i am newer quilter, and have a couple questions. would like as many answers as I can

1. I seem to be color challenged-what resources can I go to so I can put together a quilt with a variety of pleasing colors

2. it seems like some quilters can piece and quilt an item in a short amount of time-how long does it take you from start to finish

3 what are some patterns that can go together much quicker to give a sense of getting something done inbetween making a more complicated quilt

any hints, and/or comments would be greatly appreciated

I know one hint is to limit your quiltboard computer time :) sometime i spend more time here than on my work

Patterns like Turning Twenty or Yellow Brick Road plus D9P or 10min block are all easy and make nice looking quilts for in between more complicated projects.

I'm sure others will have hints for your color and time questions.

Welcome to quilting and to the board. This is a great place to get advice and just hang out. Here are my opinions:

1. I have several suggestions for this. Get a color wheel. Pick a color. The colors on either side of your color are blending colors. The color directly across from your color is the contrasting color.

Start with a focus fabric -- florals work especially nice, as do Asians -- and then pick colors that go with that fabric. Most fabrics will have colored dots somewhere on the selvage. These dots represent each of the colors used in the fabric. Use those dots to choose your colors. Also, if the fabric line has a large print and a small coordinating print, that adds contrast.

As a fun self-challenge, find colors that begin with your initials (for example, mine are EYM, so ecru, yellow and magenta) and make a quilt with those color fabrics. I actually fudged and found a color called Elephant Gray and used it instead.

2. This is not a race (unless it's a gift and the party is tomorrow <LOL>). I usually only get to quilt an hour or less a day, so I just keep plugging along until I get it done. And the time will vary from pattern to pattern -- a four patch or a pinwheel with alternating solid squares will go much faster than a double wedding ring or lone star.

3. As mentioned above, a four patch, pinwheel or snowball block with alternating solid squares goes together very quickly and is very flexible when it come to size. There is a free pattern on the web called "Wickedly Easy Quilt" that is wickedly easy.

As for hints, measure twice, cut once. Get to know your machine and keep the manual handy, just in case. Have good lighting and a good chair. If things just aren't going well, get up and get a glass of iced tea (or cup of coffee). Let it sit for a while rather than just getting yourself frustrated. Stretch!

Hope this helps.

I would say, go to the fabric store, find a bolt you like, carry it around, find others that you like that go with it. Repeat as needed.

I always like Trip Around the World for an easy beginner pattern. All squares, all the same size and they look terrific.

I love strip piecing, so a simple 9-patch is one of my favorites for easy work. As for colors - start with collections. They are color coordinated, and you will learn a lot just looking at them closely.

I try to remember color combinations that are attractive to me - whether it's another quilt, painting, garden or something else around me.

As for how long - it takes me a long time to finish anything. I work all day, so I get an hour at the most at night, and then time on the weekends. I try not to race to finish anything, because that would take the fun out of it.

Janet

When I first started, I bought kits. The work of picking out the fabrics was done and I could concentrate on the cutting and sewing. I took a lot of classes. I looked for classes that taught techniques' and not necessarily a particular quilt. Start with a beginning class, they usually do sampler blocks so that you get your feet wet on a lot of things.

Don't think you have to learn to do everything all at once. I sent out my first quilts to be quilted, so that I could concentrate on the piecing. A good longarmer will also guide and teach you. We also have things we can do to make a not-so-perfect quilt look good! If you do this, make sure you let her know that you are learning and want the tips!

This is so addictive! Happy journey!

Quilting is a journey not a destination. Enjoy the process. As for color I like scrappy because I am color challenged too. Scrappy from scraps can take a lot longer because you usually have to cut each peice individually. You can plan scrappy though. like only use scraps from three color groups. or make the right side all lights and the left side all darks. The choice is yours. Have fun

1. "what resources can I go to so I can put together a quilt with a variety of pleasing colors"

Look around your home to see colors you like together. Do you have a favorite floral blouse or dress? A favorite flower? I find color inspiration everywhere, even on things like tissue boxes and wallpaper.

2. "how long does it take you from start to finish"

Well, it depends on the size, scope, and complexity of the piece. I've finished table runners, baby quilts, and wall hangings in a couple days. I've spent years sewing and quilting bed quilts.

3 "what are some patterns that can go together much quicker to give a sense of getting something done in between making a more complicated quilt"

Rail fence is quick. Fourpatch is quick. Chinese coins, 9patch, shoofly--- ah, there are many many easy and fast patterns. Have fun with it. Don't obsess over the time it takes.

You might go to www.quilterscache.com You will find lots of free patterns, all marked by level of difficulty. My favorite easy block is friendship star. Pinwheels are always fun.

One of the major things to learn in quilting is to be comfortable with your own color sense. Select you focus fabric and work from there.

Enjoy!!