Newbie from Massachusetts

[magnoliaquilts]

Hi, newbie to the forum and to quilting...well haven't started on the quilting yet. I don't even have a sewing machine... lol. Working on that though. Have been watching ebay very closely. Also have been doing lots of reading on the internet. I am open to suggestions as to best machine to get, basic beginners tools and any other suggestions one might have for a beginner.

My youngest of 4 is graduating HS next month and possibly going to college in the fall. Can't wait to get my sewing machine and begin on a new adventure in my old age...
Just recently became a grandma....yay for me!!

[quiltingtrish]

Re: Newbie from Massachusetts

Welcome to the board!
I don't know about the best machine to get, I'd try a few out to see which ones you'd be interested in and you could spend anywhere from $50. to a few thousand or more.
The very basic tools I'd start with is a good pair of sewing scissors, a large rotary cutting mat and a rotary cutter.
Congratulations on your youngest graduating - that is exciting. I have 3 kids, one more to graduate - next year.
And you are a grandma! Wow, I haven't been down that road yet. There are lots of things to make for your new grandchild, that's for sure.
Well, just got in from my Dad's and have to head to bed. I popped on here to see any news and new projects and saw you were new here so I just had to welcome you! Now, I best get moving for some sleep or I'll never get up at 6. It's now 12:40 - I just can't get out of his house any earlier when nightime is his time to be awake!
Hugs,

[Loonwatcher]

Re: Newbie from Massachusetts

Welcome from Vermont. I'm a newbie too and totally hooked on quilting. You'll love it.

[magnoliaquilts]

Re: Newbie from Massachusetts

Thanks for the welcome Trish. Woke up this morning to Osama being dead and won my sewing machine on EBay. Not sure how I feel about the first, I think I would rather see him captured and made to suffer like all those others did on 9/11, but this will work too I guess. On the other, I am pretty excited. Yay now I will have a sewing machine. I got a Singer 7442 for $100. Just a step above basic. Maybe someday I can get a top of the line model. Can't wait to get started. Now I just have to figure out what I want to make and go shopping...

What would be a beginner's project that I should take on? I do have sewing experience, just not quilting and haven't done much sewing since I was much younger....way much younger!! :-)

Take care and thanks again for the welcome.

[magnoliaquilts]

Re: Newbie from Massachusetts

Thanks Nancy. You are not too far from me. I am in Western Mass. We go to Vermont quite often. I sure wish Spring would make up its mind here in the Northeast!! Yesterday was a gorgeous day. The lawn was mowed for the first time and looks great! I will take the sound of the lawn mower over the snow blower any time!! lol. Can't wait to get started with quilting. Thanks again for the welcome.

Robin

[institches64]

Re: Newbie from Massachusetts

HI -

I am from Mass also and I love this site. I check it several times a day to get ideas, etc. I am around the Plymouth area. What area are you near? My holdest son graduated HS last year and is headed for culinary school shortly. My younger son is 12.

You will love quilting - it gets into your blood! LOL

[magnoliaquilts]

Re: Newbie from Massachusetts

Hi Instiches64,

I too love the site. So much to be learned. I am in Western Mass....you know the other side of Springfield?? haha I actually was born and lived in Brockton until I was 16....sooooo long ago. I still have family out your way...but don't get out there too often. With my kids involved in HS sports, it is so hard to find the time. Soon though hubby andI will be able to do some traveling and see some long lost family.

I actually can't believe this school year is almost over. Graduation is in a month and I have not done one bit of planning....ugh! Well, have to get going and get ready for work. TGIF...yay!!

Robin

[debinmalaga]

Re: Newbie from Massachusetts

Welcome, Robin, from New Jersey! You're so lucky to have found MSQC at the beginning of your quilting journey! From the eye candy to the solid info to the nicest people, you just can't beat the forum. The shop is the greatest and the tutorials are the best on the web. Have fun!

[magnoliaquilts]

Re: Newbie from Massachusetts

Thanks Deb. I can't wait to get started. Didn't get my new sewing machine yesterday like I was supposed to. Something about changing to my work address added another day for UPS to deliver.... grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. I was so looking forward to playing on it this weekend. You sure have been here a long time. I bet you are a pro at quilting. I figure that when I retire (hope to in 10, but more like 15 the way things are going) I might know what I am doing by then...haha You will probably be getting a lot of questions from me...just warning ya!!

Take care and have a great weekend. My weekend is filled with high school baseball game and some yard work and of course Mother's Day....

Robin

[patticakes]

Re: Newbie from Massachusetts

Welcome Robin! This is a great place to learn quilting and share info! Watching the tutorials is a good place to start! Just go with it and have fun. We are here if you have any questions, just jump on and start a thread, chances are someone will be online to answer it.
I miss western MA having lived in the Berkshires for 10 years. It's so beautiful out there!

[Susan M]

Re: Newbie from Massachusetts

Welcome from Connecticut. We are neighbors! Sewing machines can be fun to pick. You certainly don't want it breaking down just when you are in the middle of a project. Be sure to do your homework and try out the machine. Everyone has their favorite, mine is a Bernina.

[sunflower1944]

Re: Newbie from Massachusetts

Hi Robin and welcome. I am in southern MA too. As Patti mentioned, watching the tutorials is a good place to start. They will give you plenty of tips and ideas on where to start. Have fun!

[Leigh]

Re: Newbie from Massachusetts

Hey welcome from another Ma gal! Good to see so many of us on here. I'm 20 miles NW of Boston. So in between most of you. lol

Wish I could help you with picking a machine - but I'm on a 20 yo singer so I'm no help at all.