I am relatively new to quilting, have completed 2 T-shirt quilts and a couple of others, and have decided to do some actual building tops for quilts. I am finishing a Underground Railroad sampler and loved the construction aspect of the quilting. Now I have strips, squares (all sizes from 2 1/2" to 5") as well as other "collections" of materials.

I need guidance from you seasoned quilters as to how you move forward to a new quilt. I could take a collection of material I have and find a quilt top I like and get the remaining fabric, put something scappy together, or start something totally new - but I am having trouble getting enthused about all of the planning that goes into a new top when I already have some pieces. I do most of my sewing around clothing so this is a new though process for me and just looking for a bit of guidance to twist my brain around it.

Thank you for all of the pearls of wisdom that I know are coming.

Jana

A great site for ideas for scrappy quilts is www.quiltville.com lots of ideas and inspiration.

I am all for using what you have and then add to it if you need to make it bigger.

I agree,quiltville has wonderful scrappy patterns.You could also enter scrappy quilt in the search at the top and get lots of ideas.Go to tutorial at this site and there are some great ideas.Hope that helps.

My dearest quilting friends are my graph paper - 4 squares to the inch - and my large container of colored pencils. With these I can "make" quilts nearly anywhwere at any time. And from this pad of designs I can choose what to make next.

Sometimes I graph out a quilt I've seen in a picture/magazine/photo and want to determine what size I'd like it to be.

More often I make up the patterns/designs on my own.

I have pads and pads of these designs and still refer back to those I drew 2 decades ago when I'm looking for a new quilt to make. THEN I choose the fabrics. Usually the design comes first, for me.

Jan in VA

I usually start with choosing a block design, and then pick fabric to go with it, often from my stash. When I buy fabric that I like without a design first, I have trouble coming u with a plan.

Thank you all - these are exactly the things I needed to get that quilting bug and get back to work - You are marvelous!!

Jana

Jana, you might also check your local library - they may have some quilting books you can browse and borrow - and maybe get some inspiration.

Check out http://www.quilterscache.com/QuiltBlocksGalore.html - she has a wonderful collection of blocks along with directions to make them, in a variety of methods and sizes. Even with difficulty ratings. Lots of inspiration here! Pick 2 blocks you like and alternate them to create a unique quilt. Or pick a favourite shape - like stars! - and create a dozen squares - alternate with plain patches and there's your quilt.

Good luck - the main thing is to pick something and do it - and have fun with it :)

Thank you - sounds like a great site - will check it out right now.
Jana

Hi! I've made a couple of these, I'm a beginner also. These blocks are great for squares ans strips, many different options, too.
http://www.ohfransson.com/oh_fransso...ilt-along.html