What stumps most beginning quilters is the choice of that first project.  You want something that is useful and practical, but that is not too big or intimidating.  It seems, however, as if  all the quilted items that you have seen involved intricate patterns or are huge.  You may even doubt that you can quilt.

The truth is that almost anyone can quilt.  The trick is to finish some quick and easy projects at first to build your confidence.  Here are some projects that are tailor made for those beginning quilting

1.  Potholders
Who does not need a potholder?  Before moving on to the next section, really, consider a potholder.  It is a quick project that can be as complicated or as simple as you would like.  The key to a project like this is to stay away from invisible thread that will melt and to use an insulated batting like Insul-Bright.

Potholders meet all the criteria-they will allow you to practice making your quilt sandwich, can be customized for your kitchen or the intended recipient and they are quick.  Every time you take a casserole out the oven, you can admire your handiwork.  You can also think of how to get in more quilting time.

2.  Place mats
Place mats are great projects that will expand your experience.  With place mats, you can use scraps or you can work a checkerboard pattern with two colors.  You can even use a colorful piece of fabric as your quilt top!

 If you wonder who needs place mats, check with your local senior center.  Cheerful, scrappy place mats may just be the thing that brings a smile to the seniors’ faces.  Also, do not forget your family.  A set of placemats matching their dining room décor would make a great Christmas gift.  My parents loved the set I gave them. 

3.  Charity Baby Quilts
These are my favorite projects.  You grow in your quilting skills while helping a worthy cause.  Baby quilts can be whipped up in a weekend very easily.  Any quilt pattern will do.  You just cut down on the number of blocks so that the size of the quilt is about 3 feet by five feet. 

How we begin a hobby is often key to if we continue with it.  Choose something small and easy where you can get a feel if you like quilting.  You may be surprised at how well your beginning quilting projects turn out.