 | Peggy Engel is the owner of Hen Feathers Quilt Shop, located at 150 N. Rock Road in Wichita. Peggy, a lifelong seamstress, switched her focus a few years ago from clothing to quilt making. She and her daughter, Christie Welch, make up the creative team of Two Chicks Designs, a line of quilting patterns that focus on the fabric rather than difficult designs. You can contact Peggy at (316-652-9599. |
Arts & Crafts
2005-08-01 15:40:00
About quilting
: I am interested in making a quilt, but I don't know anything about quilting or sewing. Where do I start?
ANSWER: The best way to learn to quilt is to take a quilting class. There are a lot of tips and shortcuts that you just won't find in many books or patterns. Even quilters that have quilted a long time may not be aware of all of these shortcuts. A quilt shop is the obvious place to sign up for a class. Find a shop that you are comfortable in. The shop should be friendly and willing to help you with your fabric selection. You should be comfortable enough to ask them for help when you encounter a quilting problem. When you have found a shop you like, ask for a list of classes they offer, then, zero in on the techniques you want to learn. Do you want to learn how to make a quilt top by hand stitching or by machine? Maybe you don't want to make the quilt top, you just want to learn how to hand quilt. If the class you want is not offered, ask and the shop might add it to their next schedule or arrange a one-on-one lesson.Ask how big the class will be (beginners need a lot of one-on-one attention) and what techniques will be covered. If you want to learn how to machine piece but don't know how to rotary cut be sure this is part of the class. If there is not a quilt shop in your area, the county extension office is a good place to check for classes, also some churches have groups that would be happy to share their love of quilting. If the class you want involves a sewing machine now is the time to get yours out of the closet and become familiar with it again. It is probably a good time to have it serviced. If you borrow a machine, figure it out before your class. Know how to thread the machine, wind a bobbin and make it run. You do not need a fancy machine to quilt, just one that has a nice straight stitch. You cannot beat some of the older machines for a quality stitch.The above steps should keep you busy until it is time for your class. The only thing left is to relax and have fun. Don't worry about making your quilt perfect. You want to leave some room for improvement!
