NJ Quilter

Crashnquilt has some great recommendations. We're all guessing you are talking about machine sewing but there is also hand sewing. Many of these recommendations would be the same as the cutting/measuring practices would be the same. Start small. Try your hand at some pot holders or table runners to get the feel of things. Use the least expensive, decent fabric you can. Thrift stores can be a treasure trove of inexpensive fabric. Decide if you want to machine quilt or hand quilt. Again, start small whichever technique you decide. Many of us have been sewing/quilting for years and are still intimidated by many things. Just enjoy the process...it's not a race.

mighty

Just keep at it and do not give up!!!!!!

Rodney

The library is an excellent resource for patterns in the books and magazines. Pick a pattern you like and go for it. Don't worry about little mistakes. Do the best you can and fix the worst mistakes and just keep going. By the time you're done the little errors won't matter or even be seen by most people and you'll have enough experience to do even better on the next one.

Mostly though just remember to have fun.
Rodney

RainydayQuilter

Don't let yourself become paralyzed by the fear that it won't be perfect. If you ask award winning quilters, they see flaws in their quilts the rest of us miss. Give each project your best try, ask questions as they arise (you have a wonderful support system here at the quilt board of friends who are willing to answer your questions and provide tips), but most importantly enjoy yourself and your new hobby.

carrieg

All of the above is excellent advice. I'm going to add to check out HeyQuilty.com. It is geared toward quilters who have not spent years or decades sewing. They have short 8 minute videos. I think that is the site.

I had home ec 40 years ago & hadn't sewed by machine much at all when I began quilting. Just becoming comfortable with my machine was like learning a foreign language.

schnurke

You guys are all so sweet and awesome for all of this advice!!! I will look into finding a guild.

For my first projects I am keeping it *really* simple--square patches! Simple square patch quilt and pillow covers.

Thank you again so much,

Karen

schnurke

Here you will see what I am trying to do with my pillow covers. I sewed most of these strips on a 1979 sewing machine I purchased from a lady here in Kalamazoo. But then I had too much trouble with the tension, and magically a friend of mine purchased me a brand new Singer Talent machine. This friend is a quilter and is guiding me, but has been the only resource I've had.

Jackie Spencer

Just jump in, yes you will make mistakes. I have been doing this since the mid 70's and I still make mistakes. I am self taught, back when I first started the only thing I had was Quilters Newsletter Magazine. Just enjoy the process. You will get lots of good advice and help from the QB.