I tried this yesterday..
 

...But I let my login expire before I hit submit, so here we are again.

A long time ago (23 years?) my older sister tried to teach me how to quilt, but it was all hand sewing and I was a teenager, so it didn't stick.

I'm currently in far West Texas; as far as you can get before you hit New Mexico. I'm in the military, and married to a man in the military; we're going to have to transition to our first post-retirement jobs in about four years.

I got into crafting in 2008; my husband let us go to his mom's house for Christmas without gifts. I managed to knit a simple scarf in time to have something under the tree, and then found out that knitting was actually something I was pretty good at. My philosophy was that it's only yarn, so I ended up doing some pretty advanced techniques early. I suspect I may end up the same way with quilting, because I'm putting together my first ever quilt, and I'm planning to FMQ it. (Best I can describe it is a very simplified Bargello - 2.5" X 10.5" strips staggered - I'm planning on a simple 1.25" border cable down the strips)

I've already received three welcome posts and PMs, so I know this is going to be a great place.

Hi there, I'm over the border here in New Mexico. There are a few quilt shops around this area that are nice.

This is an awesome place, Trish. I"m glad you're here. I'm from the other side of the state, just outside of Houston. Always good to see another Texan. :)

Welcome from Michigan!:)

:) welcome from se TX

Welcome from Vermont!!!!

Here's a big Howdy from Texas. Sounds like you are already on the right road to quilting. I'm in awe that you are going to try a Bargello for your first quilt & that you are going to FM quilt it. We Have to see pics of it when you are finished.

Oh, no, I think I'm not being clear... A bargello is strip-pieced, right? And then cut, and staggered, and re-sewn to look horribly complex.

This is the same thing, except instead of tiny little pieces, the original lengths are all 10 1/2", and they're cut the same width of 2 1/2", and staggered into a gentle wave. (For a total piece size of 2" X 10")

The FMQ is a simple 1 1/4" cable that I'm going to run down each strip after SITD to stabilize the whole thing.

I wish I could figure out how to take a picture and attach it while on my phone. Guess I've got some research to do!

Welcome from South Louisiana. Quilting is a wonderful way to express your creativity and it sounds like you have already caught the bug. I will look forward to seeing your projects.

Welcome from western NY and happy quilting :)