Doggy Bandanas! Olive here doesn't mind at all if it's not perfect. :D She just likes being told how pretty she looks!

I've been trying to come up with ideas on my own so I don't have to throw out my Free Motion Quilting practice pieces, but be able to use them instead.
I'm hoping you all will post ideas for small projects to practice FMQ on that don't have to turn out perfect.

ahhhhhhh, too sweet.

Oh what a handsome girl, doesn't she look great. :thumbup:

Olive is quite the beauty. Love her new look.

She is gorgeous! And loving her new bandana too :-)

great idea. looks good

Cute

I would like to see FMQ ideas as well I'd prefer to learn on my own how to do it rather than pay my LSQ people to do it.

Is this something that there is already a thread on in the instruction/tutorial section?

BuzzinBumble's idea is great, my very first FMQ was on a tote, about 5 years ago and I still use it as it isn't perfect but it's mine and useful. People stay "practise, practise, practise" for FMQ my opinion is to start on smaller items, like that cutest bandanna or a tote and go from there :idea: Also check out Leah Day's site, she has the most fab free videos and tips: http://www.daystyledesigns.com/articles.htm

I practice on sandwiches adding fabric to each side and continuing to practice. When I get the groove I FMQ a table runner and /or a charity lap quilt for the veterans hospital or other charity.

What a doll!

Cute idea.

Very cute

Hi Everyone!

Sheila, if a topic like that already exists here on the QB, I could not find it. I often have trouble with the search function here turning up too many unrelated results unless I search one word at a time. If you find a topic with FMQ practice piece suggestions, please let me know!

What I was looking for was ideas for things that it wouldn't matter if they weren't perfect. Like your tote idea Quilting Addict - that's exactly what I mean. You still like and use it, even though it was practice. By the way, thank you for the link to Leah Day's site. She really blows me away that she is so talented and skilled while so young. Gives many of us beginners something to aspire to!

I was practicing on sandwiches too Teresa, but mine were made from junky old pillowcases and scrap batting. I got to the point where I wanted to do something and not throw it away afterward. Too interesting to throw out and not good enough for a bonafide project. Know what I mean? So I posted the question for this topic. I'm hoping you all could share what you do when you are at this stage of learning.

Yes, Olive is a cutie. She is a rescue who has been through 3 homes. For the life of us we can't figure out why. She is my daughter's dog and is about as perfect a dog as you could wish for.

This is what I mean: A little something kriscraft99 did that would be great for practicing and learning FMQ: http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-153864-9.htm#4256637
Plus, it came out really cute!

Hot pads, place mats, mug rugs, cushions, pillows

Olive is a cutey. great idea about using your fmq practice pieces as neckwear.

She looks soooo elegant! How about placemats? One for the pup is a start!

Very classy!

Olive is a great model for your bandanas :thumbup: :thumbup:

I had a rescued Greyhound named Olive. She had bone cancer and I would have love to make her one of these!

I tell my students to make a hot pad, pot holder or place mat out of the pracetice piece and tell your guests it is modern art.

What a gorgeous girl.

Oooh how sweet.

My first FMQ was on potholders. When I want to try something new now, I make a potholder sandwich to practice on. The only problem is that working with such a small object isn't the same as working on a larger quilt.

A dog bed quilt or sleeping pad would be another idea.

How about a doggie quilt for him to lay on or if you know someone with little kids the less than perfect small quilts are perfect for them to carry around. You could do place mats or even mats to put under your TV,etc.

LaraB. I love your saying under your posting. I kinda have to hide mine sometimes too.

I practice on a sandwich that is big enough to make placemats for just the family everyday use that way I am not wasting fabric or thread.

These are so helpful tips. That's why I like this board so mcuh that I can't get anything done.

Yes, Olive is a cutie. She is a rescue who has been through 3 homes. For the life of us we can't figure out why. She is my daughter's dog and is about as perfect a dog as you could wish for.[/quote]

Olive is absolutely beautiful and I'm so glad your daughter has given her a good, permanent home. I have 3 little dogs and one of them is a rescue and he is just precious.

Me and my friend practice on old pillow cases and turn them into doggy beds for our local pound :)

I make place mats and mug rugs with mine,
sometimes adding a machine embroider design.
I think the idea of making a doggy bed would
be great and will try that now too.

That is a great idea!!! Making practice productive!!

awe how cute

great idea and she is very cute wearing it.

gorgeous furbaby she is sitting so proud with her new scarf

Both are beautiful!!!!!

Really cute.

Here is my last project.
It is a Kindle case for my mom.

we have windsor chairs in the dining room & the kids with all the stuff on their jeans pockets were scratching the heck out of them.. i used black fabric & verigated threads & did a bunch of chair pads... and who cares if the grandkids spill lasagne on it!

I use the pre printed baby panels, when finished, bind and it goes to charity. if to bad goes to the dog shelter, the dogs dont care.