Jo Cypher

I am completing my first attempt at SITD. The blocks that were larger I sewed an x through the middle, also. This was a lap quilt. It was different simply maneuvering the quilt around.
Everyone seems to do such awesome Quilting. What were your first attempts like?
Joscraftjourney.blogspot.comb
Jo

QuiltE

Like everything ... practice practice practice.
Keep your judgment of your work in perspective with the fact that you are a beginner.

I'm still on the learning curve. I'm happier with my results, the more I do it!

DawnFurlong

I chose stippling for my first FMQing project. I practiced a fair amount before starting. I did try STID on my practice sandwiches, but was not at all happy with it. I had mixed feelings about how it was turning out while in the middle of my project. But by the time I was done and had washed my quilt - I was happy with the overall effect. It was not perfect (variable stitch length my biggest issue) - but I was happy with it. Yes, maneuvering a quilt versus a practice sandwich is quite different!!

I have recently started turning leftover blocks into potholders. This is more for the FMQing and binding practice. Wish I had done this sooner! While it is much easier to maneuver a block around versus a quilt, there is still the lesson in control, which transfers over. Plus I would like to branch out from stippling and loopy loops. I have really needed to practice much more than I have. I would like to enjoy FMQing, and for the most part I do - but I believe that with more control and an expanded skill set, I would really enjoy it.

Pat625

I only hand quilt, and find that sometimes I get pickier as I do more..I guess I expect more from myself..Just remember that DO NOT get so hard on yourself that you lose the enjoyment of the quilting...That is what it is all about!!

jaspersu

I was happy with my results, but looking back at the quilts I made, I can see I have made progress since then, and am not so satisfied with them now. They are useful warm quilts anyway.

My first one was a twin bed quilt and I used straight line quilting with my walking foot to outline the blocks then hand quilted a loopy design inside the blocks.

More recently I am trying to learn free motion quilting and made a mess of a full bed quilt top. It looks okay from across the room if I don't put my glasses on.

JanTx

Step away from the quilt! Seriously - no one will look at it as closely as you do. I got happier with SIAD when I started not really doing that - my machine has a scallop stitch and I center my foot over the seam and scallop on top of it. A zigzag works for this as well.

I've made over 60 quilts and can't say I'm totally happy with any of them - until I step away!

cowgirlquilter

I was very happy with myself, but I did not judge it against other quilters efforts. I have learned something with each and every quilt I have made. Now when I see quilts I made at an earlier time, I can remember what skill I learned......and it makes e smile inside.

JanTx

When I finish a quilt it stays for a bit on the back of a rocking chair in my living room. Sometimes I am simply amazed at me! (But it takes that distance - both in time and space - before I can amaze myself.)

Neesie

I've sewn, since I was a child, so my first SITD was very good. HOWEVER, that was many years ago and now . . . well, let's just say I probably need a new pair of glasses. Yeah, that's my story and I'm stickin' to it!

katier825

I think having the proper tools helps immensely! I've made quilts for years...mostly baby quilts that I tied because I didn't like the puckers I got on the back when quilting. Then I discovered a walking foot. I can't believe I went all these years without one. I will never be without one again! FMQ takes a lot of practice. It helps when you first start out to use busy fabrics and thread that blends in, rather than contrasts. If you keep working at it, your skills and confidence will much improve. We are our own worst critics. Once the quilt is washed, mistakes are not nearly as noticeable.