Hello everyone, new to it all! Need help!

[Smart Sue]

Hello everyone!

I have just joined this website and forum today. I am a little scared as I am here for two reasons.

1) Crafts have always interested me, and I admire all who do this full time. I am looking to start up in this field myself, so hence coming here. I hope to gain tips and a little knowledge about which way to go.

My favourite craft would be patchwork quilt making. This was my Mothers passion before she died, and I cherish the quilts she made. I would love to have a go now myself as I am that bit older and appreciate what goes into producing such beautiful quilts, and the joy to see it finished. My Mum used to compete too. Does anybody else make patchwork quilts? Where do I start! ps. I can sew so it's not all bad

I would sell them on my husbands new auction venue. Yes the second reason I am here.
2) On the 1st August this year my husband and a team of programmers launched Tazbar.com. (url is in my profile page) I would very much like you all to take a look at this site. You will see the buzzz that is happening there is such a short space of time. Hope you like it, and would love your comments and support.

In the meantime, I will browse this site and get to know you all. If you can give me some advice on Patchwork quilt making I would love to hear from you.

Many thanks,
Smart Sue

[Seahorse]

hello to you.
I had a look at your site, seems like a good idea and is visually welcoming, nice colours.

Hmmm, patchwork quilts eh, you must have the patience of an angel.
Ive been a bit of a sewer in my time.
Im sure you can get a starter book from somewhere.
I think choosing material that you like, maybe on a theme, or colour way will be part of the fun.
Then choose an appropriate shape to cut the material into so it all fits together, I suppose sqaures would be easy to start with.
Also I suppose a wadding layer will be necessary too.

I think maybe a trip to the library, bookshop, or internet search is a must.

Just thought, a pal of mine at college made a patchwork coat ou of velvet.Velvet has a pile to it(as it the correct side looks good when smoothed one way but look messy if ruffled and a different colour if it lays the other way)Just make sure if you are sewing fabric with a pile, that all the pile runs the same way or it will effect the final look.

[Smart Sue]

Thanks Seahorse!

I was just talking to my husband about it before dinner. He has just got back from Alaska fishing and said it's all the rage over their at the moment. They hang them on their walls. Ethnic themes seem to be doing well in browns, gold and reds. They aren't that big either. I think this could be a good start at least. Try making some panels for walls.

I like the idea of using velvet, and other tectured materials. Ummm, I am getting excited now.

Dust of that sewing machine Sue!

Also, thanks for the feedback on Tazbar, it's much appreciated.

[swirlyarts]

Hi Sue,
Welcome to the forum - you will get lots of help and advice on here
I've read somewhere (can't remember where though) that to make quilts personal, lots of people are using materials that are special to them - e.g. Christening gowns, daughters first bra, first duvet cover from childrens big bed etc etc. I don't know if that would be of any interest to you?
Quilt making is huge out in America - my husbands family lived there for a bit and his mum has some quilted wall hangings that she made out there.
Lynsey

[beadsbydesign]

Hi Sue,
Welcome to the forum - you will get lots of help and advice on here
I've read somewhere (can't remember where though) that to make quilts personal, lots of people are using materials that are special to them - e.g. .... daughters first bra,

LOL Daughters first bra!!!!! mine would have only made a quilt big enough for a mouse!

[swirlyarts]

LOL Daughters first bra!!!!! mine would have only made a quilt big enough for a mouse!

Even a little bit of lace would do as a trim!!

[Funkyhand]

Welcome to the site Smart Sue
I have to admit I can't sew a stitch! Card making and craft paper designing are my thing but I am sure you will find lots of people here who can offer you support with your quilting.
Nice to meet you.
Anice x

[Smart Sue]

Thanks for the warm welcome guys!

Love the idea about the sentimental fabrics, but I would have to practice first, or I think I would be making a massive loss and friends too.
Good idea for wall hanging though. Would make a nice talking piece don't you think?

My hubby said that he had an influx of new members yesterday afternoon on Tazbar. Due to the nature of their business I presume it's you!

Thanks very much, we much appreciate it.

If you want to post on the People programme regarding local fairs and the like, please go ahead IT'S FREE!

Thanks again, hope to speak to more of you as the days go on.

Sue x

[Seahorse]

Yep, quilts, I believe have been big in the USA for a long time.
I can remember seeing them on Antiques Roadshow.
Vintage quilts are worth a fortune,mostly due to the amount of time put into them they cant be properlt priced as it would be unaffordabel but they are worth loads in other ways(if you get what I mean).
I saw one which was made up of sqaure panels each depicting a life event.
Also maybe you could embroider dates on th panels, like birthdays and marriages etc.

[Smart Sue]

Lovin your suggestions.

I am going off to the market to get some bargin fabric to have a play around with. I watched Mum years ago, so have some idea, but it's the theme ideas I need. So keep them coming please

Many thanks,
Sue

[Seahorse]

Make sure you look in bargin/cut off bins, sometimes you can get bits nobdy wants for a matter of pence.