table runner - fmq practice
 

A retired co-teacher had a house fire and lost everything. She is about to move into a new place and I've been collecting money for a gift from our faculty. Seems cold to just have cash - though I know it's always welcome - so I'm adding this little runner. She said "fall colors" and this is my interpretation of that from my stash. Love being able to go through my collection and come up with an entire project.

Pattern is from McCall's Quilt Quilts Feb/March 2012 - p. 61

Quilting: I'm in love with the idea that you chalk in a rambling line - a "snake" - and then go from there.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/tutoria...g-t177072.html

Someone else shared the method where you quilt several "snakes" from side to side to stabalize the quilt then go back over that line and add whatever shapes/figures you like. I'm sorry I can't find that link right now, but it was very helpful.

I love varigated threads, but ... not sure it works well here. When part of the thread disappears in the color of the fabric it starts to look kind of weird!

I feel like I'm finally on the road to FMQ. It's a start that makes me very happy. :)

Very pretty, you are doing a good job.

Very pretty, and it will be cherished.

Lovely runner! It's always so thoughtful to include a personal touch.

I have not tried fmq so admire anyone trying. good job

Love the fabrics you chose; especially the backing fabric! You did a marvelous job on this project. Your free motion quilting looks great. Have a wonderful day creating and thanks for sharing.

very nice......Your FMQ'ing is coming along very nicely!!!!

Just lovely, great job and thank you for sharing, really like the fabrics you chose
Have a Blessed day
Ellen

Really pretty!!!!

It IS really pretty! It's so sweet of you to do this!

What I nice table runner, Jan! I'm just tickled that you were able to use my little stippling tute to help you with your FMQ too. :thumbup:

What a great idea, start with some thing small. Otherwise it is overwhelming. Guess I had better whip up (haha) a table runner. You did a great job. Thanks so much for the idea. I have a bunch of quilt tops done but just have not gotten up the courage to try to quilt them. I know, practice, practice, practice but somehow it isn't much fun to have a lot of practice squares that you can't do anything with. I saw the snake idea and it sure makes sense to me.

doing a great job, better then i can do or will try. nice

Very nice table topper....

Wendy - as I said on that thread - you changed my world. Since then I've done that lap quilt and this runner. Can't wait to get another one sandwiched so I can do it again. I was frozen before, but this "Snake" idea unfroze me. Now I can even look at other FMQ ideas and have a go at them - because I can snake them.

fivepaws - I totally agree. I made one practice block, but ... boring! I know this isn't the greatest, but the lady who will get it will have no idea and will cherish it anyway. Usable practice things - awesome!

Oh, how very kind of you! She will love it! :)