amyjo

an awl is used to sew leather mostly, sometimes I have heard it used when you are trying to tie thick pieces of fabric, but I don't think I would like that. If you do any leather crafting at all, you will use one of them.

Just Jan

I have been quilting for many years and I think of all my items/gadgets, my most used is my Shape Cut. Can be purchased at Joanns with a coupon or just as cheap without a coupon at Wal-Mart. I have three standard size ones, one huge one, and a couple smaller ones. The small ones are pretty much a waste of money. I just bought the huge one so haven't used it yet, but the standard one measures about 15" x 18" with slots for your rotary cutter every half inch. Buy one and practice with it, and it will become your BFF. I use mine for cutting squares and rectangles, cutting strips for quilting and binding, and for squaring up finished blocks. Three things I can't live without... My dogs, my coffee and my beloved Shape Cut!

lsunana

Light, light, light. Make sure that the lighting is good. Buy additional work lights if needed.

ashbash91810

I don't have any advice for you but I just wanted to let you know that I am in the exact same boat as you!!!! Even down to the dinning room haha. Any advice that you get please pass over my way

CajunQuilter2

Seems like you have gotten tons of great advise so all I am gonna say is "ENJOY" the experience and yes it is addicting.........Welcome to the board and the world of quilting...

ploverwi2

I am also in a one bedroom tiny apartment. I have a good sized bedroom. So that is where I sew. I wish I had more room. I envy those who have the beautiful rooms devoted just to sewing. However, I do ok, and I love working on projects. I have a wonderful Janome 660 Professional that I absolutely love. It's all good.

AliKat

Hey there, many of us had to start small. You can enlarge as it presents itself. Or as you get older you may need to downsize.

Joann's coupons; LQS's sales are all part of it.
I had my fist stash given to me and still have to use most of it - will probably give it away.

Storage: I absolutely love IKEA Antonius system with the baskets that don't rust. Have 2, one on top of another in a closet and another under my IKEA table that I have my embroidery machine on. They store a lot. I also found stacking rolling baskets at an organization type store, but can't find them anymore. They went under the daybed for guests.

The very best ideas:
--Have quilting buddies who encourage you.
--Take some classes, locally if you can, or online if nothing is available nearby. Consider going to something like Quilt Camp [www.quiltcamp.com] or other learning opportunity. Check LQS's and quilt guilds/groups for retreats.
--Be creative and find what motivates you the best.
--Make things that you enjoy and Have Fun!
--If finances get tight consider joining a group that does charity quilts and will provide the fabric to you free.

You are in the right space here on the QB.


ali

Country1

Before you know it, you'll be trying to figure out "where did all this come from and where am I gonna put it all"

lyndarva

Get what you need when you need it, you are new to this and you may decide you aren't as into it as you think you will be. There are various places to get supplies and equipment from, Amazon and Overstock.com have a lot of things cheaper.

Sewing armoires are very practical and a great way to integrate into a working living space.

I could write a book on this subject, and it would be best for me to stop now before I launch into a long list.

6swolcott

I acquired a cutting table from a store that was closing for 15.00 has drop sides and closes, have the rulers, basic thread colors, and my wonderful hubby purchased me a Juki sewing machine. Loving how easy it is to use, the thread cutter, self threading , even the foot pedal cuts the thread. Who knew it could be this much fun. Making quilted potholders as my first project and playing with decorative stitiches. My daughter moves out in a week and then i can empty the dining room and paint it. I am going to put my machine in front of the windows, I have a pie safe im going to paint white for fabric storage, and I acquired a sewing table at joannes for half off. I will post pictures, thanks for all the great tips, I am so excited to finally be learning to sew.