thanks, Viv. and congrats! i found the same thing by joining the Dear Jane quilt along. it has really helped to hone my skills :thumbup:

Welcome from PA. I started sewing when I was little and sewed clothes off an on since. But, like you, I was always in a hurry too. Didn't press seams etc. and wasn't always happy with the finished outfit. lol Sad story for me was...my first quilting project began in 1999 when my mother was dying of cancer. When she died the pieces went into a bag and stayed there. I started back sewing clothing a little bit and decided to do it right. Made a couple of things that I was pleased with how they turned out.

Then I saw a book on making fabric purses...bought it and had fun making them. Thought about quilting again and decided to jump back in. Loving just about every minute of it...except for those times you have to use the seam ripper. But like you, I am taking my time, measuring more than once and pressing every seam.

And this group is so helpful. I read this board several times a day. I love looking at all of the beautiful things the others have made. Oh...I'm 62 and often think I wish I would have stayed with the sewing and quilting after my mother died. I'd have made so many more things.

Welcome from Vermont and I think at times we all feel like newbies because we all learn something new from others, that is the joy of learning and the fun of quilting.

Welcome form S CA ! Great advice!!!

Great advise vhord620. I too am a newbie and like you, I always wanted to get my projects done quick. But I've found with quilting I just can't do that and get a good result. I toyed with the idea of quilting for a couple years. I watched the program Simply Quilts every day and admired what they created but said to myself, how the heck did they do that and what are they talking about and I'll never be able to do that! I subscribed to a quilting magazine and got really inspired.
I found tutorials on line and found this board. The people on this board are so willing to help us newbies and I'm so grateful for them. I've learned so much.

Welcome Viv! I'm sure you've come to realize even the seasoned quilters make mistakes. The beauty of those mistakes is they push us to do better and help us realize when we've done our best. Everyone is willing to lend a hand or offer a shoulder, just ask.

Welcome to this amazing board! I have learned so much from these ladies and gents in the last 2 years that I now enjoy quilting very much. Before I was like you, in a hurry to get things done and get on to the next one. I started quilting when I was about 55 and really didn't do to much because I became frustrated when things didn't turn out like I wanted. Now I have slowed down and really enjoy the process and am mostly happy when my quilt is finished. Good luck to you in your "new" venture. Need help, just ask.

Welcome from Washington State!

I've been sewing for over 50 years. When I mentioned to my daughter that I wanted to start quilting, she gave me the gift of TQPM for my birthday in January and it has been a great learning tool, not to mention being the gift that "keeps on giving"!

This board is the MOST amazing place I've ever had the pleasure of being a member of! There is so much to learn and there are so many helpful people here you will never lack for help OR encouragement.

Welcome from NE Ohio.