Quilting Tools
quilting tools Can anyone give me information on making a quilt? I would really like to make a quilt and I am clueless. I have most of the tools necessary, but I just don't know where to begin! I...
quilting tools
 Can anyone give me information on making a quilt? I would really like to make a quilt and I am clueless. I have most of the tools necessary, but I just don't know where to begin! I need something that can walk me through it, step by step. Any suggestions? So much information, so little space in which to convey it... The best way to begin quilting is to take a class. Nothing compares to having someone right there to show you all the little tricks, and to answer your questions. If you have a quilting shop near you, see if they offer beginner classes. The one I attended cost about $50 for 5 classes, and it was worth three times that. If you can't take a class, invest in a couple of good books. My class used "Start Quilting" by Alex Anderson. She's the host of Simply Quilts on HGTV and DIY (at least for a short time longer - after seven or more years, they've cancelled the show). The book contains basic quilting instructions, as well as several basic blocks. Another excellent book is "Quilter's Complete Guide" by Marianne Fons & Liz Porter. They also have a magazine called "Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting." Finally, check out Eleanor Burns from Quilt in a Day. Her "It's El-ementary" was created as a teaching book. Then there's Quilter's News Network (QNNTV). It's an 24 hour a day instructional website. It helps to be able to see what they're talking about, and there are all different kinds of shows, so you can be sure to find something that appeals to you. Finally, sign up for a Yahoo group - there are thousands of quilting groups out there, and there are bound to be some geared toward beginners. Why settle for one mentor when you can have a hundred? You say you have most of the tools - these are the basic tools I think are necessary to machine quilting and strip piecing. (Strip piecing is a faster method of cutting and sewing your pieces together - rather than tracing templates on fabric and cutting them out, then sewing an entire block at a time.) Start with a simple project - a Rail Fence lap quilt, for example. It's an easy block, and you could easily make a quilt in a weekend, but with good color placement it can still look really nice. And if you want more info (because I so love to give my opinion), feel free to e-mail me through my profile. Click on my avatar or name, then click "email swbiblio." That way you don't have to share you e-mail address (and neither do I). Good luck, have fun, and remember, quilting is extremely addictive! |
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Quilting Resolutions
With the new year upon us, quilters everywhere are thinking of resolutions. Here are a few tips to help fellow quilters keep those resolutions.
Most quilters will resolve to be better organized or get a good grasp on time management. For those who want to get organized, get the right tools to help you be successful. If you have quilting fabric, threads, scissors, strewn from your sewing room to other rooms of the house, maybe you need a project box or bag. This would allow you to keep your work mobile, but would keep it all together, too.
If your threads and bobbins need organizing, select a rack or thread box to help contain them. While it may take some training of yourself to actually put your threads away once you've finished working with them, stay diligent at the task for a month. After that, it should become almost second nature!
If your fabric stash is getting out of hand, find a storage method that works for you. Maybe a shelf on which you can stack your fabric is all you need. A shelf allows you to see exactly what you have on hand. If you'd like, you can organize it by theme or color.
Other fabric storage ideas include bins, plastic totes with lids, wooden chests, wire baskets and shelves. There are many options. Consider the space you have and your needs to select the storage organization that's right for you.
Time management is a personal resolution. Each quilter must decide how much time to relegate to quilting. That decision will likely depend on whether quilting is a hobby, a source of part time income, or is a full time job. Whatever your situation, make sure to set aside enough time to fulfill your personal quilting needs and remember to make time for family and taking care of yourself. Those are also important resolutions!
If you are a hobby quilter with dreams of turning your passion into dollars, why not resolve to start your business in the coming year? Pick a goal, such as having enough quilts to sell at a favorite craft fair. Start making those quilts and get a booth at that fair.
If your resolution is to learn a new technique, there are plenty from which to choose. If you typically create traditional pieced quilt blocks, resolve to learn appliqué next year. If you usually have someone else quilt the tops you piece, resolve to quilt one of your own this coming year. If you have never made a rag quilt, try one next year.
If your resolutions involve buying equipment, be sure to do your research ahead of time. Maybe you plan to add a new quilting machine or embroidery machine in the new year. If so, keep your warranty information in a safe place and hang onto the receipt. If you do not usually do those things, make that a resolution too.
The most important resolution quilters can make is to continue quilting in the new year. Quilters may face new challenges in stressed economic times. Some fabric stores are closing which means traveling a little farther to shop or buying fabric online. This would be a great time to form a fabric co-op with other quilters in your area. Arrange a monthly fabric swap with your fellow quilters or carpool once a month to those fabric stores.
No matter what your quilting resolution is for the coming year, remember to enjoy your craft. Share it with others when you can. Your quilts will bring as much joy to the recipient as it brought to you while making it!
About the Author
Penny Halgren
http://www.TheQuiltingCoach.com
Penny has been a quilter for more than 27 years. She enjoys exploring all aspects of quilting and sharing her knowledge with all quilters. If you are looking for an Internet quilting club with a wide variety of resources for all level quilters, check out http://www.TheQuiltingCoach.com .