opinions and placement

The more I learn about quilting, the more I learn there is to know.
Along this quilting journey, I've learned that there are many opinions.
Early on, I quilted what I knew (ie, the way my Grandma did).
One lady snobbishly informed that was NOT the way to quilt.
Since then, I've learned the phrase "stitch in the ditch" and what the experts consider to be quilting.

Stitch in the ditch is where the quilting seam is found in seams (not outside the seams) of  the top layer.
Photo from www.tqn.com

And then yesterday, I saw photos of quilts made 150 years ago. They can be seen here.
Of the thirty quilts in the exhibit, NOT ONE used stitch-in-the-ditch with straight stitches.
A few had decorative stitch-in-the-ditch quilting, but most used a 1/4" straight stitch inside the pieced material, just like my Grandma did.



This photo does NOT use stitch-in-the-ditch, but places the stitches inside the square and not on the seams.



I suppose it really comes down to preference: what one likes, the amount of time you have, what look you want the quilt to have, and whether you view the quilt as a piece of artwork or a household item to be used.I would have never guessed that quilting would be an area where women would impose their arrogance and snobbery, but like any other hobby or craft area, it is. And I'm coming to grips with the fact that it doesn't really matter what anyone else thinks (other than my husband and the person I'm quilting for). As long as I enjoy the process and make a quilt that won't come apart when washed, I'll be happy.

And in case you're wondering, I prefer my Grandma's method for puffy looks, when short on time, or when wanting to emphasize a certain color or design. If I want something to look seamless on top, have a modern look, or place the emphasis on the piecing and not the quilting, then stitch-in-the ditch is the way to go.  But I recognize that's my opinion and preference, and if you disagree, I'll still think your quilt and quilting is something to ooh and aah over.