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debbiemarie 04-24-2013 10:01 AM

retailmenot.com has 50% off coupons for items not on sale at Joann's!! Distilled water for your iron, the right color thread, lingerie bag for the washing of fabric (small pieces) and Adequate light!!

gramacheri 04-24-2013 10:26 AM

Don't forget the chocolate and (if you are like me) a book of prayers for when (I) mess up! Have FUN!!!!

MargeD 04-24-2013 11:29 AM

You will need, a minimum of a 6 x 12" ruler, possibly a 6 x 24" ruler as well, the last handy for measuring, cutting, etc. I would also include a seam ripper (every body has to "unsew" a time or two", quilt pins, I also have a 12.5" square ruler that is so handy when squaring up blocks, patience and most important of all - have fun. Oh, and remember, there are NO quilt police, so do what you feel is right and again, have fun.

cricket_iscute 04-24-2013 12:10 PM


Originally Posted by mimmy96 (Post 6021394)
Not sure about batting..have no idea the differences or best

I've done QAYG blocks with several types of batting, including Warm and Natural and polyester. I like Warm and Natural the best for QAYG blocks. The cotton grabs the block, providing more stability and it is very easy to sew.

I find flower head pins are extremely useful and, for my money, the best for quilting. Yes, they are expensive, but worth it. Also get yourself a metal seam measurer, one of those which have various measurements such as 1/4:, 3/8", 5/8", etc. They are not expensive and I often use mine to check for accuracy.

GrannieAnnie 04-24-2013 12:13 PM


Originally Posted by mimmy96 (Post 6021023)
I am going out today to get fabric and supplies to start my very first quilt!! YAY!!! (yes I am excited) ... I am wondering what are some of you "must haves" for quilting? Want to make sure to get the right things. I know I need a cutting mat and rotary cutter (which I already have) ... fabric, scissors, thread, fabric, my pattern.. what else am I missing? I am going to be doing the "quilt as you go method" for my first one since it's going to be a large quilt!

Seam ripper and at least one dark and one light marking pencil -------------be darned sure they are washable. I also like painters tape to mark a long 1/4" line on machine-----------sometimes to stabilize bias cuts.

GrannieAnnie 04-24-2013 12:16 PM


Originally Posted by helou (Post 6021065)
I don't have much as I figure my mom and my grandmother did quilt with not much either and they succeeded very well in my own opinion. For a start, all I got was a 24"x6" ruler and some pins http://store.quilting-warehouse.com/...pins-pins.html
you will see all kind of notions and as you make more quilts you will want more and it is perfect. Also, the main thing that helped me a lot, was a book that I read and keep going back to every now and then, teaching me some hint for different pieces. Mine is http://www.amazon.com/The-Classic-Qu.../dp/1571200703
but there are many good books out there.


pins, pins-------I forgot-------anyway I prefer the longer pins with the yellow ball head. Some like the flat flower head better. Try a few of each before you commit to a bunch of them

GrannieAnnie 04-24-2013 12:17 PM


Originally Posted by gramacheri (Post 6023476)
Don't forget the chocolate and (if you are like me) a book of prayers for when (I) mess up! Have FUN!!!!

caramel here-------------and french vanilla or caramel coffee creamer

GrannieAnnie 04-24-2013 12:19 PM


Originally Posted by Mariposa (Post 6021263)
Some needles, silk pins or other choice, and some type of pin cushion~ :)

or the magnetic tool tray from Harbor Freight or a hardware store. Skip the magnetic trays from the fabric store---------most of what I've seen are useless.

GrannieAnnie 04-24-2013 12:22 PM


Originally Posted by Prism99 (Post 6021424)
Blue painter's tape, as wide as you can find. I use this in multiple ways; this is just one. Roll the tape around your hand a couple of times, sticky side out, and adhere to a convenient surface as a thread catcher. Just touch threads to it and they stick. When filled, toss and make another.

Elmer's white washable school glue. You may find this works better than pins for matching intersections when piecing, and for applying binding.

Seam ripper. I like the small, inexpensive, blue Dritz seam ripper.

Dritz adhesive seam guide refills (JoAnn's might have them) or, if you can't find that, the thickest moleskin you can find in the foot section of a pharmacy. I use these to create a physical barrier for my 1/4" seams. (Jan's above is another way to do this.) Here is a link to the Dritz refills I like best:
http://www.amazon.com/Dritz-Quilting...dp/B0085L2Y2I/

You can wait on batting. A good one to start with is Hobbs 80/20 (80% cotton/20% poly). If you like vintage style quilts then you will want to go to 100% cotton. If you prefer fluffier quilts, you will want to try out the polys. But 80/20 is a good starting point.

Edit: Oh, yes, and at least one can of the best spray starch you can find. Later on, for the backing fabric, you may also want to purchase a quarter of Sta-Flo liquid laundry starch; but that can wait.

If she is QAYG, she needs batting now. But that is such a personal choice. One thing for sure-------don't go for cheap.

and I buy the quarts of liquid starch and dilute it (use different strengths for different fabric) and spray on with a windex bottle.

GrannieAnnie 04-24-2013 12:26 PM

ohhhhhhhhhhh whatever brand of rulers you get------make sure they are all the same brand--whatever brand is up to you. Not all inches are equal.

linda faye 04-24-2013 12:27 PM

Excited that you are about to make your first quilt. You will have fun and be proud of yourself for the accomplishment!

My list of beginning items would be:
1/4" pressure foot is important,
larger cutting mat,
.45 rotary cutter,
snipper scissors for use at machine,
ergonomic seam ripper with rubber handle so it doesn't roll off machine,
a Purple Thang,
fabric scissors,
6 x 24 " ruler,
set of squares - which you have,
flower pins (flat headed),
pump spray starch (I use Niagra),
ironing surface,
iron,
2 magnetic pin cushions (one for ironing board and one near machine - don't place too close to your electronic machines),
Elmer's washable school glue,
Washable marking pen/pencils,
fabric,
batting,
backing,
template for pattern of first quilt if available.

Looks like an endless list but you probably already have most of this in your sewing room already.

Optional: chocolate and several pop-in-the-oven dinners for family on your sewing days.

Enjoy!

linda faye 04-24-2013 12:28 PM

Excited that you are about to make your first quilt. You will have fun and be proud of yourself for the accomplishment!

My list of beginning items would be:
1/4" pressure foot is important,
larger cutting mat,
.45 rotary cutter,
snipper scissors for use at machine,
ergonomic seam ripper with rubber handle so it doesn't roll off machine,
a Purple Thang,
fabric scissors,
6 x 24 " ruler,
set of squares - which you have,
flower pins (flat headed),
pump spray starch (I use Niagra),
ironing surface,
iron,
2 magnetic pin cushions (one for ironing board and one near machine - don't place too close to your electronic machines),
Elmer's washable school glue,
Washable marking pen/pencils,
fabric,
batting,
backing,
template for pattern of first quilt if available.

Looks like an endless list but you probably already have most of this in your sewing room already.

Optional: chocolate and several pop-in-the-oven dinners for family on your sewing days.

Enjoy!

GrannieAnnie 04-24-2013 12:29 PM


Originally Posted by paoberle (Post 6023344)
Sign up for a beginning quilter's class! I have been sewing for over 50 years but never quilted. I learned so much in that class that I would never have learned on my own. Plus, it was very comforting to know that there was someone there to answer my questions.

Never had a sewing or quilting class. Firm believer in trial by error. LOL

mimmy96 04-24-2013 02:48 PM

I am back and forth about a class.. Would LOVE to take one.. but the only place around here will not let you bring your own machine, you have to use theirs (and I am not interested in learning a new machine)... I just bought a new one and want to use mine! .. I know I know.. some may thing that is just crazy.. Wish I could find another place around here that has classes, but have looked everywhere!

oldtisme 04-24-2013 05:19 PM

I'm a total beginner too mimmy I have finished the blocks for my 1st top but stuck deciding on the sash, and started a baby quilt. You've came to the right place for help. These folks are awesome at helping with anything from a pencil to paper piecing. I am loving the hobby and wish you the best of luck on your project & be prepared to buy a lot of fun stuff :thumbup:

OldHairTwister 04-24-2013 07:51 PM

I too am a beginning quilter although I have been sewing for 60+ years. Have made everything from baby layettes to wedding gowns (2) as well as the bridesmaids dresses, flower girls too. Oh yes....and Mother of the Bride dresses.
BUT this quilting business is a whole other ballgame. I don't think that I have ever ripped out as much in my life. lol I have 32 of 64 log cabin squares done and keeping them square is a real challenge.
I have accumulated most of what I need as far as tools over the years...just needed measuring tools to get started. I told myself when I started that if it wasn't fun I'd quit. I've had my moments but I'm still happily at it.
Just go at it and enjoy the experience........and good luck on your first quilt.

klgls 04-25-2013 05:46 AM

Sounds like you are ready to go! Relax and have fun!!

GrannyFitz4 04-25-2013 07:40 AM

I believe someone already mentioned a 12.5 inch square. That is going to be my next purchase. Also a 6.5 square is useful. I am refering to rulers.

My time 04-25-2013 08:26 AM

Don't get overwhelmed! A cutting mat, 6 by 24" ruler, seam ripper, a pencil will get you started. I made several quilts with only these few supplies. Since you mentioned your doing a quilt as you as you go method I strongly recommend a walking foot for your machine. It will make your sewing so much more injoyable. Those seams can get pretty thick using this method. Once you have one, you'll have it and use it forever.

Fortyniner 04-25-2013 06:11 PM

Add Beginner's Guide to Quilting
 

Originally Posted by mimmy96 (Post 6023872)
I am back and forth about a class.. Would LOVE to take one.. but the only place around here will not let you bring your own machine, you have to use theirs (and I am not interested in learning a new machine)... I just bought a new one and want to use mine! .. I know I know.. some may thing that is just crazy.. Wish I could find another place around here that has classes, but have looked everywhere!

mimmy96, I am new at this too and one of the first things I purchased was a good book on quilting. I love learning something new and reading first certainly gave me a good idea of what I was doing. I purchased the Better Homes and Gardens "Complete Guide to Quilting" at Joann's and I learned so much before I ever started on a quilt. I am not sure what your knowledge level is, but mine was so limited. I never heard of a fat quarter, didn't remember anything about cutting on the grain ( I learned to sew a little in high school, but hadn't sewed since and I am 63.) I hadn't used a rotary cutter and didn't know any of the quilting jargon. I learned so much from that book and I am constantly going back to it when I have a question. I then started looking up stuff on line and watched all kinds of you tube videos and then found this quilt board, which I look forward to reading on a daily basis. Even without taking a class, I have learned so much. Just wanted to add to your list of necessities. Good luck and I hope you enjoy your new machine and quilting as much as I have.

lovedquilts 04-26-2013 04:00 AM

You will need rulers and of course a seam ripper.

homebody323 04-26-2013 04:38 AM

I see that someone suggested patience. Being a spiritual, not religious, person I learned the hard way not to pray for patience. The Lord teaches patience through tribulation. That's what I have been told and he did in my case. If you pray try for strenth, guidence. NOT patience. LOL You will do well with this group for your support. They are all terrific. Happy stitching.

Quilter 65 04-26-2013 04:51 AM

Good luck. Can't wait to see your first one!

Bobbielinks 04-26-2013 06:04 AM


Originally Posted by justflyingin (Post 6021485)
ruler/s to go with the mat and rotary cutter

I've taught a lady here how to make tops and you really only need fabric, pattern, mat, cutter, ruler and seam ripper, scissors, plus thread of course and the sewing machine.

All the rest are extras in my opinion.

Of course, when you get close to the end you need your batting.

Also you need access to an iron and an ironing board or mat of some kind.

I certainly agreed with Justflyingin, but may I add that 2 rulers of the same brand. One a 6 by 24 inch for the beginning cuts to your fabric and a 15 inch square ruler to square up different size blocks. There are zillions of gadgets out there that make quilting easier but many we buy, use one time, and nether pick up again. Start simple and work your way into other items you might WANT (not need) later.


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