Hello from a New Quilter in Sunny Florida
 

Dear Quilters - I am Holly and live in Clearwater, FL. I have been quilting now for two (whole) months. :thumbup: I took a 6-week quilting class and made a Bargello-type wall hanging (which I happen to think turned out very nice but, then, it was my FIRST piece - so I was just proud that I (a) finished it and (b) that my block seams matched). (Since I'm new to this message board, can we upload photos of our quilts here, to share, and if so, how?)

I've recently retired from my career in Medical Staff Management in a local hospital and wanted to teach myself to quilt (because my mother is a VERY experienced and talented quilter ... even now in her 80's).

My problems as a new quilter are:

• Fabric stash - I have NONE. How do you get started building your stash?
• Deciding on a new quilting pattern -- How would you suggest a new quilter go about selecting a new pattern to quilt, and where would I get these patterns?

I'm looking forward to interacting with other new and experienced quilters on this message board. Hope to hear from some of you.

Holly J.

Welcome from Texas. Since you are retired, I would take a class after finding a quilt that you like. It is fun to learn with others and helps you complete. As for stash building, I would be patient and collect slowly. You will have scraps from the ones you make and those that you will have to have. Stash building won't take long. Good luck and yes you can post your work here or under album.

welcome from Miami! You can start a stash just by picking up fabric you love OR if you can resist fabric just buy as you plan your quilt. I started getting an extra 1/2 yard for each fabric and my stash grew very quickly. I just pick patterns I fall in love with, always good to have an extra top on hand for a quick gift too.

Welcome from North Texas.

mltquilt

welcome! from Port Saint Lucie Florida

Welcome from just outside of Tampa.

Welcome to the Board from North Carolina. You're going to LOVE it here! :o

Hello Holly, welcome from northern California! You will enjoy it here.

Welcom from Washington! First step in getting a stash, Quilt!!! If you quilt, it will come! Patterns check out LQS they have lots just pick one that catches your eye. Talk to the people there about your skill leavel and if you think you can do it (you can do anything! Some things just take longer!) get your fabric and start.When I buy fabric for a quilt I always buy about 1/2 yard extra of each, I call this my Oops yardage. If I make a mistake I have it, it is so frustrating to make that mad dash to get just a bit more cause you cut wrong, only to find out the fabric you really need has all been sold! If I don't need it, my stash just got a little bigger!

Gramie - what is LQS?