matilda

I'm new to this area of the forum, but you all seem to be quite talented. I have just started crafting and would love to quilt like my grandmother used to. My problem is that I don't know where to start. Can anyone offer me any advice as to what items I will need right away and any patterns that are good for beginners. Right now, it's just me and my sewing machine. Thanks in advance for any advice.

sammom

Matilda,
When I first started, I joined a quilters guild that is active in our
area. The ladies in this group met once a month for a day and they
were very very helpful with a novice. This gave me my start, and after that, it was just picking up books and watching the sewing shows on PBS.
Another thing you could check on is at your library. In my area, the local libraries host different quilting/sewing classes at various times. I have taken a couple of these and that is how I found the quilters group I started with.
Hope this helps and good luck to you.

DeeTee

The ideas above are good ideas to get you started in the right direction. Look for a good book for beginners. One of the easiest patterns I have found is called Split Rail. For starters, do not take on a difficult project. Also, if you are anything like me, your project will not turn out perfect! I am getting better with time, but not quite ready for the big leagues yet. Also, start with a small project. Hope this helps.

__________________
In memory of my friend Becky B. who died from breast cancer. I can still hear her say "early detection, early detection, early detection"..........

papadsgirls

check with your local community college. they offer simple quiltings for beginners. if this doesn't help go to a local fabric store sometimes they offer classes or help to get you in the right direction. our class at the com. college is only $35. but that will get you started. if you have a senior citizens building call and check with them to see if someone who goes there is willing to teach you. alot of times they will to keep the are of quilting alive. and they give the old school lessons no short cuts. but just remember patience and no two quilts will be exactly alike. they may be close but never the same.

matilda

Thanks, all for the good advice. Funny you should mention the senior centers, papadsgirls, since I was just driving by one this morning and remembered that my grandmother used to go there a lot. I think I'll call them next week.

galvol4ever

Matilda, this site has instructions on quilting, lots of quilt block patterns. I'm also just beginning to quilt & I found it very helpful. Hope you do too. www.quilterscache.com

matilda

Thanks, galvol4ever! That's exactly the kind of info I was looking for. I tried a web search before I came here, but never found this site. Good luck with your quilting!

Oshen

some beginning quilter's help:
http://www.cottonwoodquilts.com/quilting.htm

since quilting is geometry, precision is important.
in other words, variations in measurement will add up.
it even helps to sharpen your pencil when you are drawing patterns!
look into rotary cutters, rulers and cutting boards if you aren't already familiar with these.