Quiltingboard Forums - A FMQ Sampler

I made this Free Motion Quilting Sampler to show at my quilter's guild. I am trying to encourage my friends to try more decorative patterns. I must say, this turned out better than I thought it would. I started out with a piece of left over batting from another project. I took that batting and sandwiched it between this green blender fabric.

When FMQ on a blank piece of fabric (whole cloth), the quilting becomes easier when the fabric is divided into sections. So, I decided to make zigzag paths and fill them in and around them. A double line of sewing helps set off each section.

From here, I picked designs I thought would be appealing and not too hard to master. I knew someone would want to know how to make a feather, so I practiced and practiced one on paper and then stitched it in. I don't like thread build up, so I picked a style where the feathers don't touch. The other motif I knew someone would want to see were pebbles. Arg. Mine are usually ovals or pavers. Once again, I pulled out the paper and pen and built the muscle memory for a rounded pebble and it worked.

Lastly, check out the empty space on the main zigzags. Originally, I intended to put a minimal motif in there, but decided it looked much better without any quilting. It gives the eye somewhere peaceful to land and the curves are gentle to look at.

Enjoy the sampler and I hope those of you who need to take the next step in your FMQ adventure find the courage to try designs you aren't familiar with. If you can draw it, you can quilt it. My quilting is always better than my drawing!!!

Thanks for looking and happy quilting!