I could use some encouragement. I haven't sewn in a while. I've forgotten whether to sew binding to the front or the back... I'm not there yet though. I'm starting with a small mouse pad. Created a sashiko design on the computer and printed it out... now I need to transfer design to material but haven't gone to walmart to get tracing paper.... or... read that sewing over pattern with unthreaded needle works, then use chalk... would that work with hand quilting??? I'm at a stand still. Not sure I could get the sewing machine to follow the design... maybe just poke pattern with a pin? maybe not. ? I love the idea of being adopted

Alaska Newbie Quilter Desperately Needs to Be Adopted,
Looking to be adopted by a patient Quilting Mom. I live in Alaska and although a spring chicken I'm not, when it comes to quilting I'm like an inquisitive, high-strung 6yr. old starting school always asking questions and wanting to learn. Living where I do in Alaska and not being able to drive at this point gives me even more of the incentive to want to learn more about quilting. I am somewhat isolated with no neighbors and even though I've been here for 12 yrs. know very few people. If there is anyone out there who wouldn't mind sharing some of their quilting experience with a wannabe " fabulous quilter", I am up for adoption !!!. Please be advised that not only am I inquisitive but I also love to and laugh. If there is anyone looking to adopt someone who really wants to learn please contact me PLEASE !!!

Oh I would also like to be adopted! :) I've found a pattern (http://www.quilterscache.com/S/StarandFeatherBlock.html) called star and feather block and for the life of me I'm struggling with the feather point! I've only been doing this a couple of months, I emailed the lady that created the design and she suggested I try something more simple. I'm making these cute quilts for my sons for Christmas. I don't know if I should make the feather point fat and then cut it down or not. Very frustrating.....

Oh my YES! I would love to be "adopted" by a veteran quilter. I am kinda old for adoption (64) A retired nurse living in Blackfoot Idaho. I am just in the process of learning how to border my very first quilt. It is a bargello and I am attempting to put 3 borders with mitered corners. I just hope I am not biting off more than I can chew. Thanks,Arlene

If you use paper piecing, the points should come out pointy - not fat. I am trying to figure out why this is not working for you. In general I agree that it is a very ambitious pattern for a newbie. I did the same thing: Started a Texas Lone Star as my 3rd ever quilt.

You can do it. It will all come back to you, you’ll see.
Binding: It all depends on how you plan to finish it. I generally sew mine to the front by machine, pull it to the back and stitch it down by hand. Sometimes I sew the binding on the back with the machine, pull it to the front and sew it down with a fancy stitch from my machine. It all depends on the look you want.
Transferring patterns using chalk: The pounce chalk stays on pretty good and needs to be ironed off. I’m not sure if it will withstand all the handling though. When I did Sashiko, I found a template that I liked and traced the pattern with a ceramic pencil.
Some machines won’t run when they don’t have thread in the needle so you would have to test that out. Also, make sure to use at least a 90/14 or 100/12 needle so you get relatively beefy holes. As far as the machine following the pattern, you need to guide the paper slowly and it will work.
Hope that helps.

I am new to the site but I would love to be adopted also.

In search of a caring, patient and understanding mom, who is willing to teach a very eager learner! I am new at quilting but have finished more projects than I even thought I would do. I have two very nice machines but they have so many bells and whistles I am afraid to touch them (but I’m ready). I want to learn to FMQ because I am running out of money to give to the wonderful lady Penny who does an amazing job (but it’s so expensive). I would also love to learn Paper Piecing because I want to attack a beautiful Amazon Star (I think that what it called?). I would also love to do more Applique because OMG are they amazing. I have started one and then got very frustrated because I didn’t know how to stich it, so now it’s in my closet so I can see it until I am sure I can make my beautiful bear amazing.

So I think that is all. If any willing mom or mothers would love to help me I would love it so much. I am not trying to be greedy but I am willing to take more than one mom :D.

Thank you all and have a great Thursday.
Carey

Hi, Carrie,
I have been quilting since 2008. I don't know everything there is to know about quilting, but I know enough to give you instructions aboutsome of tthe things you were asking about in your post. I am very patient and I teach at your level not there so hard you can't understandI would be pleased to be your quilting mom.contact me if you're interested. Annmarie

I consider myself a newbie to quilting even though I have been quilting the old fashion way .. My mother would quilt some but she would put a flat sheet down then the batting then the quit top and just use yarn to tie it off.Then she would fold the sheet to the front to bind it off. Now i have done many quilts that way.
I want to learn to paper piece, Free motion quilt and learn to appliqué better than i do. I am learning from ladies here on the board and though you tube. I would love a quilting mom if there is any left. Thank you for this site. it is a wonderful board. I need to get a sewing machine for mine needs to go into the shop and I have been borrowing one.

I would like to be adopted too! I have been in the Monthly block swap but every month I am at a loss for ideas and don't understand why my blocks never turn out the right size (12.5".) My last block was a 9 patch and my partner said she really expected more from me. Could be that I am not good at math :(
All I know is that I would love to do this and not feel overwhelmed/anxious by putting together blocks.
Anyone out there willing to HELP!!!???