Hi,

I am fairly new to quilting. I joined a group 2 years ago and made a quilt, monthly block by block. It is hanging on my wall. I had it quilted by a professional. I was so into it that I bought a new Bernina. Last year I started a project on my own and purchased $100.00 worth of fabric for the project. Well it was way over my head and it sits half cut in a box in my closet. I am so discouraged. I want to start a new project, but I need something small that is not to costly or hard to do.....PLEASE GIVE ME SOME HELP! :(

My recommendation is take some time and look at all the beautiful pictures here!!! You will for sure be motivated to do something. The board has BOM too.

Hi Singalong and welcome to the board! Just what is this project that you bought that you think is sooo way over your head? One option is to just take the projct you bought and start out slowly...do just 1 block at a time and then you'll end up with the entire quilt done. :lol:

If you really feel you need a confidence builder first...what about a nine patch...or rail fence or something very simple.

You can go to http://www.quilterscache.com and look at the blocks listed as "beginner" and you should be able to find something that you can start with.

Show us what you are up to...we love pics!

I think singalong and a4ohio gave great advice. There's tons of people here that will help in any way they can.

The quilt name is "Burgoyne surrounded ". I started to cut the strips and put a few together as blocks...then I realized the bottom layer of fabric had shifted when I cut it and the blocks are not the correct size....

Hi and welcome from Mass. A Rail fence would be nice. You sure will not get dicouraged here We are all ways giving incouragement and surport here.

]Thanks...I need it......especially today....I live in upstate ny and it is snowing .......again......

Welcome Sing a long,

I don't blame you for giving up on that pattern. I have been quilting 40 years and I wouldn't make it. About 15 years ago our guild did a mystery quilt. I knew what magazine they were getting the directions from and peeked ahead. When I saw what the finished product was going to be that very pattern I stopped cutting up my fabric and made up my own pattern. I don't need that kind of stress. My quilt didn't look like anyone else's but it was finished, quilted and bound at the end of the time period alloted. Most of the others managed to complete the top. I don't think any of them enjoyed the process.
Don't get discouraged. Make a simpler pattern or just one block with several borders to make a small hanging or even a pillow. Use the rest of the fabric for something else.

Singalong, welcome to the board from St. Louis!
I have learned to pin sometimes even when others say you don't have to! And my best freind in quilting is a GOOD seam ripper! I unsew A LOT! There are some patterns that I am not ready for, but I tackle more difficult ones when I take a class! I like to have someone to ask when I get stuck, which is often!
This is the right place to ask questions! :lol:

Hi Singalong ~ I am feeling your pain; I did a similar thing. A few years ago; I decided to get back into sewing, after many years of being away from it. I bought a new Pfaff machine to replace my antiquated (sp?) Kenmore, and then signed up at LQS to join the Thimbleberries Club. They were making a HUGE BOM quilt. The piecing was WAY beyond my skill level and I became very frustrated and could not keep up with everyone. I was absolutely sick to think of the money I had invested (over $200 when all was said & done) and ultimately this UFO got wadded up and shoved in the farthest corner of my closet (where it remains to this day). But, guess what? I will finish it some day ...... I know I will. I just needed to get some experience under my belt first. So my advice is to build your confidence first with some easy quilt patterns. My first completed quilt was "Yellow Brick Road"; A pattern put out by Atkinson Designs. Another wonderful easy pattern that many of us on this board have used is called "Warm Wishes". You can find it on the McCall's webste. Most important thing about quilting is not the end product, but rather the journey along the way! in other words, make sure that you enjoy the journey ...... Happy Quilting, Nita

Hi Singalong ~ I am feeling your pain; I did a similar thing. A few years ago; I decided to get back into sewing, after many years of being away from it. I bought a new Pfaff machine to replace my antiquated (sp?) Kenmore, and then signed up at LQS to join the Thimbleberries Club. They were making a HUGE BOM quilt. The piecing was WAY beyond my skill level and I became very frustrated and could not keep up with everyone. I was absolutely sick to think of the money I had invested (over $200 when all was said & done) and ultimately this UFO got wadded up and shoved in the farthest corner of my closet (where it remains to this day). But, guess what? I will finish it some day ...... I know I will. I just needed to get some experience under my belt first. So my advice is to build your confidence first with some easy quilt patterns. My first completed quilt was "Yellow Brick Road"; A pattern put out by Atkinson Designs. Another wonderful easy pattern that many of us on this board have used is called "Warm Wishes". You can find it on the McCall's webste. Most important thing about quilting is not the end product, but rather the journey along the way! in other words, make sure that you enjoy the journey ...... Happy Quilting, Nita

Oooops, sorry ...... Didn't realize that I posted two replies :oops:
Nita

You coulld start out just joining squares together a 6 1/2" is a good size. Just join enough squares together till you like the size. Pick one or two colors or mix it up. You could back it with a piece of fleece and sew it lilke A pillow. You can then tie it or tack it. this will get you going again. Quilting can be as hard or easy as you want it to be. :D Good luck and welcome from NY

What I would do is take the finished blocks and small pieces of fabric that have already been cut out and set them aside as the beginnings of a "stash". The pattern can be the start of your pattern collection of "someday" quilts.

For the fabric that is left, I would probably do a baby quilt in a rail fence pattern. That would give you strip piecing experience. The pattern is an easy one that doesn't require matching seams; you just have to make sure your blocks are square before sewing them together. You can always buy a little more fabric to add to what you have if you need another color, a contrast fabric to spark up the quilt or for borders, etc.

Remember that quilting started out with women using leftover bits of fabric from everywhere. Some of the most wonderful quilts I have seen were very spontaneous, with fabrics sewn together every which way -- no need for an exact pattern, exact cutting or sewing, precision.

You can abandon the pattern and use the fabric for a different creation.

When I first started out a very savey quilter told me to just make Half Square Triangles. They make so many designs with just that one square.
Make 2 1/2 inch ones. Then put them togather in any design to make an 8 1/2 square.
If you use El Burns method you can make 8 at a time.
Just cut out 2 six inch squares, one light one dark.
With right sides facing draw a line from each corner to make an X. Sew 1/4 inch from each side of the lines.
Cut your sq in half at 3 inchs on both sides of sq. Like a + then cut on drawn lines. You will have 8 triangles that will need to be squared up to 2 1/2 inchs.
They will be perfect.

Singalong, I feel your pain. I am new to quilting myself, and to sewing in general really. I get in over my head easily. This board is a lot of help, I too would recommend you browse the pics here and maybe you will be inspired by some of the patterns shown. I started with a class for my very first project. Then I started working on small things that I can finish: postcards, hot pads, things like that. Then I used Carol Doak book: Your first quilt book, or it should be.[i] for my second project. It has many beginner projects with detailed instructions, it is really a good book overall. So why not put your current overwhelming project on hold for now and work your way up to it?
Just a thought.

i agree and just have fun

Don't despair and please don't quilt. I have only been quilting about 1 1/2 years and have gotten so many ideas and helpful hints from this board. One thing I have learned is how to distinguish between quilts that are beyond my skill level now and ones that I can successfully accomplish. Buy some beautiful fabric that you just love and find an easy pattern. My first was a rail fence baby quilt for my grandson. It came out reasonably well and was very satisfying. The link is listed below.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/2024.page

Welcome from Illinois! I have gotten in over my head several times, and now I just plow ahead when I have time. I have a problem with perfection, and that ain't happenin' here, I've come to realize. So I just have fun with the fabric (most of the time) and try to learn something on the way.

Thanks for all time each of you took to answer my plea....

When I bought the book, and the fabric, I was with a few experienced quilter ladies and they assured me I could do it...no problem..

I think I will try to make something out of the blocks already pieced ( as some suggested)...and use the rest of the fabric that is not cut for another project.....Hearing that I am not the only one who has had this happen to them, gives me a little lift on this snowy day......thanks again!! will let you know what I do!!!

Hi Singalong. I live close to NY state near Binghamton. My suggestion is to go to Joann's or a local quilt shop and buy one of Eleanor Burns books. She explains cutting, piecing and sewng blocks very well. She has many very easy quilts. You won't be sorry . Thats how i started out. I made a Burgoyne Surrounded of Red white and Blue and I beleive it was Eleanor's pattern. Loved it . good LUck. Marge

I like others have a quilt in pieces beyond my experience level. At more than 100 bucks for sure.

But... my first quilt was a Yellow Brick road, tops done, it's pinned and still waiting for me to finish. Second quilt was the one sitting in a box waiting for me to get better. Still waiting. Third quilt was for my daughter a triple irish chain. WAY over my head in scope, but easy in complexity. I finished all of it except for the binding. It sat for months. I then went and got Burn's Log Cabin Quilt in a day. Took me three days but I finished it and got the confidence to finish the triple irish chain one. There are pictures of that somewhere around here.

This past year I finished a complex flying geese, pinwheel, and HST quilt top that is waiting to be quilted. Even Patrice is amazed that I finished it. I am now working on a double irish chain for a wedding gift, a complex block and sashing with variable sized pieces in it, a medallion quilt with tons of little pieces in the borders, and... well you get the idea. Confidence is the name of the game.

And cut one layer of fabric at a time. What's the hurry? Every strip I cut is accurate to within 1/32 of an inch. I find the measuring and cutting to be very relaxing, I get to check each strip as it's done. Piecing then becomes VERY easy as everything lines up.

Hope all this helps. And when you get discouraged... just think.. some GUY can do this, so can I!

tim in san jose

Hi Singalong, welcome from Southern California. Wow, everyone has given you such great tips. Don't give up, work with an easier pattern and then as you gain skill and confidence you can try "harder" patterns. Just try to enjoy the process.

Tim, thanks for the encouragement....I will certainly take your advice... :D

Hi Singalong, I was also going to suggest purchasing an
Eleanor Burns book. She does everything in a step-by-step
fashion. If I could only have one book it would be by Eleanor Burns.

Also, maybe you could take a course on quilting in Adult Education?

Don't let your confidence be squashed. Once you get a couple of quilts under your belt you can go back to the one that you really want to do,
and you'll be ready for it!

Why not check out one or more of your local quilt shop? Most have classes that they offer, and with instructors, are good for even the newst novice quilter........

You are joining a large group of wonderful people, who share a common interest...start visiting your local shops, meet some of the people there, and you will soon be quilting like nobody's business!

Hang in there!

Hi and Welcome from southern Indiana!!

Well, I got in over my head last year. Took a class in making a lonestar and I wanted it king size for ME. What was I thinking? It's now a UFO. But I WILL finish the darn thing!!

Everyone has given you great advise sing a long. When I first started quilting there were no quilt stores or teachers near by so I got Elenor Burns, Trip Around the World, Quilt in a Day book. It took longer than a day of course but I made it through and then tied it. Since then I've grown in experience and confidence. That was 12 years ago. You will do just fine!

I have been working on a Burgoyne Surround quilt off and on for 4 years and I'm still not finished it (get frustrated and put it away). Mine was also a mystery quilt. I wished I had had the opportunity to peek ahead, because if I had I would have never started it. I have made a vow that this is the year to finish it and by the end of this summer! (I'll keep you posted).

One of the nicest and easiest quilt I have ever made was called a "Floral Fantasy". I made mine scrappy but you can make it in a "selected" colorway. It's fun and easy and the result will boost your confidence to make other types of quilts.

Don't give up......quilting can and is fun........

Welcome back to quilting. We've all gotten in over our heads at some point. Nothing a little time & experience won't fix. You can do whatever it is you decide to do. Be sure to show us pictures.

It is nice to hear that I am not the only one who is frustrated with this quilt. I did take the project out of the closet the other day. I don't have a clue as to where to start again....It is supposed to snow again tomorrow, so I will be homebound and will read over the instructions again and try to do something. Maybe I just have to put it in my mind that it is going to take a LONG time to finish....Thanks for the encouragement

Taking a LONG time is not a bad thing really. I have one that I've been working on...well, almost a year. I keep getting stuck. I have to let it sit and rest up so that it "speaks" to me again. Then I can get a little more done. I'm in no hurry...its like I tell DH...I don't think I can :lol: afford to be a fast quilter!

I have been looking for a small project to do, to get me back in the mood for quilting....I do not have a lot of stash so I want something that does not require a lot of fabric...watching my dollars closely at this time....Your e-mails have got me thinking about this whole process....take time...do my best and enjoy the process.. Thanks for all the different ideas.....

I agree with pal, El Burns books are easy to follow and very detailed.
My quilts using her patterns always turn out nice.

Hi Singalong,
Where in Upstate? I know all about the projects that sit in the closet. Easy projects are strip quilting. There are some great rotary cutter books on the market. My very first quilt was a KING size quilt. But it was from a rotary cutter book and it came out great. If you need practice quilts, you can find books and fabric at yardsales, make the quilts as lap quilts and offer them to the local aged living facilities. They will be glad to have them and no one will notice the imperfections. That way, they don't stack up in your closet. With all the fabric you have from your unfinished project, you can salvage it and use it in the next project. Then, when you have more practice under your belt, get the pattern out and start again. Remember, go slow. It really pays off.

Welcome from South Louisiana. I've been quilting since "95 and still consider myself a "beginner" because I still work with the simpler patterns. I don't have enough years to ever be able to make all the patterns I would like to make. I love cutting and piecing, and yes, I still pin. Thanks to this board I have taken UFOs out of the closet and boxes and have completed a few of them. All you will get here is kindness, friendship, love, encouragement, and support. They have answered my questions and listened to my woes. When I don't know something, I ask. And I don't know a lot of things, but sometimes I find that I DO know enough to share with one that is more of a beginner than me. :lol:

As far as that complex first pattern of yours, I agree with many. You can do what some have suggested and put it all away in a safe place to get back to when you are more confident and skilled. OR you can chalk it up to experience and use the remaining fabric for another easier project. Keep the block/s that are done to use in another way. Perhaps one day you will make a sampler and you can use it as the starring block.

Good luck to you. Keep us posted on your progress.

This may be too simple for you, but I had fun making it this morning! Such an informative tutorial. I'm looking forward to the next steps and quilting it. I don't normally quilt things myself, so I thought I'd keep it small.

http://sewmamasew.com/blog2/?p=697

:D

I bookmarked the web site...Just what I need ....Thanks for sending it along.....