I got my FREE start last summer by hooking up with a Project Linus group at a local church. They provided pre-cut scraps, batting, backing, knowledge,and inspiration; I gave my labor, artistry, imagination and enthusiasm. Thanks to inspiration from reading this board every day I now have a huge stash of my own (NOT free by any means!) and just bought a Featherweight sewing machine, from this board. I am now a confirmed quilter for life; cannot afford not to be!