hi from Mass
12-26-2013, 08:34 AM
#14
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 1,372
Welcome from one Massachusetts gal to another! I live in the western part of the state and there are a few places that offer quilting classes. Independently owned fabric stores (not Joanns) may offer classes or surely know some place in your area that does. There are also many videos on You Tube that show how to do many things. Look up Missouri Star Quilt Company they have many videos that are well worth the watch. Very well explained. Also this board is a wealth of information from caring folks. Good luck and may you have many happy times at your new machine!
12-26-2013, 08:47 AM
#15
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: NY
Posts: 2,497
Heather, welcome to the QB! Also welcome to the wonderful world of quilting/sewing/piecing. First place to start off, in my honest opinion, would be a LQS (local quilt shop). They usually have classes for beginners. Their fabric is going to be a bit more expensive than a JoAnn Fabric's, but well worth it, if you can afford it. If not and you want to purchase all your fabric from a JoAnn's and take a class at a LQS, then you do that. My dh (dear/damn husband) saw what I was trying to do and said "You need professional help." So I took a class, Quilting 101, where we made a double irish chain. Lots of seams to butt. You get really good at them when you have to make so many!
I started off purchasing a rotary cutter/ 18x~23" cutting mat and a 6" width ruler. They are sold as a set at JoAnn's...and usually go on sale or you can use a coupon. Regularly, I think ~$45. That is a good starter set. I didn't upgrade to a 33x58" mat until much later. Love the openness that offers me. I use that on an old kitchen table I picked up from a garage sale for $20. Perfect size for it.
Good luck and welcome from central (northern) NY state!
I started off purchasing a rotary cutter/ 18x~23" cutting mat and a 6" width ruler. They are sold as a set at JoAnn's...and usually go on sale or you can use a coupon. Regularly, I think ~$45. That is a good starter set. I didn't upgrade to a 33x58" mat until much later. Love the openness that offers me. I use that on an old kitchen table I picked up from a garage sale for $20. Perfect size for it.
Good luck and welcome from central (northern) NY state!
12-26-2013, 09:02 AM
#16
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: RVing in USA and Canada
Posts: 1,413
Hi Heather! I was born an raised in Tyngsboro, MA. Welcome to the board. Choose a pattern that excites you, but that isn't too difficult. The log cabin is rather simple. I'd go online and find a free pattern. Then, go to your local library and check out some books. When you find something that you find really helpful, then head to amazon to purchase.
Also, check out to see if there are any local classes (Joann's) or a guild. I did a class at Joann's and made a baby quilt. It had applique and stack/wack methods. Really fun and I learned so much.
And of course, ask loads of questions here and show us your work as you go along
We love to look and offer encouragement.
Best! Kookie
Also, check out to see if there are any local classes (Joann's) or a guild. I did a class at Joann's and made a baby quilt. It had applique and stack/wack methods. Really fun and I learned so much.
And of course, ask loads of questions here and show us your work as you go along
We love to look and offer encouragement.Best! Kookie
12-26-2013, 03:28 PM
#20
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 10
thanks so much everyone, i have followed up on all your suggestions and i've been on youtube all day i am itching to get started lol but i have to wait a week before i can get more supplies. i can't wait to post my first picture of a quilt i made myself
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