Hi gollytwo
Thank you very much for your detailed response! I will gladly look into those stores!
When do you make the difference between purchasing on line and in person? I have a bit of a hard time buying online but I'm afraid my "local" store will shut down pretty soon since it has become very difficult for them to exist.
So you also mix up different brands of thread and it doesn't really matter at all?
I just heard that color wash outs are common (cotton/wool) and it can look pretty bad in the end if you choose different brands. I don't want this to happen. In the past I pretty much just used polyester therefore.
Are there big quality differences by brands? (The prices at least sometimes would suggest so..)
I also wanted to try some silk threads once, is it a lot different?
thank you all so much for your help!

Welcome from SC Texas. So happy you joined us. I always wash my fabrics before I work with them to take care of any colors running or shrinkage. I starch and iron before cutting. Always measure twice before you cut. I keep scraps of cheap fabrics to practice each new block before I cut into my good fabrics. Any questions you have there is always someone here that will help you, just ask. Happy quilting.

Welcome from the California desert.:thumbup:

Welcome from the desert in Washington State... wayyyy over on the west coast!

There are wonderful suggestions that have already been listed here and also tons more on this board. You mentioned you like the polyester fabrics. It wouldn't hurt for you to try a doll quilt size (anywhere from 12" x 12" to 24" x 24") of each fabric you think you are interested in... 100% cotton verses polyester. By working in a smaller quilt you will find out how each type works and what you like. In "art" quilts, just about anything works. Sheers, anything. Not sure if you have run into this on this board yet but a lot of people work with used clothing purchases at thrift shops.

We were all newbies once, both in quilting and on this board. The nice thing about the board is that the welcome mat is always there/here! So, welcome!

Hello Nina, welcome from Oklahoma!!!

Hello Nina, welcome from northern California! You will enjoy it here, there is so much help available!

Welcome from Miami, you will have lots of fun here and we have quilters from all over the world! Ask questions you will find everyone here friendly and helpful.

Hiya nina, and welcome from the Central West Coast of Florida,and Im a newbie too, and understands how you feel so many differences from the just sewing world to quilting, but I'm having fun and I'm getting a little stash built up, some gorgeous fabrics and precuts etc... now i need to really get busy... Welcome to a lovely group of friends who know everything...

Howdy and welcome, from Texas! We all started out as newbies. :)