FMQ - What am I doing "wrong"?
03-19-2013, 03:05 AM
#23
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Somewhere
Posts: 15,506
Tammi, I think you started with a decent working machine. Then I think you researched a lot before you started. Some of us just dive in and learn by trial and error. You have used the experience of others to learn. Why not success? I think you are right about sponges taking up too much space - my fingers don't want to be hit by the needle bar screw.
03-19-2013, 06:44 AM
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: N. Nevada
Posts: 953
Suzyquilter
I did a lot of reading before I started experimenting with FMQ. I can sort of meander, I can sort of do loops ... I was playing with hearts and feathers last night,.... my control and stitch length is getting better.
I've been quilting on bed sheets, using universal needles, and -really- old thread that I didn't even wind (came with vintage machines I've bought), my fabric hops up and down with the foot.
By all accounts, I've set myself up for failure, right? Here's what I don't get:
You're probably thinking: What? What's she asking?
When I read about people like Leah Day having trouble when she started, and needing to use those bobbin washers, etc, or talking about how this foot is better when adjusted by bending this, shimming this, and cutting that, etc, I wonder what I'm "missing".
The only thing I can think of is that my tension may be a little loose? I can see the top thread on the bottom a smidge, especially if I turn too fast. Maybe that's allowing the machines and thread to "forgive" my inexperience?
Maybe my stitching really looks -that- bad and I just don't know any better? :P
I've been quilting on bed sheets, using universal needles, and -really- old thread that I didn't even wind (came with vintage machines I've bought), my fabric hops up and down with the foot.
By all accounts, I've set myself up for failure, right? Here's what I don't get:
- I'm not breaking needles (I broke one the first night, about 2 hours in, and I think that was a mistake from getting tired)
- I'm not shredding thread
- I'm not skipping stitches
- I'm not getting puckers
- I haven't been able to find a machine that I "hated" for FMQ (all have been class 15 or 221 bobbin style machines though.), nor have I been able to pick a favorite, they all seem to be "good" to my limited experience.
- All embroidery feet seem equally good (the singer one is a little noisy, and I need to keep oiling it to quiet it down, but otherwise good)
You're probably thinking: What? What's she asking?
When I read about people like Leah Day having trouble when she started, and needing to use those bobbin washers, etc, or talking about how this foot is better when adjusted by bending this, shimming this, and cutting that, etc, I wonder what I'm "missing".
The only thing I can think of is that my tension may be a little loose? I can see the top thread on the bottom a smidge, especially if I turn too fast. Maybe that's allowing the machines and thread to "forgive" my inexperience?
Maybe my stitching really looks -that- bad and I just don't know any better? :P
03-19-2013, 07:31 AM
#26
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 242
I started FMQ at a charity group sew-in. Nobody told me it was hard so I just started in and had no problems quilting baby quilts on a Janome Gem. Then several years later I took a machine quilting class. So many rules. It took all the fun out of it and robbed me of my confidence. So I'd say if you're happy with your quilting, just keep practicing and enjoying. Before I start quilting on a project I always do a few minutes on a practice piece to get my rhythm going and I also make sure there's plenty of room around my machine to support my quilt project but other than that, no rules.
03-19-2013, 12:22 PM
#27
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Not Here
Posts: 3,817
Tammi, I think you started with a decent working machine. Then I think you researched a lot before you started. Some of us just dive in and learn by trial and error. You have used the experience of others to learn. Why not success? I think you are right about sponges taking up too much space - my fingers don't want to be hit by the needle bar screw.
I did have the needle bar clamp sort of graze me with the sponges. I let out this weird "nnnnaaauughhh!" noise that made DH laugh out loud. I guess in retrospect it was funny.
I've been doing free motion quilting for just a little over ten years, since I first learned to quilt. I've found that it takes practice, practice, practice! the best thing to practice on is a sandwiched piece, simular to the quilt you will be working on. Don't go too fast. A nice steady speed, keeping your speed and movement of fabric together. Also if practicing on a large piece have it supported on tables or something to keep the piece level with your machine. Good luck.
Thanks Sarah! And I love your avatar!
I started FMQ at a charity group sew-in. Nobody told me it was hard so I just started in and had no problems quilting baby quilts on a Janome Gem. Then several years later I took a machine quilting class. So many rules. It took all the fun out of it and robbed me of my confidence. So I'd say if you're happy with your quilting, just keep practicing and enjoying. Before I start quilting on a project I always do a few minutes on a practice piece to get my rhythm going and I also make sure there's plenty of room around my machine to support my quilt project but other than that, no rules.
I'm glad to hear that I don't necessarily need to change anything at this point (other than a smaller sized needle and more practice time)So, one thing about practice is that it uses a lot of fabric and batting. What are some of the ways to "Save" fabric or batting? I have some cheapie fabric i picked up but that's not going to last long, what about batting? I could swear I saw someone throwing another layer of fabric on top after they'd practiced all over one sandwich, but I'd think that may cause problems... the threads are harder to pierce or move out of the way, aren't they?
For now, I'm just making draft dodgers and such out of them, but I'm going to run out of doors soon.
03-19-2013, 01:28 PM
#28
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Outside St. Louis
Posts: 38,232
I have FMQd about 85 or more quilts. The first one I ever did is on our bed now. I can really see my improvement. I'm still not real good at it but it pleases me and that is all I care about. I only give quilts to people I think need a quilt. I don't do any fancy designs, just like to move to suit myself. the hardest part is learning to move the hands according to the speed of the machine. For me going fast and moving fast works best for me.
I'm with your grampa, don't borrow trouble. I set my top tension at 2, I use whichever thread I choose. Lowering the feed dogs makes it easier for me. Stitch length doesn't matter if the feed dogs are lowered. My bobbins are metal as are all the machine parts. Practice is important.
I'm with your grampa, don't borrow trouble. I set my top tension at 2, I use whichever thread I choose. Lowering the feed dogs makes it easier for me. Stitch length doesn't matter if the feed dogs are lowered. My bobbins are metal as are all the machine parts. Practice is important.
03-19-2013, 03:32 PM
#29
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Not Here
Posts: 3,817
I have FMQd about 85 or more quilts. The first one I ever did is on our bed now. I can really see my improvement. I'm still not real good at it but it pleases me and that is all I care about. I only give quilts to people I think need a quilt. I don't do any fancy designs, just like to move to suit myself. the hardest part is learning to move the hands according to the speed of the machine. For me going fast and moving fast works best for me.
I'm with your grampa, don't borrow trouble. I set my top tension at 2, I use whichever thread I choose. Lowering the feed dogs makes it easier for me. Stitch length doesn't matter if the feed dogs are lowered. My bobbins are metal as are all the machine parts. Practice is important.
I'm with your grampa, don't borrow trouble. I set my top tension at 2, I use whichever thread I choose. Lowering the feed dogs makes it easier for me. Stitch length doesn't matter if the feed dogs are lowered. My bobbins are metal as are all the machine parts. Practice is important.
I seem to do better with fast as well. After watching Leah Day's video about the FMQ foot she recommends, (where she talks about slowing it down for newbies) I tried and was able to go slower on the 15 for some reason, and I did enjoy that too. I didn't even mind the warm toes, I am in Central AB in winter after all.
I will bind this quilt tonight and make some more sammies to practice on.
03-19-2013, 05:45 PM
#30
Super Member
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Rocky Mountains
Posts: 1,866
Sounds like you were born to be a FMQ and have a natural abilitly to do this. Maybe you have another area that you have to work harder at be perfect. Enjoy your talent and keep going. Wish it was that easy for me.
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