Diane K M

I, like you, have taken up quilting similar to Mom's. My mom was a hand quilter, not so much the sewing machine unless it was putting blocks together and sashing on. Everything else was done by hand including the quilting. Me, I am a sewing machine person. I do not like to hand sew as I have had carpal tunnel. Mom never taught me that much. I learned from friends and the computer. My stash is mainly what Mom had accumulated, and trust me there is plenty to go around. She also did applique as I do piece work. I am trying to finish one now that I started about 4 or 5 years ago. It has been a real challenge. My pride and joy is Illusion by Derek Lockwood. I showed that pattern to my Mom and her comment to me was "You don't expect me to make that do you?" I told her no, that I was going to make it. I did, but did not get it done in time for Mom to see it. See, she passed away last flag Day, a year ago yesterday. You have gotten into the right place to answer questions. I don't write on there much at all, but I read what they have to say. Good luck, try something small, then go bigger. I started with table toppers and runners. Oh, I like to buy yardage as opposed to precuts, because if you make a mistake you have extra to make up for it. I always buy a little extra. I have a gal that does most of my quilting with a long arm.
Have a great day! Diane

lovelyl

My favorite places for quilting cotton and supplies are:
Connecting Threads: http://www.connectingthreads.com
Missouri Star Quilts: https://www.missouriquiltco.com

Jingle

Welcome to this wonderful board. You will find lots of help here.
I am not a fabric snob. I buy fabric that feels good and buy from Wal Mart, Hobby Lobby, Joanns and have even bought some from a fabric shop. I usually buy what I can afford. I give away most of the quilts I have made and will give away ones made in the future.
I have a fairly new Granddaughter in law that loves my quilts. I have given her about 8 quilts and will give her some more. She appreciates whatever I give her in fabrics of my choice and patterns I pick.

maviskw

You really don't NEED a stash, EVER. I started my beginning quilters with three yards of fabric, one each of coordinating dark, medium and light. They had the choice of Rail Fence or Disappearing 9-Patch. We made some really cute quilts. For now, buy only what you need for one quilt, then buy only what you need for the next. Your leftovers are either scraps or stash, depending how you look at them (and how big they are).

csknott

There's not much I can add except when I first started quilting I got a good reference book so when I didn't understand a certain way to do something I would and still refer to that book. I know fons and porter have one that's got a lot of useful information in it.
Welcome to the world of quilting from the oldest town in Texas.

Jo Anne B.

Welcome from Iowa! Another Iowan and male is on here, he does beautiful work and frequently post pics.
Kudos to you guys, my husband resists even holding a quilt for just photos.
Moda Bake Shoppe is an informative site, free patterns for all abilities. Look under index for past patterns. They borrow baking terms. recipes=patterns. Kind of fun and kooky.
Quality Fabric Closeouts is another site for quality quilt fabric at reduce prices.
Never hurts to keep an eye on Craigslist for quilters selling stash.
Have fun!!

Serianas

Ofcom you don't NEED a stash, but I like to spend ages rearranging mine, depending on my mood you are going to have so much fun making and showing off your quilts (yes you do have to show us ). This is the best place to be for knowledge imo.

Hi from (not so) sunny Barnsley, South Yorkshire, England

KerryK

Hi, Dan! Welcome from Sweet Home Alabama! You have received wonderful information here, so jump on in. I will add in one comment that I don't believe I have seen in the previous posts. When you go to MSQC or YouTube and watch Jenny Doan's tutorials, please note that when she begins she will tell you how many fat quarters, or 5" charm packs, or 10" layer cakes, or 2.5" jelly rolls you will need to complete the quilt. With that in mind, you can select the quilt you want to make and then purchase your fabrics right there since you will know what you need. I have never been disappointed with MSQC, and many other fabric suppliers have been mentioned that are great, too! Enjoy the journey!

garysgal

Hi and welcome from Idaho! I wish my husband would quilt, but that's ok- he makes me the things I need for my sewing room. Have fun quilting and don't let anything scare you- one step at a time and you will soon feel that you've been quilting for years!!

nativetexan

connectingthreads. com and keepsakequilting. com and many others are good for online purchases. Kona cotton is good as are so many others. Good luck.