I am completely new to all of this and am looking for help. I have been making hair bows for my daughters for a couple of years and am sad to say they are outgrowing them and am looking for a new hobby. Three years ago my daddy bought me a Janome Memory Craft 9700.

I was so overwhelmed that I put it in a closet and left it there for awhile. My mom showed me how to hem pants and to tell you the truth that is all I have done with it. (I am ashamed...lol)

My great-grandmother made quilts for everyone in the family and mine was the last one (sad to say she passed away before it was finished). Thankfully her sister, Aunt Wilma, finished it for me. The memories of watching her quilt by hand will always be with me.

I am looking for information on learning and any info would be greatly appreciated. Are there any great beginners books that would be a good recommendation? Thanks ;)

Try your local library and see what they have. That's a good place to look for books.

Hi and welcome from Alaska. My suggestion is to take a beginner's quilting class in your area. I had sewn all my life but when I started with quilting, I was glad I took a beginner's class. Invaluable.

I recommend your public library for lots of books that can get you started. There is probably a quilt group near where you live. The group I belong to has lots of ideas, opinions, and encouragement. The tutorials on line, especially on this board are so helpful.

Thank you all so much, I will check into it. And you all have beautiful work, I have been in awe all day by looking through pictures.

I was like you when I started quilting. I would help my Grandma cut out pieces with scissors, but I did not sew. I took a class from Hancock Fabrics. It was "Double Irish Chain" by Eleanor Burns. I recommend her books. She explains things very well!
For a first quilt I would recommend just squares or a Rail Fence. The previous suggestion about taking a class is a great idea. If there is a fabric store close to you, just ask. If they don't do classes, they may be able to suggest a guild or another place that offers classes. My community offers quilting classes through their adult education program.
Welcome to the board! We will help you as much as we can!

Welcome, waving from Indiana, USA

Hello and welcome from SW Iowa. Glad to have you here. The best thing would be to take a beginners class at the fabric store. If that isn't available check out some beginning quilting books at the library. And remember we are here to help to. Ask anything you want and we will help.

Wow Thanks sooooo much, I have been looking at pics all day long and am truly impressed, now Tuesday I will go to the libary and get some books and go from there. I guess I need to read the rest of the manual that came with the machine my daddy bought me...lol.

welcome!