fabric questions from beginner

15 years ago

Well, my quilting class starts tomorrow. I am a mix of excited and nervous. I think I have about everything I need, except (amazingly enough!) FABRIC! The class list highly recommends cotton. I don't have any cotton fabric in large enough amounts to do this quilt. I have a basic white that will do for the back, I'm pretty sure. What I have in large enough portions is the faux suede type of stuff. I'll attach some pics. Do I really need to work solely with cotton for my first quilt? The pattern is a nine patch...their example is in grey and black...not all that appealing to me, but maybe with some colors it will liven up? Anyway it will only be baby quilt size so the cats will probably get it as a sunning bed.

This one I might not have enough, but maybe if I pull out all the scrap pieces I have...

{{!gwi}}

This I definitely have enough for either of the colors...but again its kind of suede or velvety or whatever.

{{!gwi}}

This one the color is actually a sage green...again same texture as above.

{{!gwi}}

This is a lighter, almost batik or gauzy type feel...its really hard to see but it has a flower pattern embroidered on it...but I don't have anything to use with it color wise.

{{!gwi}}

Joann's opens at 9:00 tomorrow...so I could possibly go buy cotton fabric (although I really can't afford it). Class starts at 10:00 at another store...and they don't open till 10:00 so I don't know if I'll have time to find fabric there before they start.

Thanks for feedback/suggestions!

Suz

Here is a link that might be useful: Beginning Nine Patch Quilt

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Comments (10)

mudbugs
15 years ago
Definitely get the cotton. 100% cotton quilting fabric. I think Joanns has a sale this week, so it shouldn't cost you an arm and a leg. I can't stress enough to go get the cotton, especially for a first quilt. Fabrics with stretch or nap will only give you problems and might discourage you from even completing your first project. GET THE COTTON! :o)
solstice98
15 years ago
You need to use cotton for this first class. Everything mudbugs said is correct. Cotton fabric at Joann's is not expensive and well worth it.

You mentioned that you have a 'basic white' that you can use for the backing. If you were planning to use a bed sheet, there's something you'll need to consider. You'll be better off using a very inexpensive muslin (Joann's has that too but you probably don't need it for the class.). Bed sheets have a much tighter weave than quilting cotton and as you sew you'll break threads in the sheet. Over time, this will result in the quilt breaking down. Of course, for a cat's bed it's perfectly fine! I'm sure the cats will love it. Mine always do!

Enjoy your class!

Kate
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sudimari
Original Author
15 years ago
Ahh...if only it wasn't Easter! LOL

The closer I get to starting quilting the more I'm realizing I just don't know. I'm looking forward to learning, but hate feeling stupid!

The white cotton, I'm honestly not sure what it is from...its cut up like remnants of something I've done in the past, but in really big pieces. I have quite a bit of muslin...I bought it to line the curtains I made for my windows then got lazy and didn't line them.

I guess I'll just pull my patterns out and start cutting for the clothes I just bought fabric for! That should keep my mind off the quilting!

Thanks!
Suz
toolgranny
15 years ago
Remember JoAnns has a remnant bin. Just buy a few pieces of cotton (usually marked on the label) and don't worry if they match. This is your chance to learn and practice and the cat won't care what color it is. In class you'll only get to making the top so you can worry about the backing and batting later on.
gerizone5
15 years ago
There's always Walmart, some stores still sell fabric and it's quite cheap.
petalpatsy
15 years ago
I'd say definately get 100% cotton for a quilting class, and I'd go to Wal-Mart and get some sale fabric since after all it is your first class and you might ruin or waste some expensive quiltshop type cottons.
itsmesuzq
15 years ago
Suz, don't feel badly about being a newbie. All the people on this forum had to start at the beginning...and I am at the beginning of my quilting adventure too. Please don't be hard on yourself, no one will think you're "stupid". The reason you are going to take a class is to learn, and that means you are SMART!! I can't wait to take my first class. I haven't got the time right now but will in a couple of months when I retire. Then I'll be emailing YOU and asking you for advice!! ~LOL~

Go ahead a take the class. And mark my words, after the first class you will have learned something and with each class you'll know a little more. Then before you know it you'll be posting your quilts on this forum.

Have fun!

Susan
hablano
15 years ago
I know how you feel about being a newbie but if you don't use cotton I don't think you will like the outcome of your first project. The suedy stuff won't be that great for a nine patch. A lot of other fabrics stretch too. I wish you good luck and enjoy your class.
sudimari
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks everyone for your help! I got up and went to class today (not being a morning person this is major achievement!) and the instructor helped me figure out what I needed to buy in the way of fabric. Turns out the white fabric was bleached muslin (I found the old receipt buried in the bag, lol). So I bought 1 type of colored print and will use that and the white muslin for the quilt top and the unbleached muslin for the quilt back. All cotton with cotton thread!

The down side is the only other participant had a sick child so we actually are postponing class start until next week. Although now I have the book, so I can read & look through it several times between now & next week and get more familiar with ideas,etc!

Suz
solstice98
15 years ago
Sounds like you are on the way!

Please keep us informed and let us know how the class goes.

Kate

fabric questions from beginner

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mudbugs

solstice98

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fabric questions from beginner

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