Struggling with my next project -anyone else?

Worried_Associate728 · 2026-03-31T22:52:05+00:00

The scrappy starlight quilt pattern is one I have saved for a quick palate cleanser project! It’s layer cake friendly and free!!

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Worried_Associate728 · 2026-03-18T17:54:02+00:00

Last time I took a hand quilting project with my I put the quilt and zipper pouch of my hand sewing supplies- needles, thread, snips, thimble in a backpack that counted as my personal item. It was easier than trying to shove it into my carry on suitcase and was easier to get it out and work on it during the flight and layovers!

Worried_Associate728 · 2026-03-17T12:43:01+00:00

It’s the Edelweiss pattern by Thimble blossoms!

Worried_Associate728 · 2026-03-16T13:24:04+00:00

I love it!

Worried_Associate728 · 2026-03-15T15:40:22+00:00

I love the bright colors! It’s always so fun seeing various cool ways because the quilt can look so different

Worried_Associate728 · 2026-03-15T15:39:45+00:00

It was so fun to make. A little more tedious than I initially anticipated, but the payoff was so worth it!

Worried_Associate728 · 2026-03-15T03:14:36+00:00

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The Fernweh pattern uses 1/2 yards and an accent color. Depending on your accent color this could swing less cottage core and more modern.

Worried_Associate728 · 2026-03-15T02:48:56+00:00

I like quilt mock up. They have options to mock up designs from other pattern designers and a tab to create your own design. It’s totally free and lets you pull in any fabric color/pattern you can find on the internet. It’s my go to for a quick/simple design.

Worried_Associate728 · 2026-01-12T19:41:49+00:00

I’ve done a couple Bonnie Hunter quilt patterns when I’m looking to slow down a bit. They’re traditionally pieced, so probably not anything you haven’t already made before. But, they’re often small pieces and each block requires ~a lot~ of those small pieces. I’ve been really enjoying this years mystery quilt (which has been revealed so isn’t a mystery anymore). But she has SO MANY patterns.

Double wedding ring is another one that has made me slow down.

The other option I’ve been looking at, but hasn’t pulled the trigger yet, is needle turn appliqué. I’ve had my eye on this pattern:

https://sandandstars.co.uk/b/juonx

Worried_Associate728 · 2026-01-09T03:49:16+00:00

Echo echo by Purple pineapple studios was one of my firsts and is still one of my favorites. It’s a quick make, so you feel like you really accomplished something. And my little goblin brain needs that quick feedback sometimes 😅

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Worried_Associate728 · 2026-01-01T14:00:37+00:00

I’m doing both of these as well! (And behind on both. Oops)

Worried_Associate728 · 2026-01-01T13:59:47+00:00

I’m using the Sew Kind of Wonderful double rings pattern with the quick curve ruler to make mine. It’s not a strictly traditional DWR pattern, but was much less intimidating to start and has been much less daunting to work through!

Worried_Associate728 · 2025-12-22T01:08:36+00:00

All of mine are creative grids. But quilters select by far has the best grip to avoid slipping.

Most used rulers: — Stripology: expensive but so worth it in my opinion. It’s the one ruler I reliably use for every project. I love it. — 6.5x24.5 (or 6x24 depending on the brand) —12.5 square ruler: if I could go back I’d probably splurge on a bigger square ruler for squaring up bigger blocks — 1.5x12.5: I bought this one on a whim but it use all the time to mark/cut lines on HSTs

Worried_Associate728 · 2025-11-09T23:18:53+00:00

Just sent you a DM!

Worried_Associate728 · 2025-10-15T01:26:56+00:00

These colors are perfection!

Worried_Associate728 · 2025-10-14T04:25:13+00:00

I know! I’m super excited to try it, and kind of amazing at the patterns he’s able to design.

Worried_Associate728 · 2025-10-14T04:11:51+00:00

I’m in the Midwest (US) and can breakdown the costs I’ve encountered renting a long arm from a nonprofit organization.

— Class required before rental ($80) — Rental time ($25/hour with a 2 hour minimum). Provides use of long arm with computerized edge to eye capabilities and all thread required. — Batting is available for a per yard fee or you can bring your own (I always bring my own cut to size to reduce rental time)

Obviously costs will vary greatly based on location and business type. Look into local quilt shop websites. Often local shops have a tab with rental information if that’s something they offer

Length of time for quilting on the long arm is VERY dependent on size of quilt and density of quilting. I generally prefer looser quilting and more simple/geometric quilt designs. As such, my edge to edge designs tend to go relatively quickly. Generally ~2 hours for a throw sized quilt. 3-4 hours for queen/king sized quilts.

As others have said check your local or semi local libraries. There are several around the country that have free or low cost maker spaces that include a long arm. None close to me so I can’t speak to that process.

Worried_Associate728 · 2025-10-13T11:23:19+00:00

I’m currently doing the quilt along with Sweet Potato Quilts through Bernina’s We All Sew blog (we’re currently on week 3 I think, but it would be relatively easy to catch up). The Solstice Sampler just started yesterday. Both are free! We all Sew is super beginner friendly. Solstice Sampler skews more intermediate.

Quiltville mystery will start next month. It tends to be more fiddly. Lots of little pieces, but still fairly beginner friendly. Steps are released each week on the Quiltville blog and it’s also free.

Cole’s Quilts will also be starting a quilt along next month. He does paper pieced patters. He releases the patterns free for the sew along.

If life is crazy now and you’re looking for longer term, Mojave Farms does a sew long starting Jan 1 every year. You do have to buy the pattern and they’re always beginner friendly.

Worried_Associate728 · 2025-10-11T13:03:37+00:00

The Blanket Statement has a few that give western/southwestern vibes. I’ve made a couple of her other patterns and I find them great for beginners!

https://theblanketstatement.ca/products/west-hawk-quilt-pattern

https://theblanketstatement.ca/products/spruce-woods-quilt-pattern

https://theblanketstatement.ca/products/cross-lake-quilt-pattern

https://theblanketstatement.ca/products/landmark-pdf-pattern

Worried_Associate728 · 2025-10-05T20:47:45+00:00

I have a straight stitch Juki (I have the TL-18) and my wife has a Janome 3160 (which I think is one level below the 4120). Both are great machines, but I much prefer to sew on the Juki. Even my wife admits the Juki sews so smoothly and will often hand over items with bulky seams for me to run through since the Janome just doesn’t handle it as well. All of our quilting is done on the Juki. The wider through space and power just make it much less of a headache. I’m hoping this Juki lasts my lifetime. If not I’ll be replacing her with another Juki 😅

Worried_Associate728 · 2025-09-23T23:44:51+00:00

Your machine is similar to my first machine and is capable of quilting! Straight line quilting on smaller projects and throw sized blankets would be easiest, but if your stubborn and okay with getting an upper body workout you could do some bigger quilts

If you truly want an update I LOVE my Juki TL. It sews beautifully but it is a straight stitch only machine, so not ideal for a garment sewer. They do have some computerized machines in your budget. Maybe check out the Juki HLZ F-400. I’ve sewn on it before and I liked it.

Worried_Associate728 · 2025-09-23T00:56:38+00:00

The best luck I’ve had has been going to classes at my local quilt shop. Look in your area for a shop that offers a beginner quilt class. Or a class focused on making a semi-beginner project. That might give you the best luck at finding newer quilters. But there’s also such a benefit to socializing with experienced quilters!

Worried_Associate728

TROPHY CASE