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!

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?

Binding you make yourself will match your quilt because you can use the fabrics you made the quilt from, AND it'll be better quality.

2. What are blender fabrics?

Not positive, but I think they're the fabrics that bring the patterned fabrics together, like solids or tone-on-tones. I make a lot of whimsical quilts, but if you get too much color or pattern, you lose the effect. I'm not sure about this one, so ask somebody else.

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

mine is 24 x 36, and if you can afford it and you have space for it on your work surface, I think it's the best size. Just my opinion. You can use a JoAnn's coupon and get it cheaper. In any event, one size should be at least 24 inches so that you can lay out a whole width of fabric (folded as it comes off the bolt).

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

My rotary cutter is an Olfa 45 mm, and that's my favorite size. I like the one with the spring handle so that the blade retracts when you set it down. It also has a button so that you can lock the blade in the retracted position. The others have the ability to retract the blade manually, but I never remember to do it. One day, I turned around as my adult son was "inspecting" the cutter and nearly cut his fingers on it if I hadn't seen him.

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

First--don't be too hard on yourself. Perfection comes with practice. You won't accomplish it at first, and if you are too hard on yourself, you won't enjoy quilting. Second, there are a lot of useless and duplicative notions on the market. Don't fill up your drawers with tools that don't work well or that you don't need. Beware of gadgets.

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:

See above.



Thanks everyone for your help!

Originally Posted by krisgray

The best book I've seen, and continue to use, is _Better Homes & Garden's Complete Guide to Quilting_. It's a great reference, covers hand and machine techniques - great resource. Check it out at Amazon, Joann's, Borders, Barnes & Noble - or see if your local library has a copy so you can preview it and see if it works for you.

Originally Posted by krisgray

The best book I've seen, and continue to use, is _Better Homes & Garden's Complete Guide to Quilting_. It's a great reference, covers hand and machine techniques - great resource. Check it out at Amazon, Joann's, Borders, Barnes & Noble - or see if your local library has a copy so you can preview it and see if it works for you.

Originally Posted by amma

Yes, stretchy or thin fabrics can be used, just find iron on stabilizer to put on the backs of them. What fun memory quilts they make :D:D:D

Jeans, cotton shirts, etc... all work well too. Thriftstores and garage sales are a great source of fabric :wink: My family/friends are saving their jeans for me :D:D:D