new to the quilting world
 

hello all,

My name is Letha i'm just starting out in the quilting world and i need some questions answered I want to do a photo quilt for my husband for this coming Christmas but not sure where to start I want the base to be white and then adding pictures and different types of fabric designs around but not sure can i just get the batting and add the pictures/fabric to it or am i just confused on how to go about this like i said i'm kinda new so excuse my blonde moment

Thx a bunch

Letha :o

Welcome Letha! I too am a beginner... and have been on this board a few months now.. and just let me say.. you have come to the right place!! Everyone here has helped me so much!!

thank you mimmy that is very reassuring i'm nervous to say the least on starting out :)

I know EXACTLY those feelings... I have yet to start my very first quilt.. but hopefully I will start the cutting out this week!!!

Welcome to the board, Look up (quilt as you go). This may be what your wanting to do.

thank you valley i shall whats the difference from ordinary quilting to "quilting on the go"?

Hi Letha, and welcome to the board!

First thing you probably want to do is learn how to transfer photos to fabric (unless you are going to have someone do that for you?). There are several different ways of doing this -- by using a photocopier, by using an inkjet printer, by using prepared fabric sheets, by preparing your own fabric. Each method requires a different sequence of steps. You might want to start by Googling "how to transfer photo to fabric" to check out methods and/or post a separate question on the QB (Quilting Board) about the best method.

Once you have your photos transferred to fabric, most people will create a quilt top out of them (usually using other fabrics to border the photos before sewing the photos together). Once the top is finished, typically you would layer top, batting, and backing fabric to create a "quilt sandwich" that is then hand or machine quilted (by yourself or by someone you hire). Once the sandwich is quilted, the edges are bound.

An alternative method is "Quilt As You Go". There are a lot of examples of this on the web to show you how it is done. Basically you "sandwich" and quilt each block as you go, then combine the blocks into a quilt. The raw edges that connect the blocks are usually covered with strips of fabric.

You have described a pretty ambitious quilt to make for your very first one. I recommend going to your local library to check out some basic books on quiltmaking. Many of the newer ones included step-by-step photos of all of the steps, so you understand what the process is.

When I add photos to a quilt I will only use "Printed Treasures". Whenever you get a 40-50% off coupon for JoAnns, that's a good time to buy a package. You have to use an inkjet printer. The cotton fabric sheets have a paper backing so that it can feed through your printer. Let the picture set for a little while, then peel off the paper. Run cold water over your fabric to wash away any excess ink. Block in on some towels until dry. Iron, and cut out the blocks for your quilt. I don't make a lot of photo quilts, but I use Printed Treasures to create my quilt labels.

thank you all you have been most helpful i knew i was way over my head but its something that will hopefully mean something to my husband and our children for years to come :)

Welcome. Once you have the pictures on fabric you ca begin. As new I think I would do a simple stripes around the picture. In the time doing pictures have a go at a rail fence to ensure accurate sewing and cutting and making a quilt. It could be a small table runner but will help with accuracy but mostly so you become aware of the process.