Geared toward the absolute novice and assuming little or no knowledge about the crafts of sewing or quilting, this book is a modern-day primer on the basic skills and techniques of quilting. It includes step-by-step photos, useful quilting tip sidebars and a detailed glossary explaining terminology used regularly in quilting, as well as all the basic skills that are the building blocks of the art. From threading the machine and sewing a straight stitch, this book leads you every step of the way to completing more than 20 different quilted projects. The first section includes such topics as: the sewing machine and its accessories, sewing and quilting supplies and how to use them, how to shop for, prepare and cut fabrics, as well as a detailed look at every step of the quilting process. New skills are taught via the creation of an actual quilted project, such as a pillow, placemats, wall hanging and lap quilt.