Welcome! I know what you mean about being inspired by the pictures and discussion on this thread. I don't have a lot of time to quilt, but I certainly get a sense of satisfaction when I see other people's projects!

There is no one place where all swaps and rules are listed. Usually the hostess does a good job of explaining the "rules" up front when she first posts the swap. Sometimes people have to ask for clarification. Everyone is very friendly, so feel free to ask as many questions as you need to.

Once again, welcome.

Lola

Welcome, and let me add that any regular swap whose deadline hasn't come yet will probably welcome you to join in. No harm asking about any of them, though, and people are always happy to have new members here, so they'll be nice even if they have to refuse. Some swaps have a limited number of participants because their aim is to have people make and receive back just enough blocks to make a quilt of a certain size; that will usually be explained by the hostess at the beginning.

No one is perfect, and no one has to be perfect, so remember that we will love to see pictures of anything you make, too!

Welcome to the forum and good luck with your quilting. I'm sure you'll do a fine job. We love to see pictures.

Geri

Welcome! Only four sewing machines? You're just getting a good start!

Annie

Welcome to our group. You'll soon settle in to what help and advice can come your way. I've learned so much here.

You're starting off right - classes. My first was for a simple table runner. If you don't like one, there are others with better teachers if you just be selective.

Feel free to soak it all in and ask questions.
Linda
near San Francisco

Welcome to the Quilting Forum! I have seen you over on Cooking. *waving*

We are happy for all to ask questions here and also seek opinions when in the middle of a project. Please post often so we can get to know you. And....oh yes....we like pics!

Teresa

Welcome to our little group. You will be surprised what you will be able to contribute. Lots of sewing tips are very helpful for quilting also.

Swaps are posted on the discussion thread, and we welcome newbies. Feel free to just jump in.

beverly

Welcome! I just found this great group last spring and I can tell you they have been very welcoming, inspiring and helpful. You'll be glad you introduced yourself!

Kate

Welcome to the forum. You'll find everyone friendly and helpful.There's always someone here to give you advice, answer questions or point you in the right direction. Have fun with your quilting. And show us lots of pictures of your projects.
~Geraldine

Thanks all to the warm welcome. I was the manager of a huge fabric store - for alot of years - in the 70's (polyester double knit days if anyone dates back that far). I had started a quilt with bicentennial (1976) fabrics and Holly Hobby prints. I have saved it all these years, and no it will never be finished! Methods, and supplies and technology and the wealth of information and help available to us thru the internet has made me decide to start quilting now; I always said that was my goal when I retired. And of course, I have to jusify my new sewing machine.
Annie - I forgot the Sailrite machine for heavy canvas & the serger in my machine count. I've seen pictures of your machines and sewing room - the envy of all who sew! It made me clear space in my office for my sewing machine cabinet yesterday.
Teresa- yes a familiar, nice person is always great. *waving back atcha*
Thanks everyone again - I have paid attention to your suggestions and hints in other posts - some very old, and you all would be pleased at what a good student I've been.

Mag, welcome to the forum. It's a great place to share and learn. I've been here since BQF (before quilting forum) was even started up by Spike (the "original" webmaster) but don't post too often... not enough time to do all things and quilting comes before the 'puter :-)))))

You've already started well by not only taking classes but by allowing yourself to be "critical" of some of the things you'll hear. There are no quilt police and all of the things (rules) you are bombarded with should be taken as they make life easier for you. Some you'll follow to the letter, some you'll adapt, and some you'll discard. Quilting should be FUN and mostly (hahahhaha) stress-free. I think you've already figured that out!!!!

Welcome...

Welcome! It's great to have new people join! Will be looking forward to pictures and having you join in swaps.
Sue

Hi Mag, and welcome! I hope you ask lots of questions so I can read the answers too. :)

I lurked awhile before I got up the nerve to post, and that's not at all like me on the forums. I just soaked in everyone's pictures and searched for advice. I felt like such a rank novice, and I mean rank as in 'stinky', lol. I knew I had miles to go before I felt comfortable quilting.

This forum has been such an inspiration, and all the participants are very nurturing to new quilters........and very generous with their knowledge. Each quilt I have turned out has been a little better than the one before, and that's what it is all about.

Welcome, and I know you'll enjoy it here, too. Annie has more machines than anyone I know, and I had to LOL when you remembered two more machines you had and didn't list. That means you are one of us. I have to stop and count how many machines I have too.

I started drooling when you said you managed a fabric store. That's a job quilters dream about, but I'm sure it's hard work.

Ooh - managing a fabric store! What a job..(sighs wistfully).

Welcome to the forum! We're all pretty friendly, and we like pictures.

Welcome from another newbie. I have been quilting for about 18mths and although I seem to be in a bit of a slump right now, I usually spend as much time as possible doing patchwork. Have several simple finished quilt tops and works in progress and even a few finished items. Most of them would not bear close inspection but I have learned so much from posters here. So far, no extra sewing machines have followed me home from local quilt shops but lots of fabric and tools have done so. Patchwork is very popular in my small Western Australian country town. We have our priorities right here - one small grocery shop, 3 pubs and 2 fabric shops along our one main street. Beth

Welcome to the forum. We look forward to helping you with questions and learning from you. Regardless of sewing experience we learn from everyone here--sometimes by the mistakes we make!

We each have a unique, creative spirit that shines through our projects. That's why pictures are soooooo important.

Your story reminds me of a friend who did the same thing--took her only machine in for servicing and came home with a Pfaff that cost more than her first new car. Her husband is still not over it.

So glad to see another "newbie" joining the group. Since I first posted last week I have bookmarked many great quilting sites to look at and a quilter friend as loaned me one (of her many) machines so I can start my first project! I am so inspired by this group of people on this forum...quilters are truly nice folks!

~Susan

Wecome Mag: I think quilting is a lot like cooking. You can enjoy the craft and the crafters even if you don't share the same tastes. And you can always try a new flavor or technique. I love a cookbook with lots of pictures and I love a forum with lots of posters ( and not just pics). Carole