The Fabric Maverick says... Here is how to scratch that itch!

You have been infected by the quilting bug! You have seen beautiful quilts in magazines, in movies or a friend is having a baby. You want to give it a try, but where do you start?

There are several ways to begin. Quilt shops offer classes on learning to quilt. When I first decided I wanted to learn to quilt, quilt shops were my first resource. Unfortunately I soon discovered that I could not find a quilt class that fit into my working schedule. My next step was to find a good, basic book with lots of pictures so I could teach myself. What I didn't understand I asked questions about from the ladies at quilt shop. These are some of the nicest people in the world. They are very willing to help someone with a problem.

Today there are many choices to fit anyone's schedule. I think that you could be stationed in the Antartica and still be able to find a way to learn. You can learn by:

1. Quilt shop classes

2. Online

3. Books

4, DVDs

When I was learning, there were no internet classes or DVDs. Now you can log onto several websites to take classes. One of those websites is Allpeoplequilt.com.  I still like books because you have a resource at your fingertips whenver you need to find an answer to a question.

As you may have noticed, Fabric.com has started to carry books for your particular passion. For the beginning quilter, I recommend "Start Quilting with Alex Anderson".   Some people may think the book is simplistic, but the author goes into great detail describing all the basics of quilting:

1. Explanations of common sewing terms

2. Tools needed

3. Proper preparation of fabric

4. How to cut fabric with a rotary cutter and mat.

5. How to sew the fabric

6. How to press the fabric

7, How to prepare the backing

8. How to assemble the quilt

9. How to quilt the quilt

10. How to prepare the binding.

Then Alex provides 6 beginners projects for you to master your new found skills. Once you have made your first quilt, prepare to be hooked for life.

Go Sew!

 Fabric Maverick