Can't get confidence to get going
 

Hi All, I really enjoy this site and spend hours (way too many) reading and learning from all of you. I am so afraid of making mistakes and I get so frustrated when I do that I just put it away for awhile. I keep coming back to this site and finding out just how much I don't know. I plan to attend a quilting university in September at a local shop and I belong to our local quild and to a local club. I have a strong passion to be an acomplished quilter (would like to get just one under my belt) but I can't get past this fear of mine. Do any of you have any other suggestions other than the ones I have attempted to get me past this fear?
I have limited sewing skills, I have a great machine and have continued to buy fabric for my stash. My stash is getting bigger and my fear is also. HELP?

First, work on your general sewing skills. For quilting, start off with something small, like potholders. Don't worry about making mistakes; we all do! It's part of life! Once you've made a great potholder, move on to something larger. When I first started, I just worked on quilt blocks and small craft items (tissue box covers, Christmas tree skirt, etc.). Be gentle with yourself and accept the mistakes, as part of the learning process. It's only fabric and can be replaced, if needed! :)

Welcome from the California desert. :thumbup:

A few things to remember:
We all started somewhere
We all have made mistakes ( we prefer to call them creative liberties with the pattern LOL)
It is ok if it is not perfect , very few will know :)
Practice- practice- practice
and most important of all Have fun and enjoy :thumbup:

Welcome from Michigan!:)

Welcome from Minnesota and happy quilting :)

Welcome from Illinois.

I agree with the previous poster about starting with pot holders. That was how I learned. I gave a lot of pot holders to folks at work that Christmas :)

check out www.quilterscache.com and pick some quilt blocks to make into pot holders. Each pot holder will give you the full experience of reading patterns, choosing fabric, cutting, piecing, sandwiching, quilting and binding. And in the end if you hate it - the most you've lost is a few fat quarters but you've gained far more in experience and confidence.

:) welcome from se TX -- you can do it !

You have already accomplished a lot by signing up to take a class. You will learn lots there.