I used to sew clothes for myself and my children, the biggest difference is the seam allowance. It is 1/4 inch instead of the 5/8 inch you use in sewing clothes and you don't have to press the seams to one side, do whatever fits the situation. Be sure you know the difference between ironing (like clothes moving the iron across) and pressing where you lift up the iron. Some quilters like steam and some don't. Good idea to take a beginning class at local quilt shop if possible but remember everyone has an opinion on how to quilt. So don't get discouraged.

My sewing table is my dinning table. It sets in the middle of the room. I drag a chair or coffee table over to keep my quilt from falling on the floor. My sewing machine is a Brother that I purchased on sale at for less than $100. I am able to piece any size top on my machine. I have quilted smaller size quilts but I need to take the bigger ones to the long arm for quilting.

I do not hand quilt but I have quilts that my Mom hand quilted over 50 years ago. We have used these quilts many times over the years and they are not showing signs of falling apart yet.

Just go for it and make your space work for you.

Denise: Can you tell we love to have new quilters join us?

If your internet service is good check out http://www.craftsy.com . They have some really good classes. And you can follow along at your own pace. The folks here on the quilting board are wonderful help as well. Good luck! Have fun!