Hello to everyone, and especially to Kate who told me about this newsgroup!
I used to sew many years ago, some clothes for me and my children, but I haven't done any sewing for years. I've got a new sewing machine - Toyota EZOne - just to get back into the swing of things without spending a fortune.
I have an idea for a patchwork quilt and I'd like advice please on the types of materials to use and the best approach for what will really be a beginner project.
I'd like something light, but large enough, that I could use to sleep under during the current swelteringly hot weather rather than a duvet, and in the winter use as a blanket while curled up on the sofa, but at other times could go over the back of the sofa as a decorative piece (hence wanting it to be patchwork so I could incorporate colours to match the decor of my den). I'd like this to be machine washable as well, i.e in an ordinary domestic washing machine.
I can work out some things - like keeping to one type of material for the front and back. But I'm really not sure what the middle should be (or even what to call the stuff that goes in the middle!).
Would it be better to use templates for the patchwork pieces, even though there would be many small pieces; or to cut out by hand larger pieces so there's less sewing?
Would something this large be a bit too cumbersome for a relative beginner using a basic sewing machine on a not-very-large desk?
Although I can think of the things I'd like to do, some pointers on what
*not* to do would be useful right at the start.I'm in the UK and there is a branch of C&H Fabrics in town. The last time I was in there, they had a patchwork section where they had put a selection of materials with various colour themes, so I suspect they are quite used to customers wanting to do patchwork. But I'd like to have at least some idea what I need to buy before going in so they don't think I'm completely stupid.
Or, alternatively, pointers to websites with the equivalent of "Patchwork quilts for dummies" or even if there are any UK retailers that do kits.
Many thanks to anyone who can point me in the right direction.