Anything sewn can be unsewn as we all know way too well! Make a small project, sewn just a line or two. If you have scraps lying around just sew them together. Any classes available in your area? there is no need to "make" something, just play with your machine! Good luck and we'll be looking forward to hearing from you! And you're already a success - you have the desire and ability to ask for help!

BTW I get palpitations when I start eg: to put on the binding of a large quilt. You are not alone!

My major suggestion is to start with something small. Making a potholder or table runner has all sorts of learning opportunities in it.

It's even okay to have "practice pieces" that are kind of duds.

Think of all the homework that we did in school - not much of mine was perfect.

Think of the plaster/popsicle stick/whatever things we made in school as little kids - some of them - bless their little makers' hearts - did look pretty good. Some of them were precious because "mama's little one" made it.

Is there any sport where people expect one to be "perfect" 100% of the time.

It's okay to "learn as you go." In fact, there is no other way to learn that I know of.

I know how you feel, I feel that way too when I am doing something new. But I take a deep breath and plunge in. If I make a mistake, well, I always buy extra fabric just in case. I have not tried anything hard, but after seeing some of the bargello quilts on the site, I may have to make one!

You just jump in head first! So what if it don't come out perfect the first time...or the 2nd time...or the 3rd time....How else are you gonna learn? :thumbup:
Now get your butt in there and do it!! We'll be waiting for a picture..........tap tap tapping my foot. :lol:

I can absolutely relate to your fear. I for one have yet to make anything larger than a lap quilt or crib quilt. (I am afraid I'll get bored and never finish it.....)

Find a piece of fabric that speaks to you (you just absolutely love it!) and make a small project: a potholder, a runner. And (this is important), pick a block that you feel confident you can be successful with.

Do not, do not, do not something that exceeds your skill level right now. Some of the people on this board (who make the most extraordinary quilts) have been perfecting their skills for lots of years.

Most important, enjoy the process.....

I learn from every quilt I make. There are "errors" in all of them, but sometimes I'm the only one that knows. It's so much fun making them, I don't really care...too much!

Make a little wallhanging, or something for the kitty to sleep on. Then........practice on that. AND know this....no one is going to yell at you for stitches that are not perfect. When I jumped in to start hand quilting, my first stitches were nearly a quarter inch long. Also, if you feel that you just can't stand it, by gosh it's only thread and you can take them back out.

I totally understand. I was a wanna-be quilter for several decades but was afraid to plunge in and get started. This board was my inspiration to get going on it. I was reading about the doll quilt swaps and everyone was having so much fun I wanted to join in. So I finally did! It was very helpful to have a small, specific project and a deadline, and the encouragement of people who said, "Go for it! Try what you want...it doesn't have to be perfect!" That was the biggest single thing to getting me started. I've joined several swaps since and have had a great time. My husband is now asking me why I send away everything I make! So I've got to start doing something for us. I still have fear with each project, but deadlines are a GREAT motivator to get me moving.

Many of us were like you starting off. Decide what you want to do, ie. machine or hand piecing. You will enjoy quilting. Start small and read all the replies here. Everybody is so helpful. We are here to help one another. If your project does not turn out right, just leave it aside and try something else. You can get one of the more experienced quilters to adopt you and help you

((HUGS)) There are many on this board that are willing to hold your hand, too. Just look at the replies on this thread already! You have so much support.