I have been quilting for about 5 years and still consider myself a beginner! There are simply so many things I don't know yet, so I still ask lots of questions....and get lots of great answers in a variety of different methods. About using Plaids and dots in fabrics...I try not to because I don't like the look when the cut doesn't match the line in the fabric. I have had a hard time with the trendy chevron fabric because it never follows the grain, nor will it be printed straight (you can run your ruler along the points ok for a few inches, then the points go uphill) causing me immense grief. So this quilter tries not to use those fabrics.....and quality/cost doesn't matter.

The only advice I have for you is a tip my nephew who quilts gave me a few years ago. That tip was, "It'll all come out in the wash. If the puckering from washing doesn't hide a mistake, then that mistake will send a message to the recipient that you loved them enough to keep going no matter what difficulties you had in the making of it!" That's pretty sound advice if you ask me. ☺

As far as there being a "beginner forum", every section of the board matches that description! There are people here with every level of expertise, and from the moment I started on my second quilt and discovered this board, people have been patient, kind, and more than willing to help with advice, links, and encouragement. You've definitely come to the best place! 😃

Donna

There are no stupid, "beginner" questions. Just questions someone wants to know but are too shy to ask. I am sure you helped several people who had the same question but were afraid to ask!

There is no such thing as a dumb question. Beginners are always welcome, you'll get lots of wonderful advice from the more advanced quilters here. Enjoy quilting, check out craftsy for free or low cost classes! Enjoy the process and let the mistakes not bother you.

I've posted on forums since 1995, OK official old guy. While I don't post on many quilting boards - just two different sewing related forums. I did notice on the other forum that I am on, that one of the most popular sections is the beginners section. There are many kind people out there that like to help out the younger or in my case less experienced people in the craft. I thank those of that ilk.

I have, what I refer to as, a Strange Twist on this hobby. It's not my hobby. It's my wife's. She has been quilting for 30 years. We have dozens upon dozens of quilts in our home and several dozen more have been gifted, just like most of you. I probably said this earlier in this thread but I think many advanced techniques are really executing the fundamentals of the hobby with precision and efficiency.

My wife just isn't into forums. She sews / pieces / quilts and I type. We are usually in the same room together, I'm on the computer, she is on her sewing machine. Like I said, strange twist on the hobby.

Some of you that have been around a while can probably relate to this, but just because you have been doing something for a long time, doesn't necessarily mean you know what you are doing. :D Some want to keep doing just what they have always done. If you have an open mind and want to advance your skill set, you can still learn.

I want to thank everyone on this forum for making me feel welcome here and for openly sharing your thoughts and experiences.