Getting started

Good morning Everyone,

My partner and I are wanting to get started quilting. Luckily we
inherited my mother's stash of fabric and one of her sewing machines
(Morse Fotomatic IV) and some of her tools. I know there was a
quilting frame at some point but I think that was handed off to one of
my Aunts, along with the Bernina (I think) baby lock.

We have a huge (at least we think) amount of fabric to start with, some
of it has been cut and there seems to be at least one quilt assembled
into blocks, another cut into pieces but we don't know what the pattern
for that one is. There are a few quilting books, lots of patterns cut
from various places and a few pattern tools (I think) that are plastic
triangles, layout rullers, etc.

What we are wanting to do is get started making a simple quilt to make
a few mistakes, see how to piece one, assemble, etc. I know we'll need
a frame at some point but I think I can build that. We don't know how
to piece the blocks (most of Mom's stuff was traditional block quilts),
but we both have done some sewing. a
href="http://photos.thebarbecuepit.com/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=152"http ://photos.thebarbecuepit.com/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=152/a
But as you can tell that is simple stuff, putting a hem on some flannel
and sewing up some pillows.

My (our) questions:
Where can I find a simple project to get started with?

What's a good resource for learning how to quilt, techniques, etc.?
Books? Classes? Online? (Unfortunately Mom passed a few years ago and
isn't around to hand this skill down)

Where can I find resources for ideas and tools?

Will this oddball sewing machine do what we need for piecing the
quilts? I don't think we want to invest in a quilting machine (I think
those exist) as we'd like to do the actual quilting ourselves.

Any help from your vast expierence will be appreciated!

Thanks!
Tom in Dripping Springs, TX

Well your Spike and Max sure seem to be doing their jobs as QIs (wuilt
inspectors). But a paperback edition (the one with the spiral binder if you
can find it - it lays so nice and flat on your work table) of Fons &
Porter's book "Complete Guide to Quilting". It has everything you ever will
need to know about quilting and lots of pictures for the "show how" part.
Check your TV listings and most PBS stations have quilting class videos -
usually on Saturday Morning - to help with the inspiration part. Can't help
you with the machine part but some one here probably can. Also there is
lots of help on the internet - just put "free quilt block pattern" in your
favorite web browser search engine and you will pull of pages and pages of
step by step instructions for 100's of blocks. FINALLY: Hang around here a
lot - ask lots of questions and show us your pictures and tell us stories
about your life, quilts, sewing, QIs and such. Welcome to the group!!
--
http://community.webshots.com/user/snigdibbly
SNIGDIBBLY (Bentonville, AR)
~e~
"
/ \
http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/snigdibbly.
http://www.ebaystores.com/snigdibbly...ox&refid=store
"Weldingquilter" wrote in message
ups.com...
Good morning Everyone,

My partner and I are wanting to get started quilting. Luckily we
inherited my mother's stash of fabric and one of her sewing machines
(Morse Fotomatic IV) and some of her tools. I know there was a
quilting frame at some point but I think that was handed off to one of
my Aunts, along with the Bernina (I think) baby lock.

We have a huge (at least we think) amount of fabric to start with, some
of it has been cut and there seems to be at least one quilt assembled
into blocks, another cut into pieces but we don't know what the pattern
for that one is. There are a few quilting books, lots of patterns cut
from various places and a few pattern tools (I think) that are plastic
triangles, layout rullers, etc.

What we are wanting to do is get started making a simple quilt to make
a few mistakes, see how to piece one, assemble, etc. I know we'll need
a frame at some point but I think I can build that. We don't know how
to piece the blocks (most of Mom's stuff was traditional block quilts),
but we both have done some sewing. a
href="http://photos.thebarbecuepit.com/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=152"http ://photos.thebarbecuepit.com/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=152/a
But as you can tell that is simple stuff, putting a hem on some flannel
and sewing up some pillows.

My (our) questions:
Where can I find a simple project to get started with?

What's a good resource for learning how to quilt, techniques, etc.?
Books? Classes? Online? (Unfortunately Mom passed a few years ago and
isn't around to hand this skill down)

Where can I find resources for ideas and tools?

Will this oddball sewing machine do what we need for piecing the
quilts? I don't think we want to invest in a quilting machine (I think
those exist) as we'd like to do the actual quilting ourselves.

Any help from your vast expierence will be appreciated!

Thanks!
Tom in Dripping Springs, TX

The simplest pattern, Tom, is to join squares together!
You might think that's too trivial to bother with; but, if you have the
fabric, and the cutting tools (perhaps your mother used scissors? - more
on that in a minute), it would be a great place to start. It will show
you whether the machine will work well, give you practice on cutting and
sewing a straight seam (quarter of an inch traditionally for patchwork);
give you practice at matching seams! You can then, give it batting and
a backing, baste it and quilt it. If you make it something like 36" x
48", it would make a nice snuggle quilt for a child - so you can donate
it to a children's charity.

Cutting has had a revolution: although scissors will never be complete
superseded, there are now rotary cutters, which are used with a
self-healing cutting mat. These can be bought from quilting shops and
places like Walmart and Joann's (though I am from England, so am not
totally familiar with shops there). You will find cutting much more
accurate with these than with scissors.

Classes are good; but books are fine if you are people who can learn
from books. Have you checked the books you now have? Most books,
regardless of topic, have some sections on the basics of quilt making.
If not, go to your library, and check their books out. Depending on the
library there will be much to find.

There are online sites for instructions on 'how to do' and much, much
more. www.ritasquilts.com is the site of one of the ladies here who has
set up this website full of helpful 'classes'. I'm not really familiar
with online sites - but others will be! There is also a quilting
university, quite reasonably priced and many here have taken one or more
of their classes. www.quiltuniversity.com.

That's probably all you'll want to take in from me. Others will add.
..
In message . com,
Weldingquilter writes
Good morning Everyone,

My partner and I are wanting to get started quilting. Luckily we
inherited my mother's stash of fabric and one of her sewing machines
(Morse Fotomatic IV) and some of her tools. I know there was a
quilting frame at some point but I think that was handed off to one of
my Aunts, along with the Bernina (I think) baby lock.

We have a huge (at least we think) amount of fabric to start with, some
of it has been cut and there seems to be at least one quilt assembled
into blocks, another cut into pieces but we don't know what the pattern
for that one is. There are a few quilting books, lots of patterns cut
from various places and a few pattern tools (I think) that are plastic
triangles, layout rullers, etc.

What we are wanting to do is get started making a simple quilt to make
a few mistakes, see how to piece one, assemble, etc. I know we'll need
a frame at some point but I think I can build that. We don't know how
to piece the blocks (most of Mom's stuff was traditional block quilts),
but we both have done some sewing. a
href="http://photos.thebarbecuepit.com/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2
_itemId=152"http://photos.thebarbecuepit.com/mai...view=core.Show
Item&g2_itemId=152/a
But as you can tell that is simple stuff, putting a hem on some flannel
and sewing up some pillows.

My (our) questions:
Where can I find a simple project to get started with?

What's a good resource for learning how to quilt, techniques, etc.?
Books? Classes? Online? (Unfortunately Mom passed a few years ago and
isn't around to hand this skill down)

Where can I find resources for ideas and tools?

Will this oddball sewing machine do what we need for piecing the
quilts? I don't think we want to invest in a quilting machine (I think
those exist) as we'd like to do the actual quilting ourselves.

Any help from your vast expierence will be appreciated!

Thanks!
Tom in Dripping Springs, TX


--
Best Regards
pat on the hill

In article . com,
"Weldingquilter" wrote:

What we are wanting to do is get started making a simple quilt to make
a few mistakes, see how to piece one, assemble, etc. I know we'll need
a frame at some point but I think I can build that. We don't know how
to piece the blocks (most of Mom's stuff was traditional block quilts),
but we both have done some sewing.
http://photos.thebarbecuepit.com/mai...wItem&g2_itemI

But as you can tell that is simple stuff, putting a hem on some flannel
and sewing up some pillows.

Welcome! I like your pillows, and the kitties too!

My (our) questions:
Where can I find a simple project to get started with?

Likely there are plenty in the patterns you were left. The trouble is,
when you are starting out it's hard to know what is what.

Small is good. Not small pieces but small projects to start. It's very
tempting to want to make a king size bed cover but smaller means
finished sooner and less bulk to fuss with for your first quilting too.
A big block for a pillow, a few blocks for placemats, a tablerunner or
wall hanging. Patterns with squares and rectangles are good starters,
then move on to right triangles, then to odd shaped pieces.

What's a good resource for learning how to quilt, techniques, etc.?
Books? Classes? Online? (Unfortunately Mom passed a few years ago and
isn't around to hand this skill down)

I am a big fan of Quilt University. The number of classes is quite
amazing and each class has its own discussion board where questions can
be asked and answered as well as a gallery to post pictures of your
progress for feedback. I notice that the beginner class "Starting from
Scratch" begins on January 14. Might be a good one to check out.

http://www.quiltuniversity.com/class...ingFromScratch



Where can I find resources for ideas and tools?

Heavens. Everywhere! Living in Texas you are in the same state as that
big old quilt show known simply as "Houston". zillions of vendors
there. Quilt shops for sure. On-line resources are prolific. But even
basic supplies can be had at chain sewing stores like JoAnn fabrics and
Ben Franklin and even WalMart.

Here's the link to the big show: http://www.quilts.com/

Will this oddball sewing machine do what we need for piecing the
quilts? I don't think we want to invest in a quilting machine (I think
those exist) as we'd like to do the actual quilting ourselves.

Sorry, I'm not familiar with your machine. I did a quick search and it
looks like a 1965 zig zag sewing machine. I suspect your mom pieced her
quilts on it. You can certainly machine quilt on a standard home
machine. Large projects can be tricky...but you won't start large will
you? ;-)

marcella

Welcome to the group Tom, just ask any questions and you will get a
lot of answers that will enable you to be a quilter in no time.
Nice crafts and QI's.
Dixie.

When I give to you something I made with my hands I share my heart.

Hey Tom! Welcome, from Houston, TX! You are in a great place/area to
find lots of help and information! There is an awesome little quilt
shop in Stonewall, a few in Austin and even one in San Marcos! (I'm
not familiar with the ones in Austin.) The quilt shops will have
classes too and some terrific people (usually, I KNOW
http://www.vonzensenburgquilts.com/ has great ladies!) that will help
you and give you some direction and answer questions!

And of course, there is this wonderful bunch of quilters here at RCTQ!
It doesn't seem to matter what your question or dilemma, there's always
someone around this virtual quilt frame that can help you out! And
usually, at any time of the night or day since they are all over the
world!

Glad you found us and Willkommen!

Tina

SNIGDIBBLY wrote:
Buy a paperback edition (the one with the spiral binder if you
can find it - it lays so nice and flat on your work table) of Fons &
Porter's book "Complete Guide to Quilting".
I agree that this is a great book. If you can't find the paperback with
the spiral binding, take it to a copy center such as at Staples or
Office Max and have them put a spiral binding on it. It is well worth
the few dollars it costs; I have done this with a few quilting books
that I refer to a lot, as well as with some frequently-used cookbooks.

Julia in MN

--
This message has been scanned for viruses by Norton Anti-Virus

http://webpages.charter.net/jaccola/

Weldingquilter wrote:

My partner and I are wanting to get started quilting.

Start by making a simple quilt. 6 squares by 6 squares
for a total of 36 squares. Make each square 6.5" big.
Make quarter-inch seams. This will give you a 36" x 36"
lap quilt. After you have sewn the top together, layer
it with batting and backing that is about 40" x 40".
Quilt (simplest is stitch in the ditch, that is, stitch
over all the straight lines), \then fold the backing
over to the top and stitch that down.

As you are doing this, questions will come up and you
can ask here or look online or get any of the fabulous
books already suggested.

-- Anita --

welcome to our cyberquiltingframe, Tom and Andrea..
you've just found your best resource by coming here to RCTQ.
we've got all levels of quilting experience here from beginner/newbies to
the professional teachers, designers, long arm machine quilters,
handquilters, we got'em all here.
ask any questions here and you'll get heaps of different responses.
you'll also get links for online resources we use.
heres the one i use for homepage, just love watching these free blocks show
up regularly. http://www.quilterscache.com/QuiltBlocksGalore.html
also other info on her site about quilting as you explore.

lucky you to be living so close to the 'really big shoe, oops sorry, thats
my ed sullivan voice'....make that the Biggest Quilt Show in the World in
Houston, every year around the end of October. that is one not to miss as
you're so close already.

just had a wee look thru your pix. those boys Max and Spike look the perfect
QIs already, lol. i think you're going to have few problems quilting with
them around to keep an eye on progress. few? did i say few? could be more,
they look the type to sleep on whatever you're working as you try to work.

really liked all your pot and baking racks. i dont cook much these days,
specially not now in summer, too hot, we live on salads and fruit for the
most part.
not to worry...i'm sure those will come in handy somehow for storage or
display when quilting. )
anyhow, i'm in need of some breakfast so catch you two round the old frame
here a bunch as you progress with your new endeavours. someone pass the
m'n'm's unless the bowl has gone missing again with those scamps under the
frame. geez, somedays ya gotta be quick round here.
cheers from a hot sunny south pacific summer day,
jeanne
--
san-fran at ihug dot co dot nz
nzlstar on yahoo msg'r
http://community.webshots.com/user/nzlstar
http://community.webshots.com/user/VirtualQuilting
"WOK- the ancient art"


"Weldingquilter" wrote...
Good morning Everyone,

My partner and I are wanting to get started quilting. Luckily we
inherited my mother's stash of fabric and one of her sewing machines
(Morse Fotomatic IV) and some of her tools. I know there was a
quilting frame at some point but I think that was handed off to one of
my Aunts, along with the Bernina (I think) baby lock.

We have a huge (at least we think) amount of fabric to start with, some
of it has been cut and there seems to be at least one quilt assembled
into blocks, another cut into pieces but we don't know what the pattern
for that one is. There are a few quilting books, lots of patterns cut
from various places and a few pattern tools (I think) that are plastic
triangles, layout rullers, etc.

What we are wanting to do is get started making a simple quilt to make
a few mistakes, see how to piece one, assemble, etc. I know we'll need
a frame at some point but I think I can build that. We don't know how
to piece the blocks (most of Mom's stuff was traditional block quilts),
but we both have done some sewing. a
href="http://photos.thebarbecuepit.com/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=152"http ://photos.thebarbecuepit.com/main.php?g2_view=core.ShowItem&g2_itemId=152/a
But as you can tell that is simple stuff, putting a hem on some flannel
and sewing up some pillows.

My (our) questions:
Where can I find a simple project to get started with?

What's a good resource for learning how to quilt, techniques, etc.?
Books? Classes? Online? (Unfortunately Mom passed a few years ago and
isn't around to hand this skill down)

Where can I find resources for ideas and tools?

Will this oddball sewing machine do what we need for piecing the
quilts? I don't think we want to invest in a quilting machine (I think
those exist) as we'd like to do the actual quilting ourselves.

Any help from your vast expierence will be appreciated!

Thanks!
Tom in Dripping Springs, TX

WOW! What a wealth of information!

Lessee...
Patti - I remembered Mom had one of those rotary cutters and a big ole
mat. I found one on sale at Hancock recently and talked Andrea (my
partner) into it.

Marcella - I didn't realize that Houston show was so significant.
Ironic that you mention it, my Mom passed after attending that show
with my aunts in 1993. I wasn't in Houston this last year to get to
go, I'll have to put it on our agenda for this year. Actually Mom used
this one only as a last resort. Mostly she used the old Singer. Dad
still has it and uses it to alter his own clothes once in a while.

Snigdibbly - I'm looking up that book now. Looks like it is just the
thing we need to get started. Most of Mom's books are patterns and
such, not much "how-to". She learned how when she was a kid.

Tina - That shop in Stonewall isn't that far from our house. Next trip
to the Hill Country we'll stop by there. Andrea is addicted to a shop
in Kerrville that always has amazing scraps for sale. I'll get the name
from her.

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. We'll keep you up to date with
our progress. I'll try to get some pictures up as we go.

Tom in Dripping Springs