Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums >
  • Main
  • Moving up the ladder of quilting experience >
  • Moving up the ladder of quilting experience

  • Moving up the ladder of quilting experience

    Thread Tools
     
    Old 02-24-2017, 02:54 PM
      #1  
    Power Poster
    Thread Starter
     
    Join Date: Mar 2009
    Posts: 15,639
    Default Moving up the ladder of quilting experience

    I have tried to explain this to my work-friends but none of them are quilters and claim they can't relate.

    Last week I realized that I have reached a different stage in my FMQ ability. Not sure what triggered the change - not sure what I did that took it over the edge either. All I know is that I got really excited about doing FMQ on my project - I wasn't timid, I wasn't scared, and I approached the process with this newfound joy.

    My actual quilting looks no better or worse than the last piece I did. So it all must be in my head.

    Has you experienced something like that?
    MadQuilter is offline  
    Old 02-24-2017, 02:58 PM
      #2  
    Senior Member
     
    SharonTheriault's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Aug 2010
    Location: Jackson, Georgia
    Posts: 611
    Default

    I've too afraid to even start FMQ. I tend to hold my breath when I think about it.
    SharonTheriault is offline  
    Old 02-24-2017, 03:21 PM
      #3  
    Power Poster
     
    Join Date: Dec 2010
    Location: Michigan
    Posts: 11,276
    Default

    Yes, you are on your way!!! I also got to a point where I felt comfortable, then slowly improved. I think you find your rhythm, or groove, or whatever. It just clicks and it seems you are no longer fighting the process. Congrats!!!
    PaperPrincess is offline  
    Old 02-24-2017, 04:05 PM
      #4  
    Senior Member
     
    Join Date: Jun 2015
    Location: Rosemere, Quebec, Canada
    Posts: 322
    Default

    I totally agree with PaperPrincess. I think you've reached that "magic" point, where you look forward to doing FMQ instead of dreading it. To get to that point, you've put in a lot of practice, so "good for you". It's going to be so good from now on. That's not to say that there won't be mistakes, but you now have the confidence to keep going!
    Patricia Drew is offline  
    Old 02-24-2017, 04:50 PM
      #5  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Nov 2010
    Location: Snowy Minnesota
    Posts: 1,378
    Default

    Congratulations! The most important thing I've learned about quilting - and I learned it from someone on this board - is to enjoy the process. It is far more important, imho, that you are truly enjoying FMQ now than that you're noticing an improvement. (My hunch is that noticeable improvement will follow, but I still think enjoyment is more important!)
    sushi is offline  
    Old 02-24-2017, 04:56 PM
      #6  
    Power Poster
     
    RedGarnet222's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Jan 2009
    Location: Reno, Nv
    Posts: 16,563
    Default

    Yes, I know what you are saying madquilter. There is a point where you realize it is familiar work and it isn't scary anymore, just fun and you go searching for a little harder quilting patterns to keep your technique growing with you.

    I hope you are enjoying yourself and continue on your journey with a happy heart. That is how I feel. Now when I go to a quilt show it is a different eye that I use to see how other quilter's use certain type of spaces. Also if I have one that needs quilting, say a certain pattern that has me stumped, I look for that type quilt to see what she did.

    I try to read my quilt and first quilt it in such a way that the design is stabilized and quilted in the right places. I then think how to make it decorative. I guess it is the old saying, "Fashion follows function".

    Last edited by RedGarnet222; 02-24-2017 at 05:03 PM.
    RedGarnet222 is offline  
    Old 02-24-2017, 05:48 PM
      #7  
    Power Poster
     
    Join Date: Mar 2011
    Location: Ontario, Canada
    Posts: 41,538
    Default

    I used to obsess about getting my stitch length perfect when FMQing. Then I really looked at the quilting on show quilts, even the quilts done on longarms and they were not perfect. I am glad you have found your groove.
    Tartan is offline  
    Old 02-24-2017, 05:50 PM
      #8  
    Junior Member
     
    Join Date: Dec 2016
    Location: Georgia
    Posts: 145
    Default

    Great post!! I am so glad you hit that pinnacle! I am not there yet, but you have given me hope.
    Grinch is offline  
    Old 02-24-2017, 06:12 PM
      #9  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Mar 2011
    Location: Peotone IL
    Posts: 2,802
    Default

    You've given me some hope that someday I'll be able to FMQ. I made a mystery quilt a few years ago with the thought that I would use it to practice FMG. I'm SITD now and then will start on the FMQ. I'm terrified of it. My hands and feet do NOT work well together. I'm actually thinking of chickening out and just trying a few different walking foot designs in the various blocks.
    gramajo is offline  
    Old 02-24-2017, 06:16 PM
      #10  
    Super Member
     
    jmoore's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Feb 2011
    Location: Boothbay Maine
    Posts: 9,518
    Default

    Martina, congratulations on your break through...you're on your way. My FMQ isn't spectacular but I love knowing I did it myself.
    jmoore is offline  
    Related Topics
    Thread
    Thread Starter
    Forum
    Replies
    Last Post
    danmar
    Pictures
    39
    03-13-2010 07:09 AM
    Janstar
    Pictures
    15
    12-27-2008 06:31 AM
    barnbum
    Main
    23
    01-28-2008 11:52 AM
    NewsletterBot
    Main
    1
    08-24-2007 05:42 AM

    Posting Rules
    You may not post new threads
    You may not post replies
    You may not post attachments
    You may not edit your posts

    BB code is On
    Smilies are On
    [IMG] code is On
    HTML code is On
    Trackbacks are Off
    Pingbacks are Off
    Refbacks are Off



    FREE Quilting Newsletter