Hi Diane, I'm very new to this whole blogging thing, so I hope I do it correctly, however, no stranger to computers. I too suffer from the gift of gab. My husband once asked me, when I used to work, "Didn't they let you talk at work today?" Well know it's worse because I'm home alone all day, only 2 dogs and 8 horses to talk to. Although I wouldn't trade them, It would be nice to have conventional answers, rather than the ones I have to guess that the animals are giving me. But I would love to make a small contribution to your FAQ of Leaning to Quilt. So Beware here it is:
I strongly believe that someones FIRST quilt, should not neccessarily be the quilt they fell in love with in a magazine or book, more than likely it's not going to be easy. And just because the rating may indicate beginner, I've looked at the directions and knew that someone who wasn't one who could fill in the "assumedely expected to realize" parts in the instructions. I've been quilting for about 15 years now, and I have to go back and fill these in for myself. But I really think that their is nothing wrong with the EASY old tried and true patterns. Their are a few that once you become proficient with, not only help you understand the complex, but also help you to challenge yourself with twist to the old patterns. A few of my favorites are: Rail Fence, Simple nine patch, and lady of the lake (yes, this one is a little harder, however, because the block consist of 100's of half square triangles, you most certainly will learn the do's and don'ts of a bias edge.) and along with this suggestion, I would recommend them in the order listed. They don't have to be big quilts. They could be simple wall hangings that maybe you put an appliqued something or other in the center and border the center with the patterns. I know that I was extremely lucky and this was the order in which I began, and I believe that it gave me a strong foundation for the art. Especially if you alter or create your own project using the half square triangles. Once you learn the basic math that goes with that peticular block, people will marvel at your knowlege!
I beleive that by starting out simple, you usuallly finish your projects, and most importantly, it keeps you hungry for more. And it's true, we need more people quilting, so that the art doesn't almost die out like it did before I started. When I started quilting, finding good quality fabric was almost impossible. Their weren't "quilting fabric" stores in existence. Unfortunately some of my first quilts are falling apart simply because the fabric was of lesser quality. Whenever someone ask me to help them learn to quilt, The first thing I do is show them 3 different quiltsI made around the same time. 1 That was made using the cheaper, all cotton fabric, 1 showing the cheap thread I used to quilt with, and the 3rd one, which gets the most use in the house. I learned about true quilting fabric and the better threads on the market, and by doing this, it's really helped to illustrate why it's important not to skimp on the materials you use when creating something that you've put your heart and time into. When you realize that time is the most precious thing we have, you'll understand that it is the most expensive part of the quilt. And when it comes to creating a quilt for someone, the best return you get on your time, is when you see them snuggled up in it when they require comfort.
The last important advice I can give is that I've learned their are always several ways to accomplish the same result, and people are always willing to say that their way is the only way, but you have to pick the one that works for you. (This must be remembered by the individuals who give the advice as well! so don't take it personally if yours is not the right way for someone.) And lastly, after 2 or 3 mistakes in a row while working on a project, put it down and come back to it later! Becaise the quilting angels are just busy with someone else, but they'll be back! You must not give up.
Thanks for letting me put in my 2 cents. And I hope you can overlook my gift for gab and understand that although it comes naturally, I only write what I stongly believe in, and what I've learned, and most of all, It's always meant in the best of intentions.