Omlet Smart Autodoor - New in box

[Willow]

Hi,

I'd like to try my hand at patchwork quilting but not really sure best way to get started. Should I do a course ? or a book ? or ??

Thanks

[Blackrocksrock]

I puddled about for ages and got nowhere so bought books/got from library and used utube which is easier to follow and it works! Good luck - joining a club was too far for me and I felt I was too inexperienced to go anyway!

[bigmommasally]

I learnt mainly from books but if I could have found a beginners one day workshop I think that would have been better. This book is good:

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Encyclopedia-Quilting-Patchwork-Techniques/dp/085532984X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1276434925&sr=1-1

 

Popular Patchwork magazine is also good and has a good website with lots of beginners projects to try.

 

http://www.popularpatchwork.com/

 

And this forum has a good beginners quilt to try, though I think it is best to start with something small

 

http://www.thesewingforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=20527

 

Since learning the basics I have been on a few one day workshops and besides learning about the topic of the course I have also picked up lots of tips from the tutors and the other people on the course. Not sure where you live but if you are anywhere near Quilters Haven or Patchwork Corner I would definately recommend going on a workshop with either of them at some stage.

 

http://www.quilters-haven.co.uk/acatalog/teaching.html

 

http://www.patchworkcorner.co.uk/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=144&zenid=2ac812eb18fe209a3e25afb2b9c7e570

 

Its a great hobby, have fun

[Blackrocksrock]

They look great courses - wish I lived nearer!

[Mrs Webmuppet]

I can recommend Quilters Haven, I've been on a couple of courses there and as it is only 20 mins from home i am a bit of a regular visitor to the shop ( and frequently pick the ladies brains). The staff are lovely ( and diplomatically ignore my wonky sewing ). Karins books are easy to follow too, my fav is the Sew Simple Pineapple book, simple technique fab results.

[Willow]

Great advice here thanks ! The courses look good although not close to me. Youtube is a great idea. I'll buy that book and get started.

[louise62]

Lots of good links for me to look at

I have been thinking about this too. I have done lots of embroidery and Drawn Thread work in the past, but I would like to try something different now. I have just ordered this book from Amazon

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Gentle-Art-Quilt-Making-Jane-Brocket/dp/1843405334/ref=sr_1_30?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1277046257&sr=8-30

[bigmommasally]

That's a lovely book, I haven't got it but have browsed through it in Waterstones

[louise62]

This looks useful. I have made a large bedspread in the past but found it difficult to sew on my machine. This link (plus the two following ones on youtube) shows you how to make sewing a quilt much easier.

[Valkyrie]

I was struggling with my first patchwork - the design went OK and sewing went OK, but then I hit a problem and that's when I realised there were umpteen ways how not to make a quilt. Fortunately I found a quilting shop some 20 miles away (now closed down) and I took several courses there. Nothing around here now, but luckily I did all the beginner courses and then it's just down to practice, practice, practice.

There are tons of books out there to sift through - I have loads! OH says how many books do you need? MORE!!!! Well that's my usual reply - haven't got that technique and that's different . . . . it's all very addictive - including lots of gorgeous fabric to suit everybody's tastes!!!!

I recommend Jenny Beyer's Quilting By Hand (like a bible to me), Quilting for Dummies, Judy Martin's Log Cabin Quilt Book, then there's the applique ones to die for like Margaret Docherty's Little Brown Bird Patterns. I have the Easy Quilter software which is quite useful - lots of video tips and you can design your own quilts and it will print the templates for you too - even calculate the yardage you will need. You can scan your own fabric and test the pattern to give you a rough idea how the finished quilt might look.

 

But ideally seek out somewhere that does courses - that's the best option of all.

[Christian]

Try Quilter's Dream near Picket Piece Valkyrie. Not a million miles away from you. They run courses and have loads of lovely fabrics. The courses are really cheap and they are so helpful.

[Valkyrie]

Oooh Christian - you are indeed my little knight in shining armour! Thanks for the info - I'll be checking it out - my friend will also be pleased about that - I think she's got withdrawal symptoms! Although I was lucky enough to be able to do more courses, she needs to catch up a bit.

Cheers me dear!!

[Plum]

I think you need a mix to learn. I started off with a book and have done quite a few classes but tend to look on them as social occasions. Joining a group really helps so you can bounce ideas off each other, it can just be a few friends meeting up in each others houses and sharing your learning even if only from books together.

Have fun it's very addictive and you'll soon be a fabriholic if you're not one already and threadaholic and bookaholic

[Valkyrie]

Heh heh heh - not far from Finkley Down Farm. I might just have a ride this weekend - rain stopped play today.

[Christian]

Yep, just 2 minutes from the Farm. Mention to the mad American lady or German Lady I recommended you! They are both really nice.

[Valkyrie]

Roger wilco!