Brand new quilter needing elementary advice!

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06-19-2012, 02:44 PM

#21

betsyjohnson

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Join Date: Jun 2012

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Posts: 6

Thank you everyone for all the amazing advice! I'm really seeing how everyone has a different style. I've got a lot of new ideas on how to start this! I know it's a big quilt for my first quilt- but I like a challenge! I think doing it block by block is an excellent idea! I also cut out a bunch of the smaller colored blocks, just to have them for later. I really appreciate everyone's feedback!

06-19-2012, 02:50 PM

#22

betsyjohnson

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Join Date: Jun 2012

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Posts: 6

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrannieAnnie

Since most here are not recommending strip piecing, I'm going to assume I saw the wrong quilt block. Can you tell me the name of the quilt itself?

The name of the quilt is Kaleidescopic Kites

06-19-2012, 04:24 PM

#23

Helen S

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Join Date: Mar 2012

Location: Vancouver, Washington State

Posts: 2,113

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZdgpQ49xGM

There are some really good videos on youtube that show how to cut fabric and for beginners.

06-19-2012, 04:30 PM

#24

mom-6

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Join Date: Feb 2010

Location: Texas

Posts: 6,395

Love the pattern! Looks like it will be fairly quick and easy, even for a beginner. And any time you run into difficulties, all of us are just a question away.

06-19-2012, 10:53 PM

#25

bearisgray

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Location: MN

Posts: 24,390

Quote:

Originally Posted by mom-6

Love the pattern! Looks like it will be fairly quick and easy, even for a beginner. And any time you run into difficulties, all of us are just a question away.

And you can count on a variety of answers!

06-20-2012, 02:56 AM

#26

junegerbracht

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Join Date: Jan 2011

Posts: 659

Quote:

Originally Posted by Helen S

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZdgpQ49xGM

There are some really good videos on youtube that show how to cut fabric and for beginners.

I totally agree - a picture is worth a thousand words. Like having a teacher at your fingertips. If you don't understand one there is always another.

06-20-2012, 03:32 AM

#27

SueDor

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Join Date: Aug 2010

Location: Ohio

Posts: 13,257

Love the quilt you picked out! Everyone less has given you their ideas. Just have fun. Don't rush!

06-20-2012, 04:03 AM

#28

Judi in Ohio

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Join Date: Sep 2008

Location: Ohio

Posts: 674

Quote:

Originally Posted by betsyjohnson

Hi everyone- I just started quilting recently. I used to sew with my mom when I was a kid, but only clothing. I have a quilt picked out as my first quilt that I'm going to make, and I already have all the fabric for it... But I'm already stuck. I know this seems like a very elementary question, but I just need some good tips. I need to cut out 112 pieces of my white fabric for the background, but I can't figure out the best way to cut my fabric! I mean, I can cut 112 pieces individually, but that sounds awful! I can't figure out the best way to fold my fabric to minimize cutting time. I just feel like every time I fold my fabric I'm going to cut it wrong!
Any advice would be very much appreciated! Thanks in advance!

OK, my elementary advice is to stop! Go to YouTube and find beginning quilting and watch everyone you can. Especially if it teaches you how to use the rulers and rotary cutters. Quilting is different from other sewing. Your quilt pattern you chose is adoreable and will be simple to make and teach you a lot in the process. You will be cutting 6.5 strips and 3.5" strips, but you have to learn how to hold the ruler and cutter to get correct widths. Also you must practice the 1/4" seam - seems simple yes? Not so simple, it is the one thing that is the hardest to master - believe it or not. You need to learn to crawl before you walk. Also, quilting books - go to the library. I needed a beginner quilt class, for some reason I need to see it. Using the rulers is also different and you need to learn to do it right or you pick up bad habits - ask me how I know that? I was also a clothing sewer when I started. Anyway, enjoy, and take your time.

06-20-2012, 04:34 AM

#29

JenelTX

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Join Date: Jan 2011

Location: Central Texas

Posts: 809

Quote:

Originally Posted by betsyjohnson

Yes, I do have a rotary cutter and a mat, and two different sized rulers. This is the pattern I'm making:http://www.freshlemonsquilts.com/?p=1016
It seems like it shouldn't be too bad for a beginner!

That does look like a great pattern to start out with as a beginner. The most challenging part, I think, will be the quilt assembly. Since there are so many different blocks, and the order of assembly is so important. I'd suggest you pin little pieces of paper to each block as you finish it, with the letter written on the paper.

06-20-2012, 05:04 AM

#30

teacherbailey

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Join Date: Feb 2010

Location: Tucker, GA

Posts: 2,042

What a great pattern! I'm going to go back and play on that site, since I've never run across it before. I agree with the others; take it slow and easy, cut a little at a time, and you'll be fine.