Friday, September 1, 2017

FREE MOTION QUILTING

Free motion quilting has been a real challenge for me.  I just have not been able to wrap my brain around it.  I have managed to dodge it by coming up with all sorts of cheat ways to get around learning to do it.  I have drawn designs on tissue paper and sewn on the lines and then pulled the paper off.  I can get great quilting done that way, but all that paper pulling is a real chore.  I have learned to meander by putting my sewing machine on a serpentine stitch and turning my quilts this way and that to accomplish a nice pattern.  That works, but there has to be a easier way.  So I finally gave up and took a four day class on free motion quilting.
And here I was for four days.  I am told it just takes lot of practice.  Well four days at 8 hours each sounds like a lot to me.  I am exhausted! 
Well practice we did, and I did get somewhat better at this.  Sort of.  
This is my final project practice piece.  Not perfect, but I am doing better.  I took my Bernina 125 with the free motion darning foot, but I have a Bernina 750 with a stitch regulator that probably will work a bit better for me.  I am still not sure that I will ever become really accomplished at this, but I guess I am on my way a bit to being able to master it eventually.  WITH PRACTICE, yes I know!
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10 comments:

  1. Goofin' Off Around the BlockSeptember 1, 2017 at 7:05 AM

    Your quilting looks very good. It seems the classes have helped you in your confidence level and technique. I have only just dipped my toes in the water of machine quilting. I hope to do more in the coming months. Happy sewing! Andrea

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  2. Tami Von ZalezSeptember 1, 2017 at 10:58 AM

    I find FMQing to be exhausting. My wrists hurt afterwards. I kept my very first attempt at FMQ just to remind myself I have improved. I just prefer the stability of the walking foot and straight line stitching.

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  3. AnnieOSeptember 1, 2017 at 2:07 PM

    FMQ is not easy! I struggle with it every time. But you are right, practice helps, though it is terribly dull😜

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  4. LynnSeptember 1, 2017 at 11:08 PM

    Great job. I think it's definitely worth it and becomes more enjoyable. I often try out a new pattern on a scrap quilt that I'm giving away. Hope you fine it pleasurable after all the classes.

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  5. BevSeptember 2, 2017 at 8:01 AM

    I do a lot of free motion quilting though I am not really very good at it. I think you make amazing progress in 4 days! I am quite impressed. I hope you keep it up and you will have some beautiful quilts.

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  6. Kat ScribnerSeptember 3, 2017 at 8:23 AM

    Of course, the practice was very beneficial. Your feather wreath looks WONDERFUL ! yOU should be delighted with your progress. I would be.

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  7. LIttle Penguin QuiltsSeptember 3, 2017 at 9:17 AM

    Oh, good for you! I am the same way about FMQing, just can't wrap my brain around it, to the point where I am scared to try anymore. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  8. gayleSeptember 3, 2017 at 3:48 PM

    Good for you! I'm struggling with FMQ also. Good to know that the advice to practice is right. (The first thing I need to practice is remembering to breathe while stitching...)

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  9. Home Sewn By UsSeptember 4, 2017 at 10:53 AM

    Hi DonnaleeQ,
    ~clap~clap~clap~ Good for you! Four days sounds like heaven to me - that's what I need to do. I've been dabbling all around it, too. I think you did a fabulous job. No one else is EVER going to be as critical as you are. I think you final project - the feather wreath - looks great. Look how far you came in just four days. Imagine how you'll be one year from today?! Good job. ~smile~ Roseanne

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  10. AnonymousSeptember 12, 2017 at 1:22 AM

    I love your artwork and follow you pots this very minute!
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