FMQ Practice - Batting and fabric is expensive, alternatives?
#11
I have been using orphan squares and leftovers with an old wash cloth in between with a layer of W/N and making some much needed potholders. Been even getting a little experimental with my FMQ. Good area to test it in.
#12
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,198
For practice, I get all those pesky little leftover pieces of batting and zigzag them together. My sister uses old bath towels. And I buy plain old muslin by the bolt, usually waiting for it to go on sale or use a 40-50% coupon at JoAnn's. Muslin is also great for making practice blocks, especially if there are a lot of pieces to it and/or I've never done the block before. However, when I am going to FMQ a quilt, I use the same fabric and batting as the quilt to practice on so that I can make any adjustments to the machine.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Usually in my sewing room
Posts: 813
That's an awesome idea! All my pot holders are looking pretty raggedy. Just knowing that I don't have to 'waste' a practice sandwich by using it as a potholder will really make me want to practice with more purpose and skill! Love it!
Thanks Murphy! You're my hero!!
Thanks Murphy! You're my hero!!
#15
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Camarillo, California
Posts: 35,242
When I do put together a "practice piece" I will keep using it again and again, changing out the thread color to see what I am doing. I have also put a new piece of fabric on the top and bottom and practiced again when it got too full to see what I was doing. I use old fabrics that I found cheap, old sheets, muslin etc, but have warm and natural in my "sandwich" cause that's what I use in my quilts and I want it to "feel" the same.
__________________
My newest Grandson, Caleb Austin, was born May 29th. I am now Grandma to 4 precious babies. I am so blessed!!!!
My newest Grandson, Caleb Austin, was born May 29th. I am now Grandma to 4 precious babies. I am so blessed!!!!
#16
I practice on quilted Muslin...It's cheap at Joanns & Hancocks. http://www.hancockfabrics.com/Unblea...VVviewprod.htm
#18
Three things...
1. Practice with scraps and no batting -- often it's the movement itself that is difficult to master, and you don't need batting to do that!
2. Practice with batting scraps that have been pieced together -- because eventually you'll do this on a real quilt anyway
3. Quit practicing and just go for it! If it doesn't look quite right, wash the quilt and then dry it on high. All sins will be forgiven, seriously.
1. Practice with scraps and no batting -- often it's the movement itself that is difficult to master, and you don't need batting to do that!
2. Practice with batting scraps that have been pieced together -- because eventually you'll do this on a real quilt anyway
3. Quit practicing and just go for it! If it doesn't look quite right, wash the quilt and then dry it on high. All sins will be forgiven, seriously.
#19
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Florida
Posts: 3,845
These are great ideas. I think first I'll get out some orphan blocks, use the batting for heat and make pot holders. I need some decorative pillows for the living room, maybe these could be fancy quilting practice with couched yarns and decorative threads.
Love the thrift store ideas.
Love the thrift store ideas.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post