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I started with a king size and now realize how dumb that was. I didn't do a bad job, but it was a big investment in time and money. After doing many more quilts I can see how that first quilt could have been so much better. And it was a gift so I wish it were better.
Start small with a baby or lap quilt. If it's reasonably good it will sell. Or you can snuggle under it while you work on the next one! When you are happy with your work you can move on to bigger. When I got to the craft fairs (we have a lot of them here) it appears that baby items sell well if they are priced right. People are more picky about buying quilts for their own beds. |
How are you planning to sell your quilts? You should be realistic about how much you can sell them for at craft fairs, etc. because when you factor in the cost of materials and for your time and labor, plus the cost of renting booth space at craft fairs, for example, then selling your output, especially when you're first learning, may not be what you're hoping.
Oh, and--in my experience, even a twin-size quilt is pretty big to quilt on a home sewing machine (any mine is a Juki with a larger-than-usual throat space). |
When you first learned to drive did you jump into a semi-truck? When we give birth, they are babies and not little adults (thank God!). When I learned to knit, I made many scarves before I went on to making sweaters. I agree with the others. Start small, and develop your skills. You'll know when you are ready to make something bigger.
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Every one that is saying baby quilt, or throw to start with so that you don't get frustrated is right. I didn't, and I darn near gave up quilting before I got started.
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Originally Posted by JulieR
I don't have a walking foot and I've always gotten along just fine. So do you need one? No. Would it be helpful? Probably, maybe. But as others have said make sure you LIKE quilting before you spend a lot of money on it. :)
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Originally Posted by Linda King
I am a beginner, my first quilt was a pinwheel, I totally agree with everyone, I was excited to do it on my own, but frustration set in, I was ready to quit, but thank God for the web cam, my younger sister is a quilter and she helped me through the web cam. That was 3 years ago, and I just finished it yesterday, it was a lap quilt, with plain color backing, everytime I tried to quilt the top, I had problems, so I did it another way to finish it and still had problems, as my batting stretched as I sewed it together. Now that it is finished, I found errors as I have done 2 quilts since then and they were the quilt as you go technique with the help of friends. Now I am going to do a scrap quilt. Its easily frustrating when you are learning, but I am sure you joined the right group, everyone here has some experience, and others here are very experienced. when you need help, we are all here to help you. A printed backing helps especially when your a beginner. Good Luck in your quiit makiing. Keep us informed, if you need help, just ask. Best of Luck!!!
Linda King |
I agree that starting small is good. Some years ago when I was introduced to quilting, I started making a very large top(I just kept adding) and doing curves (I did not know what I was doing). To this date, I have not finished it, in fact, I do not know where it is. I met some older quilters who were surprised when I told them what I had done and they advised me to be realistic. I took their advice and I am very happy. My specialty is wallhangings. Good luck to you. Happy quilting.
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I'd suggest a doll quilt or even a quilted postcard. You can play with techniques and get a feel before tackling a large project. Candle mats are a great way to start too and they sell very nicely.
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For a beginner quilter a crib or lap size quilt is the best.
I would never suggest any bedsize quilt for a beginner. Start small, learn proper tecniques, learn the importance of the 1/4 inch seam allowance, and proper pressing. Be sure to square your pieces as you go so your finished blocks will be square. If you start with too large of a project for your first quilt you maynot get a 'good' finished quilt, wasting a lot of fabric, also easy to get discouraged with a large project. I believe a lot of beginners make the mistake of starting with too large of a quilt. :thumbup: |
My first quilt was a log cabin quilt and was an elongated lap quilt -- 4 blocks by 3 blocks, each about 12"x12". The hubby has long legs and we often have trouble finding a nice throw blanket that is long enough for him. With my job, it took me about 2 weeks to finish the quilt by machine sewing the blocks and hand stitching the quilt back to the top. Like everyone else, I wouldn't recommend starting with a large project as it can quickly discourage you from a relaxing hobby.
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My first quilt was a small sampler so I could try different blocks and designs. To this day I still love samplers. Love everything else too, so it probably wouldn't have matters. Just don't go to big or it might be discouragin.
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I will make one that has a low loft batting, my hope/theory is that it won't need to have a walking foot because I'll be able to squish it down easier to sew. I'm nervous of the edges puckering.
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Originally Posted by briansommers
I will make one that has a low loft batting, my hope/theory is that it won't need to have a walking foot because I'll be able to squish it down easier to sew. I'm nervous of the edges puckering.
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Originally Posted by briansommers
I will make one that has a low loft batting, my hope/theory is that it won't need to have a walking foot because I'll be able to squish it down easier to sew. I'm nervous of the edges puckering.
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ok, I have to bite! what is FMQ?
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FMQ is free motion quilting.
Cheers, K |
I would also start with a smaller quilt. If you start with a big quilt, you'll get easily overwhelmed by the size and might not want to finish it, and then where will you be?
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I think I'm leaning towards a table runner.
I just ordered a 1/4" foot with a guide built right into the foot, I figure anything to help me keep it straight can't be bad! |
Think about what yo might want to do with it when it's finished:
table centerpiece wallhanging tablecover lap size small bed size When you "feel" how you want to use/display it, you'll get a nice idea of how big you want it to be. . |
I jumped in with both feet and made a king,lol
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wowzers! did you complete it? was it a nightmare? do tell about the experience.
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Originally Posted by ssgramma
Sounds like an awful lot for a walking foot! I think mine was only $20-25.
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yeah, I love the computerized equipment these days, I'm a computer nerd myself, just built my last computer, overclocked it and yes, it's water cooled!
So I'll admit I'm a sucker for gizmo's and gadgets and wizbangs and whatever else you can computerize and I love the Bernina, it is a great machine, but I think doing it all over again. I'd think I would just head down to Joann's and buy me a simpler singer computerized sewing machine for tons less and then put the thousands of other dollars into a Baby Loc Evolution serger!! ooo man, one of those is calling out ot me!! so, sorry, got off track I say all that to say that yes, because of a big name you're going to pay more for accesories for it. I used to be into photography about 20 yrs ago and I'm a Nikon man, but when it came to buying lenses and flashes, etc it was about double to the other major players!! |
Originally Posted by BrendaK
Originally Posted by ssgramma
Sounds like an awful lot for a walking foot! I think mine was only $20-25.
Cheers, K |
my 1/4" foot with guide came today, with shipping it was just shy of $52 and this is a rather "normal" foot.
Most of the feet for the Bernina at my dealer are in the high fortys, to mid fifties and then up! |
I started with a table runner. Then a lap quilt for my grandson. If you start to big, you could find yourself getting discourged real quick. Work your way up to the big ones.......... :P
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My advice to you is to make your first quilt without the thought of selling it. Focus on the process and learn the techniques. If you enjoy quilting then after much practice consider selling. Go to craft fairs in your area to get an idea of what type quilted items are being sold and what they are selling for. I wish you well as you enter the wonderful world of quilting.
Lisa |
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