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FMQ newbie must have contrasting thread?????

FMQ newbie must have contrasting thread?????

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Old 11-06-2010, 03:01 PM
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I thought I was doing the right thing by using a dark thread on dark fabric but I got totally LOST in meandering. I couldn't see at all and crossed over, made a real mess. I'm just now starting to get some FMQ confidence and feel, once again, like I'm defeated at the start. I began again with a contrast color thread and did OK but it's just not what I had in mind. Is this normal? I would have thought that coordinating thread would hide my many mistakes ... HELP
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Old 11-06-2010, 03:33 PM
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I have done several quilts now with FMQ and only recently got brave enough to use contrasting thread. I do usually try to match the bobbin thread to the back, but do sometimes contrast the front. I did a couple that had a lot of black on black...I hated working on it. I couldn't tell where I'd been or where I was going. Matching thread does hide the mistakes, but can be hard to see.

Use what you like and are comfortable with. Don't worry about crossing over unless you were entering it in a show. No one will know but you anyway. :)
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Old 11-06-2010, 04:11 PM
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I agree with katier825. I think of quilting as something that's supposed to be enjoyable!
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Old 11-06-2010, 06:02 PM
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I like the idea that it blends. No one knows but you that you crossed lines. I have just started using contrasting thread and it is much more stressful to me.
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Old 11-06-2010, 06:21 PM
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I've fallen in love with varigated (sp?) thread. Most of my quilts are batik and black fabric. Tried quilting with black thread--couldn't see where I was or where I was going! With the varigated it blends in some areas and contrasts in others-pretty neat design effect.
(PS: I still can't FMQ-I draw designs and just quilt them.)
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Old 11-06-2010, 06:26 PM
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Okay, so I'm not trying to ask a dumb question, but do you have good lighting in your sewing area? I have to light the world up in my sewing area but that helps me see even the most perfectly matched thread and fabric.

But I agree with the others in that quilting is supposed to be fun, and there are no "rules". Use the color thread that you like and know that you are gaining experience with every quilt.
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Old 11-06-2010, 07:06 PM
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Originally Posted by katier825
I have done several quilts now with FMQ and only recently got brave enough to use contrasting thread. I do usually try to match the bobbin thread to the back, but do sometimes contrast the front. I did a couple that had a lot of black on black...I hated working on it. I couldn't tell where I'd been or where I was going. Matching thread does hide the mistakes, but can be hard to see.

Use what you like and are comfortable with. Don't worry about crossing over unless you were entering it in a show. No one will know but you anyway. :)
There are no quilt or FMQ police allowed on the quillting board...
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Old 11-06-2010, 07:41 PM
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Originally Posted by janRN
I've fallen in love with varigated (sp?) thread. Most of my quilts are batik and black fabric. Tried quilting with black thread--couldn't see where I was or where I was going! With the varigated it blends in some areas and contrasts in others-pretty neat design effect.
(PS: I still can't FMQ-I draw designs and just quilt them.)
Varigated thread is awesome to work with. I always use something that you can see the quilting. I think it's beautiful and needs to be seen.

I like how well you can see it!
[ATTACH=CONFIG]120090[/ATTACH]
Attached Thumbnails attachment-120085.jpe  
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Old 11-07-2010, 09:41 AM
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Originally Posted by hperttula123
Originally Posted by janRN
I've fallen in love with varigated (sp?) thread. Most of my quilts are batik and black fabric. Tried quilting with black thread--couldn't see where I was or where I was going! With the varigated it blends in some areas and contrasts in others-pretty neat design effect.
(PS: I still can't FMQ-I draw designs and just quilt them.)
Varigated thread is awesome to work with. I always use something that you can see the quilting. I think it's beautiful and needs to be seen.
Did you do that FMQ on your regular machine? I am dripping green with envy at how beautiful it looks. :mrgreen:
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