New to Quilting

[sarasievert]

Hi
I have been intending to get around to learning to quilt for the past 5 years but life got in the way. Well life is still in the way but I am going to nudge it over.
I have already made a couple of small projects - a baby quilt for my son was the last - he is now 9.
I moved to San Diego from Turkey, via France and its great to actually be surrounded by other quilters and great shops. I just find it daunting knowing where to begine and trying not to let my perfectionism get in the way.
What would you recommend for getting started. I have basic sewing skills - to take a class or just jump in with a simple project, time and cash are limited.

Sara

[Oasis]

SARA - Try Eleanor Burns book "Log Cabin Quilts". It is item #1042 from this website. Her step by step instructions are easy to follow. Try putting a theme fabric (a 3 or 4 inch square) for the center then practice putting the blocks around it. Gives a different
look. Let me know. . .and good luck.
Oasis

[nur5e]

My first quilt attempt was "trip around the world" and it was a huge success. Even though it was just a twin size for my youngest daughter, she still throws it across her full size bed in winter 'just because'! A group of friends got together...one had done this pattern before...and we all produced 'miracles' that day!!!

[SewGlad]

I would plan to use an Eleanor Burns pattern. She also has DVDs that go along with the books. She will show you techniques, and give you pointers along the way. I would suggest getting the book and the DVD. Log cabin is a very forgiving pattern to do. Good luck and welcome to the sisterhood.

SewGlad

[QIAD-Linda]

Dear sarasievert,
You live so close to Quilt in a Day you should come in and take our "Beginning Quilting classes". You will learn step by step how to make a quilt and have an expert teacher right there to help you every step of the way. In a class you also learn little tips on how to make things even easier. LuAnn Stout teaches beginning quilting (she also lives in Encinitas) and has been a Certified Quilt in a Day Teacher for over 20 years. Call our shop to find out when the next series of classes begin, you will be glad you did. The shop phone number is:
(760) 591-0929.
Welcome to the forum, I hope you will be an active member here and join in on the discussions. We are glad you are here!

Linda

[sarasievert]

Thanks so much for all the advice. Yes I am so lucky to be just up the road from quilt in a
day. I hope to pop in today.
Life is hectic Im a single mum, run two jobs, have gone back to school and am setting up my
own Personal Chef business so I need a creative, relaxing outlet.
Look forward to getting to know you all.
Sara
ps Have I missed the Del Mar Quilting exhibition?

[maryq]

Sara

Welcome to the QIAD forum. You'll meet the best bunch of gals anywhere here! Always ready to lend a hand, with ideas and help and prayers when you need them!

I made my first real quilt this last winter and it was a trip around the world, before I knew ANYTHING about how to quilt! You should have seen me, I had cut 4" squares out of fabric I had and some fat quarters I bought, BY HAND. Here I am sitting in front of the TV with a little piece of 4" cardboard cutting squares! Oh My. After all the squares were cut I laid them out on my bed, piece by piece, then piled them in rows and took them down to my sewing machine. This was way before I had even heard of Eleanor Burns. A good friend of mine came and showed me how to use the rotary cutter---what a revelation!

All in all the quilt turned out pretty nice, not all the points match, but for a first attempt, I'm pretty proud of it!

Since then I've made quilts for my Grandson Brennen and my new baby Grand Daughter, Evelyn. Nothing fancy, but lots of fun to do.

Please check out the topic about a QIAD cook book! I'll try to find it get it back to the top.!

Welcome!

Maryq