Week 2 - Cutting

Before we start cutting, did you decide if you want to wash/or not wash? It's personal choice. Some people prefer to wash and dry their fabrics before the cutting and sewing just in case a fabric bleeds. This would be the safest option.

If you do wash your fabric, one of the nice ladies at the Grayslake quilt shop suggested that you might also want to spray starch the fabric to crisp it up, ready for cutting.

If you decide to not wash, that's fine too.

Now that that's decided, we're ready to start cutting. Remember, iron all your fabric, and, keep your fingers out of the way.

In case you need more help with cutting, or, just need a review, check out this blog entry. Remember, the measurements are not the same as our quilt but the technique is.

Looking for some inspiration?

Visit the Birmingham Festival of Quilts with this blogger. This one is my favorite, by Janice Gunner.

My fat quarters

I went to the quilt shop in Grayslake. I think it was hard because I didn't have too much of an idea. But the ladies were nice and encouraging. And this is what I got. I know that it looks a little boring. But the finished product is going to go on the bedspread you see in the picture - which is just plain taupe!!! I also attached a picture of the entire bed with the wall hanging above it. We are kind of going with a nautical theme. Also I saw the Quilting 101 book in the used bookstore - thought that I could use all the help that I can get!

Getting Ready for Tuesday

Ah, I can't wait to see what this assortment will look like when all done.

3.5 inches ...

Scraps anyone?

You know, MyMediaMall and Pandora go well with quilting! lol

Getting antsy to start?

Need virtual help? Tired of waiting for the rest of us? Check out quiltcetera.com There's an awesome tutorial on beginning quilting that I think will answer a lot of questions.

Some people are close to sewing..........

Also Penny123 on youtube has quite an assortment of helpful videos, click here to view.

Here is my quilt fabric! Thankfully Michelle went with me to help select fabric because it was very overwhelming! We went to Quilt Play in Grayslake and the saleswoman was also very helpful. The inspiration for this color scheme was developed around the the black and cafe paisley quarter which i adore.

First Meeting

Today, we had our first meeting! Although some of our group are nervous and uncertain, everyone gathered together to cheer one another on towards each person's goal -- to create a quilt.

I've created this blog so we can all connect with our progress - it'll be so fun! Really! I've invited everyone to be members - so, take pictures, show us your progress! Write entries - let's share our progress! If you need help with blogger, just let me know.

During the next two weeks, you'll need to gather supplies including fabric, rotary cutters, etc. Remember, you can check here for a list. Members also agreed to share materials when possible.
Good places to look for fabric were suggested. They include: etsy.com -- check the supplies category and search for "quilt fabric", the fabric store in downtown Grayslake, and the fabric store in downtown Crystal Lake.

Certainly, you can purchase material from chain stores like Joanne Fabrics. Please remember that the cotton is a looser weave than traditional quilting materials and may have a larger shrink percentage, bleeding dyes when washed, and may not age as well as a quilt made with a higher weave. (Frankly, its better to use quilt fabric.)

I will make copies of the pattern, Yellow Brick Road, and deliver them to you all. (Or, those of you who want to make this pattern.)

Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, 10:30 a.m., September 1st. I'll send out calendar invites. In order for everyone to get a chance to attend a meeting, we'll spread them out during the week. Also, we agreed to have two weekends between meetings so that we'd have more times between actions.

Interested in reading some other blogs? Here's a few you might enjoy:

Bloomin' Workshop

Quilt While You're Ahead

Posie Gets Cozy

Crazy Mom Quilts

My Spare Time

My fabrics are in the picture above. I want to make a lap quilt - just for the sewing room! lol

Share a picture(s) of your fabrics! Write a post!