Can you tell me what is the easiest quilt for a beginner? I have a pattern for the log cabin is that an easy one to do?

Ann

Ann, I usually recommend the log cabin as a great beginner quilt. A couple other good beginner projects that come to mind are the Rail Fence and Nine Patch. The patterns for these blocks can be found at : http://www.quilterscache.com/

At the shop where I work, a pattern called Yellow Brick Road by Atkinson Designs is a very popular beginner quilt. It is also loved by experienced quilters who are looking for a quicky project. This is a well written pattern that uses fat quarters and included many quilt sizes.

The log cabin quilt book by Eleanor Burns was my introduction to quilting. Her books are not only well written but well illustrated. She also includes directions for many log cabin layouts and sizes. In 1980 edition, she was into tearing strips of fabric. With the advent of the rotary cutter, she rewrote the book and has been the single most influencial teacher of beginner quilters. Her books are quite popular at our local quilt shop.

Whatever quilting project you decide on, Ann, just be aware this is a very addictive yet quite rewarding passion. Happy stitching!

Well, I am a beginner, too. I've never finished a quilt...YET...
I think the rag quilt would be fun to do, and it is recommended for beginners. http://quilting.about.com/od/quiltpatternsprojects/ss/rag_quilt.htm

hi ann,
i have only been "quilting" for a couple years. i make quilts, but don't consider myself a "quilter". in fact, i have yet to make a quilt from a pattern! i'm kinda scared of having to know what i'm doing before i start. i usually just decide what fabrics i'm working with, refer to books for ideas and shapes, determine a block size and it comes together as it goes. this works well for me b/c i usually buy my fabric from the clearance section (on sale) and there's often only a yard or so left. in any case, i enjoy getting lost in the creative process as opposed to the planning - and am not disappointed when i'm finished b/c i had no pre-conceived ideas before i started. i figure as i improve my skills, i'll be more motivated to attempt a pattern. ...but for now, i'm having a blast just playing!

Mercedes, I am sooooo impressed :!: That sort of creative process sounds like fun, but I fear my own judgements. I love scrappy, because those are easy to collect. Small pieces from the shop make up a huge part of my stash. Unfortunately, a pattern and plan still seems necessary for me. :( I sure wish I had your spirit :!: Share some pictures so we can see what you do with that creative mind of yours. We all look for inspiration from many places. :D

Boo

Thanks for the info on the invisible thread and per-your advice, I only used the invis-thread on the top and not the bobbin, I also used your words of wisdom about the paper, Useing a piece of paper as my stablizer. Which worked out really well.

BECKY

Boo,
I usually follow the traditional patterns too. I love tradition, don't you? Then I discovered Yvonne Porcella's book, Magical Four-Patch and Nine-Patch QUilts. Wow! It just let me cut loose. I made a black and white quilt that started with a nine patch and just grew! I added strips and then added some other blocks, some plain squares, decided to add a little bit of color. I just kept adding blocks and strips to my design wall until I had a quilt the size I wanted. Most of them were attached by then so it was a simple matter to finish it up. I ended up not following Yvonne Porcella's directions but she gave me the nerve to start without a pattern!

This spring my sisters and I made a quilt for our aunt. We all made traditional blocks and then put them together. The blocks were many sizes so we had to add more blocks to fill in. It turned out to be a beautiful scrappy quilt. That's another way to take off without real plan.

Bottom line, you just need to jump in!

You might try "Quick Trip Quilts" by Elanor Burns. Be careful, there are some that would be hard for a beginner, some that take 24 different fabrics. The Quick Trip Quilts only take 9 different fabrics.

Debbie

When I started quilting 2 1/2 years ago, I used a book by Alex Anderson that taught kids to quilt! It was great. I made 4 different blocks for a sampler.

I have made lots of quilts since then.. traditional ones.. some with patterns (although I tend to make a few changes).. and lately I am doing more and more off the top of my head. A friend calls it doing a round robin by yourself! LOL!

A very easy pattern and one that is forgiving and I think would be great for a beginner is Yellow Brick Road. Most quilt stores have it and you can also find it online.

Barb C.

Barb, you would be surprized how many Yellow Brick Road quilts come into our shop to be quilted. Or I should say, how many of the customers make them. It is great for beginners as well as a quick quilt for those more experienced. I like making them for babies in the neighborhood. Last week I bound one for a customer that was 100x124. That was the heaviest quilt I ever had to had to bind. :lol: