General Question

Hi Meredith Welcome to the group! The best idea is to go to your local library and get out some books on quilting for beginners. Decide on a first project such as a cushion cover or a table runner. Buy the just basic requirements (the books will tell you what you need) first off. Then we can start answering your questions . Many quilters in my guild hated sewing (ie dressmaking, mending) but fell in love with a quilt they saw, and then got hooked and now do the most beautiful work. Cheers Bronnie

Do you hope to learn to make quilts by hand... or machine?

Either way I would suggest you find a local quilt shop, see what classes they have coming up and take one for a beginner's project that appeals to you.

I would definitely start with something small... and not overly complicated. Pick something with colors you like. Maybe some type of quilted wall hanging for spring or summer. You want to complete this project encouraged and excited to start your next.

What is it about sewing you don't like? I don't like mending.... but I'll piece quilts or applique by the hour (day...week...month....).

Check out some of the projects on the pages of RCTQ members.... you can get to them from here:

I find browing others albums a good way to kick start my desire when I'm feeling a little adrift!

Ask lots of questions here if you have them.... the group is always quick to offer a helping hand or hint!

There are applique projects where you glue the pieces on to the background fabric. We call that fusible applique, and it doesn't involve sewing. Basting can be done with another sort of glue called basting spray. Then the layers can be tied together instead of stitched. Or they can be stapled, but the result isn't very soft. For the most part, however, making quilts involves sewing. If you don't like sewing, you don't like making quilts.

You don't say what it is about learning to quilt that you find appealing. Is it the colors? Try oil paints. Is it the layers? Try lasagne. Is it something warm and comfy to sleep with? Try a beagle.

--Lia

I'd say that everything depends on what it is about quilting that appeals to you. When I started out, for the first few years I didn't like to piece, I just really enjoyed the hand quilting work that I could do while watching tv. Now, having been into quilting for nearly

15 yrs, I can say that there's nothing about the quilting process I dislike, but I still detest sewing clothes and curtains and such.

Musicmaker

The most boring thing I ever did with some fabric given to me was make pillowcases.

Welcome, Meredith!

These are all great suggestions!

Do you have a friend or family member that sews or quilts? they can be a big help. Inspiration can come from anywhere! Books, shops, outdoors, just anywhere. And it's very true that the people who start out hating sewing make the best quilters. It's such a personal voyage, a journey with beauty you'll keep close to heart for the rest of your life if you get the "bug".

this whole group is infected...LOL!!

Enjoy! amy in CNY

............... there's nothing she dislikes about the quilt-making process - but she still buys quilt tops on eBay so she can quilt them! LOL (I'm tellin' on ya.) But that's something you might consider if you want to learn to quilt and don't like to sew. There are some quilt tops that go for a good price on eBay.

Karen, Queen of Squishies

I would go to your local library or local bookstore, and pick up a book with instructions for beginners, and read that through. If you're still interested, gather up your tools, which you probably already have in your sewing box or rattling around your house -- thimble, scissors, an ordinary pencil, scraps of cardboard, straight pins with little knobs at the top, and a pin cushion. Needles only if you have a fresh pack -- more about that later! A ruler is something else you need, so go raid the desk or your kid's school backpack or the kitchen "junk drawer". Everything will probably fit in an old shoebox. Now go back to the book, and choose something to make that pleases you -- something small and rated or recommended for beginners. Check the materials list, write down what it says you need, and head to the fabric store. Don't buy all the gadgets and doodads you see! You don't need them now, and can save your money -- buy gadgets and doodads and all that other wonderful stuff later IF you enjoy quilting. Fill your list, which will probably consist of some fabric for the front, fabric for the back, and batting. (I suggest the thinner batting.) Pick up a spool of thread, too, -- the kind that says it's for hand-quilting -- white is the usual color -- and a new packet of needles because your old needles are probably a bit corroded or dull or the wrong size. (Needles marked "betweens" are a good start.) You may need to buy an embroidery hoop, too, but get one that is 4" or 6" round, not a giant one. Take everything home, get out a card table or clear a spot at the kitchen table, read the directions again, and follow them! When you're finished, you'll know if you really want to do quilting.

By the way, I despise traditional sewing stuff, but love quilting! They are NOT the same, as you will discover by reading the comments on this newsgroup.

Finally -- WELCOME!