How long does it take, once fabric is cut and a general idea of piecing is done, does it take to sew it all together on the machine? Also, how hard is it to actually quilt on a machine? (I have still yet to use the sewing machine... I know I know... but I have to get the bobbins wound... something i've never done before... and yeah... should be fun...)

you need to stop worrying about this stuff, and just get in there and sew. I think you are over thinking ;-)

I think I'm afraid of breaking it... I'm going to try it tomorrow... I think... I could probably go play with it now...
but I don't want to make too much noise

Geezz.........Just crank up the tunes as high as it will go and they won't hear the sewing machine at all. :P

You know - the worst thing you can do is mess up and there is generally a do-over.

1. Winding the bobbin: Do you have all the components? empty bobbin, thread, sewing machine manual, machine plugged in.... Follow the instructions to the T and you should be fine.

2. Load the bobbin in the machine. Again, follow the instructions. Is it a drop-in or a shuttle that sits below? If it is a shuttle, you will feel it kind of snap into place. If it isn't seated properly, try again.

3. Thread the machine and pull up the bobbin thread.

4. Select a straight stitch and sew. I start with some scrap pieces just to see how everything works.

You will do fine. Don't worry about how much time it takes. That varies as you get more familiar with the machine. It also depends on the pattern, and the mood, and for me what's on TV.....

Just enjoy the process.

Madquilter forgot one thing....

Keep your fingers away from the moving needle........ :shock:

Haha, if I'm sewing I try to ignore whats on tv... other wise I end up taking several hours to sewing together just nine pieces together... I'm going to try the machine tomorrow.

Thank you!

Good point! I have been at it for a while and I do most of my sewing during commercials. lol

What machine do you have? (and yes - by all means: KEEP the fingers away from the needle!!!!!)

I have that planned! haha ouch.

I have a CS6000i MemaThomas sent it to me... I was very surprised... I haven't used a machine since I was 13. so it's been awhile.

How cool is that! Janome, right?

This is not the same machine as days gone by. Much easier to use.

It's a brother.

LOL...I also have to "tune out" the tv when I'm sewing or I don't get much done....LOL Keep us posted and show us pics of what you are working on if you can :D

I'm lucky, I put the sewing machine in kitchen... and there is no television... that doesn't mean I won't listen to a radio! HA! shall be fun.

It's time to just sit down and sew and HAVE FUN PLAYING.

Pay close atttention to the bobbin instructions. It is very easy to put it in backwards, and then it won't sew properly.

What are you waiting for????? Get busy! :D :D

if you're sewing on a Jenome you can buy prewound bobbins at http://www.superiorthreads.com - Masterpiece are cotton, Bottom Line are poly and last forever (I've made a twin quilt with one bobbin)
One word of caution the Jenome takes a BL bobbin but my Jenome Gold and Platinum will not let me use it as the top thread at the same time. Strangely enuf my Bernina takes BL top and bobbin, but the prewounds have to be rewound onto a Bernina bobbin.
Such is life.

You can use a sewing machine. It's not that big of a deal. Read the book and do what it says. Start with nice straight lines and you'll be off and rockin' in no time.

I am a beginner here but my QS quilt took most of the afternoon to cut out, as I fussy cut the flowers for the nine patch, an afternoon to sew all together, a morning to sandwich and that was hand basting with a friend to help. It took just a little over four weeks to hand quilt and that was keeping at it most evenings. I know there are so may variables but once I got into it I just wanted to keep going untill it was all done!
I agree with DebraK, there is nothing like experience, just go for it!!!!!! We were all beginners at one time!

Gal

Alu, invite a sewing friend over. Quilts just fly at my house when I put on some coffee and invite a quilter. We share stories, laughs and learn techniques from each other. Plus there's someone there to give you first aid if you forget what MadQuilter said. ;-)

It takes as long as it takes.

And drop the pressure foot too!!

I hand quilt now, but I have recieved the sewing machine and I know it doesn't take as long... but just afraid...

And I know the whole thing though on how long it takes! Hand sewing takes for ever!

I don't have a quilting friend :( I'm thinking of getting my friend into though...

Just jump in and start. You'll be surprised how time flies when you are sewing.

get some old material ie cut up some old clothes and then start practising! Practice every stitch the machine does then you will be more confident once you start on a real project.

Those Brothers have pictures on their instructions on how to do the bobbin and thread the machine.. You are running out of excuses, we are waiting...LOL!!!!
Really, it is simple. Wind that bobbin and thread that machine. Don't start with a quilt. Take some fabric or old clothes and practice sewing straight lines, play with the stitiches and practice that 1/4 inch seam. You can do it!
If you have a problem, come back here. We will be glad to help.

I'll be your quilting friend, come on over!!! I'll help you wind the bobbin (literally takes 1 minute on my brother) plus a couple extra, we can thread your machine, and we will make a rail fence or a d9p in a day!!! (not king sized of course)

Since you hand quilt, you know all the "tricks" to getting started, pick an easy pattern, start with a scrappy quilt (or make sure you have some extra fabric) be prepared to laugh at final results, etc.

I generally turn on iTunes (on shuffle) and just relax - sewing/quilting is what keeps me sane!

A few years ago my husband bought me a longarm machine -it sat there for a long time because I was so scared of messing my quilts up -one day I just went at it - it was a journey!!! after about three disasters I was feeling confident -I was quilting a sampler of underground railroad quilt blocks - when done I was so proud -When turning it around to my surprise the back was all loops ! I had forgot to lower my presser foot the whole time-the front looked great but the back looked like w a wheat field! instead of ripping out all the stitches it is now a great large bag that I carry my quilts in.

I finally settled on audible books so that I can be entertained without having to look up and take time away from the sewing.

I had not sewn in a number of years and found it a bit daunting at first but the new machines are wonderful and you will love it. I know where you are coming from, but it just means to jump in and you will find it easier than you think. Good luck

I bouht a bobbin winder at Hancocks......half price sale
It works well and I dont have to unthread my machine to refil a bobin. It is batery operated

LOVE my Bobbin Winder !!! I have an extra spool of thread just for the winder....Works like a charm!!

Just start sewing and you'll find it's a bit like this forum - before long you've managed to spend a couple of hours on it and have had a great time :thumbup:

Just make a sandwich and play with it, sewing machines are toys to be used, once you get the feel of the machine you can start sewing your quilt. Penny

Who knows how long it takes unless you are making it to sell! I'm having too much fun to figure it out! :)

Anybody ever actually sew their finger? I did on an old treadle when I was a child. Went right through the nail of my index finger and broke. My mom was in the yard hanging clothes on the line. She told me to stay away from grandma's machine. I learned the hard way. I bought a plastic needle guard for my Viking and let my grandchildren sew without concern (although I am always next to them when they do sew). I still remember running to the yard and crying. My mom didn't yell at me :). Gerry

Putting a quilt together is only as time consuming as you let it be..You have to remember to take a break now and then to check out 'Quilt Board" That's when the hours add up. Both are great fun and once you start one or the other time flies. Take a deep breath and start that machine. LOL

just get at it ! slow &steady is better than fast & furious....as said earlier..enjoy the process: 1 step at a time...before long you have created a beauty from fabric that was once just pieces of fabric.........
Remember, don't be disappointed if there is a mistake: only God is perfect ! I learn from my errors !