Replies

1. 
   stillsuesew | Jan 05, 2010 04:32pm | #1

   I started light years ago just cutting out squares and sewing them together. There are hundreds of books that could get you started with all the information you need. You can start without the rotary cutting supplies - they just do all the cutting much faster and accurately.

2. 
   wlric | Jan 06, 2010 11:48am | #2

   Hi there, I work in a quilt shop and have heard this question many times. My first suggestion is that you start small. A baby quilt or lap quilt is usually manageable for the beginner. Buying a kit is also a good way to start. Unless you are confident in your own sense of color and design, you can get started quicker by using a kit.

   For a first project, your own sewing supplies are adequate. You can make your own template shapes using a manila folder or cereal boxes. Drawing these shapes on the fabric with a pencil and cutting them out with scissors is the way quilts have been made forever. Get the rotary stuff later if you want to continue quilt making. What you will learn in the process of your first quilt is that accurate cutting and consistent seams are the foundation of a quilt. Libraries are usually a good source for beginner quilt books. I'll let others respond as to what they think helped them best. Also, I think there are tutorials on the web. Sorry that I don't have links.

   good luck!

   wanda

3. 
   fuzzer | Jan 06, 2010 11:03pm | #3

   I'm like you, I had sewn for
   I'm like you, I had sewn for years, but never quilted. And the first quilt I did was a One Block Wonder. I have always called it my "I learned a heck of a lot" quilt. My advice is to read, read, and read. Start out with something simple. Squares and 1/2 square triangles. And use your walking foot. I didn't learn that for awhile. Oh how I wished I had known about it for the kalidoscopes. There are so many good magazines out there too. give them a try. Good luck

4. 
   alotofstitches | Jan 07, 2010 09:35pm | #4

   Like you I've sewn for years
   Like you I've sewn for years but wanted to try quilting. I already had the mat, r.cutter and ruler--if buying new, get a good-size mat. I bought a log-cabin quilt book and made one myself. What I didn't understand at first is the design wall--after some boo-boos I now "audition" fabrics on the wall before I sew them into the quilt! Another thing that was hard at first was selecting prints to work together. I've learned that I prefer small prints--those larger prints are just too busy to my eye. I use pins too even tho it's a quilt I still do precision sewing and want seams matched, etc.

5. 
   Teifi | Jan 10, 2010 12:34pm | #5

   Hi Ladies

   I just wanted to say thanks for all the useful advice. I really appreciate it and it so nice that everyone is so friendly and generous with their experience. Thanks again and I am now off to buy my first small kit to get going!

   I'll post some piccys once I do get going (to help other novices) but there is a small matter of a pirate costume for our grandson to finish first!

   Colleen