would suggest that you see if anyone in your area offers a beginning quilt class. These will usually consist of four to eight sessions and will cover all the things you want to know. Check and see if anyone is offering adult education classes.

Another option would be to find a book. Fons and Porter have a excellent one called "Quilter's Complete Guide". Another very good one is "The Art of Classic Quiltmaking" by Harriet Hargrave and Sharyn Squier Craig. If you can not find a beginning class, I think either of these books would help you.

Do not hesitate to ask at your area quilt shop. The people in most shops are very willing to give you good advise. As a quilt teacher, I will tell you not to go to Wal-Mart and buy one of those sets of mat, ruler and rotary cutter. They are all too small. A good start is a 18" x 24" mat, a 6" x 24" ruler, and the 60 mm cutter.

I hope this helps a little.

Happy Quilting,

Nyla Morrison
NQA Certified Teacher
Staff:www.quiltuniversity.com