nitakhoops

Don't get discouraged! I bought my first quilt all cut out and with directions on eBay. It was a simple block baby quilt with a border, binding , & backing all included. All I needed to supply was the batting. If you know the basics of sewing from your mother, Home Ec. class, etc. it will be quite easy. Good luck!

Wunder-Mar

One of the prettiest quilts I ever saw was a simple 9-patch using white muslin as the light squares and the plain squares separating the 9-patch blocks. Every block seemed to be different because the maker was determined to blast through her stash the fastest way possible - the 9-patch blocks were assembly line fast and what could be simpler (or cheaper) than white muslin to offset the colors?

My husband's most favorite quilt that I've made for him is a simple 16-patch of medium & dark Civil War reproduction fabrics paired with cream or light beige Civil War repro fabrics. All the blocks go together beautifully. After seeing that first quilt and making this second one, I've never underestimates simple squares and simple 9- and 16-patch quilts ever again!

THAT SAID, if you want to try your hand at rectangles, my favorite pattern is Yellow Brick Road - it can be done with any color palette, the layout is very forgiving, and the size of the units is very comfortable to work with for beginners. I've made every size offered in the pattern at least four times.

Good luck and stay encouraged!

mrs. fitz

I haven't read all ten pages so maybe somebody already said this --- the main things to know are (1) just make sure your seam allowances are 1/4" and (2) ENJOY!!!! Once you've done one quilt (do a small one, lap size or baby size) you'll be enthusiastic about going forward.

sandybuttons

I understand how you feel, like I could never make a quilt as good as some of the ones I see here. So I decided to just make what made me happy and some day when I feel up to it I will try something harded. Quilt for yourself not to compete with others. Quilting is a journey not a race enjoy the trip, it's your trip don't miss the fun on the way. (HUGS)

Maureen

go to Utube and check out Missouri Star Quilt tutorials. They have some simple ones. The baby quilt one is simple squares. So is the dissappearing 9 patch.

SueSew

Cheer up - the more you read the more confused you can get. Don't be intimidated by the experts. If you can cut in a straight line and sew in a straight line, well-begun is half done!

Grab an easy pattern - here's the one I chose for my first and it is very forgiving - http://www.clotilde.com/detail.html?prod_id=13453 -

and start cutting stuff up and sewing it back together! Before you know it you will be having great fun sewing and ripping out and cutting and pressing and quilting that you will get confidence. Take chances, make mistakes! It's how to learn :)

LoriEl

I like that - a journey not a race - describes it perfectly!

bjnicholson

Hey scowlkat! I love that quilt. Thanks!

Dear Discouraged. I think you could master this pattern very well. You can make your squares any size you want! Don't give up before you've even started.

Diztoy

just do a 9 patch quilt it is very easy that was my first one get a chart so you can find out how maney squares you have to make. then cut them out the size you want then sew them together put a boarded on it the filling and the backing
have fun
Diztoy

sew wishful

I would love some shortcuts, too, Rhonda, if you are willing to share. I get bits and pieces of shortcuts from reading this board, but never start to finish instructions. I shy away from triangles because to cut them separately I end up with a miss measure or something! You can PM me or e-mail. Thank you!