Made this small lap robe, about 50"X36" because I wanted to try my hand at a pinwheel pattern using some scraps I had. Got it into my head that I'd like to try free motion quilting (WHAT was I thinking!!) so went to Amazon and ordered the foot - which , btw, was very affordable, less than $10. with S&H. So yesterday, I decided to bite the bullet, grabbed a small chunk of soap, drew out the design (if that's what you want to call it) and went to town. Good God gertie, by the time I got done. I was sweating bullets! I had a heck of a time staying on my chalk markings, keeping the speed constant, moving the quilt with half of it rolled up in the throat. It was NOT a pleasant experience! Showed it to hubby; bless his heart, he told me it wasn't bad for my first attempt and practice makes perfect, etc., etc. to keep it up and soon I'd get the hang of it. Well, it's going to take a LOT of practice. My admiration for you that have mastered the art of free motion quilting has risen way up! Don't know if you can see in the pics but it's not pretty! This is my entry in the ugly quilt contest!

Its not so bad!! I actually think it is really good for a first attempt! You might want to start practicing on something smaller, it will be easier to handle and you can gain confidence doing that. But....this one will NOT win the Ugly quilt contest (I have the winner here under the bed) Sorry!

I think you are being way too hard on yourself. It's very well done for your first try. If you can do this well the first time, you'll be an expert in no time.

When I fmq I don't even bother with drawing a pattern but I have only done small projects, potholders, christmas stockings etc and therefore my very random pattern works. I once had a friend that told me that fmq goes much better with a glass of wine sitting next to your sewing machine. I am not sure if it makes the my quilting any better but I become less critical of myself (lol)

To me I think it looks great :thumbup: I've tried to do the FMQ, before, so I know the problems you encountered. I didn't like the way mine came out either but I like the suggestion to start on something small...just to get the hang of it.

I think it's awesome! Especially for a first try at it! I keep trying FMQ, and keep ripping out the stitches! Actually...I don't usually have to rip, because for some reason when I try FMQ the top thread has NO tension! (Even with the machine threaded properly) Makes for a big mess on the back side.... ~sigh~

I think you've done a wonderful job!

:lol: :lol: :lol: OMG I love your narrative of what it's like to FMQ.
Aching arms, overheated - ya, that about sums it up.

I think you did a good job. Individual stitches disappear into the big picture, and overall the quilt will hold together just fine. I've never tried following squiggly lines but just make my own as I go.
Most often I use FMQ to fill in sections of my quilt rather than trying to quilt the entire thing in one go.

Your FMQ looks better than mine. I practice on small pieces when I can. You sould be proud of your work it looks great for a first time. I tried to trace a design and found out it I just FMQ without any lines to follow I'm not so stressed.

Well, I don't think it's that bad and I congratulate you for trying FM. It scares the daylights out of me. I want to try it but I've been putting it off.

I'm going to do some QAYG blocks for a baby quilt and try the FM on each block...at least that's the plan right now.

To be honest with you, I think you did a great job. It looks waaaaaaay comfy and I'll be glad to PM you may address........LOL!