Posted by hodge on 2005-09-11 09:01:33
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i'm not sure about existing quilting clubs in downtown t.o., but you could get in touch with the textile museum of canada (http://www.textilemuseum.ca) and ask if they know of any (they have lots of volunteers who are quilters i think). there is also a quilt shop on mt. pleasant near davisville that you could contact (not downtown downtown, but i think this is the closest quiltshop to downtown downtown): Quilter's Quarters (595 Mount Pleasant Rd., 416-487-1047)
another option is starting one up yourself. i am also a beginner quilter (very into modern quilts like Denyse Schmidt and quilted accessories) and really eager to learn more. i would love to do something like a quilt-along - choosing a project with a group and coming together to check out each other's progress, swap tips, etc. i just finished a big project and need to hibernate for a bit, but would be into something like this eventually. PM me if you would like to talk about this idea some more.
Posted by Diana on 2006-08-14 20:13:23
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Back sooner than I expected. Here are some recomendations for quilt books: The everything quilting book by Sandra Detrixhe,
Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Quilting, Quilting for The First Time by Donna Kooler (has some nice projects), 10-20-30 minutes to learn paper-piecing by Jodie Davis, Quilting for Dummies by Cheryl Fall (I hate the title, but it is a very good basic guide), The Magic of Crazy Quilting: a complete Resource for Embellished Quilting by J. Marsha Michler (crazy quilting is my personal favourite), and The Portable Crafter: Quilting by Mary Jo Hiney (some very contemporary looking projects). Try to stay with the American, not British, books as it will be less confusing when you are just starting out. The terms differ as well as measurements. I personally do not like the Quilt in a Day book series by Eleanor Burns as I feel they have poor instructions and are sorely lacking in any kind of artistry that one should see in a quilt. Not to mention that you cannot finish a quilt in a day!! And take advantage of the free advice at your local quilt shop. Just go in and tell them you are a beginner and you will have all the help you could ever ask for from both the staff and other customers. And just let me know if I can help with anything. Now get some fabric and enjoy yourself!!
Posted by Diana on 2006-05-22 11:54:11
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My me time is Sunday afternoon. If I didn't schedule the down time I wouldn't get it and I'm single with no kids. And I only work on projects for me--not things for other people. Sometimes I head off the the craft store or quilt shop, but mostly I stay home and play. My co-workers appreciate it as I come in to work on Mondays in a much better humor.
Posted by smudgy_cat on 2005-12-02 19:15:05
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I was just about to post on the same topic, except I'm contemplating a $700 brother quilting machine. Anyone used brother machines?
For an easy, entry level machine, I'd probably pick one up at costco. They have some for $200 or under, and they have everything you seem to be looking for.
You can also find used models on craigslist or sewing machine shops, but it can be frustrating to have a machine with funky, vintage quirks. I have 4 old machines, and they've served me well with sewing halloween costumes and some projects, but they frustrate me now because everything is breaking and repairs are difficult because they are so old.
Janome gem is supposed to be really nice; a few women in the quilt shop got them for their daughters, and they passed the workhorse test from one of the quilters. Husquevarna (sp?) is also a good brand. My friend is coveting a bernina or an elna; I forget which.
the brother I'm looking at is comparable to an elna that's twice it's price at the shop, and they've told me it's sturdy.
Posted by Carolyn Himango on 2006-12-04 11:15:13
Post Subject: Brother Sewing Machine from Costco
I have a Brother sewing machine from Costco and it is allright for some simple sewing but mine will not do for quilting. It just can't take all that sewing. You would have to get a Janome for that. I would suggest spending a little more money and buying a Bernani.
I was just about to post on the same topic, except I'm coplating a $700 brother quilting machine. Anyone used brother machines?
For an easy, entry level machine, I'd probably pick one up at costco. They have some for $200 or under, and they have everything you seem to be looking for.
You can also find used models on craigslist or sewing machine shops, but it can be frustrating to have a machine with funky, vintage quirks. I have 4 old machines, and they've served me well with sewing halloween costumes and some projects, but they frustrate me now because everything is breaking and repairs are difficult because they are so old.
Janome gem is supposed to be really nice; a few women in the quilt shop got them for their daughters, and they passed the workhorse test from one of the quilters. Husquevarna (sp?) is also a good brand. My friend is coveting a bernina or an elna; I forget which.
the brother I'm looking at is comparable to an elna that's twice it's price at the shop, and they've told me it's sturdy.
Posted by karikazo on 2004-06-03 15:22:15
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of course you can!! ;)
OK, here is the only place I can think of in the town I used to inhabit (Fayetteville, Arkansas). Not a bookshop but a quilt shop--but they do carry books, so they *might* be willing to carry yours, too (it's too small a town for a tour stop, though). Maybe they'd be tempted by Chronicle's Denyse Schmidt stationery, too.
Anyway, it is a little independent store run by two *very* nice people, so they might be willing to help out a crafty artist type.
http://www.spinningstarfabrics.com/home.htm
Here is another store in Raleigh that has all kinds of hip cute things and might be a possibility:
