I Played at FMQ Today
04-26-2013, 11:59 AM
#1
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Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: East Oklahoma - pining for Massachusetts
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I Played at FMQ Today
I made two "quilts" of about 12 inches square with as close to solid fabric as I have. Then using a thread that was much darker, I just fiddled around attempting to make the stitches even. My goodness....I applaud anyone who can do that. I kept telling myself I will probably never use it on a real quilt. I just wanted to see how bad it would be. Not too bad, but gee what happens if you are in the middle of one and the phone rings? I did not do too badly when I could just go, but anywhere I stopped and started up again is pretty clear. Oh well, I was just playing.
04-26-2013, 01:18 PM
#4
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Location: Outside St. Louis
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Getting the stitches close to the same size takes lots of practice. Being relaxed helps too. Like anything else, somedays are better than others. Once the quilt is washed and dried, the stitches aren't as noticeable. We are our worst critics.
04-26-2013, 01:52 PM
#6
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Location: Ontario, Canada
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It really helps to have the needle down feature on your machine. Also pick a FMQ design that allows you a resting spot as you practice. You will need a spot that you can stop to re-position your hands or take a breather.
04-26-2013, 02:32 PM
#8
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I did not have a particular pattern in mind. I just went all over. Back and forth to see if the stitches would be pretty much the same size. It almost looks like one of those puzzles kids play to see if they can get through the maze. I did take a couple of pics of it, if you REALLY want to see.........
04-26-2013, 02:39 PM
#9
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Alaska
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I want to see! I am hoping to make my first practice attempts this weekend. I found some old poly/cotton yards in my stash and I figured they would make a good practice sandwich for my first tries. I want to see what to expect (or aim for!) I know it takes a long time and a lot of practice to even get close to some of the beautiful machine quilting I have seen!
04-26-2013, 05:16 PM
#10
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Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Louisville, KY
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I have found slowing the speed down makes a big difference. When I first started FMQ in December 2012 I lowered my feeddogs and put the stitch length to zero. I have found though that keeping the feeddogs up gives me more control. I also found keeping the stitch length at the normal size helps prevent those kind of jerky, uneven rounded edges.
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