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.

Just Do It

Ya know when you are so darn busy you can hardly catch your breath... then, finally, things slow down....and you don't know what to do first... so you do nothing?  That has been me the first two weeks of this new year. 

Getting the Christmas quilts finished and delivered, not to mention all the other stuff that goes with the holidays, consumed all my waking time and thoughts.  Now... I have an idea of how I want my quilt year to go...but no real direction in getting started....

So, last night I decided just to sit down and sew.  I added some blocks to my string quilt block collection and some blocks to my crazy quilt block collection.

Sometimes the pump just needs to be primed.

Beautiful Crazy Quilting

My form of "crazy quilting" pictured above is not the "pretty" kind of crazy quilting pictured on the right.  Maybe mine should be called "crazy piecing."

I've tried my hand at "pretty" crazy quilting... while it is very pretty, I do not have the patience for it... it takes a long time.

Here is a link to a "crazy piecing" tutorial by Abby Holverson.



I think string quilting is probably the easiest thing in the world to do.  By design, it is not precise.  It uses up a lot of left over quilt binding scraps to boot.  If you've never tried it, here is a link to Missouri Star's tutorial.

As I was sewing I was thinking about how I would put these blocks together and who would receive the finished quilts.  I think I'll match the sashing, backing and binding and give them to a couple next Christmas.  Lap quilts .... oooo, just had an idea... use Minky on the back!  Make them soft and cuddly.

OH!  I almost forgot!  Road to California is coming up in a week!!!  Do you have your ticket? That will help our creative juices!  (See, it's working... As Nike says "Just Do It.")

So, what about you?  How do you get off the mark?

Post Long Weekend

....So, how'd ya do....

My "oldest Babe" and I did manage to get in some sewing time... he made pillow cases.

And, he is quite proud of himself!

Pillow cases are fast, fun and they give you a sense of accomplishment.  The method we used can be found in the Missouri Star Quilt Company Tutorials.  After the "oldest Babe" sewed the basic seams, I finished them with French seams.  HERE is the same pillow case method but showing you how to do French Seams.  If you have a "young one" who wants to learn to sew, here is a link to my Pinterest board about teaching kids to sew.

I think he might be ready to try a rag quilt.