Quilting is a favorite textile art with all age groups here in the United States. We traditionally envision our grandmother, sitting around her quilting table with her friends, sipping tea, socializing and incessantly stitching away at the latest creation. However, younger women and even kid\'s groups participate in this ever popular creative activity. If it isn\'t tea being served, it\'s coffee or lemonade on a hot summer\'s day. So what\'s to stop you from joining one of these lively groups?

Go get a quilt pattern, your materials and join a group. You\'ll get a regular social event, new friends and a lovely quilt for your time. Here are a few pointers on how to purchase the right materials to bring your quilt patterns to a proper state of quilthood!

When planning the fabrics you\'ll be using, be sure to choose materials of essentially the same weight. For example, don\'t mix wools and velvets with calicos. Although the visual effect might be pleasing, it is far more difficult to sew the pieces together with the same tension. All of the fabrics will tend to stretch unequally, which can ruin the look the quilt pattern intended.

Your quilt pattern may offer suggestions on the types of fabrics that work particularly well with that pattern. If you\'re not an experienced quilter, you\'ll do well to go with the suggested fabrics. Such fabrics take into account factors such as stretch and fabric nap, as well as the type and number of fabric cuts, which can affect the finished piece.

When choosing trims for your quilt pattern, check the pattern instructions for suggestions. If certain fabrics are recommended, it\'s likely good choices in matching trims are given as well.

It\'s also important to use the right backing fabric and filling. Use the correct sewing machine needles, hand needles and quilting threads.

Although these required components help you to make the most of your chosen quilt pattern and produce a technically excellent result, the real beauty is attained with your own creativity. You choose the colors, fabric patterns, textures and trimming that makes your quilt a one-of-a-kind creation.

Joining a quilting group allows you to draw on the experience of others and to share your design concepts with other members of the group. Choosing the right materials assures a well-made, professional look, but the truly lovely quilt is a product of your creativity. With your first successful foray into the world of quilting, you\'ll be eager to begin the next. No less important will be the fun and the company of your new artist friends!