Hi to all. I'm Ellie from MA and after 7+ years, still consider myself to be very much a novice quilter.
Seven+ years ago was when I decided to try my hand at making quilts for my 4 grandchildren. Had had a sewing machine for years, knew basic sewing but rarely used the machine for anything but repairs as I really didn't like to sew so have no idea what possessed me. I preferred crochet, embroidery and needlepoint.
I started collecting books on quilting for instructions and simple patterns and watching any quilting show on TV that I could find. Although most of the TV progams are no longer available in my area, I now have a collection of books and magazines on quilting that would put the three local librarys to shame.
Since the family contiued to grow, I contiually had to add more quilts. In addition I added a quilt for each of my 4 children, my husband, my 85 year old mother-in-law and one for myself.
I never made one quilt from start to finish and usually worked on bits and pieces of several at a time. It took me 5 years, but that Christmas I gave 15 bed sized quilts to my family as gifts. (My own is still unfinished.)
Each quilt was different and a labor of love. Some were pieced blocks but also taught myself to do needle-turn applique for others like "Sunbonnet Sue", "Overall Sam", "Grandmother's Flower Garden" (a simplified version), and "Grandmother's Fan".
While making the family quilts, I also started making smaller quilts for Project Linus. To date I have given them over 500 crib to lap sized quilts.
Have two quilt tops done for the younges 2 grandchildren but haven't as yet gotten them completed into quilts. Have my first great grand now so will be hunting for a quilt pattern to do for him soon also.
Ellie
(still a novice)

Welcome from Southern California. Sounds like you have made lots of quilts!!! Great that you have donated so many!

Hi & Welcome from PA. With that many quilts completed I think you may have passed the novice newbie line. Congrats on making so many for Project Linus-such a worthy cause. Post pics if you have any, everyone here loves to see each others work.

*Waves from Iowa* :)

Welcome from W.v i'm so glad u joined

Hello, and welcome from Missouri! :lol:

Hello and welcome from an Iowa girl :lol: :lol: :lol:
500 quilts to PL WOW :shock: Ellie

Hi, Ellie, and welcome to the QB.

500 quilts!!!! :shock: :shock: :shock: I bow down before Ellie, Queen of the Quilters! That's amazing!

WOW Ellie, 500 quilts that is just awesome. Well done, you are a lady with a big heart.

Elle in Spain

Welcome from northeast CA. Glad you joined us. We would love to see pictures of some of your quilts. Over 500 to Project Linus, my goodness, when do you sleep?LOL