This statement couldn't be further from the truth. Quilting is, in essence, sewing a straight line. I see many first time quilters and I tell them the same thing " Quilting should be first and foremost, fun. Once you get through your first few quilts and can see through the "smoke and mirrors" of the mistique some associate with the complex-looking designs, odds are you will find your quilting groove." After that you start to look for increasingly more challenging projects. Enjoy the journey...there's lovely scenery.
"What is a fat Quarter?"
A fat quarter, is simply put, a more functional piece of fabric. Technically it is a quarter of a yard. The difference is: We cut a half a yard and then split down the fold. Imagine the entire yard unfolded and laid out flat. Then imagine that yard cut into four equal "squares".
"How much fabric do I need for a quilt?"
Specifically, I don't know. This answer depends on several factors. Design, number of different fabrics and degree of difficulty within your chosen design. Please feel free to call us and we will assist you in any way we can.
"How do I get started?"
If you don't have a friend that is a quilter then I recommend finding a quilt shop that specializes in teaching a beginner. This is something you will need to do some footwork on. Go to several shops, talk with the teacher of the beginning class. Make sure you "connect" with that person. In no way should you ever feel belittled, intimidated or inferior in any way. Quilting has been around for hundreds of years and without new quilters of all ages it could become extinct. Neither should you be expected to spend hundreds of dollars in the learning process on every gadget know to man. My "basics" list does not cost very much. The only item on the list you don't need to bring to a class is the Quilt-Cut. I have two in the store for public use at all times.
"I see so many tools and supplies. It's all so confusing. What do you recommend?"
To be quite frank with you. I have been sewing and/or quilting for almost 30 years. (I was about 10 when I started) I grew up in a quilting family. While new fang-dangled gadgets come on the market almost daily, I always seem to gravitate back to the "basics":
My sewing machine- sturdy and sews a great,even straight line. Choose one you like. It's all a matter of taste. Mine fits me like an old friend. (very comfy and I know it's moods) Shop around and find yours. Remember, expensive does not always mean the best.
Alto's Quilt Cut- I can't go on enough about this one item. I have four. I thank the creator of this item every day. Check out their website. quiltcut.com
A sharp rotary cutter- choose the shape you like best.
Fresh needles in your machine-Change them often. A dull needle is like sewing with leather punch.
Good Quality thread- Again this is a matter of your taste. Cotton, polyester, cotton/poly or any combination thereof. Look around and sample. I've used them all. The only thing I will say that is absolute; unwind the spool. If you find irregularities or lumps in the thread, don't use it. The long term damage to your mahcine is not worth the savings of the cheaper spool.
Regular hand scissors for thread snipping- My absolute favorate is my black handle scissors by J.A. Henckles Twin star. It's a german knife company. These are the lightest scissors I have ever owned. I bought them in 1996 and they are still as sharp as the day I bought them.
Fabric- 100% cotton
Paper and a glue stick- When creating I make a mini-sample of my design fo follow along with. I use large paper 11x14 to a poster board folded in half. The glue stick is your average 0.50 cent kind from the office supply store.
Finally....A great sense of humor. (Otherwise my issues with being a perfectionist could really get to me.) Quilting is much easier when relaxed.
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