first attempt at free-hand quilting... how'd I do??
 

OK, I attempted some free hand quilting on my new brother CE7070 tonight. I made a mug rug! :)

It is far from perfect... I didn't use a pattern, just some basic squares from solid blue material (that I have tons of) and an old fleece blanket for batting.

Both sides are different, as I wanted to play with a few designs. I know they're off-center, but I didn't use a stencil or pre-mark anything; I just free-handed it and eye-balled the distance.

I did have fun playing with the machine and using a couple of the 'fancy' stitches, even though I ended up hiding a couple of them inside when I tucked the seams. (for good reason...)

Critiqing is welcome and requested! :)
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Wow! You're off to a great start. I took a free-motion class a few weeks ago and our instructor emphasized again and again the smooth curves, which yours are. I can see how they're off center, etc., but you're a natural for the most difficult part.

Very impressive.

it's great for a first attempt. you have an eye for designing the quilting

Really great first attempt. Your stitches look so perfectly spaced. Mine still are not all the same size.

{{{{{{applause}}}}}}}}
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not bad for a first try, just keep at it. I have the meander quilting down but that's about it. tried other things but they don't look as good as yours.

excellent first try... you are a natural...
keep going

You are off to a wonderful start! Great job!

You do a whold lot better than I do.

It may be a tad off center, but I think it's wonderful. Your lines & curves are nice & smooth, and the stitches are pretty much even. I like your design, too.

We all started somewhere. You are off and running. Don't get discouraged and you will have a very enjoyable lifetime hobby - maybe even a career!

I think you did great.

hugs

You've done it brilliantly. Keep it up.

That is great for your first try. You'll be a pro in no time at all.

Wow it is hard to believe it is your first try!!

so I was wondering how you do that on a big quilt. I'm doing one now but just making boxs out of it.

Just lovely, great job and thank you for sharing
Have a Blessed day
Ellen

Good for you! Practice, practice, practice......it's the only way - but you have a good eye for smooth curves. One thing I was told is to keep looking at where you WANT to go, not where you are. Can't say it's made my free motion much better, but I'm still in the practice mode. :thumbup:

:oThis is so inspiring for me! I am brand new to quilting and this gives me the spur I need to try this! Thanks!

I think so too! You've got the 'eye' for quilting. You will go far with FMQ!

good job....you'll be a pro soon...

I'm still striving to get to your point! I'm impressed!

Thank you all for the encouragement! This is something totally new to me, so your words help! :)

Looks terrific!

I don't see any eyelashes! You did a wonderful job.

A very nice job.....i never tho't to do any design like that......i'm a very basic fmq'er

I'd say you're off to a great start with FMQ, great job.

Great work-love the designs.

Wow! Looks like fun, and is very exciting.

Since you asked.... You have a good eye for design. I love the way your quilting is not the conventional meandering or cross-hatching. The movement across the piece is wonderful and you have a good smooth line. But until the stitching along edges of the piece get smoother and more accurate, I might suggest you try to match the thread to the piece. But largely - good job!

Great work. Sometimes I draw out what I want to quilt on paper. Over and over until I get it right(or really close). It really helps when I go to quilt it. I can picture it in my head and it is much easier to do.

I am so impressed. I am very nervous about trying free hand quilting!

You are off to a great start. It just takes tons of practice! :)

It getsIt gets easier the more you do. I agree it looks very smooth

Nice job. Thanks for sharing.

Looks like a great first attempt to me! I would hate to show you my first try at FMQ!LOL

congrats on a major accomplishment.

You are off to a great start and so smart to practice on a small project that will be a useable item. Keep on practicing this way on small items and you will eventually fly!
peace

Your stitches look great.... nice and even! I still have a problem with even stitching.