Quilt patterns

[cmb19]

I just finished looking at the sticky of all the patterns, but I still need help.

I've never quilted before, but my family has been trying to get me into it because they all insist I'd be wonderful at it. I actually have one of those packaged quilt projects, but I want to try and start with something super simple.

Basically, I was thinking a nine patch table runner would be a good way to start. Oh, did I mention I have a sewing machine, but don't have the patience to learn how to use it? Yeah, I'm planning on attempting hand sewing (and I'm not good at it) on my first quilting project. Go ahead, tell me I'm an idiot.

I've been looking at patterns, but none of them are giving me details. I don't want anything fancy, just a few nine patch blocks with a fairly thick border. I can't find anything that tells me exactly how much of each material I need. How do all of you figure that part out? Or am I reading all these websites wrong and somewhere there really is that information listed?

 

[country lady]

Go to your local library. I am completely self taught. Eleanor Burns has great instructions in her books. There are several TV shows too, as well as magazines. I am still learning new tips and shortcuts.

 

[elsa88]

There's a quilling guide here: http://www.learnquilling.com/

I'm not an affiliate, just thought that probably it will help...

 

[calicokat]

I have to second what country lady said - get an Eleanor Burns book at the library. She has great instructions with pictures and step by step directions. My mom is going to piece her first quilt and I passed two Burns books to her just last week

And yes, a table runner is just the right size project to start with. It will let you learn some basics, without getting totally overwhelmed - and you should get the satisfaction of a completed project a lot quicker.

 

[cmb19]

I'll have to check out our library (I love libraries anyway) but it's only open a handful of hours a week and it's usually when I'm working. I'm in a very tiny town, I've been here about 2 years, but never gotten to check out the library. No one uses the library here, so it's never open.

It's snowing right now, although I do believe it's open, and I don't drive so I won't be walking down there today.

 

[verthandi]

I made a couple of these for Christmas last year. The finished table topper looks more difficult than it really was. http://quiltbug.com/Free/table-topper.htm

 

[EweSheep]

Quote:
Which book are you advising? As far as my library branches (not the main one, they always had to order in), they have eight books on stock by Eleanor Burns.

 

[cmb19]

I really, really like that table topper in that link...I'll definitely consider that one.

Soooo I'm also an idiot and suddenly remembered I have a few quilting books that were given to me quite a while ago. One is Eleanor Burns...Make a Quilt in a Day; log cabin pattern. It even has a DVD AND the flipping KIT. I'm an idiot. It's alright though, I don't think I really want to do this one to start with.

I have a book by Pat Sloan--I Can't Believe I'm Quilting..which actually has a 9 patch table runner I think I'm going to start with
Start Quilting with Alex Anderson,
and finally Your First Quilt Book (or it should be) by Carol Doak

Stupid me

 

[country lady]

Our local library also has "Quilting for Dummies." It has basic information. A local quilt club donates a few books every year as well. Eleanor Burns makes a lot of quilts with the nine patch.

I am fortunate to live 50 miles from a Books-A-Million and it has become a 2nd library. I buy only the quilting magazines that have something I want but it gives me more variety to choose from. Sam's Club and Hobby Lobby carry a few at a great discount. You said you don't drive so it is a disadvantage, but it's nice that you have the internet. I live in a rural area and use the internet a lot. My machine is a six year old $200 sewing machine from Sears. Nothing fancy. My first wall quilt was a photo log cabin, hand quilted. I got the idea from a magazine. I've never used a kit but that could also be a help. You will want to use a rotary cutter and the pad. I have just basic tools.

I have picked up three really good tips: making flying geese with one seam, pulling the bobbin thread to the surface before sewing, and joining the ends of double fold binding. The last tip came from the internet. It's like any other hobby, just reading and watching. I warn you; it is addictive!

 

[cmb19]

I have a tendency to start a lot of projects and then find another one I like and not finish any of them. Hopefully, quilting will be one that I can finish. I have a knitting project started and have made about a dozen pieces of jewelry. Of course with all these soap threads I now want to make soap. I just shouldn't come to this website anymore because it's all your faults that I wanna do this stuff.