Lots of laughter to begin with! Practice is an essential and what I found the most beneficial is good dense batting. Some of this thin cheap stuff or high loft thick does not make learning free motion any easier. In fact, I will not use it. If it is worth my time to meander or free motion some stars, hearts and cartoons, then it is worth spending more money for the batting. After that, just draw like you were in the third grade once again! :)
Do you have any brands that you would recommend? I've been just using the Joann's warm and natural that goes on sale...
Yes, a few years ago I ordered a huge $100 roll of Warm and Natural from JoAnns (on sale at the time). Would you believe I am still using it albeit the end is coming soon. Also, at Hancocks I noticed they had Warm and White recently; I have not had bad luck with that for my charity quilts. They (who ever they is) say it is made by the same company but I am not so sure because of the way some of my meandering came out. Of course, the fabric and thread do make a different too. I use Gutermann's for piecing and Signature for machine quilting.
I have been told, however, that when making quilts for the battered women's center, they prefer the lighter weight batting in blankets because it does not take so much time in the dryer. Makes sense to save electrical expenses. For those quilts with less dense batting, I use a walking foot and do a straight cross-hatch stitch for quilting. It turns out okay.
But, like I said earlier, if I am going to spend time doing some nice free motion quilting, it is Warm and Natural every time.
Thanks for asking and good luck.
Riversong
02-12-2011 10:55 AM
patience!!!
gramma8
02-12-2011 11:12 AM
Originally Posted by feffertim
I just started too and found that I really needed gloves because I kept licking my fingers so that I could grip the fabric. A lot of people also told me to have a glass of wine before I start, and they were right, it did help (except I made a bloody mary instead). My first attempts were dreadful, but I am slowly getting it.
would a beer help? that's my preference :)
Tamara
02-12-2011 11:23 AM
What do you all set your tension on?
I don't like the taste of wine or any other drinks that would help so that out for me.....
This site is great!! Lots of videos . :thumbup: Thanks!!
grammysharon
02-12-2011 01:30 PM
Practice, practice and more practice before you use on actual project :lol: :lol: :lol:
biscuitqueen
02-12-2011 07:49 PM
does tension make that much diference, I thought you control the stiches not the mecheine.
jojosnana
02-12-2011 08:07 PM
If I knew it required a drink, I would have done it a long time ago.....kidding I don't drink except once in a while at a wedding or in the caribbean....all drinks taste good there!
