I can only free motion with my shoe off -- seems I am able to have more control over what speed I am going and have more ability to "stop on a dime". Also have been known to turn the machine sideways........

Holice,
The one piece of advice that helped me the most was, "Only worry about what's under the needle." Forget the rest of the quilt. Focus.
It's simple advice but it made a big difference in my quilting and my willingness to try FMQ. A big quilt is quite daunting but one small part under the needle is quite doable!

I took a 2 day class last month. I am practicing on (cheap) quilted muslin I got at Hancocks & also using both sides. It eliminates making sandwiches.

Thats great advice. I wish I was closer to take your class Holice. You've gotten some great tips from everyone here.
Good luck. :thumbup:

Have you considered doing a survey at the end of your class for feedback? Sometimes you can get valuable feedback.

I reuse my practice sandwiches by adding new fabric top & bottom. It gets thicker but I can add clean fabric 2 or 3 times if I begin with thin batting. I use different color thread top & bottom so I can determine what I need to do differently to improve.
Different threads might be good idea in class....
Wish we could get class handout, webinar or something. Sounds like this will be a wonderful class.



[quote=BuzzinBumble] When I run out, I plan to get more at Goodwill. Now if I could just find something less expensive than using up all this batting...

Sure wish I could take your class.

Definitely this, but it takes practice.
Also, to always watch where you're going- don't stitch yourself into a corner you can't get out of.
Smaller designs are easier than big ones.

Many good suggestions here on the QB. Hope I am not repeating..... try as many different ways, including materials, as possible. Thinner cotton batting is more manageable than polyester for the learning process. Use an open toe foot for the best view of the area you are working on. After many years of using FMQ, I find myself getting more consistent results with slower, rather than the usually recommended faster, motion of both machine and quilt. Most of all, try to have the widest possible flat area all around your machine. I love my Sew Steady Portable Tables. Have one for each of my two main machines - Bernina 150 and Viking Sapphire. Good luck to you as your skills continue to improve. Many quilts ahead in your future.

One of the first things I learned to do
at a FMQ class was to quilt my name
Use Machingers
Use your usual quilting fabric, batting,& backing
And practice, practice, practice