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-   -   Skill level of Bargello? (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/skill-level-bargello-t116843.html)

bgullett 04-18-2011 05:05 PM

Bargello is my favorite quilt pattern. I was very intimidated when I did my first one, but once I got the hang of it, it was great! Dont' be discouraged. Give it a try, label your rows and just take your time. If you run into problems, pm me, I will try and help you.

Tudey 04-18-2011 05:12 PM

I was a stone cold beginner when I did my first pieced quilt---a bargello heart---and I almost never made it past that one! That was 10 years ago (and I have done another since then and it was a snap!) I am an obsessed quilter with no regrets. I say suck it up, take a deep breath and plunge on in!

My time 04-18-2011 06:26 PM

Like the girls said make sure you label your strips. Go for it. It's not as difficult as a lonestar.

audsgirl 04-18-2011 09:39 PM

I can understand your hesitance, but it is certainly a gorgeous quilt. How motivated are you? Do you have fabrics in mind? I know at the classes I've taken, I learn little hints to make things work better. If you really are smitten with this quilt, I think you should try it. You never know when or if it will be offered again.

coachmatthewsvhs 04-19-2011 02:04 AM


Originally Posted by gus
I'm in love with Bargello and they are a lot easier than they look.picture of my first

I love yours too!!!!

libthekwltr 04-19-2011 02:05 AM

Is there a trick to selecting fabrics? I've seen some GORGEOUS bargellos and I've seen pictures of some that are just so-so. Selecting colors is not my forte, but I do know that I like something when I see it completed (and vice-versa). I'd really love to try a bargello, but I'm fearful of choosing my fabrics...any tips???

coachmatthewsvhs 04-19-2011 02:09 AM

someone spoke of fabric choice earlier on this post... scroll up or back to page 1.... my lqs ladies help with anything... just ask!

Jammin' Jane 04-19-2011 07:52 AM

The class will be fun and you will at least understand the concept of making a bargello. Then if you have any questions, there are many, many people on the board who would be willing (and excited) to help you! Good luck with it! Please show us what you make!

madamekelly 04-19-2011 01:46 PM


Originally Posted by momski
I have a gift card from last year's B-day that I have been saving for "something special." Well, my LQS is having a class on Elieen Wright's Cosmic Twist pattern from her book "Twist and Turn Bargello Quilts." I love the look of bargello quilts and want to try one.

http://www.satin-moon.com/store/product3672.html

My LQS lists the skill level as advanced beginner. I am hesitant to sign up because the last class I took that they listed as advanced beginner was a very complicated Lone Star, which has sadly become the UFO I am most likely not to pick up again anytime soon. What do you think?

IMHO - I think you may be happier with the Bargello than you were ith the Lonestar. Lonestars have lots of bias edges (Pain in the b__t for beginners) Bargellos have all straight seams, so they are just easier. The only real challenging thing there is staying organized. IMHO :-)

jfnancy 04-19-2011 03:33 PM

A great book to buy is Bargello Quilts with Twist by Maggie Ball. You can also order a DVD. Nancy's Notions. I have a hard time finding the time to attend classes so books with DVD's are a great learning tool!

JudyMN 04-19-2011 06:48 PM

I learned to make my first bargello from a book. It was fun. As has been mentioned many times, the fabric choice is the most difficult part. Small prints and marbled fabrics matching the colors of a focus fabric are the easiest way to start your color run! I usually end up with several extra fabrics which do not fit. Getting help from your LQS is better than my method of buying fabrics here and there hoping they'll match. Give it a try!

DMcbaby 04-22-2011 11:26 AM

I found the pattern for the Bargello Flag. It is called "Old Glory" It says that Crafting Traditions subscribers had a contest. This pattern was a winner. I wish I had more info for you. I don't know how to get the pattern to you. Any suggestions?

drgranny 04-24-2011 10:28 AM

I sewed my lonestar by hand at work while doing computer backups. I'll post a pic when I have time to get it out.

k_jupiter 04-24-2011 10:44 AM


Originally Posted by gus
I'm in love with Bargello and they are a lot easier than they look.picture of my first

Very nice Gus. But technically speaking, that is not Bargello. That is Evelyn Sloppy's 'Entwined', and consists of 3 different blocks, placed in mirrored patterns. Bargello is built using strips that are rotated.

BUT! let me repeat... beautiful quilt, and not as easy as it might seem. Ask me how I know. I was about halfway through one, put it away for a year or so, then when I pulled it out again, there was another fabric in some of the strip sets. I have no idea what I was thinking.

tim in san jose

Jbarrow 04-28-2011 08:49 PM


Originally Posted by momski
I have a gift card from last year's B-day that I have been saving for "something special." Well, my LQS is having a class on Elieen Wright's Cosmic Twist pattern from her book "Twist and Turn Bargello Quilts." I love the look of bargello quilts and want to try one.

http://www.satin-moon.com/store/product3672.html

My LQS lists the skill level as advanced beginner. I am hesitant to sign up because the last class I took that they listed as advanced beginner was a very complicated Lone Star, which has sadly become the UFO I am most likely not to pick up again anytime soon. What do you think?


I haven't done a bargello yet but read instructions over and over...the only thing I see is that you have to be in order...the cutting should be ok...just have to keep the fabric in order

DesiG 04-28-2011 08:55 PM

I am currently piecing the Surf Song from that same book, and as long as you label everything and follow the directions you can complete the quilt. It just needs concentration and organization. I have not made a quilt in about 20 years and am half way through the piecing. The tip about the color viewer is a good one, I had help picking my fabrics from the staff at my LQS and I am doing it in batiks (blues and teals)

quiltykiwi 04-29-2011 09:21 PM

Hi. Bargello is easier than Lone Star without doubt. have made several bargello of different patterns but gave up on Lone Star. You go girl Bargello is addictive!

skeet 05-01-2011 12:38 PM

JUST GO FOR IT! I haven't done one yet either,but willing to try with all the help this board gives to everyone. Just take your time and relax. good luck

momski 05-01-2011 09:07 PM

Just wanted to thank everyone. I started the class today and whole color theory! But it's been well worth it. Keep an eye out for an upcoming photo of my fabric selection.


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