Ask your relatives about any sewing machine not being used or forgotten. You may be surprised at what a gem there may be in the closet. If you find one, post the model here and you'll get all the help needed to get it running and sewing. The next step would be cut fabric squares 4 1/2" and sew a nine patch block. You are now a quilter. Welcome!

No one in my family is crafty nor have they ever been. The only thing my grandma might have is one of those old ones that you have to pump with your feet. And even at that, she just had a huge garage sale and gave half of her house away. So I figured my best shot was just buying a new one. Back to classes at craft stores, we do have a Joann's and I love that store. How much do the classes usually cost?

When I started quilting I also had limited funds. I found the library to be my best friend when it came to books. Course that was before the internet. Try some hand piecing until you get a sewing machine. Small projects like table runners, place mats or pot holders. You could re-purpose fabric from clothes, etc. for these. And as for the machine quilting, go for it. Nothing bad about it at all. It's refreshing to hear of a 13 year old who's so motivated to take up quilting. Check back with us if you have any other questions. Can't wait to see your work.

Edit: You might visit your local thrift stores to see if they have any sewing machines. One word of caution, make sure it works before purchasing. Ask to try the machine before buying. At least plug it in and see that it runs. Make sure it has the bobbin case. You could even take along some fabric and thread and sew a few lines. New doesn't always mean better. Many of the vintage machines will out sew the newer models. Some on this board have found real gems for very little money by shopping thrift stores.

I took my first quilting class at JoAnn's about three years ago. I don't remember how much it cost but I'm guessing $35. They offer beginning sewing too. If you watch the sales they have offers of classes for half price. Do you get an allowance or babysit? You could save up money from that. Does your school offer sewing? At 13 you're probably in 7th or 8th grade so they may not. Do you know the art teacher at your school? He/she might be able to help out. I gave a machine to Goodwill a couple of years ago. My husband had bought it at Target for about $80 and I quickly outgrew it.

You are a perfect example of how sad it is that they don't teach sewing in school anymore.

One of the easiest things to start with is a flannel raggy quilt. They're super easy to make and you don't have to worry about basting and quilting them. And you can give them as gifts and your family will probably love them. Plus you can make them on one of the cheaper machines.

I just had a thought, if you don't get a machine a Cathedral Windows is a really awesome hand project and it doesn't have to be quilted either.

Be sure to ask around your area for a quilt guild or quilt group that may meet. Usually at a local church or community building. You will get hands on instructions from the group and can use quilting tools to know which ones you really need first.

It is so wonderful to see a young person so interested in sewing and quilting!!! There are many great sites out there that have lots of information, you of course found the best here!!! You might also check your local thrift shops. You might find a machine to get you started. Keep us posted and we will be ready to help all we can!!!!

Take a class would be my advice.

The library will probably have a very good selection of quilting books, everything from the Dummies books to very advanced. I certainly wish you lived near me, I have 3 machines stored in a closet that all work great, but the postage to ship would probably be too much for either one of us. Unlike most people I don't necessarily start with a "small" project...I start with one I love! While looking at quilting books keep a list of the kinds of things you really, really, like. This will give you a good starting place. Remember you can use used clothing (as long as it is in good condition) to make your first quilts. Maybe your mom can take you to a thrift store, or ask your family and friends to go through their closets. I am so anxious to see your progress. Starting at your age you will probably end up a 'superquilter'. Have fun, be creative, share your enthusiasm.

I do get an allowance but my parents make me pay my own cellphone bill so that takes pretty much all of it and I babysit but my mom makes me do it for free even though the lady has offered to pay me, and I tried to get paid at church for babysitting but they said that I am too young. And at the library, I have overdue fees that I can't pay, but I will see what I can do. Next year, when I go to high school, if they offer a home economics class, I will definitely take it.