Quilters of MN: what do you wish you'd known when you were just starting out?

[throway]

I've always wanted to try my hand at quilting, and I'm currently planning my first project. I'm hoping to teach myself given how many resources are available online. I already have a sewing machine and feel fairly confident using it, and I think I should have most of the basic accessories needed from previous sewing projects.

However, I was wondering if there's anything you wish you'd known when you were a complete beginner - stuff that isn't necessarily going to be spelled out in an online tutorial/guide/wiki, or maybe that is but you didn't fully appreciate the importance of? Things you wish you had (or hadn't) spent more time/money/energy on? Anything else I should know?

Thanks in advance!

Start with a small simple project. Will you be doing patchwork and quilting?

Debbie Shore tutorials are simple and clear. Missouri Star quilt company in the US has more advanced techniques if you fancy something a bit more tricky.

@Flakey99 thank you! I was hoping to do patchwork, yes. I actually watched some of the Missouri Star videos and I think she lulled me into a false sense of security! I tried to make a few practice flying geese blocks off the back of her videos - the blocks themselves looked fine at first, but came out looking quite wonky when I tried joining them together, so I think I should probably focus on something more basic for now...

start with small easy projects first. My first patchwork quilt was large squares, then large squares and triangles. I made two rookie errors: 1) not factoring in a seam allowance 2) not always ironing the fabric before cutting, that resulted in wonky patchwork, but I managed to botch and improve once I started to quilt!
I invested in an Accuquilt cutter, and some basic dies (purchased off eBay), and love it (I’m totally ham fisted with my rotary cutter, hence getting something which allows for precise cutting).
I’m self taught, and used a few quilting books (started 30 yrs ago before the internet!) i did do a ‘how to use your sewing machine’ course, which gave me the confidence to put my machine through its paces, and when I retire I’d love to buy a Bernina machine.

@mazedasamarchhare thank you so much, that’s all really helpful! Although I was hoping to get away without the ironing 😂

The machine looks great but I feel like I can’t justify it at this stage… do you happen to have any recommendations for practice projects I can do? I’d love to try making something and not just waste material while I’m experimenting…