newquiltertoni

Thanks to everyone on the comments and support. I am almost finished and I guess what scares me the most is the actual quilting together. Don't know a darn thing about borders or quilting...lol. Don't know if I can hand stitch either...lol. Just going to have to jump in and sink or swim I guess. I am trying to learn all of these terms and tricks but it still seems like a whole other language right now. Just don't want to get discouraged and stop. I think my machine will do the job seeing how it is more of a small blanket or lap quilt. ugh!!!!!!!!! I don't know maybe I will try tying it instead. The only thing is don't you have to have a stand or stretcher to make sure it is good and tight.

I need to purchase a whole lot more tools.....lol

bj

I helped a friend tie a quilt one time that she had just taped the backing right side down onto her table, then put the batting and the quilt top right side up. We used some curved needles and it really went pretty quickly. Her table was formica and didn't scratch. You might could put something down first to protect your table top, like your cutting mat or a marble to raise it off the surface of the table. Just push the marble around to wherever you need it to be. I've even heard of taping to the floor, but I've never tried that. Don't think my knees would stand it. Good luck. Let us see it when you're done. Also, if you're handquilting in a frame or hoop, I don't think you want the fabric stretched really tight or you won't be able to manipulate the fabric and needle.

Knot Sew

I laid the layers on the living room floor and used the large size saftey pins.........I stick them in and close when I have It all pined. I use between 50,and 100 pins then do either quilt or tie :D

mimisharon

I had my husband make me a cover from the old plywood, 3/8ths. We used piano hinges and I simply fold it out on the dining table when I'm ready to do the basting and sandwich. It is folded and next to refrigerator so that it's always handy. I use painters tape to secure the edges and move the quilt as I need to. I usually start in the middle of the quilt, just as I do when I begin the actual quilting. That way everything stays as even and flat as it can.

One of these days I'll have a space to set up the board on a higher level and not have to stay in bed for days afterward. Norah has the ideal, a camper that's her Quilting House, decked out for Quilting.

You'll get it, it's fun no matter how you find your 'sandwich' spot.

Happy Quilting,
Sharon

Lisa

I have never tied a quilt but I just wanted to offer some encouragement! Don't get too frustrated, I know it's mind-boggling with all of the options that you have. Tools, yes there are thousands of tools out there, I myself am a tool gadget freak! If I see it, I have to have it, especially when I'm at the quilt shows but the truth is I really don't need all the tools that I have and I have numerous ones I have never even used once! :oops: I would suggest getting and building up your tool collection on an as need basis. That way your not spending a fortune on something you won't really use. Just start out slow and you will soon learn what is really needed and what isn't. I personally think the best and most needed and used would be good sissors, cutting mat and cutter and rulers to get started well. I hope you post your quilt when you get it finished, we can't wait to see it and good luck!

bj

Me too Lisa. My latest "tool" is one I saw on Fons and Porter called a binding tool. I do pretty well getting the binding with mitred corners until it's time to join the two ends. Bought the tool, but now I don't know exactly how to make it work. Guess I'll be studying up on it soon as I'm putting binding on a quilt today! :) :) :)

MelissaK

I like tying quilts because I find that they are softer and keep that plush feeling w/ the batting! I lay it out on the living room rug and pin and tie from there. It is nice with the tv right in front of me! Good luck. make sure you post when finished! :)

Rebecca Chambley

NQToni
Your most important tool is your imagination, as the others have said, all the other things, buy as you need, I think your best investment would be a good basic Book on quilting. I bought the Big Book On Quilting, several years ago and it stays on my cutting table for referrence. I'm not a gadget person, I'd rather buy fabric. Some of the things I do are labor intensive, but it works for me and the result is alway good, so I don't fix it, if it ain't broke. You will find the right niche for U, and what you can make do with. When you get frustrated, go have a cup of tea, And remeber QUILTING started out as a nessecity, and to make do with what you have. Stick to your basics, and you will be surprised where it will lead you. And HAVE FUN.