I now TOTALLY get why many quilters have so many UFOs

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03-17-2013, 04:42 AM

#31

AshleyR

Super Member

Join Date: Sep 2011

Location: East Tennessee

Posts: 1,102

I tried several different sewing machines until I found one that would FMQ well. The first one I ever tried it on was one of the Singer Simples that cost less than $100 at Walmart, and it did a fantastic job! But the harp was so small, I decided to try other machines. I got 2 fantastic sewing machines (Singer and Janome) but they just didn't FMQ. I thought it was *me*, but my husband found a great Pfaff at an estate sale, and it does some great free-motion stuff! It's old, and I'm always afraid it will die on me, so I got an industrial machine and I'm going to try FMQ on it once I get some thread it likes (advantage of Pfaff is that she'll sew with any thread or fabric and the industrial shreds the cheap thread I like to buy!!).

I got all of the machines (except the industrial) for $50 or less, so you don't have to invest a lot of money to find the one that works for you!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teeler

I'd love to FMQ...my machine won't play nice. I don't have the darning plate, but I covered the feed dogs w/tape, and tried it, but the fabric still wouldn't budge...not an inch. So I am currently of the opinion that my machine will only do straight line quilting either SITD or a cross hatch. Sigh.

03-20-2013, 08:35 PM

#32

Nammie to 7

Super Member

Join Date: Feb 2013

Location: Rapid City, SD

Posts: 4,961

People who don't quilt really don't have a clue how long it can take to make a quilt. You think you're done when the blocks are completed but then you have to sew it all together, put borders on, either send it out for quilting or do it your self and the bind it. Each process can be a labor of love!

03-20-2013, 11:16 PM

#33

DOTTYMO

Super Member

Join Date: Jun 2010

Location: England Alton Towers

Posts: 6,674

I find I am always starting something new after seeing all your beautiful and inspiring quilts. I have to have a go.i have a special juki just for quilting but I fail to keep up.

03-20-2013, 11:23 PM

#34

DOTTYMO

Super Member

Join Date: Jun 2010

Location: England Alton Towers

Posts: 6,674

Quote:

Originally Posted by franc36

For some reason, I really, really enjoy SITD. Now, I am working on doing it FMQ. My lines are not quite as good as they are with a walking foot; but I am getting there. I do bury lots of threads; but I plan where I am going to sew beforehand so that I have fewer starts and stops. Also, I do not quilt for long periods of time. I quilt on my Bernina, then move over to my Featherweight to do some piecing or work on cutting out fabric for a new quilt top. At night, I do appliqué or embroidery on a quilt block. That schedule works for me. I need to break up the quilting with other activities such as piecing. Best wishes on your quilting.

Hi fran , you have exactly the same work pattern as my self. Idiot realise somebody else was as mad as myself sewing all day. Meals quick and easy. I quilt on a juki or bernina and piece. On bernina featherweight or husqvarna Viking . The last machine is a lightweight to take to classes. Not fancy but I like it only problem can't move the needle position.
Night time applique, etc if no quilt related will knit or crochet. I just can't sit and do nothing with my hands at any. Time.

03-21-2013, 12:07 AM

#35

Power Poster

Join Date: Dec 2010

Location: Northern California mountains

Posts: 12,538

I am very fond of quilting especially FMQ, unfortunately, my arthritic shoulders are less so. Recently I turned 5 tops over to guild sisters to finish on the guild's LA. My current technique is to do small amounts at a time.