Thread: So many questions...where do I start??

I guess I'll just jump in and ask - I've never been accused of being shy

I'm working on my first quilt - it started out as a tie quilt and then I got brave and decided to give quilting a try. OH boy - I took to it like a duck to water - once I started I haven't been able to stop!! I got ansy though - so I'm trying to start quilt #2.

The plan was to make a scrap quilt - I found an ad on Craigslist for fabric - unfortunately - it's not useable for a quilt top (I don't think) as it appears to be old hotel curtain fabric - in navy blue, maroon, tan, and brown. 4 HUGE trash bags of this - all cut into about 4 inch strips. The only thing I could think to do with it was sew some together to add to the batting when I start my next quilt. So - I'm wondering (other than buying fabric - WOW it's expensive!!) are there other places/resources to find fabric? I've bought a few remnants here and there and scavaged some old clothes and sheets from around the house - just wondered if I was missing a good spot for fabric?

I'm in the process of finding a fabric cutting machine - any suggestions? I had the Simplicity Rotary Cutter and took it back as it wouldn't cut worth a flip - I'm researching that now. I'm not so good with a rotary cutter - it's not as easy as those ladies on youtube make it look!!

Ok - there is much more running around in my head to be asked - but I better take it slow I guess - information overload is not your friend!!!

Thanks in advance y'all for your help!

Rotary cutters are the best thing since sliced bread BUT be careful they do have a wicked 'bite' -- VERY important -- do not use with bare feet. If it ever drops off the table while open --- a good friend of mine lost several weeks of work after a cutter accident, did somethig VERY nasty to her foot.

Connecting Threads and Thousands of Bolts are two web sites where fabric is less costly and beautiful. They both run sales and you can be alerted via email. Some Walmart stores sell fabric at very reasonable prices. It is worth the investment in my opinion to use quilter's fabric because other materials are more challenging to work with. I am making a quilt using my husband's old shirts and the cutting and sewing is much more challenging than regular quilter's cotton.

Thank you both so much for your response. I didn't know there was such a thing as quilter's fabric....I will have to look at that for my next project. I keep telling myself I need to finish this one I'm on, along with the other tie quilt I started before I do anything else - then I tell myself...stop that! LOL....I figure if I can read 3 books at once and have several crochet projects going - my quilts will be happy to do the same!

Yeah, you're hooked. Welcome to the quilting world

I think you will enjoy the rotary cutter when you practise with it a little it is such an improvement over the scissors my mom and Aunt used a generation ago. I have found fabric from Fabric. com and from other sites on innernet to be very reasonable. I have made lots of two color quilts like the winner circle pattern and the six yard bolts are just right they run specials and you can sometimes find a quilting partner to share a large order and have lot of fabric to choose from. I have also bought lots of fabric at yard sales, Quilting has been such a love since I took it up and everyone seems to enjoy the results they are well used and appreciated. Have a great adventure.

Originally Posted by Nokie

Thank you both so much for your response. I didn't know there was such a thing as quilter's fabric....I will have to look at that for my next project. I keep telling myself I need to finish this one I'm on, along with the other tie quilt I started before I do anything else - then I tell myself...stop that! LOL....I figure if I can read 3 books at once and have several crochet projects going - my quilts will be happy to do the same!

You are definitely hooked. lol. You have come to the right place. I have found a lot of answers here on the board.

Welcome to this special corner of the world - you're going to love it here! As for finding affordable fabrics.....well, you have to just keep your eyes and ears open all the time! I recently found on Craigslist a nice lady out on eastern Long Island (in the Hamptons) who was de-stashing her fabric collection. She used to have a business making doggie bandanas and had every conceivable print for every different holiday of the year. Everything was only $1.00 a yard!!! My best friend and I came home with more than 80 yards between us - now THAT was a FIND!!
Great buys are out there.....Craigslist is a great source. Looking forward to seeing your work!