AJuff Posted June 14, 2011 Share Posted June 14, 2011 I visited a quilting shop on Saturday and was amazed at all the beautiful quilts. I had been finishing off UFO this season but those quilts were amazing I'm thinking of starting something new. Please can you send me links for a) how to quilt, b) any great pattern sites, c) any recommended quilting books Many thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted June 14, 2011 Share Posted June 14, 2011 I would be very pleased to offer you some tips and hints but I have to tell you a story first. Once upon a time there was a young maiden. Living away from home for the first time, when she wasn't partying or studying she sat and listened to the radio, hand-stitching a quilt. Slowly, very slowly, it grew until several years later it covered a single bed. But by then she had met the love of her life, so she wanted to make it into a double. Slowly, very slowly, it grew a bit more until it covered a double bed for very very very short people. But by now she was busy busy busy with life, the universe, and everything. Then she moved house, and the poor quiltlet got stuffed in the larder (don't ask) hidden from view. And, there, children, it remains to this day. Nearly 30 years later, the quilt is still under construction. Now, what would you like to know Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJuff Posted June 14, 2011 Author Share Posted June 14, 2011 What a lovely story . . could that be you? Big question what would I like to know? Seam allowance, does it work with all fabric types, best way of cutting out, simplest type of pattern . . Will that do for starters? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christian Posted June 14, 2011 Share Posted June 14, 2011 Ok, I made my first quilt last year I would recommend buying a rotary cutter and self sealing cutting mat - both are great for all sorts of crafty work. I simply sewed each square to the next, until I got the length I needed. Then iron the seams flat - Line up all the lengths and sew them together. Next, backing fabric on the floor, wadding, and patchwork on top of that. Buy decent quilting pins, like safety pins but curved. You will need loads, I have about 150 and that is just enough! Pin in the centre of each square, to hold it all together. Then quilt - either by hand if you have years or by machine. I did a simple 'quilt in the ditch' and was happy with that for my first quilt. The binding seems tricky but it isn't once you get to grips with it. Check youtube for hints and how to do it, I can't explain it very well! Are there any sewing shops near by? They often run beginners quilting classes. I was lucky to find a shop nearby and they talked me through everything. I love my quilt and have now made one for my Mum for Christmas. Mum's quilt - And the back - With this one, I quilted either side of the seem. Like tram lines which looks really good I think - although it took hours! Started my 3rd last week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
teacake Posted June 14, 2011 Share Posted June 14, 2011 seam allowances on quilts are 1/4 inch. cheat and buy a 1/4 inch foot, it will make life simples. get a rotary cutter, and a self healing mat. be careful of your fingers. log cabins are lovely beginners quilts. Avoid anything with triangles if you are a beginner.... there a great blog called crazymomquilts, she has some fantastic tutorials, and links to other sites. lightweight cottons are best. wash them first. I use quilters dream wadding from cotton patch website. they have lots of things you can spend your money on! be warned it is a very addictive hobby.... and I can send you a cute pattern for a patchwork chicken if you like! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted June 16, 2011 Share Posted June 16, 2011 Something like Christian's quilt is a good place to start. It will get you loving fabrics and collecting different ones or looking at your old clothes in a different way. Failing that there are loads of online fabric shops here's a start Bramblepatch Cottonpatch The book I used to start with was Simply stars It tells you basic techniques but also lots about using colour, tone etc and which way to press seams etc., and lots of fabulous pictures. What about a beginners class at the shop you visited or you should have been here a year or two ago when we did a mystery quilt and it got a couple of Omleteers adicted Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJuff Posted June 16, 2011 Author Share Posted June 16, 2011 Oh wow! I've browsed the links and I can't wait to start! Such a lot of choice, I will have a look through my fabric stash and think about colours. Thank you for heading me in the right direction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJuff Posted August 22, 2011 Author Share Posted August 22, 2011 Well I have made three quilt tops since posting last!!!! It is very addictive and theraputic. Unfortunately I'm waiting for fabric, silver thread and batting to arrive before I can finish them off!!!! Will post pics as soon as I'm finished!!!!! Thanks everyone for your very good advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackie45 Posted August 22, 2011 Share Posted August 22, 2011 I do Blackwork but I have fancied having a go at quilting. On holiday in US I picked up a copy of "Quilting for Dummies" which seemed to explain everything. I am not certain as to whether it is available in GB but it might be worth looking at Amazon. Of course haven't started yet- garden such a mess when back from hols. Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted August 23, 2011 Share Posted August 23, 2011 Have a go Jackie it's very addictive. What have you made AJuff you've got a bit of a factory going there and silver thread, now you have me wondering Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJuff Posted August 23, 2011 Author Share Posted August 23, 2011 Well usually it takes me an age to finish anything so I decided to make DD 1 a Christmas quilt and bought 17 fat quarters of Riley Blake fabric. She wanted plain squares and I was amazed at how quickly it came together. So we have had to stop while we wait for the batting to arrive. Meanwhile DD2 wanted a Christmas quilt too! She wanted squares with a border so we got on. Meanwhile batting is out if stock so I've ordered from another shop and am still waiting. So I moved onto making a quilt for my nephew who asked for a space quilt. He asked for his name to go on it so I cut them out of silver fabric. Ran out of silver thread. Local shop had none so I've had to order some and I'm still waiting. It's so frustrating waiting as I only have 12 days of holidays left and I just want to sew! Cross stitch kits arrived today so I've started a sampler and am hooked already! I love holidays as I have the time to be creative. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
