so let's have an open debate...
to cheat or not to cheat???
are yall for or against cheater prints???
inquiring minds want to know.
1 day ago
to cheat or not to cheat???
27 October 2010
so let's have an open debate...
to cheat or not to cheat???
are yall for or against cheater prints???
inquiring minds want to know.
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95 comments:
It really depends what your goal is. Do you just want the look? Do you enjoy the process of piecing? Do you enjoy the texture of peiecing?
I personally don't use "cheater prints" but I cheat in my own ways and I don't have a problem with other people using cheater prints either.
I have used cheater prints a couple of times in the past....where my goal was to improve upon my hand-quilting.
Some quilters occasionally use them as the actual focus or center of a quilt, using their own fabrics for the rest.
I say "To each her own".
Karen
I prefer actual piecing, since that is where the fun is!
I think the fabric in your photo is pretty & I wouldn't have guessed it was a cheater or a panel. I think they have their place in the quilting world for sure - especially a cleverly quilted end product. I like panels too for quick projects or for donations when you really want to do something to help out, but are pressed for time or funds. I also think its all about the fabric - if you love it, then its perfect for you!
I don't but that is because I haven't found cheater prints in what I consider "quality" fabrics. I figure if I am going to take the time to make something I want it to last. If I found them in quality fabricsa and prints that I like then I might go for it.
I think it really depends on what you intend to use the piece for. I have nothing against cheater prints especially if the items may be used to the point of abuse. Point in case, do not use a hand appliqued quilt as a picnic quilt! If you want a really wonderful product, piece it or applique it yourself!
My first thought is if you like it, use it.
Cheater prints & panels aren't what they used to be. And, you aren't limited to using a panel in its entirety. Cut it up, fussy cut it, a lot of times you are still piecing just as much, but with a panel print. Moda, Northcott, and lots of quality fabric manufacturers make them, too. So, I say, yes, cheater prints are great and have their place!
After all, most of us are quilting to make something wonderful for someone to love and use. Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder! Who cares what the "judgers" think about my quilts if I like them?
Depends on the project. I think they are great for a quick baby quilt or for using as part of a pieced quilt. I've even used them to cut up and make binding or as lining for projects. I love finding a nice one with coordinating yardage. So I guess I vote yes for cheating! But they don't take the place of traditional pieced quilts...not in the same category!
MGM
I think they can be fun for a fast project. If you like it, use it. No rules quilting just warm and snuggly.
I don't like them. I wouldn't purchase a quilt made with them as the front focus fabric.
I may someday come across some cheeter panels and really love them but I haven't seen any yet.
It truly depends on the project I'm doing. I mostly just piece but if I'm doing a picnic quilt or something then cheater prints are the way to go since they're just going to be thrown on the ground anyway!
Cindy
My favorite part about quilting is piecing, so I probably wouldn't use a cheater print... but I don't have anything against someone else using one, especially if it looks good. Oh, and it can be a great way to get in a really quick finish if you need one for a gift or just a morale boost!
I think every range should include a cheater, really! there are loads of people out there who love fabrics and would love to be able to put up a cushion of a tablecloth easy peasy. There's a time and a place for everything i think. It's like having cereal for dinner, occasionally it's just right!
I'm not opposed to cheater prints or panels. I have used them in my early days of quilting and probably still have some lying around. But I would not use them now simply because my quilting has advanced. But I think if you are new to quilting and are not sure if it is your "thing" or not it might be good to give it a try.
For. Definitely. Cheater prints are a MAJOR blessing when a quick quilt gift is needed. I even saw one used as a quilt back recently.
For quick projects they can be OK, but I probably wouldn't ever use them for my own! :)
Nope, never liked 'em.
I remember coming across a beautiful quilt hanging in a store then when I got closer and realized it was a panel...well, I felt cheated.
Some "cheaters" are quite interesting but I don't get much satisfaction when using them. It's like borrowing someone else's idea instead of putting "me" into the project.
Cheaters (in all types of varying degrees) have their own place in 'our world'.
They're for the harried Mom who wants to make a quilt for their baby, but is just sooooo exhausted keeping up w/ kiddo that they can't. There's nothing wrong w/ a pre-quilted panel and some ready-made bias tape. [Ooooh, I can hear the ladies falling off their chairs now! <*giggle*>]
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ilively/3054724930/
Next in line are those panels that you can just quilt yourself. Maybe add a border or two. Those are nice for beginning quilters. They're also good for those wanting to learn how to 'free-hand' quilt. Go ahead, ask me how I know ... I double dog dare ya! :D
[http://www.flickr.com/photos/ilively/2147776078/]
Then there are those lovely fabrics that come in such 'impossible' designs as Double Wedding Ring. Those quilts that intimidate the still beginning quilter ... who, might not be confident enough to piece the top ... but who also wants some 'in the ditch' practice. [Don't fall over again, Ladies .. I *do not* have a photo of that to show you. ;D]
As for your photo. I think the fabric falls in to the 'too pretty to cut' category. Adding borders to it is perfect. :D But, what do I know ... I'm a quilting 'rebel' who doesn't always follow the traditional rules. :D
I really dislike cheater panels. They are easy to spot because they just do not look nice like something pieced. I don't and won't use them.
I'm in the "Use what you like" camp. If you find a so-called "cheater" fabric that you think you can put to good use - go for it!
~ Meagan
No cheating! You want your piece to look beautiful!
I never use them, BUT, I just purchased Ricky Tims Conversions book and some cheaters look pretty neat done that way. I can't believe it...but I may even have to purchase a panel. I am pinching myself to see if I really said that.
I don't mind a cute panel that is used as part of a pieced quilt, but I don't like cheater prints that are made to look like a WHOLE quilt. That being said, I very rarely buy panels.
There's a place for everything, and for those that use them, good on ya! For me, no thanks, there's no reall challenge of creativity in it. Each to their own :)
I really like pieced quilts, but I have to say that i have used cheater prints and lately I have a used a few to make fun quilts for my kids and my granddaughter. One of them I cut apart and pieced it back together to try to make it look more pieced Not sure if it helped.I will be posting it soon on this blog.
http://pinkpicklequilts.blogspot.com/
I prefer to piece my quilts although I would use a cheater piece to cut up to use for hexies. The cheaters that have many 'squares' of different prints.
Never cheat..........
I love quilts of all sorts and I have used my share of cheater prints...for a quick baby gift, for a seasonal piece that I need in a hurry, for a kid's quilt, even for me if I really love the print (includes panels). I know when I choose one of these prints that I am not making an heirloom, so it frees me up to try techniques I might otherwise not use, and there is the satisfaction of getting done FAST! I vote yes.
I don't like them. Where's the creativity in using a cheater print?
I'm firmly against. :)
I've only used one but I still love looking at it. It's a Wee Play cheater print and there's no way I could have found all those prints since it was discontinued by the time I discovered that line. I took 1 1/4 yard and made it into a small quilt for my oldest and he loves it. Really, who has a right to judge when it made the maker and the recipient happy??? Isn't that what the important part is?
By the way, my mom made me a cheater quilt which I didn't know was a cheater quilt until I became a quilter. The sad fact is most people don't know any better so if you want to make a quick baby quilt then I think most non quilters would be none the wiser.
I am not a cheater fan - but it doesn't bother me when others use them.
I used a cheater fabric to greatly improve my quilting (hand and machine) capability. I think it depends on what you like and what you feel good about doing. I think the quilting police are wrong with their 'adherance' to perfection.
I don't use the cheater fabrics in my quilts, because I like to do all of my piecing. But I do use fabric panels for holiday wallhangings and things like that, if I find ones that I like.
Occasionally I use a panel for a children's quilt but always add borders and sometimes piecing too. They are a cute way to get something done quickly!
I don't like them either, they tend to make the item look too "store bought".
Nope, not a fan at all.
Hugs,
Joy :o)
I like piecing myself...BUT!
I've used cheaters before as I think they're a great way to practice my hand quilting!
Thimbleberries has a really cute Halloween cheater out right now. :)
I'd rather not but if I were in a hurry to make a gift it seems like a great solution. I'm thinking it might be a good way to practice quilting techniques as well.
I say do what pleases you! It's your quilt. I occasionally use cheater panels, and end up cutting them apart and piecing them into a quilt.
Generally I don't care for them, but there is a time and place for everything!?
To date I've cut cheater panels up to put in with other pieces but none have been in a quilt yet. Doesn't mean they won't be in quilts in the future though. It's finding good quality cheaters that can be a problem as there's some nice designs around but in crappy fabric.
Yup!! I love love love cheater prints. Is it all I use? Oh no. I piece, I applique, I create from nothing (my favorite applique tool is my elmo and projector. It allows me to make any graphic into an applique in any size I want) but I digress. Cheater prints have their place too.
I just bought some Blissful yardage by Bonnie and Camille that is a cheater print (looks like circle in a square) I'm going to add a border and backing, quilt it up and add a binding and use it for my daughter to roll around on while on the floor.
Moda makes "pieced patchwork" that I use and applique names on for a quick baby quilt. It's gorgous. I've also used it for quillows.
Beautiful things can be made when a cheater print is the canvas....maybe not heirloom quality, but really who keeps ANYTHING that long anymore? My quilts are meant to be used, abused and well loved!
I have used them at times, for baby quilt gifts for daughter's friends, but it is not usually my style, and I dont usually buy them. On the odd occasion when I have, I dont then know what to do with them.(those baby ones excluded). So I have a couple here for someday inspiration.
I think they're great. I am not great with quilting but these allow the look without messing it up. And it means that all the fabrics are there and match. I so often wont make a quilt because all of the fabrics are not available! Dont get me wrong I think those ladies who can do all those intricate designs are really brillant and I love them, it is just not possible for us all!
I just bought a piece of "cheater" to practice my hand quilting before I touch a vintage top! All for it!
I think they have a place. They can really make a fast quilt!
I will definitely use them!
I do not see any difference between making a whole cloth quilt and a cheater whole cloth quilt. And, panels are fine too. I depends upon what the end use, recipient, etc. will be. Some of the book panels look great made into an entire quilt, or cut apart.
I can't say that I actually like cheater quilt panels but maybe that is because I just haven't come across one that I love yet. My door is always open when it comes to fabric - there just maybe a cheater quilt out there that I just can't do without. I like the idea of using the multiple types of prints for hexies. I think I will look into that.
I have to confess, last Xmas I made a table runner for my sister and I used a cheater panel. I wasn't comfortable with doing this and that is why I spilled the beans with her but she said she couldn't tell! . Anyhooo, I still had some fabric left over and this year I made her two other table toppers but I cut pieces from the cheater panel to make them. Now I feel much better and I can't wait to see her face when she opens her present!!
I have bought them, but never used them. LOL
A cheater print is for someone you know but don't know (or maybe even like) really well :) The good stuff is for your really close friends.
I personally find the joy of quilting for me is in the piecing. BUT, I say do what works for you!
I hate panels. But not because they can't be cute, but mostly because they are never printed straight! If I do choose to use one, I chop it up and add some piecing.
I'm sure they have their place in the quilting world...but I don't care for them. The joy of piecing a quilt to give as a gift or just for yourself gives you so much more satisfaction, not to mention the pride you gain for a job well done
I have never used them, but I would never condemn anyone who did. They would be good to practice your free motion quilting on though.
Great question. I'm not a big fan of cheater cloths, but I do think they can work into being beautiful quilts, as well as quickie easy quilts. Thus, they have a place and I'm glad they are around. Plus, cheater quilt prints have definitely improved over the years.
SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com
I've never been a fan of them, however as the designs have improved so has my attitude. If the fabric is pleasing to your eye - then why not.
I'm currently working on one and doing "free-style" hand quilting on it.
Hell yes, fabric's fabric right? - we can't be fussy - there is good use in everything and if time is not on your side then a good cheater print comes in useful. Looks great - why not?
I would probably prefer to fussy cut rather than use a panel as displayed but a friend was making Harry Potter quilts for her Grandson and I see no reason why excess time should be taken to do that in needle turn applique, although her work in that area is superb. I am quite happy to use a Christmas panel as it is not something that will be used all year and is a quick way to get a great effect. I also think it depends very much how they are used. I feel it is very unwise, maybe even quilt snobbery to say one would never use a cheater panel..it is what panel, what use and what you are doing with it. I used a Noah's ark panel in incredible detail that I machine quilted around each darn animals, legs, tails ears etc...it was for a boy called Noah and made a fantastic quilt/and or wall hanging. I think that subject such as the very hungry caterpillar that are children's quilt topics are very appropriate to use a good panel.
I love finding the antique cheaters... the idea has been around for centuries.. nothing new in this old world!
I am not a cheater fan - I really enjoy piecing the quilts. I have seen some of the Ricky Tims cheater panels variations and they turned out really nice.
If it works for you....use it and enjoy it!
Hi, here in the Netherlands the name of fabrics with a big print (cheater panels) is... American fabric :)
I've never used them myself, I like the piecing, but I saw beautiful pictures of quilts with this panels.
Well, as long as you make someone happy with your cheaterquilt, it doesn't matter I guess.
Have a nice day!
Sometimes I can't resist. Too cute or too pretty and I want it. I build on it, to make it my own, but, I'm always slightly embarrassed by it.
i learned long ago not to say "always" or "never". that being said, my grandmother did some handquilting on some cheater fabrics before she stopped quilting. it was disappointing to me to see her beautiful quilting wasted on those cheap panels. at least, i do have two cherished quilts she hand-pieced and quilted, so i will always be able to appreciate her quilting gift.
The question should be 'to create or not create?'
Don't really care much for the cheater prints, but have found a few panels that would use.
LOVE your site!
Not for me. What's the point, I say?
I think they are nice to have for a fast project or to practice quilting. I just bought a cheater 30's cloth in a wedding ring pattern to practice quilting on. It's really cute!
Oh, I just hate those prints!
I know that you might not say so, but I can´t stand them!!!
Love Maja
To cheat or not to cheat, this seems to be he question. And the answer my dear friends, relative to quilting, is do what you must! I do.
The goal for me is to always have fun with my sewing/quilting and playing with the colors and layout is just the best part for me. Cheater prints take that away so I don't generally buy them.
Two things:
Sometimes it is just plain fun to do something fast, different, practice on etc. Can give new Mojo. And it's over quickly so back to the more thoughtful stuff.
Then there are friends and family who think it is quick to whip up a quilty for them and have NO IDEA of what it costs in $, let alone time and love...and I wonder how much it would really be appreciated. So yes there is room for them too
Diane
I love to use them as backs. Then I almost have to quilts. Moda releases a line every now then that has a cheater in it and I almost always get about 4 yards. Also I have done a full cheater when it was a pattern I would never under take but love. Picked one up of Hexagons that I just may do with a plain back.
Aptly Labled=Peanut Gallery. I love that. when I am in a mood I say to DH when I walk thru-no comments from the peanut gallery=HIM. LOL, first I dont like cheater panels for intense decorative quilts for personal use. I have seen some that use them to an advatage though that look so artistic. But that said-I do use them in charity quilts, as it
gets a quilt together faster if I run across some low priced. It would have to be extra ordinary for personal use.
Oh I've been known to cheat on occasion.
I don't love them, but if I ever found one I truly liked, then maybe I'd use it. I agree with some of the others, that the piecing is so why I quilt....that is where the fun is for me. I'm putting together a baby quilt for my friend and she picked out a panel for her grandson and it's not nearly as fun as piecing a real quilt.
I call them shortcut fabrics, panels, pieces. To me they are much like the long ago quilters who did borderie perse.
Cheaters fabric looks great as a backing even on a little quilt.
I don't use them as standard practice because I love to piece, but I have bought a few that were too cool to pass up and personally I just feel like it's part of the fabric line and "cheater" sort of gives it a bad name. Especially if you are just learning to machine quilt they are perfect to keep you from messing up months of hard working on a pieced project.
I say, CHEAT AWAY...just sew and enjoy. But for me, the entire process of the creating the quilt is theraputic. I love it all...the cutting the piecing, even the binding, though I do all my bindings by machine. (some consider THAT cheating) I have health issues that include loss of feeling in my hands and feet so hand stitching a binding on a quilt, even a table topper is impossible for me. Now, having said that I have recently started doing some simple stitchery blocks to use in quilts and have had good luck with them but it is a very slow process for me. I needed something to keep my busy while I recovered from surgery. As for 'cheater' quilts...I think as long as you are sewing or making something you enjoy, that is the only important thing. I know it's not the same as piecing but what does it matter if the individual is happy and proud of their project. I have three panels in my stash but they are to be cut up and used as 'highlight' or fussy cut blocks in the larger pieced projects they will be used in. Just sew, sew, sew and enjoy it your own way!
I like them and I'm glad they're coming back. I do know how to piece a quilt now, but back when I didn't my aunts and I hand quilted a wedding ring quilt for my mom and it's really pretty. I say, why not?!
Boy you sure got a lot of responses to that question. I think they're fine...called whole cloth quilts..I have one that Mother had and you can't really tell unless you look closely. It was hand quilted.
I have one in a frame right now. It is a Christmas scene panel. That doesn't mean it is the only thing I do..I still piece.
Mama Bear
If that is a cheater print in the picture, it sure is a pretty one. I think there is a time and place for cheater parts of quilts. . . . . .like picnics, football games, camping, and quick gifts that you know will be used without the consideration needed for a "real" quilt ")
Love it!!
Sometimes you feel like something quick and instant gratification - sometimes we all need that! I say go for it!
Why not?
It's great for the beginner (me)...and for quick(er) projects.
:o)
The Dear Jane cheater panel was very pretty. Some of the cheaters for baby quilts are fun and quick for gifts. Mostly, I enjoy the piecing for a pretty quilt.
A quilt with a Laurel Burch panel as its center won a ribbon(!) at the Vermont Quilt Festival because the quilt had good visual impact. Ya. But no thanks to the quilter. The ribbon should have gone to Laurel Burch.
for!
If they're being used to sell a magazine and I can't tell it was a cheater print until I've spent my money, I'm very annoyed by cheater prints.
Otherwise, I don't have much of an opinion. I'll use them if they fall into my lap.
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