Hi. My name is Kathy and I live in Sandusky, Ohio. I have sewn for 30 plus years but have never quilted. My mother-in-law has made many quilts for my 6 daughters over the years and is now making quilts for great grandchildren. My girls are insistent that I learn to quilt to keep the tradition of quilts in the family. I have always wanted to learn but have been a little overwhelmed with the whole idea. I have made everything from little girls underwear to wedding dresses. Can anyone suggest a simple quilt to get my feet wet? I have 7 grandchildren (4 boys, 3 girls) four dogs (3 jacks and a brittany) and a very, very understanding husband. We canoe, hike, camp, make teepees, study wildflowers and are master gardeners. Quilting will have to be a winter activity for now. Thanks for any suggestions. Lovesdogs.

Hi Kathy -- I taught myself to quilt 3 years ago using a book that teaches kids to quilt!

I suggest you read as much as you can online or from books at the library to learn the basics like seam allowance and pressing etc. This site has free online quilting lessons:
http://www.sew-whats-new.com/quiltlessons/

And here are 2 more sites with great beginner quilt patterns and instructions:

http://www.quilt.com/Beginner/BeginnersGuide.html

http://www.claudiasquiltshoppe.com/Absolute3BigBlock.htm

Welcome to the world of quilting! It can be addictive! Barb C.

Welcome! Barb gave you some wonderful ideas here so will let them sink in.....but feel free to ask questions and discuss anything you come across or are curious about. As for taking up quilting....one thing....it is sewing....whether straight lines..s (seams) or curves (sleeves) or even the tricky Y seam (ever done a bit of upholstery?)...so don't let it scare ya' or create a big mystery. The only real difference....we get to play with so much more of that lovely material.....and oh my! the gadgets we have as well. Enjoy!

Oh my Gosh, With all your sewing background, your just a quilter in disguise.. You've made wedding dresses! Oh my your more then ready. It's the "THOUGHT" thats overwelming, thats all. You and dear Hubby study wild flowers, in no time you'll be able to put that expertise on fabric. Quilting is just your next step of expression. In no time, you'll be giving us instructions on what and how you created your work of art. I say read the basic's of quilting and then create your own. Fear is your greatest enemy.

Welcome lovesdogs :) I agree with Rebecca. With all your past sewing experience, all you really need to do is take your seam allowances down to 1/4" and you'll be fine. :mrgreen: Let your creativity flow, don't worry about making "mistakes"---they're expected, and they keep us humble, and just go for it. I can't wait to see your very first quilt. :)

Ruth posted a good link for kids/beginners in the "Links and Resources" forum. You might want to take a look at that one as well, lovesdogs.

Thanks everyone for all the encouragement. I purchased a beginning quilting book and a friend gave me a Fons and Porter book. I am looking forward to getting started.

Welcome! I am also on my first quilt and have received tons of support from this group. Looking forward to seeing your first quilt!

Hi Kathy, welcome, you will love this forum, everyone very friendly and helpfu. My first quilt was the fence rail, I think its the easyest one to start with. Happy quilting. Nancy :lol:

Hi and welcome, I've just begun as well, though am pretty much sewing for the first time too. My first project, a simple nine patch, is really simple yet has helped me grasp some of the basic concepts of rotary cutting, blocking, and actual quilting. I figured just build on the basics from there, though I suppose even easier would be a four patch.

I hope you enjoy yourself as much as I have. “The Free Online Resources Directory” the Quilting Paradise Newsletter folks sent around is a great way to start familiarizing yourself with terms and procedures and well worth the time invested. I just wish I’d have stumbled upon it sooner since I ended up reading from books, digging online, and pestering the daylights out of the quilters I know when I started. Have fun and good luck!