FMQ - it "clicked
 

I had become decent, but not proficient at FMQ on "quilting round 1" when I was quilting 15 year ago, then I took a 10 year quilting break. I started on "quilting round 2" about 3 years ago, but I've been doing mostly straight like quilting on the things I've done.

I made a quilt top that is for me, so it felt safe to work on my FMQ, plus I took a Craftsy class from Leah Day and wanted to practice on something "real". I've been using a meandering loop de loop type of quilting, except for some square in a square quilting in the random squares in the design. I've finished the interior and did straight lines on the border (feeddogs engaged) tonight, then I started the FMQ on the border. After about 20 minutes in the border it suddenly "clicked"! I was able to increase my speed and keep my stitch length fairly consistent and not quilt myself into a place I couldn't get out of easily. I just had to share with those who understand!

Constructive criticism welcome. I know the stitch length isn't 100% consistent and that will just take practice.
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Looks pretty good to me! Congrats on your ahhh moment :)

I LOVE those AH moments. Wish they happened more often. Congrats and happy FMQing!!

Fantastic job!!! Maybe it's time for me to take a class.

That's really good to hear. Congratulations. I just finished my first quilt on my new Tiara, and I was not 100% pleased with my results. Most of my dissatisfaction comes from the pattern I used. I need to get more creative when it comes to figuring that out. The machine ran quite well. No nests or eyelashing on the bottom. I didn't get the Tru Stitich, because I didn't like the erratic action and sound of it. I'm sure I will get better. It was really great to finish a quilt totally on my own. Now on to my second top. I think I will try the stipple on this one.

Congratulations to you! I am still working at it. Getting better all the time, but not there yet. I read somewhere that it takes 6 hours of FMQ for most people to get it. Your quilt looks very pretty. The thread is a great match for the fabric. Now you can complete the whole quilt yourself. That's great!

I am not "up on" these abbreviations---what does FMQ mean? Sorry!

Yes, I have told quilters over the decade that with FMQ, it will suddenly CLICK just like riding a bike. Be sure that you are not transfix on the needle because that is where you are NOW, you need to look at where you are going.

FMQ = "Free Motion Quilting" - where you stitch with a hopping/darning foot and move the quilt in all directions around freely, rather than in straight lines.

I loved the Leah Day FMQ class! It's mesmerizing just to watch her work.

Congrats! It feels good when it clicks and you feel like you're driving around your quilt like driving in a tiny car!