Even if you prefer traditional quilting methods, go online and discover how you can still connect to the latest in technology.
Teach Yourself
The Internet has thousands of web sites dedicated to teaching new and advanced quilters alike, and for free. You will find step-by-step instructions to teach yourself how to foundation piece, hand piecing and quilting, or machine patchwork and quilting. You can download patterns or find out how to design your own from scratch. If you prefer a teacher-guided approach to learning, there are several pay-for courses available for you to take. Search for "quilting lessons" to find a small sampling of the new ideas you can enjoy.
Free Patterns
Quilters are usually delighted to share their own patterns, and the Internet is the perfect way to do so. Some quilting sites allow you the use of their patterns for a small fee; others give their downloads away for free but want you to follow the terms and conditions of use included on their website. Generally patterns made available are for personal, non-commercial use only. If you have bigger plans for the pattern, always ask the pattern creator first to avoid copyright infringement!
Free Downloads
Once online, you can find just about anything to help you create your quilt. Making a quilt that requires some ABCs? Download one of the millions of free fonts, print out the letters, and start appliqueing. Try dingbats (aka dingfonts, or fontbats) for compelling designs you can use to your heart's content. Need some needlework instructions for embellishing your quilt top? Search for cross stitch or silk ribbon patterns, or free programs to create your own designs. Some sites also offer royalty-free clip art, photographs, or other images that you can print out onto special printer fabric that you can stitch right into your quilt.
Meet Other Passionate Quilters
Whether you live in a large city with many kindred souls who share the same passion for quilting as you do, or a small town where you don't know anyone else who quilts, you can enjoy the virtual company of online quilters. You can join a quilting mailing list and receive emails from quilters all over the world who want to swap fabric, develop and test patterns, or simply want to talk about quilts and quilting. Many quilters have joined the blog revolution and keep an online journal of their quilting adventures. Visit quilting forums and interact with others not only by learning from what they know, but by sharing your own experiences and knowledge. You can also visit magazine websites to "meet" the editors and contributors, and many pattern designers run sites with biographies, latest appearances, and general updates.
Discover New (And Old!) Techniques
Before investing in huge amounts of special quilting tools designed for just one technique, try it out first using the instructions you can find online. Once you've given it a shot and you love what you've created you can indulge in new fabric, books, and interesting gadgets to keep your Muse happy and well-fed. Many traditional quilters' sites feature the "old ways" and discuss antique quilts, patterns, fabrics, methods, and quilt care. If you're stuck on a traditional pattern and wish to look at different instructions or pictures, you'll find what you need online.
Buy Fabric In Your Undies
Hankering for some cottons from Australia, but can't take time off to dash across the world? Want to make a beautiful African quilt but your local quilt shop doesn't carry the prints you need? Find online stores that will ship your order right to your door. You'll find these shops wonderfully helpful for finding specific quilt-related items such as variegated thread, specialty fabrics, quilt labels, designer fabrics, quilter's tools, and even regular cottons that you just can't do without. There are also auctions sites (such as eBay) where you can bid on quilt kits, fabric, and other endless quilting and sewing items.
The Internet is an unlimited resource for quilters. From the very basics of learning how to quilt to the most advanced and difficult of patterns, you'll find everything you need to connect not only with the latest technologies but with quilters around the world. You can even throw in your own two cents and put up your own quilting website!
