redstilettos

We always hear about some of us with 10-20-30-40-50 etc. years of experience in sewing and quilting.

Are there any new sewers out there? A year or less?

What got you into the madness, and how do you decide what to buy first? (other than the machine! )

TheMerkleFamily

Great question! Last May, I was introduced to quilting/sewing by a lifelong, dear friend visiting from California. She asked if I'd ever considered sewing/quilting and suggested we spend our rainy day exploring a well supplied LQS. Well, that was all it took! As soon as I walked in I fell in love with every fabric I laid eyes on (truly a 1st timer) but left determined to make two of the display quilts - a beautiful bargello and a Kaffe Fassett - Stone Log Cabin. Surprisingly, I refrained from purchasing anything that day. But I did embark on my search for the perfect 1st machine (Juki TL2200qvp mini) and that's when I found this board. Honestly, my friend piqued by interest but this board has truly inspired and guided me forward to pursue this obsession

My 1st purchase was the KF Stone Log Cabin kit which I must admit is UFO at the moment as I've been distracted by other projects - imagine that? LOL! Now that I think of it - I've certainly gathered a small store of fabric, patterns, notions, machines, etc. over just the past several months (which, btw, feels like several years!)

Again, the inspiration and shared wisdom found on this board has helped this 'newbie' immensely! Thank you

Christine

Dolphyngyrl

When I was new I purchased a rotary cutter, decent sized mat, scissors pins, needles, seam ripper. Everything else I acquired as I went when I needed it or had gift cards I bought the extra rulers and notions. A basic 6 x24 ruler is a good start ruler I also use my stripology ruler tons those are the main rulers I use 95 percent of the time. I also use clover wonder clips a lot. A good iron is a necessity as well.

Dolphyngyrl

I love craftsy and iquilt for classes

Teen

In 1987' I took a quilt in a day class and made a log cabin quilt. From 1987 to 2016, I made maybe 3 baby quilts. In June of 2016, I hit the door running and have made, since June, over 80 quilts. I have always loved the idea of quilting but college and career got in the way of this hobbie. When I semi-retired and now only perform counseling 2 days a week, I bought myself a Babylock and the rest is history. Lol!

I come from a long line of quilters and seamstresses and have many family heirlooms. Someone is always sewing something in my family. I am the only quilter in my generation so I am encouraging a great-Niece to pick up the craft and carry the legacy on.. My personal inspiration is my grandmothers quilt. I have a picture of her in 1953 hand quilting this quilt with her sisters in the backyard,sitting under a tree. If that isn't inspiration enough....well...

RJLinkletter

I tried my first project 2 years ago - an EPP all by hand(I used to cross stitch and embroider quite a lot). I was on and off but decided I liked it when I made another Christmas wall sampler by hand using different techniques and so Father Christmas (aka hubby) bought me a sewing machine this December. Since then I have been addicted!

So far I have bought a rotary cutter, mat, 2 different sized rulers, some pens and lots of different fat quarters. Hubby also bought me a suitable mini iron for Valentine's haha. I don't think I am going to be an actual quilt maker as such. (We don't really use them much) but love making smaller things. Since I have had my machine I have made a table runner, bed runner, couple of table mats and couple of mug rugs. Projects on the go include a large paper pieced wall hanging (which will be my preferred style I think) and also a crazy quilting project with lots of embellishments which I am really enjoying. I haven't enjoyed doing patchwork techniques as much as - probably because my cutting isn't as accurate as it should be.

Conchalea

I made my first quilt about 4 years ago, an art quilt of my own design. The fabric called to me & exactly fit my idea of a tv show my daughter & I watch-Doctor Who. It’s a fabric with swirls, reminding me of the TARDIS flying through space. Nature’s swirls follow the Fibonacci sequence of numbers, so my pieces were cut that way. I quilted it in a swirl from the Center out & really like it. I’ve made 2 twin-sized quilts, 3 baby quilts for former students when they had babies, & 3 quilted Christmas stockings, & several quilted tote bags. Then I stopped for some reason & went back to knitting & crocheting. Finding the pieces cut by my late mom has brought me back to quilting & my yarn work is rather neglected now! I have some lovely fat quarters calling me right now.
My first tool was a new machine, since the one my ex bought for me in 1973 expired in 2013, almost 40 years to the day I received it! I also bought 2 cutting mats, better scissors, & 2 rotary cutters. I’ve added a few rulers & expect to buy more if I continue quilting.

mrs theo

I got bitten by the quilting but about nine years ago when a LQS opened in my little town. I took a couple of classes and was hooked! I made a table runner, a table topper, bought lots of pretty fabric, and then life got in the way. I joined this board back then, and everyone here is so amazing and helpful!!! I just converted a spare bedroom into a quilting studio and am cutting out my first quilt, so I'm still a Newbie!