Hi all! I'm new here and I have a lot of questions that I hope you all can help me with.

I've just recently got it in my head that I want to try quilting, so I am starting from scratch here.

I was wondering, what is a good machine to buy? I currently have an old Montgomery Ward sewing machine, but lost the instructions and no one can figure out the bobbin, so I'll be looking to purchase a new machine.

I've looked at the Janome (sp?) machines because I heard they were supposed to be good, but there are so many to choose from! I'm not sure which one to pick. Are these good machines, or is there better? I am looking to spend no more than $300 on a machine initially.

Also, what other equipment would I need? I'd like to start out with just a simple quilt (obviously) and would like to start out with minimal items to buy until I make sure that this is something I really am interested in for the long run. I don't want to spend tons of $$ if I end up not being any good at it or not liking it, KWIM?

Can anyone recommend any good How-To mags/books that I can purchase to help me along with my basic questions?

For my initial quilt, I'm thinking of doing a twin size. I'm thinking red, blue, and maybe black or a dark pattern for my 4yr old's bed. I'm wondering about how much material I'd need to get?

Where is a good place to get material? What should I look for in material? Brand/style/content/etc? In the little reading I've done, I gather that thread is also important? Are there any other materials that need to be special? I'd like for this to last a long time.

How difficult is batting/backing/whatever it's called? (LOL I told you I was a newbie LOL) Is this something I should try on my own at first, or would it be better to have it done by someone else?

I've got a bunch more questions, but I've probably already posted too many, so I'll stop here for now.

I look forward to exploring the forums here more in the coming days and I look forward to your assistance and advice!

TIA!

Hi, Welcome to Block Central!

I've only been quilting for under two years and it's a very addictive hobby.
In my opinion, I think you should take the Montgomery Ward machine to a sewing machine repair shop and see if someone there can clean and adjust it, show you how to do the bobbin, etc. You can also check on-line and on ebay for the instruction booklet. Many sites have them for down-loading. I did that with my old Bernette after it was ruined in a flood. After you have sewn on it a bit, made a quilt or two, then move on to a better machine if you are sure this is something you will want to persue. I made my first 7 quilts on a 35 year old Singer. A great machine in it's time. All you REALLY need is to be able to sew a straight stitch at this point in the game. You won't know what you need in a machine untill you know what you need...does that make sense?

Take it slow, try a wall hanging or table runner at first. Get the feel for the craft before you jump in feet first. It's not an expensive craft by a long shot.

Good Luck!
KimUK

Hi Tia,

I agree with Kim about the machine, you don't want to go spending money before you decide if you like it. There are many "better" machines out there, but not for $300.

To start off, I would say Get Thee to a Book Store... or at least a library, they actually tend to carry quite a few books on the subject.
Fabrics used are generally 100% cotton but it's totally up to you what you're comfortable with. You should always try to match the thread to the fabric (ie. cotton thread for cotton fabric) and if you can do the same with the batting (the fluffy stuff in the middle ), so much the better. The pattern you choose will tell you how much of each fabric to get and most patterns will tell you if they are for beginners/advanced, etc.

Also, if you have a quilt shop nearby or just a really good fabric store that carries quilting materials, the employees can be a REALLY good resource and are usually very helpful if you have questions (as are the ladies here!).

Hope this gets you addicted, oops! I mean started.

Happy Quilting!
Delia

Welcome Tia! Hope you enjoy your stay here long enough to put down roots. Really, you will love the friendships and good advice the ladies are always willing to share.
I agree with the ladies too about the machine. Save the money you were going to spend for fabric and notions. A good rotary cutter and mat are one of the things I couldn't live without. The mats are pricey but well worth the cost. Get a large one if you can. You can find just about anything you need to know on the internet these days but I recommend this book for having on hand for quick refrence.
http://www.amazon.com/Quilters-Ultimate-Visual-Guide-Quiltmaking/dp/0875969879
There is nothing more frustrating then to be in the middle of a project and have to run and turn on the computer and search. (which is what I have to do a lot) I wasn't familiar with the simple sewing terms when I started.
I'm sure there will be lots more advice coming along soon so I will keep this one short.

Again, welcome!

Welcome, Tia! I also concur about the sewing machine. Take it to a repair shop and get it re-conditioned. I am sure you can find the owner's manuel on-line. We found one for a Singer by contacting the company directly. Another place to look would be e-bay or craig's list. Possibly a dealer in old books might be able to guide you to one as well.

Do you have a quilt shop nearby? They can help you find a guild or direct you to class for beginner's. Even the Jo-Ann's near us has a guild that meets there. You can also try the parks and rec department or the school district's enrichment classes for adults, or contact the home economist from the county extension. I have seen classes offered through all those programs.

Here is the site for locating Cooperative Extension offices throughout the United States:
http://www.csrees.usda.gov/Extension/

Our local library hosts a guild. The American Sewing Guild has chapters at libraries in two of our neighboring communities. They are out there; you might have to get a little creative to find them, but you should be able to hook up with one if you look.

Here is the site to find a chapter in your area:
http://www.asg.org/files/locator/index.php

Checking out the books at the library is a good way to become familiar with some different techniques without making an investment. Once you find your niche, you may want to purchase your own copies for reference.

I wouldn't worry about the batting or the quilting until you are to that step. Right now, find a simple pattern and get your fabric. Show the pattern to the clerk and ask for her help in selecting you fabric. She will be able to help you choose fabrics that will have some contrast and the right value, etc. Don't be afraid to ask other customers for their opinions as well. As a group, quilters are very generous and very helpful.

Please keep us posted, we would love to hear of your progress, and offer any help that we can. Any time you have questions, we are as close as your keyboard.

One thing about fabric, get decent quality, no $2.00 Walmart stuff. The thinner fabric not only doesn't last, but you will be disappointed in how it looks later. I had some cheap stuff in my first quilt, less than 10 years old, and it has started falling apart! I know better now and will NEVER use cheap stuff again. When you work to make something nice, you want it to last. Good quality fabric will.

Thanks for all the info! I didn't realize I could take the sewing machine in someplace for assistance. Montgomery Ward went out of business, so I figured I was screwed. I'll look around my area and see what we have available.

The more I read about quilting, the more intimidated I get! I watched a show on it last week, and it all seemed so easy. But she didn't get into the batting and the backing and all the other stuff. Just the blocks. And they were simple blocks. I've found so many more complicated quilts online.

But I'm still going to give it a whirl. Even if I never get to the fancy level.

Oh, and my name isn't Tia. TIA stands for "Thanks in advance!" I didn't realize it would be taken for my name. Sorry! I usually just go by Moon.

Off to read some more....

Don't be intimidated! I remember once when I was in the third grade or so, the first day of school an older brother (who had just entered high school) of one of my classmates was showing us his math textbook. Well, I tell you, I was ready to through in the towel right then and there and quit school. I remember very clearly the panic I felt that I would never understand it. It all looked Greek to me! And you know what? It really was Greek, but by the time I got to high school I discovered that I did understand algebra and geometry afterall, and I use it often now in working out quilt designs! Just take it one step at a time, and you will be fine.

Too funny! Well we will all have to learn your name over again. LOL

Hi, Moon! to BC!

I see that many people have already offered you some very good advice.

I have only been quilting a few years and I am mostly a self-taught quilter. I have found the internet to be a great resource.

I do all my piecing and quilting on my basic Brother machine. Although I drool occasionally over the more expensive machines and dream of someday owning a long-arm and having a fully outfitted sewing room, we are doing quite well, my Bro and I, in our corner of the dining room.

Although I do buy my fabric at quilt shops and I look for the sales as best I can, because I quickly learned the value of good 100% cotton quilting fabric, I still buy my rulers, rotary cutters, cutting mats and other notions at Jo-Ann Fabrics with their coupons. I usually also buy Warm and Natural 100% cotton quilt batting there off the roll with a coupon. I look for 100% cotton thread on large spools, as this is what I use to piece my blocks.

I have also found the local libraries to be a great resource for quilting books. I look through whatever I find interesting, even those I am not ready make yet, because I learn something from all of them.

Here is a quilting how-to site with piece by piece lessons:

http://www.sewaquilt.com/index.html

The quilt here only uses a few colors and would probobly adapt easily to your color scheme ideas. This quilt is a "sampler", as it is made of different blocks, each of which will teach new piecing methods.

It takes you step by step right through to the layering and finishing the quilt.

This quilt is small ... but you could make it larger by making more of these six block units. Nine units of these six blocks with sashing plus an outer border, would make a twin size quilt.

Even if you chose another pattern for you first quilt, you may find these pictoral lessons helpful.

Happy Quilting!