I"m starting serious quilting as I have done some in the past, but now I want to get SERIOUS. I would like to know what books would be the best for a serious "starter". I have a new Juki 5550 industrial machine that I love, but it does not do zigzag, but have a Kenmore (old one) that does zigzag. Any suggestion will be GREATLY APPRECIATED. Diane

I don't have a book suggestion and I'm just starting to get more serious about quilting, too, but I have to say that hanging around on this board is the BEST thing I've done. The perspective you get here is so much different - a lot of those amazing, "unattainable" quilts you see in magazines were made by people right here in this forum! The advice you'll get here is incredible, and it seems there is an expert here for everything.

Welcome, and good luck!

You will get tons of practical information right here, on this board, for free!

As for books, I check them out from the library by the armload! When I come across a book I love that works for me, I shop around and buy it.

There are so many books and not all of them suit me. I would try to look at several from the library or spend an afternoon at Borders! See what suits your style then buy. :)

My very first book I purchased was by Fons and Porter "The Complete Guide to Quilting". Starts at the very basic on up and has info that I always go back to in it. Wonderful resource book.

Hi,
I have the same Juki...do you piece with it...I have only used it for regular sewing like drapery because it is way too fast..I have heard that it is possible to slow these machines down... you don't really need zigzag for piecing and quilting do you?

As far as books go, I like Better HOmes and GArdens Complete Guide toQuiting and The Quilting Bible for basics, good photos and how to...then there are many others for patterns, photos, etc

oatw13............eh......where is your head or face at???

Taking a class is a good way to start. My first quilt was a log cabin and we used the book, Start Quilting with Alex Anderson.

I just bought the Quilting Bible at 1/2 price books, I love it

Mine, too! Gosh, that thing is years old but you're right, I still reference it a lot.

I have it too, great reference book.

The book by Fons and Porter is a great resource book for beginning quilters, as well as the one by Harriet Hargreave, which I don't recall the name of and cannot find at the moment. I also have the Quilting Bible and Alex Anderson's book, as well as Quilting For Dummies 101, My First Quilt Book and some others.

Midwestqltr

My go to books are...

Better Homes and Gardens Complete Guide to Quiting

and...

The Quilter's Handbook by Rosemary Wilkinson

I also have Harriet Hargreave's "Mastering Machine Quilting", a classic of the quilt world. "Mastering Machine Applique" is highly rated too.

My absolute favorite is Harriet Hargrave & Carrie Hargrave - Quilter's Academy Freshman Year (eventually there will be 6 books in the series - the first two are out and the third comes out in March).

I also have Harriet Hargrave's Heirloom Machine Quilting for when I'm ready to start actually quilting the tops I've pieced.

Cheers, K

My 1st book and quilt was an Eleanor Burns 9 patch. Great instructions, pictures. She's simply the best in my books! :thumbup:

I've found the Fons & Porter book the best for basic techniques. Even after quilting for several years, I still consult that book often.

I like Alex Anderson's Beginning Quilting book (not exactly the name of it). She encourages making a small quilt or wall hanging first so you gain confidence in completing your first project. But it was Eleanor Burns' Grandmother's Garden that first inspired me to take quilting seriously, and Better Homes and Gardens Quilting... for reference. Love them all!

THANKS TO ALL. I'm so glad I found this Forum. It is VERY friendly, helpful and informative. THANKS AGAIN

I agree that you can't beat the info you can get right here! With that being said I did take the advice from a friend here and got..."The Quilters Ultimate Visual Guide". It is awesome, tons of pictures ans illustrations to go along with each tip, and it is in alphabetic order
David