become quite the free motion quilter. I have always been afraid to let myself go instead I have relied on all those really good long arm quilters and have paid lots of money to have all my quilts quilted for me. This would be a great opportunity to make myself learn yet another faze of quilting.
1 – I am a rank beginner – I have done Stitch in the Ditch quilting and some quilting around applique but that is it!
I am a 1, a rank beginner. Mostly stitch in the ditch.
I would say a 3 is my skill level. I have longarm quilted for for 8 years but there is so much more to learn.
Definitely a 2 but working hard to get better every day.
Definitely #1… but working on getting better!!!
I’m a #1, but as I quilt more, I will learn more. Thanks for a chance to win!
I’m probably between a 1 and a 2. I’ve read up a lot about machine quilting, and understand at least all of the basics, but I have a small machine and not much time to practice with it. I think my main hurdle has been understanding how the top and bobbin threads & tensioning all interact, more than the movement of my hands with the piece being quilted. Does anyone offer a Thread Science 101 class? lol!
I’m a 3. Wish it were higher but the truth shall set me free!
I would say I am a 2, a confident beginner.
I’m definitely a 1 so I’d love to win the DVD!
I think I’m a 3, and learning more each day.
I am a 1 and maybe a 2 after finishing my lap quilt.
I’m a beginner but hard at work to advance.
I rank myself as a 2 moving on to a 3 level. Thanks for the chance to win!!
I’m a 1! I know practise, practise, practise. Just frustrating cause I never seem to get any better.
I would have to say I am probably about a 3. I do think its alot about practise practise practise.
I would have to rank myself as a 2 (confident beginner trying hard to get better). Free motion is still full of stops for me.
I would say I’m a 3. I quit my job a year ago to do customer quilting. I do mostly pantographs but have also done some custom work. I just don’t get much time to practice! Thank you for the chance to win!
I am a sad little 1. Would love to be able to do it and do it well.
I’m a 2 and hope to improve greatly within a year. Hope springs eternal. :’)
Thanks
I’d definitely rank at 0
I would say I’m a 2… trying hard to become a pro!
I’m a 2 on the machine quilting scale. I’m slowly working my way toward a 3.
“0″, I have only quilted on my bernina on a bag I finished. Never had the nerve to try a quilt. I really don’t want to ruin something I have worked hard to piece together. Maybe someday. The batting looks and sounds very interesting. I would like to try it with a quilt I have planned for my new granddaughter.
I would rank myself #2 as machine quilter.
I am #1 as a machine quilter.
I’m a bout a 3.5
I am a 1. I can stipple. Thats it.
I am still a 1 but hoping to progress to a 2 soon.
i’m a 2.5 hahaha.
I’d say a 2. I have made several quilt projects that I think turned out quite nice, but I still have lots to learn.
a beginner so it’s a 1.
I am a 1 – I’m too afraid!
I’m a 2. I am a beginner at machine quilting, but I love it and have LOTS to learn!
I feel I am at a #3. I know there is so much more for me to learn. I love stippling, and have done quilts for others as well. One day I am going to give the pantograpgh designs a try!
I’m a 2 hoping to become a 3 with a lot more practice!
Sadly, I am only a 1, but will work on more small projects and eventually quilt a full size quilt!
I’m a 2 on some levels & 1 on others. I keep trying and although I’m far from perfect, I can do basic quilting motifs. But, would love to get better at more complex ones.
I am at a 1. I have only “grid quilted” 3 small quilts and, just recently got a very old longarm set up (the sewing machine is a 1937 Singer!) and am still trying to get used to its quirky ways.
Thanks for the fun “Back-to School-Party” and the giveaway! Good luck, Everyone 
Well I would be a 0 for actual quilting machines. I have done some on my home machine on my smaller projects, my friend has a Handi Quilter and loves it. I would love to learn!
1 bur I have only tried it once….I need a personal trainer
I’m a number 1 I guess …have only tried machine quilting on small projects such as pot holers and mug rugs!
I have never quilted on a machine. I would love to learn. It would be so much fun to be able to make the quilt and then quilt the quilt yourself!!! It would be such an accomplishment.
Totally rank! I am a -1. LOL
I am definitely a 1 and am having trouble cause I don’t have a quilting foot yet. Living on a limited budget I hope to get it next month. It doesn’t make it easy without one. I would love the DVD especially and living in a small rural area can’t really get good supplies and batting is sooo expensive. Love your blogs and ideas. I am learning so much so a big THANK YOU!
Well, if you count straight line quilting then I’m almost to a 1. I’m fascinated and terrified by free motion quilting but I’ve never had an opportunity to even try.
I’m a 1! No matter how much I practice, when I try to fmq on my quilts I still feel like a beginner. Thanks for the opportunity to enter your wonderful giveaway!
A definite #2. I need to get a little more confident.
Working on my first grandchilds quilt, he or she is coming in dec or jan
.
I am definitely a 1 needing to spend more time practicing. I would love to win an instructional DVD with any tips to to help improve my technique.
I think I am a 4…certainly don’t know it all yet, but comfortable doing almost anything.
0 – I have never tried machine quilting, but I would like to.
I would say I am a strong level 2. I have machine quilted quite a few smaller projects but have shied away from larger ones so far. Thanks for the chance to win. Good luck everyone!
I am a two, although my stippleing looks like lightning bolts.LOL I need lots of practice.
I’m a middle of the road 3!
I am definitely a 1. I can do straight line quilting. I have the walking foot and the free-motion foot but I need to practice and learn some more. Thank you for the chance to win batting and a quilting DVD.
I’m at a “2″ and reaching for “3.” I love quilting my own projects, and practice definitely brings improvement, as well as confidence.
I would rate myself a 1… I have quilted 3 quilts since I started sewing in April of this year! I look forward to getting better and better as time goes by!
I am a 2. I could learn a lot from a pro.
I’m a “1″ — tried it, just can’t seem to get the hang of it. Plus I lack the patience for what would help most – practice, practice, practice. It was the same with piano lessons when I was a kid!!!
I am a 2 in the early stages, I have made many quilt, but only machine quilted a few.
I would rate myself a 3, so I could definitely learn more from David’s DVD. Thanks for the giveaway.
Just a 2 but that comes before 3, 4, ……….
Level 1 for sure
I’m at level 3. I have been branching out lately, but have a long ways to go… I appreciate the quilt design samples that Quiltmaker Magazine and Quilty Pleasures shows me.
I would rate myself a 3 – I use my Featherweight to quilt with. I could learn more !!
#2 – I am a beginner, but the more I learn, the more I feel ready for new designs for machine quilting. Thanks Quiltmaker for moving me forward!
I am definitely at level 1, but hoping to move up. Then maybe I can finish up the quilt tops that are piling up.
I am a level 1…. I have only made a very few small quilts and a baby quilt.
Jeg er ret ny quilter, og synes det er svært.
Vil bedømme mig som en lille #1 måske kun en #1/2, men hos os siger man, at øvelse gør mester – så jeg må i gang med arbejdet.
Ville være så lykkelig hvis heldet var med mig, tak.
I think I am an two and a half, I have some experience, but haven’t done a lot of quilting. My free motion could use a lot of help.LOL. But, I really haven’t done a lot of free motion. Too much work, not enough playing. I saw some of David Taylors work last year in Lincoln, NE. Fabulous!
I’m a 1 for straightline machine quilting and a 0 for FMQ.
I’m at 1 but very close to being a 2. Just need more practice and try to remember the little things that make the quilting look nice.
I am a number 1 but would like to be much better. A little guidance and a lot of practice are all I need.
I’m a 3 been quilting for 16 years on a 1930′s sewing machine. Just got a new machine and what a difference, yea a 3 have lots to learn.
I would say I am a 2, but I don’t do much more than meander or spaced lines with my walking foot.
I am a 1. I have only experimented on place mats. After spending hours measuring, cutting, piecing and sewing my quilt tops, I haven’t been confident enough to try machine quilting for fear of ruining my hard work. Therefore, I leave tha actual quilting to the longarm pros at the quilt shops.
I’m a 1 3/4 and am working to get to 2! lol
I believe that I am a #2, confident beginner working toward #3, all self-taught. So I probably am not doing everything right, but having fun none-the-less.
4 and improving!! I’m doing SewCal Gal’s FMQ challenge, and my designs and feathers are getting really good. I’m confident and can teach others. Cute label!
2 : “I’m a confident beginner moving toward intermediate.”
I’m a beginner, so is 1!
I’m ranked a 1, just a beginner. I wish that I was better.
I guess I’d have to say I’m a 3 (or a 2 1/2). I’ve only done machine quilting, no hand quilting. I haven’t done anything terribly complicated, but I can do more than stitch-in-the-ditch. And to the lady who uses her Featherweight to quilt – kudos to you!!!
I would probably rank myself between 0 and 1, as I don’t machine quilt very often, and then it is quite often in the ditch. Thanks for the giveaway.
i fill that I’m a number #2. I quilt, but always have more to learn.
I think I’m about a 2 and a half. I’ve done quite a bit of machine quilting, but it has all been either stitch-in-the-ditch or meander quilting. I’m ready to try something new!
I’m between a zero and 1, so I’d say a 0.5. (I know it’s not on the chart, but I have tried machine quilting, so I’m not a 0 but I’m not a rank beginner since I have NO clue what I am doing!) LOL
I’m a 1, maybe moving towards a 2. I have machine quilted a couple throws and pillows.
I would say between 2 and 3. Going on 1 year having short-arm and frame, have done about 10 different quilts/practice pieces. Do pretty well stippling but badly on any “structured design”. Horrible experience trying to pantograph with laser, but newest plaything (groovy board/stylus) has done fine.
I’m probably a 1!
Still a #1, but trying and experimenting and trying again!
I would say I’m more than “1″ but not quite “2.” So, 1.5?
I’m at 3 and love taking classes to practice and test out different techniques. Machine quilting is fun and magical in the results.
I’m lucky to have recently purchased a used standup HQ 16 and I just love it! Still working on a few practice quilts before I start on the several tops I have ready to go. I rate myself as a confident beginner and would love to have a new DVD to learn from!
I’d say I’m a 1 and a half! Maybe a 2 on a good day! I’ve done several free-motion quilting projects, but I still struggle keeping my stitch length even (I don’t have a stitch regulator). The fun quilting designs I see in Quiltmaker help me work up my courage to keep trying though!
A ’2′ here in apple country! Looking forward to retreat with 39 others in two weeks! Taking monthly workshops and practicing on small projects all the time.
I would say I’m a definite 3, I have quilted quite a bit, but still feel there is a bunch to learn.
3+. I have an original HandiQuilter frame and Juki TLE. My mom has a small Gamill setup. Between the two, I’ve done 60-75 quilts in the last 10 years, but haven’t advanced beyound pantographs and stippling. Love the process, but just afraid of the next level..
I’m at level 1, having done mostly tied quilts or stitch-in-the-ditch/straight line quilting.
I’m a #1–rank beginner! I get petrified with fear when ever I contemplate machine quilting!
Well, that depends on what I’m quilting on. If I’m on a long arm machine, then I’m a 1 (one), a rank beginner. I’ve only done 3 quilts that way. If I’m using my sewing machine to quilt with, then I’d say I’m a 2 – I am fairly confident about my skills there. But I would love to have the time (and money) to be able to use a long arm and get really proficient on it.
I’m #3 Sill hae a lot to learn.
0 – I am a nervous nelly about trying it!!
I am a beginner for sure! By the time I finish the quilt top, I am too afraid to try…thinking I will mess it up! I just hand quilt…which takes so long!
I’m a #4 these days. I used to be a #5 I think but lost a lot of that confidence when I had a lengthy battle with machine problems (I was ripping out more than sewing).
I’ve enjoyed this week’s “school.”
THANKS!
I just wanted to write a small comment to thank you for all of the great ideas you are showing on this website. My rather long internet look up has now been recognized with good content to exchange with my partners. I ‘d assume that many of us visitors are undoubtedly fortunate to exist in a remarkable site with very many lovely professionals with helpful tactics. I feel extremely grateful to have discovered the website and look forward to plenty of more thrilling minutes reading here. Thanks once again for all the details.