I’m so excited by the enthusiasm for a beginner’s quilt-along-thingie! I know this has been done before, and there are lots of resources out there, so we’re not covering anything new. There’s always something to learn, though! For myself, I’m hoping to learn some tips on quilting, but also am interested in learning more about how to explain new techniques, which steps beginners find frustrating, etc.
I have taught a couple of classes in my local quilt shop, although most of them were not beginning quilters, but maybe learning a new technique. I find that I am not a natural teacher. I also don’t have a lifetime worth of sewing knowlege. (I started sewing at 16 and am 28 now) What I DO have is a passion for quilting, and a no rules, laid back approach. I think it is important that sewists/quilters are nurtured from the beginning with the idea that sewing is for you. You are not required to vow allegiance to any rules or government of thread and fabric. To sew and quilt is simply to use needle, thread and fabric to make what YOU want to make!
If you like what you’re making, then it’s great! If you’re frustrated because you need more knowledge to make what you’re envisioning, then that’s where a class or quiltalong like this comes in! To enable you to make the item you’ve been wanting to make.
So enough about all that… Quite a few of you mentioned wanting to hear about fabric selection for a quilt. Yay!!! My favorite part! I also find this challenging because it’s a very intuitive process for me. I think this portion will need to be divided into two parts. {Acquiring Fabric – selection for your fabric shelf}, and then {Choosing Fabric – curating a quilt}.
So here’s the posts that I’ll be doing over the next month or two.
Acquiring Fabric
Choosing Fabric
Cutting
Piecing
Preparing for Quilting {choosing backing and batting and then putting them all together}
Quilting
Binding
Don’t be intimidated by this long list! I’m just dividing it up into smaller segments to make it easier to add lots of details to each step. I’m hoping that each post can include links to other tutorials explaining these methods, as well as tips and further questions from you.
Sooooo, I’d love to dive right in, but I need a few more days to get it started. I’m aiming for Monday or Tuesday of next week to begin!
Meanwhile I need to think of a name for this little series. I’m terrible at names, have you noticed? I label my quilts with things like ‘red patchwork squares’!
So I could just call it “Learn to Quilt” or “Beginner Guide to Quilting” or “Easiest Quilt Ever Quiltalong”. Yes, I am asking for your ideas!
See you next week!
Hmm. I am not good at naming things either. How about step by step? You can quilt. Get schooled on quilting.
Yes! Choosing fabric!
Choosing fabric…yeah I can't wait to hear about your thought process.
How about: learning to quilt -the blue elephant way?
I'm so looking forward to this! 🙂
Cute, I like that….
like 🙂
Where did you get the math fabric- fourth down, second photo?? I've been searching!! We've a member in our guild who is excellent a naming. Maybe I will ask her!
Show Me How Quiltalong, Blue Elephant's Guide for Beginning Quilters, The Method to my Madness QuiltAlong are my first random thoughts 🙂
Learn to quilt with Blue elephant stitches..
I tend to name the same way you do so no help there. But I'm looking forward to reading along. I'm sure I will learn lots 🙂
I love that you shared what you do and don't have in the teaching department and quilting. A no-rules, laid back approach is something I strive for. Good luck naming the series.
Looking forward to it. How about LET'S QUILT! Xo
"I think it is important that sewists/quilters are nurtured from the beginning with the idea that sewing is for you. You are not required to vow allegiance to any rules or government of thread and fabric. To sew and quilt is simply to use needle, thread and fabric to make what YOU want to make!"
Amen, Amen, Amen!!
This is off to a great start – I can't wait to follow along!
My sentiments exactly. Rules are made to be broken, anyway.
for a title, how about "quilting is sew simple" or "sew you think you can't quilt? think again"!!!!!
can't wait!!
I really don't have a preference for the name, all I can say is that I'm in. I'm a long, longtime lurker on your blog and just love your quilts. I am a beginner quilter, I'm working on m 3rd quilt right now. Can't wait for it to start. Oh and I do like the title Quilting is Sew Simple.
How about:
The Unfolding of a Quilt
I will be checking in. For a name " Live-Love-Learn Quiltalong "
I love that first stack of fabrics!!!
So looking forward to this! Can't wait to learn from you!
I don't sew much at all in summer, but I'll be following along online anyway. Names are hard… how about The Modern Quilt Process, Simplified
Following 😉
I will totally love following along with you!
Always a great idea! How about "Simple Beginnings QA" or "Quilty Beginnings QA"… "Early Quilter"….
Beginning Quilts QAL
How about "You can do it Quiltalong". My friends and I always say that whenever someone gets stuck on something. "You can do it!" I love your blog by the way and have been following for a while. Thanks for the inspiration!
Modern Blue Elephant Quiltalong…
i'm a huge fan of your fabric choices and can't wait to get some advice from you!
Wow, lot's of great suggestions for your QAL so I'm not adding one but am excited to follow along! You offer so much inspiration. I've started a Pastel Chunky Crosses quilt based on yours. Thanks!
"Elephant Walk" came to mind. Can't wait!!
Mmm.. both those fabric stacks are gorgeous. I haven't seen the green ones in the first stack before.
How about "Quilt, Don't Quit?" 🙂