Quiltingboard Forums - Some Newbie Questions

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Go to the library and read, read, read! Many helpful quilting books at most of them.

I make my binding because I usually use a fabric I used in the quilt. I cut by binding on the straight of grain so it is probably cheaper than pre made binding.
I use a 45 mm rotary cutter, and my cutting mat is 18X24.
I'm not sure what everone calls 'blender' fabrics.
I'm guessing its the tone on tone, off white fabric used as a background fabric when piecing a block.

I think of blenders as a bridge between colors, a gradual change from one tone to another. Original color,then a slight change of hue to another. Does that make sense to you?

Quote:

Originally Posted by jolo

I think of blenders as a bridge between colors, a gradual change from one tone to another. Original color,then a slight change of hue to another. Does that make sense to you?

yes that makes sense. I think I had some in my old stash that got left in Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by dasmith2

Hope you all dont mind- I just had a few questions. Im sure you all remember how overwhelming it can be when you first start out and dont know a thing :-)

1. Why do you make your own binding? Is it just more customized? Cant you just buy the stuff that I see in the store?

2. What are blender fabrics?

3. What ruler/cutting mat size do you all recommend(real limited budget,so I know the big sizes are out of the question ).

4. Does it matter what size your rotary cutter is? I have one, but have no idea what size it is- i forgot LOL

5. Any helpful beginner tips or timesavers? Anything you found out the hard way?

6.With all the fabrics,batting,threads, tools etc... seems like its not a inexpensive hobby to start. Any tips to share on how you keep the cost down to a reasonable amount? (if I start shopping for fabric like I do scrapbook paper~I KNOW i'm in trouble :mrgreen:

Thanks everyone for your help!

One last answer for question 5- Before you begin ANY project, take a deep breath and remember- There are no mistakes, just opportunities for self expression. The Amish have a tradition in quilting that they always put at least one piece of a quilt on wrong to show humility, and their understanding that only God is perfect. I never have to add one on purpose. At least one piece of every quilt 'volunteers' to be wrong for me. lol! :oops:

Quote:

Originally Posted by dasmith2

Templates are for what size you want to cut something, right? Thats a great idea! Ive seen templates, or maybe they are rulers too?, they seemed expensive. If I was sure I would use it over and over than I wouldnt mind paying, but I wont pay a lot for something I wont use too often :-)

When you are just starting out go with the best that you can so that it will grow with you. Jo Anns does have good coupons. If you are not signed up, go to joanns.com or something like that and sign up. That way you can start getting Internet generated coupons much quicker than you can get the 1st mailer. Use it to get a at least a 30" x 36 " mat because when you cut larger pieces of fabric you will be SO GLAD :-) you did. Also get yourself a 6" x 24" RULER and a 45 Rotary cutter. THESE THREE ITEMS WILL STAND BY YOU AS YOU DO MORE AND MORE AND YOU WILL USE ALL THREE ***OVER AND OVER *** AGAIN. You will not regret getting them. Then watch their sales to get the rotary blades on sale, etc.

You'll do just fine.

Cheryl

Quote:

Originally Posted by dasmith2

When you begin,the tools etc make it quite expensive. However, I have everything now, and the only expense is the material and thread. If you are on a budget, just buy bits each week until you have enough for a project - you can make small things, which will kep the cost down.

I really like my 2 1/2 x 12" and 41/2 x 12" rulers and my 6" precision square - my mat is a revolving one about 18" I think. I have found that I have a lot of tools that I don't use much - I just bought an easy angle ruler but wish I hadn't - It is tricky to use and other rulers work easier - good luck

There are some very good answers here, but I will add this, I love the 60mm cutter, but the blades are real expensive and harder to get. I have always used the 45mm and can get blades for it cheaper than the 60mm. The rest of the questions are answered here very well. As far as fabric, when I started out, didn't have this board, so didn't have any help of any kind. This board is wonderful for coming to for help. Good luck with your journey.

Rita

Quote:

Originally Posted by dasmith2

You can use clothing fabric?? Thats awesome because my 4 kids are always outgrowing something! :thumbup:

Thanks everyone for answering my questions :-) I really appreciate it!

I made a quilt for my granddaughter with the clothes she had outgrown. I just used a stabilizer fabric for the materials that were kind of thin. It came out pretty darn cute if I do say so myself! LOL My brother used to say that my sister-in-law would quilt anything that wasn't nailed down and I think that's true-just about any kind of fabric. :thumbup: