I understand that I am not the only person that needs to practice Free Motion quilting (is that what it is called?)before being good enough to do a quilt, but just what do you do with all your practice pieces?

I just threw away a few muslin sandwiches (about 15 inches square) that I quilted the tar out of over and over again trying to get the technique down. But, sure hate throwing fabric and batting away. I did do a piece yesterday that I added a zipper to and made into a notions bag to carry to the LQS.

But, I need more, much more practice and I was wondering what ya'll learned/practiced on.

Pot holders and placemats are great for practicing your FMQ.

I have never done any machine quilting, so going to jump right in there, and ask if free motion quilting is done using the same foot that is normally found on a new sewing machine? is free motion work, just whereever, and whatever area you want to stitch a design? ( :oops: blushing cuz I really feel dumb in asking.. But I am not like Dumb, and Dumber ( think Jim Carey ), I am more " I love it when a plan comes together" because I am forever and a day, figuring out I can do whatever I set my mind on.. hope someone can answer the question, lol.

Free motion quilting is when you drop the feed dogs and use your hands to move the quilt. The faster you move the quilt the smaller the stitches are. Generally, you use an special foot for this. Mine has a ring shaped toe and a bar that goes above the needle holder to make the foot go up and down with the stitch.

Ok, that explains it some for me.. Not sure how to drop the feed dogs, but will find out. But what you are saying about the special foot, that means to buy the quilting foot that is talked about? My adopted Quilting Mommy, lol, explained about that foot, so it sounds like I need to find out how to order one for my machine, since Walmart probably doesnt have them..
thanks.

I have made pot holders out of mine LOL I put another layer of fabric over the front and back and cover up my FMQ :wink:

I think you may be talking about a walking foot. that is used to feed several layers of fabric through the machine evenly. The foot that is used for free motion quilting is often called a darning foot. What type of machine do you have? If you can check with your dealer and explain what you want to do with it.

Some one told me to sew the binding on (both sides!) and donate them to the local animal shelter. The dogs don't mind the stitches are perfect! It just gives them a nice place to lay off the cold concrete floors.

i have a Brother , but dont have the model number in front of me. I saw it at walmart here in our small town, but I bought it at a thrift store ( but it was brand new , as the owner had died, and her family donated it without the instruction book, sigh ).. I will check into the foot thing tomorrow if I can.. I really want to learn ( practice, practice, practice !) to do that kind of quilting on my smaller projects..

What is the FMQ that you're talking about? I am new to all the terminology, lol.. and new to the site, too - just a babe in the woods of about a week now here .. loving it though!