Hi and welcome new member Susan. I am soooo envious!! A Jinny Beyer class!! I'm pretty new here myself, but I'm enjoying getting to know lots of neat people (planning to meet some of you in Houston soon). I started quilting 2 years ago and made 2 using a sewing machine before I remembered that machines of any sort and I don't play well together. Now I have finsihed 2 hand-pieced, hand-quilted quilts. I have another one on my design wall waiting to be stitched together since I got sidetracked with a candlewicking quilt that I hope to finish up this week. Jinny Beyer's book has been my constant companion since I couldn't find anyone close enough to teach me. I got her CD too but didn't find it as helpful as the book.
As for the person asking about what you really need to do the hand stuff. I have a ziplock bag with small scissors, a few pins, thread, needle threader, a seam ripper and my thimble. Most of my sewing is done on a bus going to the airport, in the airport and on the plane - I fly to see my grandbabies 3 or 4 times a month. At home, I have the cutting board, cutter, markers that disappear when washed with cold water, a couple of rulers, iron and ironing board. Finger pressing works just fine when I'm traveling. That's pretty much it. I do the 'lap quilting' someone else described so well. I have a hoop, but I can't seem to figure out how to use it except for the candlewicking.
Thimble!! I tried about 15 different kinds of thimbles before I found the one for me. I have quite a collection that I am giving to quilting friends when I see them using one like I have. The one that works for me is a Diamond Thimble. It is plastic and I forget that I have it on. I liked it so much that I ordered 6 more just so I could have one whenever and wherever I needed it. they are more expensive than some I tried (about $6) but well worth it to me.
Thread - good quality is most important. The first I used was a WalMart brand (no quilt shops in my area). Then I bought some when I was in Houston visiting the grandbabies and could not believe the difference.
I just saw a picture of the banner I'm supposed to look for at the Houston show. Do I need to know anything else? This will be my first quilt show and I am sooo excited. any hints on what to bring - besides money -
BJ in GA