Quiltingboard Forums - I just want some advice.....

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Some very good advice here! I have not yet got up the nerve to try FMQ. I like the ideas of the paper patterns.

http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.c...ilt-along.html

This woman has taught me... or should I say is teaching me. She has a class on Craftsy also, but why pay for it when it is all there free.

And Leah Day is friendly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShirlinAZ (Post 5820151)

I guess I started backwards. I selected a design appropriate to the fabric (crane shapes on a crane print), cut the crane out of cardboard and stuck it on my quilt with double stick tape. Then I quilted around one, moved the shape to the next spot and quilted around it. Kept doing that until the whole thing was quilted. I have also used tracing paper to put the design I want onto the quilt. Sometimes I draw the design with a #2 pencil. Pounce chalk has not yet worked well for me, although I keep trying with different templates. I have used cookie cutters, plastic templates, and outlines of animals or other things that I find on the internet for my shapes. If the size isn't right I just put it in my picture program and resize it until I am satisfied. I've tried stippling but just can't seem to get the motion down.

If you want an exact shape to quilt around, try drawing it on freezer paper. You cut it out and then iron it in place to stitch around it. The freezer paper can be used over and over again before it looses it's shiny side. I've done this so know it works.

Also try looking at Leah Days website: daystyledesigns.com She has hundreds of designs w/ videos showing how to stitch them. These all can be done on a small scale or larger depending on what you want. Practice drawing on paper or a dry erase board. It helps with your muscle memory. I think the fear so many have is they don't know where to go next and are fearful of getting stuck in a corner. Also practice on fq's in a sandwich. Use solid or nearly solid fabric. Practice some more until you feel comfortable with fmq.

I just want some advice

Quote:

Originally Posted by sandrab64 (Post 5817037)

I have started to do almost all FMQ freehand but will occasionally mark with a blue water soluable marker. The best thing I bought was a dry erase board and can sit for hours just doodling designs with a dry erase marker, wiping it off, and start again. I have a few plastic templates but have hardly used them because I hate to take the time to mark. I also bought a roll of Golden Thread paper which looks promising.

I've found that using left over pieces of batting in place of the eraser helps save my money - and you can toss it when finished. Have fun doodling!

I wanted a leaf shape in the boarder of the quilt I made my DFIL. I traced the shape onto freezer paper and ironed it on to please me. Then I just sewed around the shape and on down my boarder to the next one. Wasn't perfect. But then neither was the rest of the quilt. But it was finished with lots of love. And was accepted with just as much love.

Quote:

Originally Posted by QuiltE (Post 5819337)

While you said to NOT use ink to draw on the Press N Seal ... you did not tell use what we are supposed to use?
So what might that be?
Please? and Thanks!

I use a soft lead pencil or have used a water soluble marker. If using ink try it on a scrap piece first. Get into the kids markers and coloring pens and find what will work for you...It also will depend on color of fabric you are quilting. Also have ironed three layers of freezer paper together, drawn design on it and punched holes along the design lines ....... use a chalk pencil to mark holes...Sewing is kind of a connect the dots thing. Works fine if not doing anything too intricate.

I use my daughter who is one fantastic long armer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by carolstickelmaier (Post 5820565)

Thanks ... though I would have thought that the lead pencil would not show up on the plastic of the PNS.

i do all mine free handed , and the mood i am in at the time of doing FMQ kind of determine my free hand skills !!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArtsyOne (Post 5817115)

I recently graduated from stitch in the ditch to meandering FMQ and not only am I enjoying it, but even from the first quilt I did it turned out much better than expected because of the confidence I gained from reading this board. Like you, I want to do the feathers and beautiful patterns on the borders and don't yet have the skill or confidence, but I found a product called Borders Made Easy. It's a long roll of paper with adhesive backing that you stick onto the quilt and just sew right over the pattern and then rip off the paper. There are various designs to choose from and they're quite easy to do.

I have never heard of the product " borders made easy" This might be what I need. I know i need lots of practice.
Thanks for the Idea.