I'm new here and have little understanding of some of the commonly used expressions within the quilting community.

What does the term "quarter" mean when used in relation to fabric? Does it mean a quarter of a square yard?

What does the term "fat quarter" mean?

I've seen this term used in members posts, "LQS" - I wonder if it means Local Quilting Society?

I've watched many videos online and especially love the free offerings by Eleanor Burns - other providers charge for these. Her videos appear to be previously aired television programs. After enduring her long intros what follows is a treat - a detailed tutorial.

I especially liked finding out that free motion quilters can follow stencil lines that can later be removed. This is what I want to do - I can't imagine making my own random designs like I've seen some people do on videos. I'd be all over the shop. Does anyone know if these plastic(?) stencils are available?

LQS means local quilt shop/store. Not sure about the fat quarter. Quilting stencils are available all over. I find continuous lines ones are easier for me as I am a beginner at free motion. I just googled it and a lot of places that offer them came up.

In quilting lingo a quarter is 1/4 of a yard. It is 9" by the width of fabric. A fat quarter measures 18" x 22". Again a quarter of a yard but cut differently. Most quilters will prefer fat quarters because larger shapes can be cut from them.

LQS usually refers to a local quilt shop.

fq's are usually a pre cut of fabric usually measuring around 18x23. and a quarter just means a measurement of the fabric and it is usually not "squared". you will also see a skinny quarter which is 1/4 of a yard by the width of fabric (wof) also you will learn to love your ripper and the 1/4" seam.

lqs is local quilt shop
a quarter could be many things- the 1/4" seam required in pretty much all quilt patterns- a fabric cut...
a fat quarter is...
take a 1/2 yard of fabric- cut it at the fold= you have a piece of fabric approximately 18"x22" (depending on the width of the fabric)
a regular 1/4 yard is a strip of fabric 9"xwidth of fabric-44" (or less)
hense- the fat quarter part-
you actually get the same surface amount either way- but sometimes you need wider cuts than 9" so a fq works better
there is a list of acronyms- just put it in the search box- they are all there :)
welcome- and after awhile you will get the hang of our...abreviations :)

Welcome!!!
Now that those 2 have been answered, you may want to try this page for more, although I confess, I can't barely keep up with consersations myself. Still wondering what birthing is - shudders with horror at actually finding out.
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A quarter is most likely used to refer to a quarter of a yard. (do you use meters?) A fat quarter is a cut of fabric that ends up measuring 18x22 inches. This gives more usable fabric than a straight quarter of a yard which would be 9x44 inches. LQS is as explained above.I have never used plastic stencils for free motion quilting, but understand your concern about being all over the place. My best luck has come from not thinking about the WHOLE quilt, just a portion of it, perhaps an 8 inch column of area, and quilting within that area, leaving spaces where the next column of quilting can interweave. I have also successfully used Golden Threads paper with my design drawn on it, attached to the quilt and then quilted thru the paper to follow the design. I have used quilt basting spray to attach the paper - this really keeps it in place, but leaves the surface of the quilt tacky - comes out in the wash.

Hi Mal and welcome. From one Aussie to another. As soon as I saw Cessnock I thought that has to be someone from here. I'm in Brisbane but lived in Raymond Terrace years ago. You will enjoy this board and find they are some of the nicest people you could wish to meet and from many places.
Always ask any question without thinking it's dumb. No such thing here. We are all different levels but even the old hands can learn a thing or two. I've been quilting since 2003 but sewing for over 50 years.
Just one warning:- This board is very addictive.

Still wondering what birthing is - shudders with horror at actually finding out.
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Nothing gruesome. Just sewing around quilt with right sides together, leaving an opening then turning it through and hand stitching the opening closed. Painless.

Welcome. I too love Eleanor Burns she has some of the best info for beginners. Altough I have been quilting for many years I find watching her to be very relaxing ... she is one of the best. I respect her for all she has done for the quilting world... and very generous with sharing her video's on the web. Poeple who have met her say she is just the same in person and alot of fun.

Some more videos to watch
http://www.kayewoodtv.com/

http://www.sewontv.com/

http://www.diynetwork.com/topics/quilting/index.html

Have fun!

Birthing is where you sew the front, backing and batting all around the edges, leaving a space to turn it inside out. then you quilt it and it's finished. I usually call it pillowcase style.

The one time I tried birthing I didn't cut my backing quite big enough. It's really important to make sure everything is even and square.

It looks like your questions about some of the terminology have been answered!

I have stenciled onto my quilt before, done the machine quilting & removed the stencil lines. I have gotten stencils at Joanns, Tuesday Morning & have made my own. I have also bought from The Stencil Company at a quilt show & here is their web site-

http://quiltingstencils.com/

They have a great selection & in their catalog have them divided up into categories like continuous, block, border designs, etc. Check them out!

Welcome Mal! Don't dismiss free motion quilting YET. By all means try the stencils. You can even make your own. I have friend who uses paper, perforates the lines with an unthreaded machine, and then uses them as a stencil. Try using a small foam craft brush instead of the big pouncer pad. You get less flying chalk!

When you are ready, try freemotion practice with a white dry erase board. Use low odor markers (ask me how I know!), and don't put your elbow down. (you are training your large muscles to make the shapes) It takes a bit of practice, but well worth the effort! My practice pieces are now residing as dog and cat beds all over my house!

And as always, we LOVE to see what you are working on...and we give encouragement too!

Welcome from Kentucky...had to laugh at your "birthing " question...men can birth in quilting..lol

Thank you to everybody who contributed to this thread. I have found your answers and links very helpful.

Thank you very much. Much appreciated.

*waves* Hi Cessnock! Wollongong here :-)

I've seen some stencils at spotlight if you have one near you.

Happy quilting from NZ :)

Thanks Samelia's Mum
and Mamahippychicky - I'll check Spotlight out - I've got my Spotlight card now and saved about $30 on rulers and a cutting board the other day.
quiltingstencils.com have very reasonably priced ones.

If you go to Spotlight, ask for the 'Get Creative Quarterly' magazine which is usually kept behind the counter. It has a voucher in the back for 20% off until the end of July.

Love a discount!

Thanks Samelia's Mum I'll check that out.
BTW I "followed" you on Flickr - you got a fb?

Yes I have a Samelia's Mum page on FB :)
Thanks for the follow!

The one time I tried birthing I didn't like it, hence my son is an only child.