Sewing novice- am I mad to attempt a patchwork quilt?

[Glitterkitten24]

Hello,
I've been procrastinating on the Internet tonight (for a change ) and have come up with the idea of making a patchwork quilt for my mum for Christmas.
I'd love to use some different materials from some old clothes and incorporate some things with important memories, such as handkerchiefs of my grans, and other sentimental bits.

Am I nuts to consider this? Am I just going to make a humongous mess?
I'm quite good at crafty stuff in general but ccan only really sew in a straight line using a sewing machine, I'm a complete novice.
Do you think it's realistic to think I could practise sufficiently and make a quilt by Christmas?

Any tips or resources from experienced quilters would also be appreciated.
Tia.

Nope you can totally do this if you can sew in a straight line. You might struggle with the different quality/textures/movements of the materials you are proposing. Moda bake shop has loads of free patterns from big to small project if you want to get some ideas. I find the instructions are fairly clear.

Also if you think this might be something you will consider doing again invest in a cutting board, rotary cutting and a ruler. Will save you hours!

Have you thought of maybe making a couple of patchwork cushions for her, instead of a quilt? Then you'll know if you enjoy doing patchwork or not, without the massive investment in time and fabric needed to do a quilt. Definitely invest in the cutting board, rotary cutters and ruler whatever you decide to do.

Thanks both for replying.
I think I'm going to give it a try, I'm watching some tutorials on YouTube now, and will try and get some materials to practise on.
I'm loathe to start buying lots of things before I decide if I enjoy it or not, but a rotary cutter etc looks pretty indispensable, eh?

I did think about cushions, I might look into that that would be a good starting point.

A new project! How exciting!

Do check out the website I linked there are so many projects big small whatever that are free that are just lovely. I have my eye on about six but can't start anything until the 1001 unfinished projects get done. I do have new project though

This is a great idea - esecially if you start with a cushion. Maybe use the less impotant bits to begin with and save granny's hanky for the second one where you will be better at it.

Squares is easiest to start with. Try to keep the same kinds of material together and avoid stretchy material. Cut out your squares carefully at the start - all the same size exactly and pin them together in pairs. remember to leave enough at each seam so that it doesnot come undone, and overlock or zig zag the seams so they don't undo ( cushions can take quite a hammering in our house). And think about how you will fill it and join it together after you have filled it. A bit of handsewing over the fill hole may be the best bet and the easiest.

Good luck - it should look great.

If you do a simple pattern like a 9 square you can use pretty much any colours / patterns you like and its very effective, but not difficult to cut, or sew.

Have a look at some of these:
images.google.com/search?safe=active&site=&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1143&bih=680&q=9+square+quilts&oq=9+square+quilts&gs_l=img.3...2190.7328.0.7508.17.9.1.7.7.0.126.669.8j1.9.0...0.0...1ac.1.15.img.m2kdNC8B9kk

Sorry that's a long link I don't do links very well. But if you google "9 square quilts" on images you'll get a lot of different options.

And if after sewing nine small squares together you feel overwhelmed, you can indeed make it a pillow or cushion sized offering.