Hi There!
 

Hi, my name is Steve and my user name is ssm-QC. I have to admit I've been doing some lurking occasionally.. even made a post or two but never did a formal introduction. I'm not a quilter so I didn't feel I had anything to contribute. I did reply to some inquieries about cutting mats as I know quite a bit the manufacturing end of things. My reason for joining was I work in the factory that makes the QuiltCut fabric system and I wanted to get a better understanding all things quilty I suppose you could say. That would surely help me to better serve quilters I thought. Well I told the owner I wanted to go to Fall Market in Houston because I felt I could do some good for the company. So off I went and I really enjoyed all the people I met. All the beautiful quilts really had an impact on me I hadn't anticipated however.. now I want quilt! It's not like I have don't have plenty of other "irons in the fire" as they say. I write for fly fishing magazines, am a photographer and even a model of sorts in fly fishing besides a day job. Skiing, yoga are some of my other activities. I can barely keep up on those things and I'm taking on a new hobby. I think it's going work out just fine because at work(Alto's) we need to make quilts to understand quilting better help sell our products etc. The owner told me I need to learn sewing techniques that directing relate to quilting. So now I'll get paid to learn to quilt! I ordered Cheryl Falls book Quilting for Dummies because I want to start at the beginning even though I have all kids of "ideas" in my head. I'm exited to get started on my first quilt... but I must warn everybody I'll be asking a few questions.. so thanks in advance for your help :)

I've attached a quilt made by great grandma.. it's suppose to be from the late 1800's?

Hi Steve,
Glad to meet you! You have lucked out by finding this site as the people on here are extremely knowledgable and helpful. I love to sew lots of things and quilts are the most fun. I learn something everyday and so will you. Enjoy!

P.S. I have the QuiltCut system too, hope you give us some tips.

I love Grandma's log cabin quilt.

Hi SSM-QC! I think you will be the envy of everyone on this board - getting paid to learn to quilt! I"m a newby to quilting too. This board is full of very knowledgeable people willing to answer questions. You will learn a lot here.

Hi Steve
I have also been a lurker. I have been quilting for about 3 years and just invested in a long arm quilting machine. I'm really excited. The best how to quilt books I have found (and I wish I had found them when I first started) is Harriet Hargrave's Quilter's Academy series. There are 6 and they take you through a very logical progression, teaching correct techniques, starting with simple blocks and building to the more complicatedon. She gives you different methods to do the same thing, for example 8 ways to make half-square triangles, and you pick the one that you like the best and that works for you. They also teach you to design your own quilts and not rely on kits. I would have saved myself a lot of headaches if I had started out with these. Good luck and happy quilting

Welcome to both of you lurkers!

Welcome from Minnesota and happy quilting. that quilt is a real treasure.

Welcome to the board! I think you'll really enjoy being able to get answers to your questions and so quickly. The members here are extra friendly and very helpful.

On a side note, I believe I'm getting an Altos for my birthday - can't wait to get it set up in the quilt studio!

Welcome from Baton Rouge!

Thanks all!
I'll check out Harriet Hargrave's Quilter's Academy series as that sounds like a great resource.

I have quite a bit of experience with blades, mats and rotary cutters from my manufacturing experience so I may be able to offer some general insight and understanding from a technical mindset. Feel free to PM me with any questions about our products. I'll check with the moderator on what's appropriate to post in that department. I'll put my work email in my profile.

Here's a quilt made by Laura Reinstatler from back when she lived locally.
Prairie Pockets

Ha! I missed "Introduction" area.. so my first question is how do I move my thread to the appropriate place?

Welcome Steve. This is a very helpful place for you to be. If you ever have any questions feel free to ask...someone will always try their best to help out. Glad you are going to start quilting. It can be quite enjoyable. Lol....I so wish I had your job!!! :)

Welcome from IN. WARNING...WARNING...Quilting is addicting!!!!!!

Welcome from SC...you shoulda asked first before you fell into the deep hole that is "our world"....LOL, just kidding...you'll love it! Sounds like you already do. I love GG's quilt! Looking forward to great things from you!

Welcome to the Board.

Hi Steve welcome from the shadows I love the quilt its beautiful thanks for sharing it with us.

Your grandmothers quilt is timeless! Welcome to our world.

Hi Steve and welcome aboard! You'll love this board. What a treasure to have such a lovely family heirloom!

Welcome. I hope you find all the answers you need here. There is a ton of information floating around on this board. I love the board for all the new project ideas I get.

Hi steve welcome, I hae the alto cutting mat love it,thanks for making it, Love your grand mothers quilt, so quilting is in your blood so to say, it is a wonderful hobby and you will find being a man that you will have a different perspective on quilting than a woman thats not bad at all so dont be afraid to follow what you think should be in your quilt and not always follow the rules, I have seen some extrodinary quilts done by men that think out side the box whether in design or in using different fabrics or items Good luck and have a fantastic journey and will be waiting to see your first quilt.

Welcome from Michigan.:)

Welcome steve, from colorado. i might be asking you for some help as my daughter wants a cutting machine and i really dont know what to buy her. there is so many one the market and so many dies. we both quilts so i am sure we will both use it. we only just started a few years ago quilting. blessings and happy quilting ogama

Hi there Steve, welcome. Your grandmothers quilt is beautiful. Jump in any time, ask questions, give comments.

Welcome from New Mexico. I have been drooling over the Altos quilt cutting system for a while now. I am hoping to get one for Christmas. It looks to me like it would be a time saving and much more accurate way to cut our pieces.
Kudos for you for wanting to learn to sew and quilt. You will get much enjoyment from it, I'm sure.

Welcome from KY! I think it is really neat that you wanted to understand more so you could be better informed about your product and the customer's needs. I also am glad you have been bitten by the quilting bug. This board is a great place to get information.

Welcome from Beautiful Arizona. Your grandmother's quilt is beautiful - what a treasure to own.

Welcome from Michigan. This is the place if you have any questions at all. Your grandmothers quilt is beautiful and you are lucky to have it. Enjoy your quilting journey it is addictive.
Sue

Welcome Steve, from Virginia. Loved the quilts you shared with us. I think what you are doing (getting into quilting to enhance your job) is great. Man, you are going to become so addicted!! :) This is a wonderful forum to learn and to get answers. These ladies, and men, on here are so very nice and helpful. You will enjoy it here.

Welcome from Texas!

Welcome from El Paso Tx! Wow, being pd to learn how to quilt, what could be better than that! We are here to help.

Welcome from N MN, I miss WA, lived there for 30+ years.