mic-pa

Hi Singalong. I live close to NY state near Binghamton. My suggestion is to go to Joann's or a local quilt shop and buy one of Eleanor Burns books. She explains cutting, piecing and sewng blocks very well. She has many very easy quilts. You won't be sorry . Thats how i started out. I made a Burgoyne Surrounded of Red white and Blue and I beleive it was Eleanor's pattern. Loved it . good LUck. Marge

k_jupiter

I like others have a quilt in pieces beyond my experience level. At more than 100 bucks for sure.

But... my first quilt was a Yellow Brick road, tops done, it's pinned and still waiting for me to finish. Second quilt was the one sitting in a box waiting for me to get better. Still waiting. Third quilt was for my daughter a triple irish chain. WAY over my head in scope, but easy in complexity. I finished all of it except for the binding. It sat for months. I then went and got Burn's Log Cabin Quilt in a day. Took me three days but I finished it and got the confidence to finish the triple irish chain one. There are pictures of that somewhere around here.

This past year I finished a complex flying geese, pinwheel, and HST quilt top that is waiting to be quilted. Even Patrice is amazed that I finished it. I am now working on a double irish chain for a wedding gift, a complex block and sashing with variable sized pieces in it, a medallion quilt with tons of little pieces in the borders, and... well you get the idea. Confidence is the name of the game.

And cut one layer of fabric at a time. What's the hurry? Every strip I cut is accurate to within 1/32 of an inch. I find the measuring and cutting to be very relaxing, I get to check each strip as it's done. Piecing then becomes VERY easy as everything lines up.

Hope all this helps. And when you get discouraged... just think.. some GUY can do this, so can I!

tim in san jose

Jim's Gem

Hi Singalong, welcome from Southern California. Wow, everyone has given you such great tips. Don't give up, work with an easier pattern and then as you gain skill and confidence you can try "harder" patterns. Just try to enjoy the process.

singalong

Tim, thanks for the encouragement....I will certainly take your advice... :D

pal

Hi Singalong, I was also going to suggest purchasing an
Eleanor Burns book. She does everything in a step-by-step
fashion. If I could only have one book it would be by Eleanor Burns.

Also, maybe you could take a course on quilting in Adult Education?

Don't let your confidence be squashed. Once you get a couple of quilts under your belt you can go back to the one that you really want to do,
and you'll be ready for it!

Shorebird

Why not check out one or more of your local quilt shop? Most have classes that they offer, and with instructors, are good for even the newst novice quilter........

You are joining a large group of wonderful people, who share a common interest...start visiting your local shops, meet some of the people there, and you will soon be quilting like nobody's business!

Hang in there!

sewjoyce

Hi and Welcome from southern Indiana!!

Well, I got in over my head last year. Took a class in making a lonestar and I wanted it king size for ME. What was I thinking? It's now a UFO. But I WILL finish the darn thing!!

Janstar

Everyone has given you great advise sing a long. When I first started quilting there were no quilt stores or teachers near by so I got Elenor Burns, Trip Around the World, Quilt in a Day book. It took longer than a day of course but I made it through and then tied it. Since then I've grown in experience and confidence. That was 12 years ago. You will do just fine!

patty48

I have been working on a Burgoyne Surround quilt off and on for 4 years and I'm still not finished it (get frustrated and put it away). Mine was also a mystery quilt. I wished I had had the opportunity to peek ahead, because if I had I would have never started it. I have made a vow that this is the year to finish it and by the end of this summer! (I'll keep you posted).

One of the nicest and easiest quilt I have ever made was called a "Floral Fantasy". I made mine scrappy but you can make it in a "selected" colorway. It's fun and easy and the result will boost your confidence to make other types of quilts.

Don't give up......quilting can and is fun........

mary quite contrary

Welcome back to quilting. We've all gotten in over our heads at some point. Nothing a little time & experience won't fix. You can do whatever it is you decide to do. Be sure to show us pictures.