Quilting101 for beginners

My family moaned and groaned when I said I wanted to learn how to quilt. They saw another craft project which I would start and never finish. However; I found this great FREE Ebook all about quilting for beginners. It told me what I needed to know and had such a complete glossary of terms that I can understand the other books I've been reading about quilting. Now I can finish a quilt for my new grandson.

Quilting goes back to ancient Greece, China and India. Early prayer rugs and carpets were made of silk, linen and satin. Quilting was used to add warmth and beauty to outerwear as well as bed covers.

The Pilgrims brought quilts and quilting methods with them to the New World. The first quilts made in the US were probably of simple design possibly with just two pieces of solid material with something in the middle to act as batting. The oldest quilting pattern in the US is called the "Crazy Quilt". Colonial women used the small bits and scrapes of cloth and put them together in any pattern. Since fabrics were priced high; all the scraps had to be used and even old clothes were cut up to be reused for quilts. Quilts were hand quilted and put on the beds for warmth and beauty.

Later as cloth become less expensive; and sewing machines were more plentiful; quilting changed and became more ornate. Always in times of trouble and scarcity; women have returned to quilting for both its beauty and function.

Sewing Machine
Work Surface
Iron and Ironing Surface
Scissors/ Cutting Equipment
Measuring Tools
Marking Tools
Stencils
Batting
Fabric

How you decide to use your quilt can determine how long and how well it will last. If you decide to sleep under your quilt be sure to turn the quilt frequently. Your body will leave oils at the top of the quilt. If your turn it often it will make the wear even and let your quilt last longer. Never leave your quilt in direct sunlight as it will fade the material quickly.

Before you decide to wash your quilt you may want to gently vacuum it first. This will remove most of the dirt. In the past; dry quilts were placed on the line and gently beaten to remove the dirt. When you decide to wash your quilt; use only gently soap. Be sure to rinse the quilt several times to be sure to remove all the soap. Soap left in will attract more dirt and require you to wash the quilt all the sooner. Do not pick up your wet quilt. Rather wrap it in a sheet or towel. Picking up a very wet quilt may stretch or tear the quilt. Do not put the quilt on the line or in a dryer. Place the quilt on several sheets or towels and blot the water out. Let it dry slowly by itself.

Once you have mastered the art of quilting; you can begin to make a large variety of items for sale. Here is a short list:
Quilts for the Bed
Wall Hangings
Pillows
Quilted Toys and Animals
Quilt Restoration
Teaching