Getting Started Series: What Now?

It's been a rather crooked journey down this "Getting Started" road ... hopefully somewhat informative.
Some of the basics have been reinforced for me, that much I can say.

 

Where have we been?

We learned about the proper use and technique of a Rotary Cutter. 

All about Fabrics.

Whether we want to Stash or not Stash.

Not all Thread is created equal.

How to Square up fabric.

And finally the most important of all, that 1/4" seam.

We haven't yet discussed other "stuff" you'll need.... I have blogged about STUFF in the past; 

Follow these links:  More about rotary cutters and mats,  and other helpful stuff.

"So, now what?  We have a bunch of random bits of information, how do I actually MAKE a quilt?"

You have to start by picking a pattern.  The very, VERY first quilt I made was a simple four-patch lap quilt for my son.  I honestly can't remember where the idea came from or why I even had the chili pepper fabrics on hand, but I did....and he was impressed (me, too, truth be known.)

Over the years I've accumulated LOTS-O- patterns; both purchased and free, plucked off the internet or acquired here-and-there.  There is lots of inspiration "out there."
 

Pat Sloan, of course.  She has both for-purchase patterns and free patterns. 

Easy Quilting Corner

Quilted Twins 

Moda Fabrics

Jenny Doan of Missouri Star Quilt Company has a ton of tutorial videos on YouTube.  Many are no- pattern-needed.  

And don't forget Pinterest.  Many of the links lead to free tutorials and patterns.

And, speaking of YouTube.... you could get lost in the world of quilting tutorial videos on YouTube.  Anything you would EVER want to know about quilting is there.  Get a coffee (or a wine...depending on the time of day) and have a look.

Instructables.  This is the most fun website.  You can learn ANYTHING from this site.  And, look what I found! Quilting 101.  EVERY SINGLE step for making a simple quilt!  Have a look. (Disclaimer, I don't necessarily agree with every technique, i.e. using sheets for backing.  But, it's a good place to start.)

If you can stand just one more, Art Gallery Fabrics' site is amazing!

Also, check out your local quilt shops.  Take classes.  The second and third quilts I ever made were the result of a Block-of-the-Month class I took at Cool Cottons in Portland, OR. 

Even though I was following the directions, exactly (or so I thought) I managed to put EVERY SINGLE corner on EVERY SINGLE block on backward.  I didn't even notice until someone in the group said "Oh, look, how interesting your corners are...."  There is a verse in the Bible that says "Even a fool looks smart if he/she keeps their mouth shut."  I didn't say a word.

There are aspects of this quilt I like even now, I try to over look the many mistakes.  My g-sons cuddle up with it all the time, still, even though their little feet stick out.

 

You've heard the saying "If I can do it, you can do it."
Ya just have to get started.

June Gloom

June weather in California is cloudy and gloomy....sometimes it burns off during the day, sometimes it does not.  Californians have a name for it "June Gloom."

That pretty much describes my mental climate of late.

We laid the quilting Auntie to rest and I spent some time with Unkie just touching her stuff in her quilting studio and reminiscing.  We cried and we laughed as we recalled fun times.

"...and it came to pass...". After June Gloom comes sunny July and then scorching August.  Happens every year.

Sprinkled throughout the Bible, both Old and New Testaments, is a phrase that sounds particularly good to me right now;
"...and it came to pass..."  Its true meaning is "...and then it happened..."  but I am claiming it as my own for now to mean
"...it did not come to stay, but it will pass..."


I'm sure you've heard the saying "fake it 'til you make it."  That's what I'm doing for now.  I am forcing myself to sit down at the sewing machine a bit most days and work on a baby quilt for a new mom and a fun wall hanging for friends who are planning a car trip (taking all their kids left-behind belongs and delivering them to their door steps.)  Both fun, cheery projects.































Last evening I spent time with my quilting neighbor, one of the Sew Sisters where I live, and went over a new pattern with her.

The quilting mojo will return.