At 69 I decided to do a quilt from start to finish. I have helped other people with hand quilting, but
never had the time to do one on my own. Now I have finished 2 hand quilted quilts. The second
one was an order, the person who ordered is still calling me to say she is happy, and her brother
really likes his birthday gift. I learned after so much tearing out to take my time since I want to be
proud of what I make. Welcome from Mobile, Alabama.

Hi Viv,

I had the same experience. In the beginning I poo-pooed all those preparation steps - who needs them? Of course the corners don't meet up and points get cut off when you don't. So I thought I'd try it the slow way and what a difference. The devil is in the details and the more attention you pay to the prep work, the better your blocks go together and the better the top fits. Good for you that you listened. Keep up the good work.

Mom had a saying -

"Too soon we grow old,
Too late we grow smart."

Sounds like you've figured a few things out! Excellent!

So well written - now, I need to take all this to heart too! Thanks for reminding all of us (new quilters and probably experienced) and to quote - you exactly, "... So, if you're a newbie, and if you're frustrated...take my advice...slow down! enjoy what you do! life is too short, but don't hurry thru it, live each day, enjoy each day! Hugs to all the experts that have the patience to guide us newbies in learning this enjoyable craft." So well written - thanks!

I've learned everything I know from this quilting board - and I am beginning to read directions, careful to cut accurately and enjoying my new found hobby... even if my 1/4" seams are off - a little... Thanks quilting board and welcome vhord - btw - love your name!

Welcome to the Board from TN! Hey, how do you think those seasoned quilters got to be so seasoned!!?? Trial and error my dear friend! I'm glad you wrote, it's a nice little reminder for us all! Hang in there, it gets better, worse, better worse...and better!! Each day and new project is a different story with new experiences....

Viv,

I agree wholeheartedly. I take a long time to actually finish a quilt, but I am enjoying the process. I could get a lot more done if I rushed, but it would not be fun. I have friends who finish an amazing amount of quilts and they do a good job. I'm just not made that way. So sue me! lol

Welcome to the board.

Norma

I think that you are wonderful. Welcome from CT and keep quilting!

I love your post, and as a newbie I always read anything that says "newbie" in the title. I have learned so much that way. I have learned patience and a new love for sewing by the many words shared here!

Congratulations and welcome to this wonderful world of quilting. Guess I'm a young beginner; started last fall at the age of 55; hope to be quilting for many more decades and hope you do as well!

Welcome from the So Cal desert!! I began quilting just 2 years ago after I lost my husband to pancreatic cancer. It has become my life preserver and just about every one I make is donated to our local hospice program. I enjoy every part of the process and have a hard time even doing strip sets, I tend to be a block by block kinda gal! I figure its better to slow down and feel the fabric! :D