Quiltingboard Forums - Brand new quilter needing elementary advice!

Quiltingboard Forums (https://www.quiltingboard.com/)

- Main (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/)

- - Brand new quilter needing elementary advice! (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/brand-new-quilter-needing-elementary-advice-t192169.html)

Thank you everyone for all the amazing advice! I'm really seeing how everyone has a different style. I've got a lot of new ideas on how to start this! I know it's a big quilt for my first quilt- but I like a challenge! I think doing it block by block is an excellent idea! I also cut out a bunch of the smaller colored blocks, just to have them for later. I really appreciate everyone's feedback!

Quote:

Originally Posted by GrannieAnnie (Post 5300181)

Since most here are not recommending strip piecing, I'm going to assume I saw the wrong quilt block. Can you tell me the name of the quilt itself?

The name of the quilt is Kaleidescopic Kites :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZdgpQ49xGM

There are some really good videos on youtube that show how to cut fabric and for beginners.

Love the pattern! Looks like it will be fairly quick and easy, even for a beginner. And any time you run into difficulties, all of us are just a question away.

Quote:

Originally Posted by mom-6 (Post 5301669)

Love the pattern! Looks like it will be fairly quick and easy, even for a beginner. And any time you run into difficulties, all of us are just a question away.

And you can count on a variety of answers! :D

Quote:

Originally Posted by Helen S (Post 5301657)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ZdgpQ49xGM

There are some really good videos on youtube that show how to cut fabric and for beginners.

I totally agree - a picture is worth a thousand words. Like having a teacher at your fingertips. If you don't understand one there is always another.

Love the quilt you picked out! Everyone less has given you their ideas. Just have fun. Don't rush!

Quote:

Originally Posted by betsyjohnson (Post 5299776)

Hi everyone- I just started quilting recently. I used to sew with my mom when I was a kid, but only clothing. I have a quilt picked out as my first quilt that I'm going to make, and I already have all the fabric for it... But I'm already stuck. I know this seems like a very elementary question, but I just need some good tips. I need to cut out 112 pieces of my white fabric for the background, but I can't figure out the best way to cut my fabric! I mean, I can cut 112 pieces individually, but that sounds awful! I can't figure out the best way to fold my fabric to minimize cutting time. I just feel like every time I fold my fabric I'm going to cut it wrong!
Any advice would be very much appreciated! Thanks in advance! :)

OK, my elementary advice is to stop! Go to YouTube and find beginning quilting and watch everyone you can. Especially if it teaches you how to use the rulers and rotary cutters. Quilting is different from other sewing. Your quilt pattern you chose is adoreable and will be simple to make and teach you a lot in the process. You will be cutting 6.5 strips and 3.5" strips, but you have to learn how to hold the ruler and cutter to get correct widths. Also you must practice the 1/4" seam - seems simple yes? Not so simple, it is the one thing that is the hardest to master - believe it or not. You need to learn to crawl before you walk. Also, quilting books - go to the library. I needed a beginner quilt class, for some reason I need to see it. Using the rulers is also different and you need to learn to do it right or you pick up bad habits - ask me how I know that? I was also a clothing sewer when I started. Anyway, enjoy, and take your time.

Quote:

Originally Posted by betsyjohnson (Post 5299797)

Yes, I do have a rotary cutter and a mat, and two different sized rulers. This is the pattern I'm making:http://www.freshlemonsquilts.com/?p=1016
It seems like it shouldn't be too bad for a beginner!

That does look like a great pattern to start out with as a beginner. The most challenging part, I think, will be the quilt assembly. Since there are so many different blocks, and the order of assembly is so important. I'd suggest you pin little pieces of paper to each block as you finish it, with the letter written on the paper.

What a great pattern! I'm going to go back and play on that site, since I've never run across it before. I agree with the others; take it slow and easy, cut a little at a time, and you'll be fine.