New to quilting
03-07-2025, 07:44 AM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2025
Location: Moscow Pennsylvania
Posts: 2
New to quilting
Hello!
my name is Dayna. I’m 39yrs old from Moscow Pennsylvania. I was recently gifted a vintage kenmore sewing machine that I’ve used for regular sewing and repairing items at home but now I’m getting the “stitch itch” to start creating things myself. I’m not into sewing clothing, but I find I’m drawn to patchwork quits, bags, jelly roll rugs, and things basically for the home.
im always open to tips, tricks, or any guidance you may have to offer for a beginner. I do other crafts, so I’m not necessarily a sewing newcomer, but the quilting part is new to me.
my name is Dayna. I’m 39yrs old from Moscow Pennsylvania. I was recently gifted a vintage kenmore sewing machine that I’ve used for regular sewing and repairing items at home but now I’m getting the “stitch itch” to start creating things myself. I’m not into sewing clothing, but I find I’m drawn to patchwork quits, bags, jelly roll rugs, and things basically for the home.
im always open to tips, tricks, or any guidance you may have to offer for a beginner. I do other crafts, so I’m not necessarily a sewing newcomer, but the quilting part is new to me.
03-07-2025, 08:40 AM
#3
Super Member
Join Date: May 2020
Location: Sunset Coast of Michigan
Posts: 1,082
Welcome Dayzee6! You cannot go wrong with a vintage Kenmore, in fact, it is the machine that i recently sought out and purchased for my child and previously provided to her best friend. they can always be serviced, are uber-reliable, and will go through leather (slowly) and layers and layers of denim. They are the best of the best. If I had to choose one sewing machine through a zombie apocalypse, it would be a Kenmore 158 series, I have the 1941 personally. And my little 1040 Kennie is right up there on the list of what to bring to a retreat, again, reliable, does a great zig zag portable and will never die. Welcome and enjoy!
03-07-2025, 09:06 AM
#4
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Southern USA
Posts: 17,810
Welcome! Youtube will be your best friend in the sewing room. Tutorials galore on anything you can imagine to sew. If you don't like one way of sewing something there will be a dozen more ways to do it.
03-07-2025, 09:55 AM
#5
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Peoria, IL -- Midwest Transplant
Posts: 7,259
A lot of skill just comes from practice, there are reasons to start on pretty easy patterns and work your way up. A jellyroll race or other projects gives you lots of what I call driving lessons. You can do it alone, but it is more fun/easier when you have people to ask questions. Coming from garment sewing (pre-sergers) the 1/4" seam used as a standard in quilting seemed tiny to me, but you get used to it. You do have an advantage in already having some understanding in sewing in general. Cotton fabrics are pretty easy to work with.
I've used vintage machines for a lot of years, most of them are sturdy workhorses that do a good solid straight stitch and maybe a few other things and that's what you need for sewing.
BTW, many years ago, I lived in one of the "other" Moscows -- Idaho version.
I've used vintage machines for a lot of years, most of them are sturdy workhorses that do a good solid straight stitch and maybe a few other things and that's what you need for sewing.
BTW, many years ago, I lived in one of the "other" Moscows -- Idaho version.
03-07-2025, 05:10 PM
#7
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2025
Location: Moscow Pennsylvania
Posts: 2
Welcome Dayzee6! You cannot go wrong with a vintage Kenmore, in fact, it is the machine that i recently sought out and purchased for my child and previously provided to her best friend. they can always be serviced, are uber-reliable, and will go through leather (slowly) and layers and layers of denim. They are the best of the best. If I had to choose one sewing machine through a zombie apocalypse, it would be a Kenmore 158 series, I have the 1941 personally. And my little 1040 Kennie is right up there on the list of what to bring to a retreat, again, reliable, does a great zig zag portable and will never die. Welcome and enjoy!
03-10-2025, 04:06 AM
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Delaware
Posts: 1,620
I have a Ken,ore 158:series as well. A great machine. Don’t let anyone talk you into a new machine. The machine you have is perfect for quilting. Loads of info on the internet. I suggest you start with something small and easy and work your way to larger projects. As Iceblossom suggested: practice will be a huge help. Have fun and we are always here if you need help.
