A little FMQ, please.
 

I usually cop out and do straight line quilting but I really would like to improve my FMQ skills. I found this really nice blog that has a lot of FMQ tutorials. Yesterday, I decided to try one of them. I find practice sandwiches boring so I made a mug rug and tried my hand at it. The blog is http://theinboxjaunt.com/2013/10/15/...rfect-pumpkin/

And here is my handiwork.

Great job ... and thanks for the site link!

I'm like you ... I take it more seriously if I am doing something for "real" instead of a practice sandwich.

Here's another idea that I did ... I chose a front and backing fabric and make purpose sandwiches (not practice sandwiches). On each I practice whatever I want and then they will be joined together as a QAYG quilt. Sometimes it's trying out a new FMQ design or idea I have. Sometimes it's to get my machine set up and to get myself warmed up, before I go at whatever I am doing. I did 12-1/2" unfinished blocks, though the next time they will be larger (16-18"?) as it gives a larger work space. Of course, not as large as a full quilt, but definitely closer in a simulation.

Yes, I found the mug rug a bit small to work on. I'm not enthralled with the QAYG methods but I'm thinking placemats would be good and I actually need some.

Just took a peek at your Oak Leafs - nice job. I really like her site and hope to do a lot more of her tutorials.

That's what my sewing machine dealer said ... placemats!
Only problem ... I don't use/like placemats. Do the odd one, but with no need, then!!!

I've also been sandwiching up some of the long lost forgotten UFOs that are somewhat in the I-don't-care-what-happens-to-them-stage as practice pieces. At least they can have a purpose, even if they are not the best looking! :)

I'm going to practice on hot pads, I think. For me, they would be more useful than placemats.

Your FMQ looks great!

Your pumpkin is so cute. Really like your mug rug

Sew cute!!!!!!

Cute!!! Thanks for the link too!

Great job, and thanks for the link, will spend a little more time there later today.

Thanks for posting the link. I always need help/ideas for quilting designs.

I reuse those sandwich for fmq and made tote out of them

It looks very good! I need to get serious about my FMQing. Thanks for the link.

Thanks so much for the link, I'm following this one for sure! Love the pumpkin

Thanks so much for the site. My FMQ needs help. This looks very promising.

Thanks for the link to those FMQ tutorials. There is some great stuff there & you did a nice job on your mug rug! When I do practice sandwiches I use drapery lining scraps which I seem to have a lot of. When I have my sandwich all covered with whatever I'm practicing I just add another layer onto the top & keep practicing.

very nice love her blog

Great job!

Well done and thanks for the link. I have saved that one.

very nicely done!

Adorable mugrug and really nice FMQ!

You did a fine job with this fmq.

Mug rug turned out great. You always feel accomplished when you actually finish something, isn't it a nice feeling!
peace

Great job. I like that site...thanks for the link I hadn't saved it

Love your mug rug and the FMQ looks really good. Just wanted to add another idea for practicing that I did when first starting. I bought baby or kids panels at Walmart, Hobby Lobby or wherever I could find them on sale. Then just added sale flannel and some batting and practiced, following the lines at first and then any FMQ that felt right. When finished they can be donated to a charity. Babies don't really care if we cross over our lines while practicing! And your items will be very useful and appreciated.

Really nice quilting- Keep up the good work.

looks good. Check out the Pajama quilter

Very cute and thanks for the website.

Awesome job and it's too cute!! Looks so smoothly done :)

You did a great job and the website is really useful. Thanks for sharing.

That is so cute and the quilting looks great.

very cute!!!

Pat, you did a great job on your pumpkin. THANK YOU for the website link. She does a great job with her tutorials.

FMQ use you tubes !! love them.. make sure your setting are righ for top and bottom tension..youtube for that too.. best wished ! enjoy as you grow with new styles of quilting !!

Thanks so much for posting that great link! Love her patterns. Your pumpkin is really cute!

Your mug rug turned out cute. Thanks for the site link.

Looks nice.

I agree with Angela. Hot pads are a good size to practice and very useful.

You did a great job!!!!! Thanks for the link.........I a just getting into it, as well!