quilting questions

[Tabbi]

I'd like to take up making quilts. Not the quick, rip the fabric kind, but the ones that are time consuming. One of my friends is making a cathedral pattern quilt all by hand, and I might try that.

What does anyone recommend for equipment? Scissors vs. rotary cutter? And perhaps a good book of patterns. I probably prefer one that creates an overall pattern to individual blocks, although blocks might be good to start off with as pillows for practice. I have a sewing machine, but would probably do both hand and machine sewing.

One book that I already have has Celtic patterns. Most of them use a tube that you sew first and then iron on and sew into place. I am a big fan of Celtic things if anyone knows a book that would be a different technique.

[ICNDonna]

I like making blocks and then putting the blocks together with contrasting strips between. I recently finished a queen size quilt with assorted star patterns. I use a rotary cutter the most. And my husband made me some templates from plexi-glass so I can cut several pieces at one time. I put the blocks together on the sewing machine, but hand quilted the one I just finished. I think the next one will be machine quilted, however --- so it will be more durable. I haven't put mine on my bed yet, but will get enough courage to do it soon.

Donna

[Lyn40]

I believe every quilter should have a mat, rotary cutter, and a couple of quilting rulers (a long one that covers the width of the fabric and a smaller one to cut your blocks/pieces. I just finished a bed quilt that took me two years. I worked on other projects during that time as well. Quilting is addicting. Once I start, I can't stop!

Happy Quilting! :)

Lyn

[Rosalie]

Hey Tabbi, you will be addicted to quilting before long. Lyn has already given you a list of your most used items. Scissors just don't cut it ....:lmao: Sorry just a little joke there!
One thing that really helped me feel confidant about starting a quilt was getting a video and just watching the process. If you want too jump right into a complicated piece then have a go ( and I'll bet you are a scorpio if you do haha) If not, then a simple nine patch block is a great place to start. They may be simple to put together but can be arranged in to make beautiful quilts. Another place for help and inspiration are the many magazines out there... another thing I have become addicted to. And don't forget the internet.
And when you are underway, don't forget to post pictures. We would love to see what you are creating and see its progress.

[Tabbi]

Now I have a project. The pipe major for the band I play with is going back to Scotland in December, and I'd like to do a small (lap-type) quilt with pictures of the band in alternate squares.

The squares will be a Scottish cross pattern I found, if I can handle it. Anyone have any other Celtic/Scottish square patterns that are reasonably straightforward?

Each square is 12". Would 3x4 squares with a border be enough? Should I put a border between each square too? If I alternate, that gives me

Cross Picture Cross
Picture Cross Picture
Cross Picture Cross
Picture Cross Picture

It doesn't seem symmetrical to not have the top and bottom rows match, but 3x5 seems to be an odd shape.

Please give helpful hints. I have a little time, but it'd be nice to get this right on the first try. I also considered finding a pattern that each square had a square or big enough space in the center to put a picture--12 identical squares with 12 pictures suits my symmetrical ideas much better--but couldn't find a pattern.

[ICNDonna]

I think quilts are prettier if they have a strip between blocks --- it helps to bring out the pattern on the blocks.

Donna