I may be a lost cause
#43
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: New Orleans, La
Posts: 1,768
So I've given fmq a try and I can't seem to get it right at all. I even tried using a stencil and following the lines with my fmq foot and it went horribly. Just can't seem to get the hang of it. Only tried it for a short time , but I think I may stick to straight line quilting. Is it something that gets easier? Or is it one of those skills that you either have it or you don't?
#44
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Madison, Ohio
Posts: 226
Do NOT - I repeat: DO NOT GIVE UP!!
I didn't start to try FMQ until I was 69 years old. Get this book: Machine Quilting - A Primer of Techniques by Sue Nickels ISBN 1 5742 830 1 Soft cover, very reasonably priced. Available lots of places but I got mine at Amazon.com. Read and follow her instructions and actually make a sampler. A picture of my very first FMQ project is attached. I fell in love with FMQ'ing and wouldn't even think of getting a mid or long arm machine. I do 120 x 120 king size quilts on my small machines. There is a learning curve but isn't at all that bad if you will take the time to go through the book and follow her step by step instructions. I shared this information with the gals in my quilt guild and they do awesome work. Good Luck and don't give up!! It is SO FUN it should be illegal!!!!
#46
I started FMQ about a year ago. Being on a fixed retirement budget I could not afford to quilt by checkbook. I find that most of the time it is relaxing for me. I did discover that I had to learn how to set my top and bottom tension according to the thread and it became much easier and more fun. I watch Leah Day every chance I get and have gotten some nice ideas to practice on by watching tutorials on e subject. I admit, it has taken me almost the full year to build my self confidence but I find I am now getting compliments on my work. Don't force it, listen to some music while practicing. I have a friend who listens to audio books while fmq'ing. Good luck, I hope you learn to enjoy it.
#49
I am still at the practice, practice, practice level...but my biggest problem in FMQ was that I would not take a breath. I almost turned blue in the face before I would stop and breathe. I was so concentrated on where the FM was going, I couldn't take a breath. So now I am learning to breathe while I do it. Has anyone else had the "take a breath problem?"
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
steihy
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
6
12-10-2018 12:35 PM
lots2do
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
3
12-02-2010 06:10 PM
sananddandy
General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
6
09-10-2010 01:52 PM