please explain the different tools to be used for quilting,

do I ask you for patterns of your quilts?

Is this all sewn by machine and not hand sewn?

where do hoops come into this or are they out dated?

and as for the sewing, do I need special machines< like the "new toy" I seen on this forum?

Of course, you may ask for patterns. Some can be shared and for others you will be directed to a seller to purchase the pattern.

Different quilters use different techniques. Some do everything by hand, some do everything on the machine and some combine the techniques.

I only use hoops when I hand quilt, which isn't too often. I think some use hoops as they machine quilt, but I don't know about that.j

I piece and quilt on my "home" sewing machine. Mine is a Janome DC 2010 which is a nice machine, but not a fancy (or expensive) machine. I have been machine quilting for about a year and a half and love it. I do use quilters gloves and purchased a walking foot which helps feed the quilt through the machine (because of the thickness) and I also have a darning foot for free motion quilting. I took a lesson from a local quilter on using your sewing machine for quilting and got some great information from here and learned a lot. Then it was just practice time.

Good luck and welcome to the forum.

Mary, You use what you like to use. It is okay to ask others what patterns they use and what methods. Hoops seem to be a personal preference, some use them, others don/t. I think yoiu just try and see what wroks for you. As for the new toy you mentioned. Not everyone has the newest and best machine. I sew on a 20 year old sewing machine. Some seem to really like the old Featherweights to quilt on, they talk about the perfect stitch, etc. Guess I need to haul out mine that I've hafd since the 50's( before they were the "thing" to have and see if it really does sew better.LOL My suggestion for you, ask questions if you have some, use what you can afford. I do think that a lot of the new rulers that are used for cutting are very nice, but I only have a couple , and I just bought them. And I never have used a rotery cutter, wish I could get the hang of it! And I won"T ever be able to afford those cutting machines and long arm quiters . Carol

Thank you,Thank you ladies for the feed back! I was wondering if I had to spend money to even to begin!

So I will use what I have, and will check out some quilters here in the area and see if I can get some info. Also thanks about patterns, I don't have any and didn't want to offend to ask for them.

Yes I knoew there is no stupid question, this is new to me so I am going to take this slowly.
Again thanks! Mary Grether

Mary,

Go to www.quilterscache.com
They have TONS of free quilt block patterns. You just printout the directions and go. My first quilt was a sampler of easy 12 inch blocks that were all different. I just picked out what I liked and got going with scraps of fabric that I already had. It was a great experience and I still love going to quilterscache to find block patterns. I think I'm addicted!!!

thanks! I am wanting to be addicted to quilting too. Loosk so fun and easy!

Mary, I started quilting back in the 70's and did not use rotary cutters, mats, rullers, etc until about 7-8 yrs ago. I firmly believe there are no "stupid" questions. I thought I knew alot about quilting but have learned in the year and a half I have been on here that you are never too old to learn. These folks have taught me alot. I still prefer to design as I go but use alot of quilt patterns too. I mainly look at other quilts/pictures and figure out the general idea from there for my quilts. Even the simplest of patterns turns out beautiful.....and I have seen very few quilts that I thought weren't pretty. Good luck and welcome aboard gal!!!

Sandy/Gramqlts
Arkansas

Hi Mary, Welcome! Again, use what feels right for you. When I began hand quilting I tried a hoop, hated it, tried my lap (free), and loved it. I did purchase a quilt frame so that my daughter could help and love it too. As far as machines go, use what you have. I began sewing clothing years ago and still use that machine. I did buy a walking foot and darning foot for machine quilting, but that was it. Be careful, quilt making is addictive!!!

About as bad as crocheting! and other stuff I am involved in.

a walking foot, and darning foot?

this is different for me so I od want to get "addicted"!

The most important thing is have fun
:thumbup:

The only rule I use is, 1/4 inch seam's. Do what works for you. If you see a pattern you like, just ask. You dont need to spend a years wages on a mach, if you like to piece by hand, thats good, but you could try Craigs List to look for a mach thats been broken in, and wont cost alot. I have a huge hoop, all my quilting is done by hand tho.The best thing you can do, is to try everything to see what you like, and what you dont. Happy quilting!

Walking foot - A special foot for a sewing machine . Used for straight sewing m helps move the fabric sandwich evenly when being sewn.

Fabric sandwich- the backing, the batting and top of the quilt

Alrighty! now I am getting on the RIGHT page here! and yes I plan to have fun with this!

I also have a Brothers, vx-1120. hopefully I can find that walking foot to be able to use. thanks again for all the help.

Mary, WWW.about.com/quilting. Lots of free patterns and instructions and answers on this site. Or just do a search for free quilt patterns, and you will find lots of sites. Carol

Mary, ask anything you want to. Ask for any pattern, method, or help you need. I sew by hand and machine. I have a Brother CE4000, an old New Home, a cheap Singer, a Featherweight, and a Viking plus many others that I don't use, just collect. Sew on whatever you want to sew on and whatever works for you. As far as the "new toy" if you want it and can afford it, get it but it's not a requirement.
BTW if you'd like the directions for the quilt in my avy, I've shared them on this board. Click SEARCH and type in Directions for Frames Quilt (my avy) and it should come up. You will find most people here are generous and sharing with their patterns, ideas, supplies, etc.

Mary -- when I first joined the group, I had a Kenmore machine I bought in 1971!!! I'd never heard of Free Motion Quilting (FMQ), and a rotary cutter sounded like something from a scary movie!!!! Hang in here, feel free to ask questions. If you don't feel comfortable asking questions on someone's thread, ask like you did today or send someone a personal message. My experience here has shown me that they not only love to quilt....they love to teach!!!!

Hi Mary, Welcome to the board!!! I guarantee you will get addicted to quilting- FAST hehehe
Have fun and ask questions! There is always so much to learn and many generous people here :D

People have made wonderful quilts with very little equipment.

Fabric
Scissors
Needle
Thread
Imagination

Jinny Beyer (a noted quilter and fabric designer) wrote that she did most of her piecing by hand.

Yes, I now do own a lot of "related stuff" - but much of it is not necessary.

Mary --- You have received a lot of good advice already. I just wanted to add this --- a good way to try the different techniques is by starting with small projects. Maybe start by making pot holders or table toppers. Make one by machine piecing, then one by hand piecing, practice hand quilting vs. machine quilting, then experiment with the different binding techniques. If you don't lock yourself into a big project you will have more time to experiment and find what is right for you without investing a lot of time and money. Have fun!

p.s. I used to crochet and do other crafts.....I gave it all up for quilting! LOL

Thamks!

I al;so was thinking of pot holders, I found a cute pattern online today. So will start there. and as for everyone saying hi, and giving advice, wow thanks,

Mary

Welcome Mary! If you have any questions at all pertaining to quilting then you came to the right place. Someone will be able to answer it for you. This is a great forum & everyone is always willing to help if they can. Just a great bunch of women & men here.

I have gotten alot of my questions answered already! what a great group!

Welcome, waving from Indiana, USA

when you have a specific ? about quilting post it as a new message in the main thread

be sure to give it a title so we will know what your ? is

Happy quilting

You can ask for patterns and we may be able to share them.
It's up to you if you hand or machine sew.
I don't use a hoop because I like the machine quilt.
When I started it was on a $89.00 Brother and I loved it.

Hi Mary, Whatever you do enjoy, and Welcome. :)