Hi Mary and welcome.

I am a self taught quilter (although I had garment sewing experience). I taught myself to first piece quilts, and then to quilt them by making 9" square pot holders. That particular year - my office friends got pot holders for Christmas :)

Because I am self taught, I taught myself a lot of bad habits, and missed a lot of helpful hints.

One of the BEST things I found was a book by Sally Collins called "Mastering Precision Piecing". I bought the book because Sally specializes in small pieces - which is something I am very interested in. I found it to be MOST useful though regardless of the size of block I'm working with.

So ... get a copy of Sally's book (she also has an accompanying DVD), then go to www.quilterscache.com and pick some 9" blocks to play with.

I still struggle every now and then. I guess practice makes perfect.

Don't be discouraged, I am still learning after years of trying to make blocks that come out the size the pattern says they should. My plan for the summer to try and work on perfecting my piecing is to do some of the exercises in Harriet Hargrave's Quilter's Academy book. There are some nice projects that focus on getting that 1/4" seam using rail fence and 9 patches. Also includes lots of expanations on preparing fabric, cutting techniques and setting up your sewing area. Then next year I am going to work on the projects in the next book in the series.

Here it is at Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/Quilters-Acade...7802466&sr=8-3

Turning twenty is a good one to use. You don't have to match seams and it is fun to put together.

Howdy and welcome, from TX!

I would suggest just jumping in. I have been quilting for about 2 years now and I am still having problems with things meeting right and that elusive 1/4" the best thing that I have found is a walking foot and not looking too close. as you keep going you get better. I am one that doesn't start off easy, and my first real quilt was a two fabric baby quilt for my son with a ruffle. (he doesn't care how awful it looks. he just likes it but he is now almost 3) the second and third quilt were small wall hangings that were the hunters star pattern. I say just jump into a pattern that you like and keep at it. if you have a question take a pic and post it here. That is what I have done and these ladies and gents on here are the best at helping answer if they don't know the answer they will help you find a link to it.

I am also a newbie - have been quilting for almost a year. Don't worry - even your worst quilt will be beautiful if you use good colors and nice fabric. I learned by watching Doan on Missouri Star Quilts tutorials on U-tube. She makes everything seem so simple and you easily follow the instruction. The disappearing 9 patch is a very forgiving quilt!

Do some small things first. Nothing like instant gratification to give you a major Boost! =)

rail fence, log cabin were my starters, irish chain is also an easy one.
May I recommend getting something like this and placing it on the bed of the machine. I used a 1/4 inch tape when I first started and it really helped me with my quarter inches in the beginning until I got used to doing them and got a foot. You can use graph paper to gauge your machine, or perkins dry good
http://www.perkinsdrygoods.com/store...php?cat=3&ID=1

I knew you all would give me some great ideas and things to try. Now to find a pattern that will work with my new stash of layer cakes, jelly rolls, charm packs and yardage..... ahhh. Loving it. Mazy