Free Motion Quilting Let's Chit Chat!
06-16-2010, 11:09 AM
#91
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: NYS Finger Lakes Region
Posts: 1,178
Thank you, Craftybear, for bringing up this topic. I WANT to do FMQ, but stitches are so many different lengths I've just become very discouraged. Thanks, gals, for all the video references. I really like the one that says to practice every day for a few minutes before sewing the project you're presently working on. I am going to prepare some samples and follow that suggestion. Guess I'll keep a journal of my triumphs and pitfalls and see where it leads me----how long to improve.
06-16-2010, 11:29 AM
#92
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: NY
Posts: 196
I always think it takes as long to FMQ (with regular practice) as it took to learn to drive well, or even ride a two wheeler, for that matter). Once you have the tools...machine, proper sandwiched fabric, thread, needle in machine, gloves or rubber "fingers", super slider, and proper surface for machine (and you!), then it is like you have a learner's permit. you need to practice until you get the fine motor/eye hand coordination right. Your speed on the pedal, how you see what is coming ahead in your quilting design and the movement of your hands all have to coordinate with one another. It's not easy at first but when you learn, it is something you never forget and it is fun! :-)
06-16-2010, 11:45 AM
#93
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Illinois
Posts: 479
I'm learning! Currently I've got the book Quilting Dot to Dot, by Cheryl Barnes. I don't generally buy books, I get them from the library, because I have this thing about spending on something that I end up not using, or using seldom!!!! Anyway, this just might be a book that I could buy. I've used it only once so far, but I love it!! FMQ scares the crap out of me - I get really nervous about it - but I'm determined to master at least some of it!!!
06-16-2010, 11:53 AM
#94
Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: springfield,ma
Posts: 86
Istarted learning and just need practice,practice and more practice. I don't know if I'm getting better or not. I really should spend one day doing nothing but FMQ maybe after months of practice I will see a difference. I am determined to get really good at it.
06-16-2010, 11:53 AM
#95
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: ok
Posts: 468
Originally Posted by RST
On the log cabin question -- how to quilt: I really like to do something to counter all those straight lines, so I've done things like a big spiral centered on each block, and radiating out, then with petals or sun flares, kind of like an Aztec looking sun. I'll have to see if I can find some photos to show what I mean. When I do that approach, I use a medium grey or beige thread that will not stand out too much on either side of the block.
You can also do a meandering pattern, and if you are not confident of your abilities and want to hide, use a thread that will blend with the darker side, and do those areas all at the same time, then switch thread to a lighter thread and do those portions of the block. Free motion work allows you to travel pretty easily from block to block.
I personally have no problem with doubling back on my stitching line, and I'm fine with crossing over -- once it's all done, it will not show up, and I don't do quilts for contests or shows, so I don't care about the rules.
You can also do a meandering pattern, and if you are not confident of your abilities and want to hide, use a thread that will blend with the darker side, and do those areas all at the same time, then switch thread to a lighter thread and do those portions of the block. Free motion work allows you to travel pretty easily from block to block.
I personally have no problem with doubling back on my stitching line, and I'm fine with crossing over -- once it's all done, it will not show up, and I don't do quilts for contests or shows, so I don't care about the rules.
06-16-2010, 12:19 PM
#96
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Cleveland, TN
Posts: 1,005
I've just started FMQ. I'm making a T-shirt quilt for my son. I've found that it goes so much faster than when I'm usning the walking foot. It's a lot of fun. So far, I've just done a meandering stitch. I hope my son likes it. He is 28 now, some of these shirts are from kindergarden and 2nd grade.
06-16-2010, 01:41 PM
#99
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Middle America
Posts: 707
Oh my - so many great ideas. I am free motioning regular meandering but everyone here has given me many new ways. It must be that anything goes as long as the lines flow and the distance between is consistent throughout the block. I think I will, however, take the stitch regulator off and try using just the darning foot. Maybe I will have better control.
06-16-2010, 02:02 PM
#100
Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Kent, WA
Posts: 33
I am sooooooooo envious of free motion quilters!!!! I have a lovely new maching (well 2 yrs old) has all the potential, got the attachment, got the "Machine Quilting" Made easy by Maurine Noble!! STILL can't get the hang of it... guess all I need to get now is the t-shirt!!! ;-0
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