I also use the dryer after washing gently. Because it tends to ball up I check the dryer every 10 minutes or so and fluff it by hand before it goes for the next tumble. I certainly would wash the quilt before showing. Also, I learned not to press the finished quilt because that flattens out the dimension created by the quilting.

If the seam has just come unsewn use a simple ladder stitch to repair it before you wash it. A gentle washing would probably not hurt it. I always throw mine in the dryer but you could lay it flat on the floor somewhere that does not get traffic to dry--that will let you block it too.

Alex,
I think this is a great idea. Everybody needs reinforcement.

Well, I finally decided to ask my question in this Newbie post, because I cannot see the topic elsewhere. Plus, I am a newbie. I have entered a few quilts into my local guild's quilt show. This is my first year as a member and my first entry. There is one quilt I did about two years ago, that has never been seen publically, but I think it is my best yet. A tradition Dresden Plate set on point. My question: It does not look dirty. However, just because it has been around for two years and has been used everyday, I know it probably can look a bit brighter. Should I wash it? If so, do I just hang it on the line to dry, or use the dryer---- and most importantly - do I iron it? It wash machine pieced, hand appliqued and machine quilted by a professional quilter. This material was all pre-washed before I made the quilt.

Also, I know this is another question, but I noticed a tiny tiny spot where the seam should be fixed. What's the best way to do that?

The "New Forum" is Wonderful! The idea of a "Beginner's Corner" is also Great. I have referred several new quilting friends to The Quilt Show... and many of them have asked about a 'beginner quilter' area? This is great! It has now come to them and all of us who also have questions along the way I am sure many new quilters would also like to see some beginning quilter video's as well... exp) sewing on a border, binding, ironing etc... I myself, had to recently get online to get a 'refresher' on mitered corners. I was trying to miter a floral patterned border, and wanted it to miter perfectly. Of course I checked "The Quilt Show" first, but couldn't find a video. I am very much a visual learner. All the classrooms I have watched here are exceptional! I have learned so much from this site! Thank you, for all you offer and keep coming up with! The is my favorite quilting site! Julie in AZ

yah.....i can't wait for the newbie videos.

Can you create some green videos for people like me who have never sewn but wants to make a quilt? LOL.

Charmane (new to quilting and sewing)

Yay, a newbie section! I'm very much a newbie, although I've read a number of quilting books and magazines over the last 12 years or so.

Finally started to be serious about learning to sew last January. I agree with Lorchen and Jill, watching someone else works better for me than trying to read and comprehend right off the bat. Or maybe I should say "right off the batting"?

Donna

I am with you Lorchen no matter much I read and or look at pictures when I see a video it all makes sense.

Jill - Australia

Frances, I can read your explanation, but it doesn't make sense to me. It's not you, it's me. My brain learns and understands best when I can observe somebody else doing something (and even better, if I can then do it myself at the same time). So, please Alex, the more little videos the better, however basic the question. I must have read more than a dozen explanations about how to do mitred corners when putting a binding on a quilt, some of them with lots of still pictures. It wasn't good enough for me. But the moment I had the chance to watch somebody do it (nice and slowly), my brain went 'click' and I now don't understand why I didn't get it sooner.

Lorchen

Karen Combs had a great way to line up diamonds. She puts a piece of quarter inch tape on the bed of her machine. The bottom diamond has the tip at the top of the tape. You then line up the other diamond with the bottom of the tape. Voila! the pieces line up perfectly when you press it open.
Frances

Yep--that would be a good video series for newbies(us old folks who need to be reminded, too).

The other day I got an email from a newbie with some really basic questions - like "when piecing -how do you line up odd shapes?" And that s when I realized we needed a newbie section to embrace the next generation of quilters.....and in answer to her question, I will more than likely do a video answering this question - because it is EXCELLENT.