NEWBIE HERE!

[new2quiltin08]

Never sewn b4 (if you count knitting a little bit),
don't own a sewing machine.

[Joannequilts]

Oh boy! Do you have a local quilt shop (LQS)??? If so, go there and ask about a beginning hand piecing class - or maybe at a vocational school - or even someone you know that hand sews??? Have you ever used a sewing machine at all???

Joanne:0)

[Kittyquilt9292]

Oh, my, as well. Are you planning to do hand sewing or are you going to get a sewing machine?
My suggestion: "get thee to a class". <smile> As Joanne suggested, find a beginning class where you will have someone to ask immediate questions to get you on the right track, then when you're a bit comfortable, you can start expanding. As others have said, start with a small project, but make sure it is something that you will use, either for yourself or as a gift. If you "just make something" you'll never finish it because it doesn't have a goal. I think a great project to start with is a lap quilt size. You can use it on the sofa, on your loung chair, etc, etc, and if you make it for a gift, that's a nice size.
Choose a pattern that you like and another suggestion: don't try a sampler as your first quilt. While they are very nice, making a lot of different block patterns can get frustrating, because you're constantly making something different.
Just my thoughts, and welcome to the forum. You'll make lots of friends and have lots of fun.
carol/kittyquilt

[mommyquilts]

Definately take a class. I had sewn often before I started quilting, and luckily found someone at work to show me how to quilt. But then, when she switched jobs and I lost track of her, I made a LOT of mistakes trying to self-teach. When I finally took a class, I was to the point of giving up. I've never taken a quilting class where I didn't learn something, and usually I learned many new things!

[drj2athome]

Welcome. I would suggest taking classes at a local quilt shop. Also Sally Collins DVD on teaching you precise piecing is good. Also there is a website where you can see free videos by Eleanor and others. Somebody help me where do you go for those free videos??? Good luck, Dr.Jan

[new2quiltin08]

Joannequilts
Williamsburg,OH
"Oh boy! Do you have a local quilt shop (LQS)??? If so, go there and ask about a beginning hand piecing class - or maybe at a vocational school - or even someone you know that hand sews??? Have you ever used a sewing machine at all???"

Joanne:0)
========================================
No, and no.

[Marilynsgrammy]

ok, then try this.... does your local community college offer any type of quilt or sewing class? or the adult education department in your area?

Don't worry, I had never touched a machine before I started quilting and sent DH to Sears to buy their cheapest machine... it cost around $100,,,, but it was a great starter.... besides if I didn't like it I didn't want to be out a ton of money....

I just googled quilt madison Wisconsin and came up with about 10 or so quilt shops... one of them might be just where you need to go... check them out and see if they offer classes.

remember.... don't buy a ton of stuff until you are sure you actually like quilting.....

Chriss

[new2quiltin08]

Did she ever made an Amish quilt b4?
R they hard to do?

[quiltnewby05]

Hi JoAnne, and welcome:)

I am pretty new to the quilting world too, AND I'm in Wisconsin!!

I did know how to sew though when I started, we had to sew our own clothes growing up. When I tried my first quilt I used an old machine that was ok for sewing the squares together, but not for quilting -- my son researched sewing machines online, and surprised me with a Bernina, that has been working pretty well for me. When you buy a new machine, they give you lessons. I have been to Madison before, and I know they have several quilt fabric stores, and they also have some quilt guilds-- in fact the author Jennifer Chiaverini lives there and is in one of those guilds-- I'll try to find the names for you.

My first quilt consisted of a plain 8" square that alternated with another 8" square that actually had 4 4" squares in it. I didn't know about all the good rulers, and used a cardboard 4" square to cut them, which didn't work that well. Now I use the ruler that has slots in it, because I still have a hard time cutting a straight line!!

My machine came from a really nice store in West Bend. The people there are really good, and they have basic classes. They start you out with a "sampler" type quilt, that teaches you different techniques.

Actually....... you are closer to Beaver Dam!!!!!!!!!! That is the mecca of sewing, at Nancy Zeeman's place. She is on public television every saturday-- go to nancysnotions.com, or call 800-833-0690. The place is HUGE -- they sell sewing machines, fabric, and have all kinds of sewing classes.

Hope this helps... I will send you a personal message with my numbers if you need them, or if you ever get to this part of the state!!

Cynthia

[HomespunMary]

If you want to take a class, but have no classes nearby, why not do it online?

http://www.quiltuniversity.com/classlis ... romScratch