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From: HeartsOpenWide
Date: 07-05-2006, 11:30 PM (1 of 10)
| What is a good quilt pattern for a beginner to do? What sewing machine do you recommend for a beginning quilter? |
User: HeartsOpenWide
Member since: 04-11-2006 Total posts: 3 |
From: paroper
Date: 07-06-2006, 09:02 AM (2 of 10)
|
If you can swing it, I would think one of the nicest machines for a beginning quilter and avid sewer would be the Bernia 440 with the BSR (Bernina Stitch Regulator). This was invented by the man that invented the automatic stoplight and sold to Bernina. It allows you to make even stippling on your quilt with a minimum of practice. It has the wonderful stitch quality that made Bernina famous and you can also purchase an embroidery arm for the machine if you decide you would like to pursue that venture now or in the future.
pam
Bernina 200e, Artista V5 Designer Plus, Explorations, Magic Box, Bernina 2000DE & 335 Bernette Serger, Bernina 1530 Sewing Machine, Bernina 1300 DC Overlock (with coverstitch) |
User: paroper
Member since: 02-03-2004 Total posts: 3775 |
From: Patty22
Date: 07-06-2006, 01:16 PM (3 of 10)
|
Go to the library or a quilt shop and browse through the book sections for quilting patterns and designs. Check out free pattern design resources on the internet. Try checking out some of the instruction from the HGTV series Simply Quilts. Go on Google, do some research and really browse what is out there. Check to see if there are any quilting guilds in your area. Having others involved in the same kind of activities really is fun and a great way to find out how to do new techniques (as often they have guild programs) at the meetings. Before you really invest the baby's milk money on a machine, make sure that you really want to do enough quilts that would justify the cost of a top of a line model. Otherwise, all you need to machine piece is a sewing machine that can sew a straight line. If you want to machine quilt, you need to be able to drop the feed dogs so that you can do free motion quilting. Give this new sewing hobby/passion a spin for a year so you can really investigate some of the machines and all the options that you would or wouldn't use before you drop $3,500.00. Patty
|
User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1194 |
From: Patty22
Date: 07-06-2006, 02:40 PM (4 of 10)
|
Go to the library or a quilt shop and browse through the book sections for quilting patterns and designs. Check out free pattern design resources on the internet. Try checking out some of the instruction from the HGTV series Simply Quilts. Go on Google, do some research and really browse what is out there. Check to see if there are any quilting guilds in your area. Having others involved in the same kind of activities really is fun and a great way to find out how to do new techniques (as often they have guild programs) at the meetings. Before you really invest the baby's milk money on a machine, make sure that you really want to do enough quilts that would justify the cost of a top of a line model. Otherwise, all you need to machine piece is a sewing machine that can sew a straight line. If you want to machine quilt, you need to be able to drop the feed dogs so that you can do free motion quilting. Give this new sewing hobby/passion a spin for a year so you can really investigate some of the machines and all the options that you would or wouldn't use before you drop $3,500.00 on a machine. Patty
|
User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006 Total posts: 1194 |
From: HeyJudee
Date: 07-06-2006, 08:02 PM (5 of 10)
|
HeartsOpenWide, it is hard to recommend a sewing machine to someone else. It depends on how much you can afford, whether you already have a machine and what features it has, what new features you want and what type of quilting you want to do, e.g. just piece quilts, machine quilt the quilt tops, and whether you will even like quilting. I have posted in some other threads where people asked for recommendations & advice on machines for quilting. I've provided the links below and maybe these will help. What is a Good Machine for Quilting (http://sew-whats-new.com/vb/showthread.php?t=16241&highlight=needle) Considering Quilting (http://sew-whats-new.com/vb/showthread.php?t=19228&highlight=needle) As for a beginner pattern...there are some lessons on this site. You may get some ideas there. http://www.sew-whats-new.com/quiltlessons/index.shtml Fabricland has excerpts from Singer's Quilt Bible. That is the first quilting book that I bought and used to learn to make my first quilt. Check out the link below to their Quilting Corner. Check out the Projects...you may find something there. http://www.fabriclandwest.com/quilters%20corner/quilters_corner.htm TTFN from
Judy |
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005 Total posts: 1366 
|
From: SandyGirl
Date: 07-07-2006, 06:48 AM (6 of 10)
|
Patty22 gave you great advice. No reason to jump into a top of the line manufacturer with a BSR if you don't have any quilting experience to begin with. I have been quilting for a year now and frankly, I hate the "Quilting" part, love the piecing! My next quilt will be sent out to be quilted by someone who loves that part of the process. Yes, I can drop my feed dogs etc but I certainly don't need the BSR feature. Yes, straight stitching is all you need to quilt unless you want some decorative stitches, which many entry level machines have built in. Have fun exploring and shopping! Work with a local quilt shop. They can certainly jump start you into your new adventure. My local shop has been a great asset in getting me started! Sandy |
User: SandyGirl
Member since: 09-16-2005 Total posts: 97 |
From: swartzrn
Date: 07-09-2006, 01:32 PM (7 of 10)
|
I am almost done quilting my first pillow sham and I did a "stitch in the ditch" style with it. I read that it is easier for beginners (like me) and you can do it with a regular stitch. I have a Singer CE-100 and also a Brother machine and quite frankly, the Brother is more user friendly. I would start small as well. I also read to do a small project to begin with and the pillow is fairly easy. Thanks again Debby for the pattern!!
Julie
"To see the future, look into a child's eyes." |
User: swartzrn
Member since: 02-17-2006 Total posts: 436 
|
From: Debby215
Date: 07-09-2006, 01:35 PM (8 of 10)
Good for you Julie, glad you liked it. Stitch in the ditch, I was trying last night for the life of me, to remember what it was called. It is one of my favorites, by hand though, too chicken to try by machine, I have too much bunching occur....  Post a picture to show us the pillow please.... 
Debby
So much fabric....... So little time!! |
User: Debby215
Member since: 11-14-2001 Total posts: 611 
|
From: Butterflyrf71
Date: 07-10-2006, 07:39 PM (9 of 10)
|
HeartsOpenWide: I just started quilting a few weeks ago. I was also in the market for a new machine. I did a lot of research, and I decided to go for one that would do a little more than I knew how to do, but not drop the big $$ until I knew if I was any good at it. I am a clothing sewer as well, so my new machine had to do it all. I've been very happy with my machine and spent under $300. I am happily quilting away, practicing, and learning (learning mostly from others here, and mistakes, lol). I almost bought a $1000 machine, and then I bought a Singer Ingenuity 7436 with the quilting bonus kit. It came with an extension table, and 7 extra feet for quilting and cording, etc. This one did more than I needed, has the drop feed, and came with the all important walking foot (a.k.a. even feed foot). When, if, I get good, I plan to invest in a more expensive machine, if I feel I need one. Whatever you decide, it has to be right for you. If you are new and have a simple straight stitch machine - start practicing and have fun - you'll soon know exactly what machine you want/need. 
You Lord, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm, and place their trust in you. Isaiah 26:3, AV
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User: Butterflyrf71
Member since: 05-02-2006 Total posts: 257 
|
From: lrmart
Date: 07-11-2006, 09:49 PM (10 of 10)
|
There's some nice places on line to learn everything you need to know about quilting. Here's a few I've used http://www.quilting101.com/ This one charges for online classes http://www.quiltuniversity.com/ This is my favorite site http://quilterscache.com/ Scroll down to the drop down menu and there's a list of things, make sure you click the one that says "Quilt Blocks Galore-Free Quilt Block patterns" There's over 1200 patterns. As you go thru the Alphabetized lists the ones with one yellow push pin beside them are basic piecing patterns great for beginners. (Wow I just found an Army Star, know what my Army son is getting for Christmas). These should give you a good start for now. Oh one more thing check your TV schedule and see if they have any of the quilt programs on, they are very few of them any more but they are great to watch. Good luck, Lisa |
User: lrmart
Member since: 05-14-2006 Total posts: 10 |
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