Quilting

[Dutchie Delta]

Itsy, quilting is traditionally done by hand. Small items are ok free hand or in a hoop. You know, embroidery hoops?
Larger items you might look into a quilt stand. Cos you need to sew the quilt-fabric to the stand to keep it taut. If you are handy or know a handy person, a stand can be made but it's a lot of work if you are not sure quilting is your thing.
There are quilt sewing machines out there to make patterns. They will cost you more then you'll ever earn. Don't bother.
If you have a decent second hand sewing machine, you can quilt layers that are not too thick. But it's not as easy as you may think.
Why not start with a small mugrug? If you have some old cotton cloth around (think old sheets or duvets) and an old wintercoat with batting as filling, you're in. No need to spend any money just to try.
Dissect the old jacket to get the filling(batting) out. I use it either to quilt of stuff toys, objects.
You can then try quilting something small.

Or make something like this with the batting:

[diamond lil]

Oh wow that looks lovely. What is it? It looks like one of those things that are dead complicated to make but aren't. If you know what I mean

[Dutchie Delta]

Lil, it's an Amish puzzle ball or Brainy ball. And it's dead difficult to get your head around thinking in three dimensions the first time.
Once you see one and feel in your hands, you know. But to get it first time was... interesting.

I'm just trying to explain Itsy, without raining on her parade, maybe its best to start small.
I had knitting needles shoved into my hands age 3 and grew up in a very crafty family. To my luck you can say. Between my mum and my sisters, there is hardly a skills not represented. Anything yarn, cloth, fabric, fiber, someone knows it.
And I'm still learning.

[diamond lil]

I can knit anything knittable - but I'd rather saw my leg off with a blunt nailfile than sew a stitch

[itsybitsy]

I think it would be a tad quicker by machine!
Of course you can do it by hand - me thinks you have a very romantic idea of quilting by the fireplace, with candlelight, rocking in your rocking chair.

Have we met in a previous life, Su???

I have been looking at those old fashioned treadle sewing machines on Ebay - they are only about £40.00.

[diamond lil]

Try Freecycle Itsy - I got a hand crank Singer with electric motor fitted, on Freecycle. Is gorgeous, all oiled and cared for and in the original case. I keep it for curtains

[itsybitsy]

Try Freecycle Itsy - I got a hand crank Singer with electric motor fitted, on Freecycle. Is gorgeous, all oiled and cared for and in the original case. I keep it for curtains

The freecycle 'network' round our way is full of folk wanting three piece suites and motorbikes (I'm not joking either) and the ones giving stuff away are just getting rid of utter crap. It's not really being used what it's intended for, unfortunatley.

[Damkina]

Itsy, I make patchwork quilts by both the hand and machine method and willing to teach you if you would like. Traditionally it was done by hand, but I bet those prairie women would have used a machine as soon as they were able to get their hands on one.

The easiest patterns to start with is either "Traditional Nine Patch" or "Rail Fence" lap quilt. I must warn you though... It's very addictive.

I also live in Yorkshire so you are welcome to meet up so that I can show you from scratch.

Damkina

[the_flying_emu]

I bought a book on Quilting from Aldi whilst doing a stockpile shop. I had intended to make a lovely warm quilt for the bed but soon realised how much work this would involve...and no sewing machine yet! Ive just recently come back from staying with my sister in Australia, and their charity shops are excellent out there....unfortunately I couldnt bring back the wicker baskets and coffee grinder I had my eye on, but picked up some great old quilting and sewing magazines.....found some inspiration and patterns etc so now Im just going to make a small quilted wallhanging instead,just to get me started I guess.
On the subject of fabric crafts, whilst I was out there, I did make a load of fabric washable sanitary pads for myself and some to store away.....so easy

[preppingsu]

On the subject of fabric crafts, whilst I was out there, I did make a load of fabric washable sanitary pads for myself and some to store away.....so easy

Please post some instructions and maybe a picture (and if you feel you could a review ie how time consuming for washing etc)
I think we had a thread somewhere for this very topic.
cheers