I'm afraid to quilt..(newbie)
#21
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Orlando Florida
Posts: 183
Thank you all for your words of encouragement. I will get started this weekend. I work full-time during the week so I
want to be rested and refreshed when I start this venture. (lol)
Its time.
Again thank you all.
want to be rested and refreshed when I start this venture. (lol)
Its time.
Again thank you all.
#23
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 155
Originally Posted by Doda
I'm a newbie, just started making quilt tops in September 09.
Have taken quilting classes at a LQS and have made 4 quilt tops. This may sound strange but they are just sitting pretty
in their separate bags. I AM AFRAID TO TRY AND QUILT THEM! Are there any other newbies out there with the same fear? And all of you expert veteran quilters, did you have this fear as well?
I've been reading about free motion quilting, bought a DVD that
instructs you on this method, read lots of books on it, and that's about it. No notion to get started. Can't afford to have
done for me. (my LQS does not offer classes on free motion quilting) Any suggestions will be appreciated.
Thank you.
Have taken quilting classes at a LQS and have made 4 quilt tops. This may sound strange but they are just sitting pretty
in their separate bags. I AM AFRAID TO TRY AND QUILT THEM! Are there any other newbies out there with the same fear? And all of you expert veteran quilters, did you have this fear as well?
I've been reading about free motion quilting, bought a DVD that
instructs you on this method, read lots of books on it, and that's about it. No notion to get started. Can't afford to have
done for me. (my LQS does not offer classes on free motion quilting) Any suggestions will be appreciated.
Thank you.
#25
It can be very intimidating just thinking about it ..That's my least favorite part but can't afford any one else to do it for me so have to do it myself. I've learned to not sweat the small stuff and to believe my quilts are unique, not perfect...So go for it...you'll be fine.
#26
Power Poster
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: East Oklahoma - pining for Massachusetts
Posts: 10,477
I was not new when I finally decided to start hand quilting. I just got so tired of making nice tops and then finishing them with little ties. So, one day I just got out the needle and jumped in. My stitches were not small, and they were not even, but they were MINE. Over the years, (this was 2003) they have become much better.
Now if you are shy about starting on a nice top, and scared of wrecking it, just take a piece of fabric and make it a test subject.
Now if you are shy about starting on a nice top, and scared of wrecking it, just take a piece of fabric and make it a test subject.
#27
To gain a little more experience trythis trick. It is how I learned to freemotiion and really a big help. Take the thread from you machine , work with an empty needle, put the "darning foot" onthe machine, drop the feeddogs and use a piece of scrap paper. just start stitching on the paper. move it around to get a feel for it. Keep trying until you can make the "holes" about the same distance apart. I did this for a few weeks every chance I got. when I could get the needle holes close I started to make definite shapes like fancy L or lower case e or just meander for puzzle shape. The fear is gone because you are not wasting anything but using scrap paper. Then put scrap fabric together with the batting, about 12" x 12" add thread to your needle and bobbin and just do the same thing you did with the paper. there is a different feel to using the fabric but you will get it faster now. Try a written L shape or lower case e or just meander around like a puzzle piece. before you know it you will have your favorite shapes and be off and quilting.
Also a great tool is the SUPREME SLIDER. It is 100% teflon and the fabric moves so easily when you are working on a quilt. It sells for around 30.00 but is worth every penny in the relief it gives your hands.
Have fun
Barbara
Also a great tool is the SUPREME SLIDER. It is 100% teflon and the fabric moves so easily when you are working on a quilt. It sells for around 30.00 but is worth every penny in the relief it gives your hands.
Have fun
Barbara
#29
Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 92
Good luck this weekend. I just made my first quilt in late October. Everyone in the local quilt shop recommended that I just stitch in the ditch, but I think that can look really sloppy if it is not totally accurate and so is more difficult and frustrating for a beginner. If your top will look nice with it, I recommend stippling as a first quilting project -- it is really really fun and exhilarating (and masks mistakes pretty well, too ;)). But careful, it's addictive!!
#30
Originally Posted by Doda
I'm a newbie, just started making quilt tops in September 09.
I AM AFRAID TO TRY AND QUILT THEM! Are there any other newbies out there with the same fear? Any suggestions will be appreciated.
Thank you.
I AM AFRAID TO TRY AND QUILT THEM! Are there any other newbies out there with the same fear? Any suggestions will be appreciated.
Thank you.
You are a step ahead of me, I thought putting the pieces together for the top WAS QUILTING! You can only imagine my surprise when I realized I have only half finished!
Practice and relax is the best advice I can give. The longer you practice the easier it gets and the more fun it becomes.
Good luck and keep on quilting :)
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