I'm not sure if this will help... You can create the ribbing effect by crocheting only in the back loop.  However, to do that in your pattern, the ribbing would be horizontal and not vertical like Quinn's hat.

First,  quilt supplies:  A 1/4" presser foot, a rotary cutter, extra blades, and a cutting mat are very useful.  You will also need a ruler or two. . .  I started with a 6" x 24" ruler, which is very versatile.  What ever else you need will largely depend on what kind of quilts  you make. . .  if you start using patterns with a lot of half-square triangle, I'd recommend an E-Z Angle ruler.

completely agree.  I would also add a pair of nice scissors to that list. Also, this may not be quilting supply, but while you're at the store pick up a sewing machine maintenance kit.  And remember to oil and clean your machine regularly!

As to the amount of fabric, it obviously depends on what pattern you will make.  If you're following a patter, it will tell you how much fabric to get.  When I started quilting, my general rule was to get an extra 1/4 yard more than what the pattern called for. Just in case I screw up with the cutting or sewing...

I just went back and re-read your entry and realized you're doing it by hand! man extra kudos to you! I tried to make a postage stamp quilt on the machine, which I can do quicker than hand quilting, and got fed up after a day. Hope you'll post the entire quilt after you're done!

In that case, I would recommend the Singer 4 stitch or the Brother.  Since I learned how to sew on a basic Brother machine, I'm kind of partial to them . If you're using the machine for clothe construction, then make sure the machine comes with a zipper foot.  They are so helpful! If you'll be trying your hand at quilting, then I would suggest looking at the manufacture site to make sure you have the option for additional feet, such as the walking foot, quilting foot, and the 1/4 foot.

Also, this is something I've realized with a basic machine.  They are great with light to medium weight fabric.  If you want to explore with denim or other heavy materials, be prepared to spend a while playing with different tension, needle, and thread.  The first time I tried to work with denim, I got a lot of dropped stitches and needles/thread breaking before finding the right combo.

I'm not sure what you'll be using the machine for, but regardless, I would warn you away from any hand held or "mini" machines.  The motors on those things are so weak, you really can't do anything with it. It might be good for some very simple mending or hemming, but anything heavier, it will break on you.

It looks pretty good so far! I'm tempted to do a pixel quilt myself. I'm wondering where did you find the image to base your quilt on? or did you design it yourself?

I *just* moved to nederland, hopefully I'm not too late to join up any craft groups? I quilt and crochet, if that helps with anything?

thanks for the confirmation!

I'm such a newb at quilting. I'm working on my first quilt and I am thinking about using fleece instead of regular batting.  Has anyone done this? Would this affect the quality of the quilt? Can I still quilt the thing or should I just tie the the layers together? any suggestions and inputs would greatly help!

i've asked my artist friends the best way to make gray and brown. and this is what they told me. gray is a variation of black, and you can't make black since it's a pure color. the best way to 'imitate' blacks/grays is to mix purple and green. you might have to play around with the ratios. as for brown, the best way is to combine all three primary colors [red, blue, yellow] again, you'll have to play with the ratios to get the color just right.