Some more videos to watch
http://www.kayewoodtv.com/

http://www.sewontv.com/

http://www.diynetwork.com/topics/quilting/index.html

Have fun!

Birthing is where you sew the front, backing and batting all around the edges, leaving a space to turn it inside out. then you quilt it and it's finished. I usually call it pillowcase style.

The one time I tried birthing I didn't cut my backing quite big enough. It's really important to make sure everything is even and square.

It looks like your questions about some of the terminology have been answered!

I have stenciled onto my quilt before, done the machine quilting & removed the stencil lines. I have gotten stencils at Joanns, Tuesday Morning & have made my own. I have also bought from The Stencil Company at a quilt show & here is their web site-

http://quiltingstencils.com/

They have a great selection & in their catalog have them divided up into categories like continuous, block, border designs, etc. Check them out!

Welcome Mal! Don't dismiss free motion quilting YET. By all means try the stencils. You can even make your own. I have friend who uses paper, perforates the lines with an unthreaded machine, and then uses them as a stencil. Try using a small foam craft brush instead of the big pouncer pad. You get less flying chalk!

When you are ready, try freemotion practice with a white dry erase board. Use low odor markers (ask me how I know!), and don't put your elbow down. (you are training your large muscles to make the shapes) It takes a bit of practice, but well worth the effort! My practice pieces are now residing as dog and cat beds all over my house!

And as always, we LOVE to see what you are working on...and we give encouragement too!

Welcome from Kentucky...had to laugh at your "birthing " question...men can birth in quilting..lol

Thank you to everybody who contributed to this thread. I have found your answers and links very helpful.

Thank you very much. Much appreciated.

*waves* Hi Cessnock! Wollongong here :-)

I've seen some stencils at spotlight if you have one near you.

Happy quilting from NZ :)

Thanks Samelia's Mum
and Mamahippychicky - I'll check Spotlight out - I've got my Spotlight card now and saved about $30 on rulers and a cutting board the other day.
quiltingstencils.com have very reasonably priced ones.

If you go to Spotlight, ask for the 'Get Creative Quarterly' magazine which is usually kept behind the counter. It has a voucher in the back for 20% off until the end of July.

Love a discount!