newbie very basic question
#32
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Elmira, NY
Posts: 6,113
Originally Posted by salisaquilter
It grows with you and in you. Love to hear from you next year as you do grow. Or even show us your first project.
#33
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 606
OK. I haven't been quilting for long, a year or so. I must tell you if you can't afford to shop at the local quilt shop, and not many of us can, then try Hobby Lobby rather than Joanns. Only b/c they keep the fabric lines together for the most part. If something catches your eye, the coordinating fabrics are usually surrounding it. It makes it easy for me as I am not confident in my fabric color choices just yet. Joanns just doesn't keep the coordinates together in my shop.
#34
Hi Penny and welcome from Arizona. I would suggest a basic sewing class or beginner's quilting class. This will help you feel more comfortable with your machine, the basic sewing skills and guidance in purchasing the correct types of fabric. Once you're ready to get your feet wet the answers to any question you may have about quilting can be found here.
Andie :D :D :D
Andie :D :D :D
#36
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Elmira, NY
Posts: 6,113
Could you work on a basic quilt of squares until then? Cut your various fabrics into same-sized squares and put them together. It can be in a pattern or randomly. That way, you could practice some of the basics, like cutting straight, sewing a straight line, just getting used to working with your fabrics.
#39
You've received a load of great advice so far.
I'd like to add one.
Check out your local library. Often they will have "basics" of sewing books, and even some "all about quilting" type books. Some may be a bit old, but the only real thing that's changed in the past 10 years is the use of a rotary cutter rather than scissors for cutting.
The rest is variations of the same thing. Joining pieces together to make a pleasing pattern, adding a layer of batting and a back and sew them together - either by hand or by machine, or even by tying them with wool every 4" or so.
To save money while you're learning, you can even use "cheater" batting. Just pick up the prequilted fabric (usually in baby section), especially if it's on sale. Use that for your practise quilts and save the expensive stuff for when you're more confident. Even an old flannel blanket will work for batting. If you're going to machine quilt, I'd suggest spray basting your layers together, and to stay away from polyester batting as it shifts a lot more than wool or cotton.
And shop around. Some places are a LOT cheaper than others.
It is always worth it to take classes. Even the "experts" still take classes.
And don't forget to have FUN!
I'd like to add one.
Check out your local library. Often they will have "basics" of sewing books, and even some "all about quilting" type books. Some may be a bit old, but the only real thing that's changed in the past 10 years is the use of a rotary cutter rather than scissors for cutting.
The rest is variations of the same thing. Joining pieces together to make a pleasing pattern, adding a layer of batting and a back and sew them together - either by hand or by machine, or even by tying them with wool every 4" or so.
To save money while you're learning, you can even use "cheater" batting. Just pick up the prequilted fabric (usually in baby section), especially if it's on sale. Use that for your practise quilts and save the expensive stuff for when you're more confident. Even an old flannel blanket will work for batting. If you're going to machine quilt, I'd suggest spray basting your layers together, and to stay away from polyester batting as it shifts a lot more than wool or cotton.
And shop around. Some places are a LOT cheaper than others.
It is always worth it to take classes. Even the "experts" still take classes.
And don't forget to have FUN!
#40
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Saskatchewan
Posts: 116
Take a beginner class. You will learn the basics.
There is definitely a right way to cut fabric and it can't be explained that easliy on a forum such as this.
As far as buying fabric, anything that goes together is okay. But a class would probably help you determine what is quality and what is not.
There is definitely a right way to cut fabric and it can't be explained that easliy on a forum such as this.
As far as buying fabric, anything that goes together is okay. But a class would probably help you determine what is quality and what is not.
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