elly66

I started FMQ only a short time ago. I use Leah Day's website. I pick a pattern, watch the video and go practice. There are many other videos out there showing FMQ as well. I have several practice sandwiches from left over fabric and batting. You know those really long pieces you invariably accumulate?
While this isn't like a full size quilt you're trying to get through the sewing machine, you can get comfortable with the design first before using on a large project. I find that if I do this, the design comes more naturally.
So far I have only done meandering on quilt tops but have incorporated several designs in my meandering. The easiest to me has been the a curly q meandering as all motion is circles.

Jingle

Lucky for me I don't go through dry spells. I also have lots and lots of fabrics that I would like to use before I have to stop. I finish one quilt completely and start another.

PatPitter

How about trying some small projects to practice straight-line machine quilting or FMQ?
I'm just coming out of a dry spell. The only thing I've quilted in the last 5 years were some whole cloth baby quilts that I felt obligated to do. I pushed myself to do those and a couple of other baby quilts. Now I'm back into it full swing. Recently put the quilting frame back up and am hand quilting one quilt. Using my weekly Michael's coupon to buy batting I need for the many quilt tops I've never quilted. This weekend worked on another baby quilt. Pulled out an old UFO that is hand applique. I've got my quilting mojo back!

michelleoc

Sorry to hear about your dry spell. I was wondering if you were having feelings of loss as well, and that's why you weren't quilting. Joining a group might help. Do you have projects started that you haven't completed? Join the UFO group here, that has provided me with a lot of motivation. Do you have a friend that sews? Schedule sewing days where you can spend the day together, each working on your own projects.

As far as FMQing is concerned, all I can say is practice, practice, practice (I can't believe I'm saying that. I hate hearing it!). Leah day has WONDERFUL youtube videos to watch and TONS of ideas. You can start small - placemats perhaps.

This might sound strange, but it worked for me. I enjoyed the process of picking the fabrics for a pattern and piecing. This was before I knew about Elmer's school glue so I HATED sandwiching quilts. Consequently I had a ton of quilt tops finished but not completed. Then I joined the UFO group, made a goal to finish at least one a month, and with the great advice and positive comments of the other people here, I have gotten my list down from three pages to one (hopefully by the end of the year)!

Check in here on your progress. This is the best group of cheerleaders ever!!

Lori S

I think we can all become overwhelmed and paralyzed. SO many fabrics .. so many patterns .. so little time.. .so many other distractions. Find a few like minded quilters to help move you along. They can be found at classes, organizations like Project Linus, Quilts of Valor , etc.
Since you have been a member here for a while , there is still some interest in there somewhere.
At times I look at my stash .. and get this feeling that I will never get to it all and it sends me into gridlock. When that happens I pick out some fabrics and a simple pattern and just sew, with idea that its a therapy quilt for my process. Sometimes its making just a few small things like potholders or a lap quilt from scraps that gets me going again.

There is nothing wrong with straight line quilting. If you feel so compelled .. use painters tape to make some interesting straight line designs.

lclang

There are Utube videos galore regarding how to machine quilt. Make up some 18 inch squares of muslin, batting, muslin and pin/glue them together and get started practicing. You don't have to go anywhere or spend a lot of money on classes. Pick and choose the videos you like and practice, practice, practice and you will be surprised what you can do.

HillCountryGal

Lots of wonderful suggestions and ideas here!

Sometimes when "things" seem overwhelming, I find that completing something helps.
How about creating smaller things. Like a table runner. Not every project needs to be an actual quilt. Or check with your local hospital to see if there's a need for baby quilts for newborns. Find someone with a need, then fill it!

Let us know what ends up giving you that spark.

helenquilt

Start with small items like a lap quilt. Just play with your quilting. Maybe quilt different in each block. Finish it a donate to a local shelter even if it is a dog shelter. They will be glad to get it and before you know it you have made one you just can't part with. Don't try to be perfect just have fun

jeast

I think it is easier to quilt on a longarm quilter. Perhaps you can find a local store that will rent time or offer classes. Having a longarm motivated me to make more quilts because it was so much fun. I am still learning stitches, but can do allover quilting so I love my quilts.

silverfoxmag

Will you share which batting?