Virgin Quilter Needs Help

I'm a self-taught sewer and I would love to try my hands at quilting. Usually, when I want to learn something I just delve right into, but for some reason i'm intimidated with the whole quilting concept that i'm not sure where to even begin.  Maybe it's all the terminology. A class probably would be the best thing for my, but I simply don't have the opportunity and the lazy part of my doesn't want to learn from a book.  Any suggestions on where to start, easy patterns, picking coordinating fabrics. I would love to make a shabby chic quilt for my daughter. 

Any thoughts or suggestions, is welcoming. I love fabrics and new projects so I'm super excited to get started.  Thanks much!

My favorite patterns for beginners are by Terri Atkinson of Atkinson Designs. Her instructions are clearly written and accurate.

http://www.atkinsondesigns.com/

My second sewing project as an adult was my daughter's quilt. The first was her christening dress. All I did was cut out a bunch of five inch squares of different fabrics. I also chose three border fabrics - one of the border fabrics was also the backing. I sewed them up into a baby quilt size and it really was quick.  The squares were easy to cut out and assemble so I wasn't overwhelmed with a 'real' pattern that I would have to follow. The part that took me the longest was the binding. I can't find a picture of it right now but when I do I'll try to post it here.  Beth

Thanks for the repsonses! I checked out Atkinsons designs. Nice patterns and they don't seem so daunting. I went fabric shopping yesterday so I'm committed and excited : ).  I am going to start with a square pattern to start easy and just take my time.  Wish me luck!

I just posted a picture of it on my blog. Hmmm - let's see if I can actually get a picture to appear here.

http://life-is-a-musical.blogspot.com/2008/08/lucys-quilt.html]]http://life-is-a-musical.blogspot.com/2008/08/lucys-quilt.html
Here's the link to the blog page too.

Have fun!  Beth

Beth, that is such a pretty quilt!  I'm also wanting to try to finish a quilting project, but all I can muster are squares.  I just need to turn them into pillows!  I think you had the right idea by starting nice and simple.  And it looks so great!

Thanks Stacey - you're sweet. I'm kind of glad I was oblivious when I started. The more I knew the more fear I had. And, quilts are big projects that take a lot of time. They don't provide instant 'one night of sewing' gratification like a headband, crayon roll or reusable tote bag. Stick with it though. Every quilt is special when it is done. It makes me appreciate what my grandmother made more and more.

Beth

I love the different patterns! It's too cute.  Thans for the inspiration.  I'm gonna really get started this weekend. 

I was where you are now last January. I bought a couple of quilting books, took a couple of classes  and just started.

I frigured that if I made a quilt for each of my 4 boys, then by the time I finished I could make a quilt for me and I'd know what I was doing.

Today I finished the 4th quilt. The first two were pretty much just squares. The next one was a quilt-a-long with http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com where I learned to make triangles and all sorts of intricate blocks. The last was a rectangles quilt.

In a couple of weeks I start on my first commissioned quilt (gulp!!!) Just jump in and enjoy it. My kids adore their quilts.

(Photos on my blog  http://dancingwithfrogs.com under 'Frogdancer quilts'. All except the last one. I haven't photographed the finished piece yet.)

I think a beginners class in quilting is a good way to motivate you to start.  If you don't finish up what you have to sew in class, then you'll have to do it at home, so in this process you can start sewing at home, making your own sewing space, and getting a good feel for the machine.  Getting to know your machine is a process in itself!  Good luck & just sew!