How did this happen? First off, I'm a slow quilt-maker. Due to time-constraints and the fact that I have a tendency to go off on tangents, it normally takes me about a year to complete one quilt from start to finish. Even knowing this, silly me, I volunteered to make not one, but two quilts for friends of mine, a couple, Robynn and Matt. I gave Robynn her quilt for her birthday earlier this year. (You can view it here.) I machine quilted it using straight-stitching, decorating it with stars and squares. All that turning--I swore never again!In the meantime, I got a new sewing machine, a Juki TL-98Q, that is perfect for free motion quilting. So here I am now, ready to quilt Matt's quilt. I can't face any more straight-line quilting (unless the lines really are to be straight--no turning the quilt), and I don't feel like I should take the time to quilt another quilt before I do Matt's. After all, it's been nearly two years since I started the two quilts. So, I took a deep breath, and decided to free motion quilt. Just something simple.
I don't yet know how I'm going to quilt the other block in this two block quilt.As expected, I'm running into the same problems that I expect confronts most new FM quilters. My stitch length changes from day to day and from minute to minute. I can go forwards and backwards better than I can go from side to side. I find that if I can go faster, the quilting looks a bit smoother, but I can also run into trouble much quicker too. All in all though, I'm not disappointed in this first attempt.
I've found that using gloves does help the process. If anyone has any other great tips, please don't hesitate to leave them in the comment section. I can use all the help I can get. :-)
And last, but not least, here is this week's bunch of completed New York Beauty blocks:
I'll be linking up for Sew & Tell Fridays at Amylouwho's. Drop by and check out what everyone else has been up to this week. :-)
You think you are slow quilt maker? This would take me forever! All that peicing!!! Very beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWow, that is a beautiful quilt, Michelle! Love the colors. I really like the 4-petal flower shape in your quilting...wonder if you could do the same on the other block as well? It would be "outside the lines" of the middle part of the block, but I think it might be okay. Just a thought. I'm sure you'll come up with a great solution. The NY Beauty blocks are so striking--such pretty, interesting fabrics!
ReplyDeleteMichelle, your first efforts at free motion are really very good! Congratulations! :) I still love your NYB blocks, too. :)
ReplyDeleteWow! your quilts are so intricate! and so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful quilt! I too am a FMQ newbie, but I just jump in and do it - and call the results "art"! It's slowly getting better, but at least I'm having fun! Enjoy yourself...
ReplyDeleteIt really looks good! The free motion takes a while, but you do have the best machine for it. I use the walking foot in most of my quilts! I'm a little bit timid!
ReplyDeleteHi Michelle,
ReplyDeleteI say you are doing a superb job for a newbie - it is looking great!
And those New York beauties are looking good too.
Happy Quilting.
This is so beautiful! And your quilting looks great! I'm a FMQ newbie, too, but one of the best tips I ever got was to listen to the pitch of the machine. It's easier to keep your foot pedal consistent that way. And I try not to think about it too hard, because if I do, I just get hung up on all the mistakes. I really think this quilt is so pretty.
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful quilt, and your free motion quilting looks wonderful. I've had random success with FMQ, sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. I try to do continuous designs, trying to not have too many stops and starts. Or I do motifs, so if the backing doesn't stay smooth, it isn't as obvious. It's fun once you get started.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful quilt!! Love the colours and think your first attempt at free motion quilting is pretty good Sounds like you're doing everything right. I think it all comes down to practice.
ReplyDeleteI tried free-motion for about five minutes last month, and I bailed! Eventually, I'll have to face it head-on. I'm so glad that I have you ladies to encourage me.
ReplyDeleteWow, you FMQ is off to a great start! I'm all new to it myself and haven't dared yet to do recognizable motifs, just stippling :)Hat off to you!
ReplyDeleteLove the NYBeauties, too. They make such gorgeous dynamic quilts.
It's looking Awesome - and you've got my machine - I love the Juki...lucky you to be learning on it, once you get totally comfortable with it, you'll be so happy! OK, here's some stream of consciousness FMQ advice:
ReplyDeleteThat being said, it is CRAZY fast in the beginning. There are lots of folks who get some sort of speed regulator to slow it down - but that's just more stuff to fuss with. Do you control the pedal of your machine barefoot? I find that makes a world of difference. Also, the pattern you're quilting on that block, although lovely, has lots of stops and starts, and is symmetrical - with lots of straight lines....all these factors makes this a hard pattern for a 1st timer! Good old stippling or some other random pattern is much better for getting your FMQ under control. Even if you want to continue with this pattern, you could make a bunch of muslin batting sandwiches and spend about 5-10 minutes doodling/stippling on them to get you warmed up before you start quilting the actual block!
PHEW! There's my 2 cents!
FMQ is on my to do list, this post is totally inspiring.
ReplyDeleteYou are brave trying to FMQ on that size quilt. I am no expert believe me but I have three layers to practice on first to warm up. Also it looks like you started on the outside. You should start on the middle and move out. Roll up the sides or fold the sides like an accordian. That way it won't get in your way to bad. Practice a lot!
ReplyDeleteYour FMQ looks great. Beautiful quilt with lovely colors. Awesome New York Beauty blocks too. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the words of encouragement and FMQ tips! You all are the best!
ReplyDeleteWhat wonderful arrangement of colors. Love all the different blocks.
ReplyDeleteI'm a FM newbie too. I love what you did in that first block! Keep us posted!
ReplyDelete