Absolute muppet dying to make quilt

[peatbogfaerie]

I was asked to leave my sewing class at school for mixing up the neck and arm holes on a summer blouse ... However, I am obsessed by a particular quilt I saw and would love to make one for my dds. Where do I begin? Should I start on something smaller? Is there a nice friendly quilting shop I can go anywhere near SW London?

I too am an absolute muppet when it comes to sewing but have managed to make several quilts now! Don't know about shops near SW London as I am in the Midlands, but a good start would be a basic book on patchwork and quilting. I have one called 'Quick Quilts to make in a weekend' which has good basic technique instructions. What's the quilt like that you want to make?

(incidentally, the one quilt I made from the book actually took 6 years - two weekends at the beginning and two at the end! So a little optimistic I think...!)

It's a lovely Kaffe Fassett one, but very subdued colours for him - a copy of an antique American quilt he has. Probably far too ambitious to start on. Think I might try a tiny cot one first

oops, meant also to say thanks for the name of the book. I've googled 'quilting london' and found a place new Kew, so will need to find a spare hour to go down there.

oops, meant also to say thanks for the name of the book. I've googled 'quilting london' and found a place new Kew, so will need to find a spare hour to go down there.

Kaffe Fassetts designs are usually pretty straightforward, I've made one of his and it was great. It would be good idea to start with a small one though, perhaps a wall hanging or something to get your confidence up.

There are a few places that run quilting classes I think near Hampton Court and Kew. I'll see if I can find some links.

Stitch in Time in Kew

Creative Quilting in Hampton Court

a few more possiblities

Ah, I see you'd already found the Kew shop.

I don't think you should be discouraged because you were bad at sewing in the past. I was always completely cack-handed with a sewing machine, but most quilt patterns are essentially straight lines and it's much easier to work in 2-dimensions for a flat quilt than in 3-dimensions for clothes.

I know a very good online fabric shop in the States, if you're interested - Hancocks in Paducah.

OOh Kaffe Fassett has some beautiful designs. I am also about to start another quilt, probably single bed sized for my dd. As she has only just turned one, I am being realistic about how long it might take me! Good luck.

I couldn't knit, couldn't sew and now look what I can do, see the Etsy thread a bit further down. Even I am impressed

They're lovely, DutchOma - perhaps I might stick to knitting until after Xmas. I suspect buying everything I need to make this quilt will blow the budget this month!

Just found this site this morning with patterns to buy from £5 - hope this helps

dandeliondesigns.co.uk

Ooooh, Twotz, what a gorgeous website. Hmm, can I hide a tiny little purchase in amongst the Xmas pressies???