StephT

I have had a HORRIBLE couple of weeks. So Now that I am feeling better I thought I should get some quilts done. I sandwiched a quilt and I thought I would just quilt on my machine.

I am having so much fun. It looks like an amateur did it..but I need to learn somewhere and I am having fun

We all have to start somewhere right..LOL

RainyBC

Good for you! Congratulations! Now if I could only follow your example, especially since I have purchased all of the bells and whistles required to FMQ on my sewing machine. Be sure to let us know how you progress with your quilting.

Lisa_wanna_b_quilter

I think the hum of a sewing machine can soothe a lot of anxiety and stress.

MartiMorga

I too am only learning how to FMQ on my DSM. I am not as courageous as you. I am using sandwich squares of muslin. Did you realize how good playing with FMQ would be good for anxiety? Takes your mind right off the stuff we should let go!

Tartan

Good for you! I like doing FMQ on my domestic machine too. The more you do, the better you get.

EdieClay

You are a lot braver than I am ... I really want to quilt my own quilts, but am afraid to start. You've encouraged me ... think I may give it a try. I have been saving the edges I cut off my quilts when I have them quilted. Think I will start with those sandwiches.

GingerK

Stepht, hugs to you. I am glad that you are feeling better.

I started FMQ with tiny 6 inch sandwiches of kids fabric. I also made sure that I used a very thin batting. It's been a lot of fun and I have definitely learned a few things:

-for some reason, I FMQ better from the bottom left than from the top.
-I do a better job when I stop thinking so darn much!!!
-So what if my tension is not even--the dang thing still stays together!
-Use a thread that contrasts with the fabric--MUCH easier on the eyes!
-Did you know that there are 'machine quilting' needles?? They actually make it easier!
-Going slower does NOT make the stitches more uniform, just closer together. But thank goodness for variable speed control on my Janome or else I think I would have sewn over my fingers!

Since I had such small blocks, I decided to kill two birds and try putting them together using the reversible quilt method (I think it's a tutorial on this site). Again, my seams on the reverse side are not completely even but I didn't miss the sashing either. Eventually the DGD's will have dolly blankets and I will have become brave enough to tackle the 90 (yes that is ninety!!) 12 inch pieced oriental blocks that are waiting for my ability and experience to catch up with the picture in my head.

mighty

Awesome!!!!

DOTTYMO

It takes practise . A friend did pencil practise for ages on one pattern until she was doing it eyes closed. Then went straight to her bernina quilt control thing and made a wonderful prac pattern. It will suddenly click in the brain and the coordination comes . It's a bit like tapping your head and rubbing tummy. It is a wonderful time when you can go FMQ.

Mommomjoann

When i machine quilt, i get " eye lashes" sometimes on the back of the quilt. What am I doing wrong? Can any one help me? Thank you!