A Beginner in Every Way

Hello Everyone!

My name is Kay, and I am very interested in learning to quilt. I do know how to sew and cross stitch, but it has been years since I have done either. My mother-in-law has agreed to teach me to quilt, so I am excited to get started. 

Do you recommend that I purchase a kit to begin, or buy a piece of fabric printed in blocks? Also, can my regular sewing machine (Kenmore) be adapted for quilting? It was purchased in 1983.

Thank you so much!

Hi Kay and Welcome.

   You're Kenmore should do fine for quilting.  As long it sews a straight line and you can change length of the stitch, you have it made.  We enjoy sharing our love of quilting so if you have questions, just ask away.  There is always someone who knows the answers.

   I would try an easy quilt kit to start.  Don't try something too difficult that you won't finish it and get frustrated.  Quilting should be fun and relaxing.  You may want to start with placemats, wall hanging or table runner to start.  Get the basics down pat before trying to make a king size quilt......lol

Diana in East Tn. 

Hi Kay, welcome and enjoy!

Hi Kay, welcome

scgirl611:

Do you recommend that I purchase a kit to begin

I'm not sure a kit is the best way for a beginner.  If you make a mistake in your cutting, there may not be enough fabric to re-do.  I'd recommend finding a nice easy beginner pattern and then asking your mother-in-law or local quilt shop assistant to give you your first lesson on selecting fabrics right there at the store.  Purchase a little extra fabric, and the left-overs can go into your stash!

Happy quilting!

Welcome Kay.

I agree with Nancy on the kit; too restricting.

Find a pattern you like that will hold your interest. Use fabrics you like looking it so you don't get sick of them. Some beginners wade in shallow waters and some jump off the deep end. Choose a difficulty level that suits your personality.

No matter what you decide have fun with it and let us know how you're doing.

 

hi kay, welcome to the group

scgirl611:

Do you recommend that I purchase a kit to begin,

                             Welcome, Kay!  I agree with Nancy , no kit!  Something simple and small to start with so you can get to do the cutting ,piecing , sandwiching, and binding  all  in a few or less lessons. It is addicting and so very interesting and fun. It sounds like you have a good MIL. I wish I had quilted with mine, I could have learned so much from her and shared a common interest, too. Good Luck, and be sure to show us some pics of your progress.   Susan, North, Florida

Thank you so much for the advice...I think I will save the kit until I have some experience under my belt. And, you are right...I do have a wonderful MIL. I am looking forward to working on this project with her. I want to make a lap quilt for my own mother who is in a nursing home; however, I may start with a placemat as you suggested to get my feet wet. I will post pics of my first completed project, so you can see what kind of teacher my MIL is. Lol!

Kay, welcome to the club, sounds like you have a great MIL , Hope you will enjoy your time with us. Barbara

Hi Kay and welcome!  If your MIL is anything like me she has stacks of everything you'll need and may have already preplanned your first project.  So I would connect with her and ask.  To me those are the threads that bind the quilt full communication start to finish.  good luck with your first project.

Welcome Kay,

You will love it here and you will get plenty of help and encouragement from everyone on this site. You are so lucky to have someone to show you about quilting and to be your built in quilting buddy. Some of us have had to learn from books and help from everyone on this site. Can't wait to see some pictures.

Great to meet you Kay!  Enjoy!

My first quilts were all done on a kenmore.   My first quilt was a lap quilt. I started with a small wall hanging, but never did get that done.  Your MIL will be a great help.   Remember to take pictures of all your projects.  Then you can look back and see how quickly you progress.

Kay

Doing an easy pattern in a lap quilt size would not be difficult.  If you use a pattern such as brick road or rail fence or even a Turning Twenty pattern that uses 20 fat quarters you will have lots of fun and have an easy pattern to get you started.