I wanna learn how to quilt!

[Shenjall]

Where do I start? I've taken some mags out from the library but I really cant make sense of it yet.
Any quilters out there that can quide me to some books/websites?
Pretty pretty please?

[sabrinat]

I'm a new quilter too. I did take one class that was helpful, so you might consider that. I also have several books and frequent several internet boards that I can ask questions about quilting on. I was already a garment sewer so I understood the priniciples of sewing. Oh, you might check to see if there's a local guild in your area.

[Shenjall]

I sew already, but seem to get so lost when it comes to making a quilt. I can make things without patterns but this I get confused!
I'll see if theres any classes around, I think I learn much better on my own with books and tutes though.
I think I just need a basic quilting beginners guide of some sort.

[lightheart]

try this site http://www.quilt.com/

and these pages specifically from that site

http://www.quilt.com/HowToPage.html

http://www.quilt.com/Glossary.html

also some information here

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homep...ubs/basics.htm

books, I own very few, check and recheck them out of the library, one thing I've learned is that the best ones are when you don't take the time to look at them in the library and just grab off the shelf they all seem to have a section on the basics either in the front or the back.

[sabrinat]

Originally Posted by Shenjall

I sew already, but seem to get so lost when it comes to making a quilt. I can make things without patterns but this I get confused!
I'll see if theres any classes around, I think I learn much better on my own with books and tutes though.
I think I just need a basic quilting beginners guide of some sort.

Several books were recommended to me. "Rotary magic", "Quilts, quilts, quilts" and "learn to quilt in 25 easy lessons" (by Lisa Yemar Smith)

[Nitenites]

I'd start with any of the Thimbleberries books, by Lynette Jensen. I think she has a beginner's book - Thimbleberries Beginner's Luck or something like that.

And DON'T get intimidated by all the steps that it takes to make a quilt. Just take it one step at a time!!

[iowaorganic]

I have been quilting for years and am pretty much a lazy quilter. I finally decided that in order to challenge myself I needed to join block of the month clubs. All of my local quilt shops (lqs) have them. The buy in is usually $5 and that includes all the fabric/patterns for the 12 blocks. I highly recommend joining one of these- even if you don't particularly like the fabric- they are still worth it! I always see new patterns and gizmos to make things easier or just plain cooler!

Should you not accept that mission- pick out a pattern that you like and go shopping for the tools and fabric- I think the fabric is where it is all gained or lost- so don't go cheap. Cheap fabric wears out in a a couple years (or sooner) and that is just not worth the savings. Or better yet you can make scrap quilts. Oh- or better yet (maybe)- check out your local upholstry fabric shop- they sell off the old sample packs cheap and they make georgeous beginner quilts!

[Shenjall]

:
I'm off to the library tonite!

Thank you all!

[freestyler]

I am an avid quilter. Be careful, it is extremely addicting!! We have like three quilts on every bed, and more besides. I highly recommend the Alex Anderson book "Start Quilting" and then her second one, "Keep Quilting." But there is more than enough in the first one to keep you busy for a couple of years! It goes through some of the most basic, and beautiful, quilt blocks (blocks are what you make a lot of to make the quilt). There are more than a half dozen gorgeous wall-hanging size quilts in the book, made from these basic blocks. You can start with a sampler, which is really the best way to go, because you learn a lot of different blocks and it is SO satisfying and fun.

I recommend taking a beginning quilting class at a local quilt shop. I would especially look for a class where Alex Anderson's books are used. I am not a big Eleanor Burns fan---you will see her name, but you CANNOT make her quilts "in a day" nor do I think she simplifies quilting. Stay away from Eleanor Burns until a few years down the line. Alex Anderson is where it's at! You are unlikely to find her book in a library, but it is not expensive---it's a paperback and not thick. She has a whole line of marvelous books. "Start Quilting" is your ticket to quilt heaven.

Good luck!!!

[gmvh]

One thing I've been doing lately as I've been working to teach myself is making doll quilts. They go together quickly and you can play with different techniques and are small enough to not be physically cumbersome. I've moved up to a throw now and things are going well! I'd love to work in time to take a class at my local quilt shop. Good luck and happy sewing!

[Shenjall]

Doll quilts! Thats a great idea! My dd has many, many babies/barbies that need some quilts.
Thank you!

[georgia]

Yes, totally make some small quilts (doll or otherwise) to get the great feeling of accomplishment You can even make potholders as tiny quilts b/c the size is super tiny and it's speedy--plus, they make great gifts. One of my favorite women in the whole world (Shantimama) inspired me to learn how to quilt, and I adore it. I even dream about quilting

My advice would be to dive in and not look back...and don't give up if/when you get discouraged! Has anyone started a quilters Tribe thread? If not, we should

[freestyler]

There is a quilting book devoted entirely to pot holders and other small things. I think it is called "Quick Pot Holders" or something.

There is nothing like the satisfaction of making a real, live sampler and hanging it on your wall though.

I'd definitely start with the Alex Anderson book. You can make doll quilts with those, too. You just make the quilt smaller, i.e., use fewer blocks.