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Member since 7/21/10
Posts: 110
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Posted on: 9/12/10 9:07 PM ET
I'm starting a course in October for quilting. I am not a beginner when it comes to sewing, but quilting? Another matter...

Any suggestions for your first project? For instance, should I start with a table runner versus a full quilt? a wallhanging?

I also know I have to go in and pick my project and fabric, so there is time to wash and press everything before the course starts. Any advice would be appreciated....
  
Member since 10/8/02
Posts: 679
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Posted on: 9/12/10 9:53 PM ET
In reply to Sue Horvath
I would definitely start with something small like a table runner or small wall hanging. You can learn the techniques without getting discouraged by to big of a project. Most of all just have fun. You will love quilting.
  
Member since 12/3/09
Posts: 982
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Posted on: 9/12/10 10:34 PM ET
In reply to Peggy
I totally agree. My wife quilts, and I want to do something, but not monumental. I am eventually going to make split-rail-fence placemats. Not too much thinking about fabrics, you just use four or five and then rotate them. No twists or turns. Well, that's MY idea anyway. Bert
-- Edited on 9/12/10 10:34 PM --
  
Member since 6/7/05
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Posted on: 9/12/10 10:59 PM ET
No bigger than a wall hanging! You want a project you can complete without getting bogged down and hating it.

If you are not color confident, have a friend with good taste go fabric shopping with you. Also, consider scale of print. If you aren't good at visualizing, cut paper "windows" the size of your finished pieces (a 3" square for example) to lay over a bolt to get a better feel for scale.

Use a pattern with modern instructions. Older patterns still talk about templates and scissors. You'll want instructions for rotary cutting and strip piecing. The Quilt in a Day series is good.

Have fun! I split my studio time between garment sewing and quilting. When I get frustrated with fitting, I piece a quilt. When I get tired of the repetition of piecing, I make a dress.
  
Member since 6/3/06
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Posted on: 9/12/10 11:56 PM ET
It's addictive and fun! One thing I'd suggest at the beginning stage is to choose a project that doesn't have too many pieces to put together. The more pieces there are, the more important it is for your seams to be *exactly* 1/4", or they won't fit together when you are done. Of course, if you are smarter than me, you'll check the size of your blocks as you go... If this is a course specifically for beginners, they'll probably help you with that. :)
  
Member since 3/12/04
Posts: 52
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Posted on: 9/13/10 10:54 AM ET
Avoid curves! Straight lines are so much easier and faster. I had been sewing for years when I decided to make a quilt, and, ignoring all superior wisdom, I started with an apple core baby quilt. GAH. Painstakingly and precisely sewing a billion curves is not a good introduction to quilting.
  
Member since 12/26/08
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Posted on: 9/13/10 11:49 AM ET
A lap size quilt might be a good size to start with. It will give you enough room to use a few fabrics you like, and to see the design being created, and the pieces you cut and sew together will not be too tiny to manipulate and sew together. It also will be easier to do the quilting on your own machine, unless part of your class agenda is learning to use one of those big, electronic quilting machines! You know, there are two different camps(maybe more...!) out there about washing fabrics before you start. Some feel it isn't really necessary to wash your fabrics first, because they like the look of the quilt after it is done, then washed. The other way, wash first then quilt, gives a completely different look. Maybe it will depend on the fabrics you choose, or what the instructor suggests. In any case, Have fun!
  
Member since 8/14/05
Posts: 25291
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Posted on: 9/13/10 12:06 PM ET
Do not start by doing a flying geese queen sized quilt. Ask how I know....it took me 15 years to finish the top, and it isn't quilted yet...HAHahahaaa.....meanwhile free motion quilting on very small pieced items is much more fun! Tea cosy, placemats, etc...it gets you wanting to do more of the actual quilting stitching! :)

Good luck!
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"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." --Dalai Lama
https://eyeletsintheseams.blogspot.com

Pfaff 1222E, Elna eXcellence 720, Brother Innovis PS500, Brother SE400, Brother 1034D, Sunbeam irons ;)
  
Member since 4/3/10
Posts: 1598
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Posted on: 9/13/10 12:51 PM ET
Start small, simple pattern, fun design, really fun fabric.
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Barb
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." Thomas Edison
"I not only use all the brains I have, but all I can borrow." Woodrow Wilson
  
Member since 5/11/09
Posts: 288
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Posted on: 9/13/10 1:05 PM ET
My suggestion would be - in addition to the great suggestions already made here - is NOT to choose a pattern with points. ..can be hard to match for a beginner! Try railroad , roman stripe, etc for easy sewing.

And a small project to start: I like lap quilts, especially with winter coming up. Easy and useful and quick...about the size of a table runner, depending on your table size. I usually go about 36" by 56".
  
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