So You Want to be a Quilter?

I’d  always wanted to create fancy quilts like the ones I see hanging in restaurants. I’d stare at those quilts in admiration and murmur to myself: I could never do that; it looks too hard.

But since I’m always up for a good challenge, I signed up for a beginning quilting workshop. I learned so many things: how to cut fabric using a rotary cutter, how to piece quilts together, and how to plan my own quilt.  Now, you can’t keep me away from making quilts!

Quilting by Committee

After taking my first quilting class with a friend, we were so enthusiastic  that we started our own quilting group. We bought some quilting books to give us ideas and step-by-step instructions. We get together and work on quilts for our families and to give as gifts. Working on them together gives us social time and if we have problems we can help each other out.

Crazy Quilts

If you’re a first-time quilter, I suggest that you have fun with your first quilt. Pick out some crazy colors. Make your quilt out of something that your kids would say, “I’m not going to be seen with you if you make something to wear out of that.” Then give it to them for Christmas or their birthday. Let’s see who likes that material now!

Start simple. You don’t have to make an intricately-pattered quilt the first time out. Many quilts are a piece of cake to make. Not only that, they can be soothing to work on. And after you’re finished making your quilt, you can cuddle under it while watching TV or reading.

Keepsake Quilts

Now that I’ve got a few quilts under my belt, I enjoy making and giving them as gifts. I pour my heart and soul into them; I don’t worry too much about matching the seams; I figure that the time and love I invest as I make the quilt is what’s really important.

Quilting Classes & Clubs from Quality Sewing

• Beginners Quilting Class (Everett)
• Beginning Quilting Class (Federal Way)
• Beginning Quilting the Piece O’Cake Way (Bellevue)
• Quilting: Basics and Beyond (Silverdale)
• More quilting classes and clubs at Quality Sewing

Quilting Classes from Pacific Fabrics & Crafts

• Course Descriptions for Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Classes

Recommended Quilting Books, from Pacific Fabrics & Crafts

Quilting fabrics, from Pacific Fabrics & Crafts

Comments

[Cindy Pelegrin]

I was inspired by the article about making quilts. Sometimes it takes a little 'push' or words of encouragement from someone who has taken steps to try something new. Thanks for the helpful suggestions on how to get started.