Hi,

My name is Jane and I live in Olympia, WA, the most wonderful place on earth!

I haven't made my first quilt yet. I'm working on a practice quilt with the help of a neighbor, and am signed up for classes but they don't start until October. So far, all I've done is spend a ton of money on quilting supplies and a brand new Viking Sapphire 850!!! I sure hope I like this hobby!

Anyway, I saw somewhere a gridded ironing mat that looked like it would come in pretty handy, but I can't find anything like it for sale online. I don't know if you "pros" think it's worthwhile to have the grid lines on an ironing mat. And if so, where I could find such a thing? I've checked Joann's, Walmart, my local quilt store and Target, but no luck. Whaddyathink?

Thanks for your advice and help!

Welcome Jane! You're going to loooove this hobby. Trust me on this ;) Only a little later on down the line you will probably refer to it as your "addiction", "passion", "craft", "artform" etc. :lol:

I've never used an ironing mat with a grid on it so I can't help you there. Surely there will be someone on here who has one and can tell you whether it's worth the money or not.

It can be a bit expensive to get started, but your tools should last you quite a long time. Your fabric won't. It needs feeding every couple of weeks at LEAST!! LOL

Hope you enjoy the site Jane. :)

Hi Jane, welcome neighbor, I just live south of you here in our beautiful state, love to hear all of your enthusiasm :D I bought a gridded ironing mat at walmart, they seem to sell fast at the one here by me. Can't wait to hear about and see your first projects, be sure to posts pictures here, ok? :D

Yes, my quilting supplies are easily worth more than my car. I have one of the pressing mats inside my travel portfolio bag - I think Dritz is the brand, and I don't really use it except when i go away for a weekend and bring something along.

I remember a time in my life, a lot of my carpentry tools did double duty for quilting, and now I still pick up new toys. Seems like something new is always catching my eye

Thanks for all your replies! It really makes me feel welcome.

I'm going to "try" not to buy any more quilting toys until 1) I really need them, and 2) decide I really like quilting! Otherwise I'll end up in the poor house. Everything costs so darn much! :(

And I guess I should spend a little time learning how to post emoticons!

Jane

Oh, I see -- it turns into a smiley when you actually SEND it...

Duh...

(....and I want to quilt -- all that math!)

Jane, I did the same thing that you did, bought all kinds of fabrics, tools, supplies and two sewing machines, getting prepared for when I would have the time to start quilting. I have enjoyed all that I have tried so far, and even one that is being a pain that I have set that aside and will come back to it later. I am guessing that once you get started, and in your case in a class, you will forge ahead and get as hooked as the rest of us :D :D :D :D :D :D

Welcome Jane! You'll find more enthusiasm and love of quilting here than anywhere else. There's more joy to come to you than you would ever believe in the beginning.

May I warn you of a couple of things? Don't get frustrated and give up. Never trust a measuring instrument until you have checked it to be sure it's accurate, and never pass up a sale on fabrics of all sizes, colors, and patterns. You'll want it sometime, I promise!

Do join in, we're a friendly, helpful, caring bunch.

Sharon

PS: if you go to the SEARCH at the top of the page, put in the ironing cover, you'll find a couple of posts about them. I wouldn't rely on them to be real accurate. :(

Hello and welcome
Yes you will soon get addicted to quilting too, it's alot of fun and my stress reducer :!:
I love to fabric shop!! I see something I like I'll get a yard (you never know when you might need it) LOL

Hi Jane. Welcome! I have one of the pressing pads with the grid. I got mine at JoAnn's. I have a small one I can roll up and take with and a larger one that has a board on the back that I keep on or close to my cutting table. I don't think I find the grid all that helpful, it was just on it when I bought it. My sewing room is kindof small and didn't like having the ironing board up in the way. I've been quilting about 5 years and love it. I know you will too. What's not to love!?!