flikkem

In addition to all these good ideas here, I also get a lot of help from my friends.
I joined a Guild and am a member of a church quilting group.
Both groups have helped me grow as a quilter.

Dodie

MadQuilter said it very good when I started I once cut the whole quilt top nothing fit later magazine came out with mistake in cutting measurements so now I like to make a test block oh yes welcome to the QB

llong0233

Welcome, Quinn. You will find lots of support and information on this board. It sounds like you're off to a good start. Some of us who've been quilting for several years still do things the hard way! Or make it harder than it is. That's me for sure but I muddle through and generally have a passable quilt in the end. And I love it and I feel gratified when it's done so I guess it's just the way it is for me. You sound like you're interested in improving and you'll have fun along the way. Good luck and let us see you quilt when it's done.

MargeD

Welcome aboard QB - you will find that the quilters are very generous with their information and tips for any problems you might be having. The things I've found helpful are to take classes, find a good quilt shop with helpful staff, watch the tutorials on You Tube, plus other sites, like Quilt in a Day, Missouri Star Quilt Company, tutorials on your favorite quilter's web sites, etc., etc. First and foremost, Rome wasn't built in a day, and the more you quilt, the better you get. I've found that keeping an accurate 1/4" seam, making HST's slightly larger, then cutting down to the required size saves lots of headaches, pressing as you sew, and squaring up your block. There are more, but I don't want to overwhelm you. The best advice of all is to HAVE FUN, to me that's what quilting is all about.

Rose_P

About the only thing I can think to add to what's been said is this link to a guild in Kenosha: http://www.southportquilters.net/ I have found endless inspiration and many helpful people in the guild in our area, and I'm sure you'll have a similar experience up there in Kenosha. Near the bottom of the page is a link to a youtube video - eye candy!

Welcome to QB from The Woodlands, TX!

ann clare

Welcome from Ireland. My advice is measure twice, cut once.

carolynjo

Welcome aboard! This board is so very helpful to all of us, old and new. I would like to recommend a book, The Complete Book of Quilting by Better Homes and Gardens. It is a loose leaf notebook and the pictures and explanations are wonderful! A good go-to source.

tenngal

Yep, QB and tutes - that's the way to go - and don't be afraid to ask questions. All of my dumb ones were kindly answered here.

Friday1961

I had sewed for years before I started quiltmaking and like you, learned by reading and from online sites.
So, not knowing how much general sewing experience you have, my advice, on this first one, is to go slow, press don't iron seams, make sure they match when sewing them together, don't hesitate to rip out if they don't, try to be patient, and enjoy the process and, finally, your finished product!

Welcome to a very addictive but wholly satisfying hobby! And to this board!

palmetto girl

Welcome from S C. This old country girl learned quit a bit from this board, great people always willing to help, reading everything I could find and watching videos. Now I have friends who ask for my help. The best thing I have and the thing I use for all my cutting is the June Taylor shape cutter and my cutting mat with the rotary cutter. No more crooked cuts!!! Hope you enjoy your quilting experience.