So, I have been feeling the need to make something for baby Monty. I've gone back and forth between making a quilt or knitting something special. And I think I've finally landed on making a train quilt. There is one problem though.
I have no idea what I'm doing!
I have never taken any type of sewing class, nor have I ever sewed anything over the level of a button on a shirt. I also don't have a sewing machine or any type of idea of the supplies I will need.
After a little consideration I thought about going about this in two different ways. One: I could "wing it" and try to sew by hand. Find a pattern that I like and ask for help every step of the way at a quilting shop, and pray for the best. Or, Two: pay for an actual quilting class, and hope that I finish the whole project while in class. Option two would give the opportunity to use a sewing machine, but also runs the risk of me not being able to finish - plus the added expense of the class.
I have considered trying to purchase a sewing machine, but they seem so expensive, and I hate to spend a few hundred dollars on a basic model - then later find out that I'm either horrible at quilting or that I really need/want a bigger and better model that I can do much more with.
So as of right now, I'm just stuck. I'm going to try to find a couple of local quilting shops in the area and ask a few questions.
Why am I doing this? I know I will probably cry out of frustration, stick myself one to many times and half way through ask myself why did I ever want to do this, but I would really like to make something that will last a lifetime (or close to it). A memory that Monty will have for longer then he can remember. So, one way or another I will accomplish this before he arrives.
So why don't you take a class? Arlington and Fairfax have tons of quilting classes and other artzy classes .. Some are free others you have to bring the supplies!!!! I like the idea of you creating a blanket!
ReplyDeleteAfter my post Matt brought down two baby blankets he had since he was a baby. It totally gave me more motivation to make a quilt.
ReplyDeleteHis quilts have lasted....ahum....well at least 30 years :-)
omg! don't try to make a quilt by hand! that'll take forever! i think your idea of going to a few quilt shops and talking to them is a good idea. my fav quilt shop in the area, the Artful Quilter, recently moved to Burke, not too far away from you. i know for sure that they offer beginning quilt classes. also, places that sell better brand sewing machines (not Joanns) sell used machines. that's how i could afford mine. it was regularly $3,800, but i only paid $2,500 for a used one. don't freak about the price, it's an embroidery machine. the point is, i got a good deal going with a used one.
ReplyDeletealso, even if you didn't use it a whole lot right away, you would eventually use it. it took me about 8 years to *really* start using my machine.
also also, you've got me to help through emails! i can help you find great tutorials online! do it!!
Thanks Marie! I'll let you know when I get started and how everything goes. I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions for you!
ReplyDelete