Tried FMQ
03-23-2013, 08:31 AM
#1
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Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Western Canada
Posts: 1,370
Tried FMQ
Decided I can not afford to pay to have my quilts done unless it is a really, really large special quilt. So........I am practicing FMQ. Still need a lot of practice but it is coming don't you think? Now I need to use a stencil and see if I can follow a line! I know, practice, practice and more practice but I am encouraged with these samples. Have you tried FMQ - please post pictures.[ATTACH=CONFIG]403661[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]403662[/ATTACH]
OMG! Sorry about the size of the pictures - don't know how to size them.
OMG! Sorry about the size of the pictures - don't know how to size them.
03-23-2013, 09:27 AM
#5
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Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Vancouver, Washington State
Posts: 2,113
I'm no expert by any means, but I think you've got a good grip on FMQ so far. I started quilting a year ago last January and feel the same way re the cost of sending a quilt to the LAQ. I KNOW I can do this myself and am motivated to do so; LOVE doing it, in fact! Practice, Practice, Practice!
Just a hint that has helped me tremendously...posted this in the March issue of TQPM...press down firmly while moving your quilt sandwich to gain best control of movement. It really helps a lot! Practicing speed of movement is also helpful. Here is a photo of some of the FMQ done on a floral log cabin I recently finished and sent to one of my sisters. I used chalk to mark each motif before quilting and didn't actually sew on the lines at all times, which looked fine once the chalk was washed out. I will say it took 3 washings...no drying between...to get all the chalk out, using spray and wash, but it did come out.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]403680[/ATTACH]
Just a hint that has helped me tremendously...posted this in the March issue of TQPM...press down firmly while moving your quilt sandwich to gain best control of movement. It really helps a lot! Practicing speed of movement is also helpful. Here is a photo of some of the FMQ done on a floral log cabin I recently finished and sent to one of my sisters. I used chalk to mark each motif before quilting and didn't actually sew on the lines at all times, which looked fine once the chalk was washed out. I will say it took 3 washings...no drying between...to get all the chalk out, using spray and wash, but it did come out.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]403680[/ATTACH]
03-23-2013, 09:51 AM
#8
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Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Springville, Tennessee
Posts: 1,123
Looks good to me....I have to start practicing FMQ. I am anxious to learn also. It is too expensive to have all quilts done professionaly, at least for me. Plus I think I would enjoy doing it.
03-23-2013, 10:20 AM
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Florida
Posts: 3,819
Congratulations. You've overcome the biggest obsticle: the first step. The second is fear - you can FMQ, don't let any nagging voice say you can't.
Try getting your body to practice the movements, ie. dance. Keep your body, shoulders and arms loose. Take breaks; set a timer say 30 minutes and actually stand up and move. Do the childhood exercise of head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes. You're body will thank you and your quilting will flow.
A couple of tools that help: gloves-there are many brands, even fingertip covers, this helps your hands stick to the fabric so you don't have to hold the fabric. Another is "Sew-Slip", there's also a different brand, it lays on the machine bed, under the quilt. Make sure it's large enough to cover the full area in which your hands will move. The fabric moves over the area so easily you won't need a lot of pressure.
And a couple more: the machine bed needs to be as large as you can get. 1-2 sq ft just won't do. Recess that machine so it's a comfortable height, or raise the chair and machine foot. Don't let your shoulders touch your ears or your nose touch the machine. Sit up straight, shoulders down and back-proper posture now! Again, your body will thank you and your quilting will flow.
And another: rest the quilt on a table so it's not pulling the quilt one direction while you're trying to wrestle it another. Again, your body will thank you and your quilting will flow.
And: "practice, practice, practice" but mostly, enjoy.
Try getting your body to practice the movements, ie. dance. Keep your body, shoulders and arms loose. Take breaks; set a timer say 30 minutes and actually stand up and move. Do the childhood exercise of head, shoulders, knees and toes, knees and toes. You're body will thank you and your quilting will flow.
A couple of tools that help: gloves-there are many brands, even fingertip covers, this helps your hands stick to the fabric so you don't have to hold the fabric. Another is "Sew-Slip", there's also a different brand, it lays on the machine bed, under the quilt. Make sure it's large enough to cover the full area in which your hands will move. The fabric moves over the area so easily you won't need a lot of pressure.
And a couple more: the machine bed needs to be as large as you can get. 1-2 sq ft just won't do. Recess that machine so it's a comfortable height, or raise the chair and machine foot. Don't let your shoulders touch your ears or your nose touch the machine. Sit up straight, shoulders down and back-proper posture now! Again, your body will thank you and your quilting will flow.
And another: rest the quilt on a table so it's not pulling the quilt one direction while you're trying to wrestle it another. Again, your body will thank you and your quilting will flow.
And: "practice, practice, practice" but mostly, enjoy.
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