Book excerpt: The internationally beloved quilting teacher and author of Invisible Machine Appliqué offers a practical guide to getting started as a quilter. In this handy guide to the fundamentals of quilting, Dawn Cameron-Dick explains everything from how to choose the right equipment and supplies to the best way to set up a sewing room. She answers questions ranging from "What should I look for in a sewing machine?" to "Why does my thread keep breaking?", "How often should I change needles?", and "How can I sew without getting a backache?" The Quilter’s Guide features information on needles, threads, sewing machines, batting, cotton fabric, piecing tools, and techniques. Packed with useful facts, tips, and rules of thumb, this comprehensive guide is laid out in a fully illustrated, easy-to-read format.