Hullo Debbie
Is there any chance that you could get to a class? perhaps run by a
local quilt shop? Even if you don't do many - even just one - it would
take the edge off that 'jumping in' fright! You wouldn't need to commit
yourself to a long series of classes, but, if you don't have a friend
who can give you a helping hand for the first few cuts etc, a class is a
help..
However, you do have us! So, if you have no chance of a class, then
look for a pattern in a book which is labelled for beginners. Look
through your books and start with one where the instructions are
straightforward. Try to stick to patterns with squares and/or
rectangles at first. Don't buy expensive fabric until you have a little
experience of cutting (the sewing is often easier than the cutting).
Look again at your sewing machine manual, and look at it with the eyes
of a quilter. See what features it has that you might not have thought
important before eg a quarter inch foot? or facility for moving the
needle to left or right; can the feed dogs be lowered or covered? do
you have a setting which will enable you to have the needle come to a
stop in a 'down' position?
Once you have made a start; and finished some small thing like a place
mat or a cushion, you will have the confidence to go for something
bigger and more adventurous.

Machine piecing with hand quilting is just fine. You will find that
lots of people do that.

Good luck. You'll have great fun - but you have to start! Let us know
how you get on?
..
In article , Debbie
Williamson writes
Hi my name is Debbie and I'm new here and to quilting. Can anyone tell
me the best place to start quilting. It is all new to me. I have many
books and want to learn. But all the cutting and fitting has me worried.
I really would like to machine piece and hand quilt. Does this sound
like it would work. I need all the help and tips I can get
Thank you Debbie
Cochranville Pa.


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Best Regards
pat on the hill