I am completely new to all of this and am looking for help. I have been making hair bows for my daughters for a couple of years and am sad to say they are outgrowing them and am looking for a new hobby. Three years ago my daddy bought me a Janome Memory Craft 9700.

I was so overwhelmed that I put it in a closet and left it there for awhile. My mom showed me how to hem pants and to tell you the truth that is all I have done with it. (I am ashamed...lol)

My great-grandmother made quilts for everyone in the family and mine was the last one (sad to say she passed away before it was finished). Thankfully her sister, Aunt Wilma, finished it for me. The memories of watching her quilt by hand will always be with me.

I am looking for information on learning and any info would be greatly appreciated. Are there any great beginners books that would be a good recommendation? Thanks ;)

Try your local library and see what they have. That's a good place to look for books.

Hi and welcome from Alaska. My suggestion is to take a beginner's quilting class in your area. I had sewn all my life but when I started with quilting, I was glad I took a beginner's class. Invaluable.

I recommend your public library for lots of books that can get you started. There is probably a quilt group near where you live. The group I belong to has lots of ideas, opinions, and encouragement. The tutorials on line, especially on this board are so helpful.

Thank you all so much, I will check into it. And you all have beautiful work, I have been in awe all day by looking through pictures.

I was like you when I started quilting. I would help my Grandma cut out pieces with scissors, but I did not sew. I took a class from Hancock Fabrics. It was "Double Irish Chain" by Eleanor Burns. I recommend her books. She explains things very well!
For a first quilt I would recommend just squares or a Rail Fence. The previous suggestion about taking a class is a great idea. If there is a fabric store close to you, just ask. If they don't do classes, they may be able to suggest a guild or another place that offers classes. My community offers quilting classes through their adult education program.
Welcome to the board! We will help you as much as we can!

Welcome, waving from Indiana, USA

Hello and welcome from SW Iowa. Glad to have you here. The best thing would be to take a beginners class at the fabric store. If that isn't available check out some beginning quilting books at the library. And remember we are here to help to. Ask anything you want and we will help.

Wow Thanks sooooo much, I have been looking at pics all day long and am truly impressed, now Tuesday I will go to the libary and get some books and go from there. I guess I need to read the rest of the manual that came with the machine my daddy bought me...lol.

welcome!

Hello and Welcome from Northern Indiana ! Glad you joined us :lol:

Start at the library for books, I have " Your first quilting book or it should be " Look for a beginner book, they will say so.

Use the search button on the sght , you will find lots of info already here :wink:

Hello and welcome from Ontario.

Welcome from Southern Illinois.

Hello and welcome

Welcome to the board, from western Nevada! :D

Hello, and welcome, I'm glad you decided to start in this great art hobby. You'll love it! As to books, I think the best book I got to start with was "The Quilting Bible - The Complete Photo Guide To Machine Quilting". It's an excellent books with so many photos to show you the way, it really helped me learn all of the basics. I got it at one of the large chain bookstores.

Oh thanks, I will check it out as well :)

Welcome!!! There's lots of info at libraries and also in the tutorial section of this site. I learned how to do mitred corners by watching various you tube vidoes.

Just ggogle and there is so much information.

Glad you are here to join us.

Welcome to the group! If there are any local quilt shops, they will have easy beginner projects they could help you pick out. Or maybe you could sign up for a beginners class. One easy pattern I have used is called Yellow Brick Road. Everyone has fun with it. Keep up with this board and you will find lots of friends and help here!

Hi, welcome from northern Minnesota!

Find a Janome dealer. They usually have classes to help you learn how to use your machine. You have a sophisticated machine with lots of bells and whistles; I would want help getting started too. As for learning to quilt, take a beginning class---you are going to love it!

BTW, welcome from Pine Grove, CA!

Hello and Welcome from Central California :)
Enjoy your new hobby!

Hi and welcome from the sunny state of Florida!!

Hi - welcome from Georgia! This forum has the best members - everyone is helpful and supportive. Stick with us and you will learn quickly and be encouraged to try new things. :)

Hey Sweet,there is at least one other who is from Texarkana here on this forum.Dont remember her name. Also there are shops there that give lessons. Get in one and meet others,they will help you.

there is a quilting group there in Texarkan, Twice As Nice Quilting Bees. Go to www.quiltguilds.com/texas.htm. You will see a list of cities in Texas, scroll down to Texarkana. I'm sure these ladies would help you.

Hello from Missouri. A beginning quilting book from the library is a very good starting place. If you have a quilt guild near you, they often welcome new quilters and love to show how they do their quilting.

Hi and welcome from Oklahoma City, OK. I was a novice 5 years ago when I decided to learn to quilt. I went to the local library and repeatedly check out the quilting books. I read books and magazines all summer. Finally started making crazy quilts out of denim for all my grandkids for Christmas. Got 5 twin size done (for all the older GKs) They are all still using them in their homes or cars. Just pick a project and go for it!

Welcome from Tulsa <waving>

Welcome to the board from Southern California!!!

Welcome from Ireland

Again thanks so much ladies and gents :) I went to the library today and checked out five books to read up on, then gonna buy some fabric and learn my machine:) All of the help is greatly appreciated!!!

Welcome from Michigan.

Hello and welcome from Utah. Simple squares is the easiest. To start on. But I am learning that triangles are not to be feared. Everyone here is so helpful.

I took a beginning quilting class and learned so much!! I've been off and running ever since :D

Hello and Welcome to the board :D:D:D
So glad that you joined us!!

Welcome from Arizona!

Hi, and welcome from Oregon. You came to the right place for help, the wonderful men and women on the board will answer any questions you have. I am teaching myself to quilt, and they have been both great and generosies at heart. you will learn so very much from them. good luck and God bless. Penny

Welcome to the board from Oklahoma by way of Massachusetts!! If you have questions, we have answers. If you have answers, we will ask questions. You may consider this your new home, and we are your family.

Welcome from KENTUCKY.I'm also new at this and looking for books.