Oh! My machine does this!
#31
Silly me....I decided to get serious and learn to free motion on my current sewing machine. I have been yearning for a new machine but for now, i think I need to explore what mine is capable of doing. So, opi set it up for FMQ and played with the tension. I am very pleased with the quality of the stitches. Now I need to practice practice practice! Trying to stretch my abilities; learn new techniques.
So, what are YOU working toward?
Sandy
So, what are YOU working toward?
Sandy
I actually went and took my first FMQ class this past Saturday! It was a LOT of fun! It amazed me that the one thing that looked the simplest (stippling) was the one thing I had the most problem with! By the end of the class, I had gotten pretty good at writing my name though. She said that was the best thing to start with since we all already knew how to write it. Seemed logical. LOL! I'm going to practice, practice, practice before I actually start on a real quilt, but I LOVED it! :c)
I'm also working on trying to get my fabric organized. I got three HUGE tote bags full of fabric wrapped on comic book boards to put in my shelves, I've gotten pieces of fabric that were big enough cut into fat quarters, and next on my list is to go through the scraps I have left from that and cut them into 10 1/2", 8 1/2", 5 1/2", 3 1/2", and 2 1/2" squares. May leave some in strips if they seem long enough to do anything with. I'm going to put in a different storage system after I get my taxes back, and have to get everything ready to organize when the time comes. Gotta do some Christmas presents as well!
Donna
#32
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Iowa
Posts: 175
Love your machine.
I've actually traded down during this weekend. I decided that my old Husqvarna Automatic (which has been passed down from my mother) from 1961 is perfect for FMQ. I'm doing most of the Leah Day tutorials on youtube and it quickly improves my skill.
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#33
I first tried FMQ on pot holders but found that to be too small.......so then I did a larger thing......place mats. That was much better thing to practice on........I had read that you could just make big S"s and that worked pretty well. I think you really have to have a foot that you can see through because you have to be able to see where you are going. I find it easier to start on an edge,,,,,sometimes I sew my self into a dead end..when that happens, I go off the edge./...than i can start over at another spot. Dont go too fast, it seems to be easier to me to go slower......and the gloves really help too, it keeps better control of your fabric. I think the main thing is doing it over and over until it becomes more comfortable.....you can always sew all those practice pieces together and make a dog bed for your dog, or for your local animal rescue organaization.
#35
Banned
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Sturbridge, Ma
Posts: 3,992
I have been watching many tutorials and even sitting in on classes in FMQ. It is my opinion that most of these teach patterns and not the basics of FMQ. One must learn the basics first to be really successful
#36
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Nawth o' Boston
Posts: 1,879
Am I somehow missing the basics? I learned precision piecing from Sally Collins books, but who is going to teach me to FMQ?
#37
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Nawth o' Boston
Posts: 1,879
I first tried FMQ on pot holders but found that to be too small.......so then I did a larger thing......place mats. That was much better thing to practice on........I had read that you could just make big S"s and that worked pretty well. I think you really have to have a foot that you can see through because you have to be able to see where you are going. I find it easier to start on an edge,,,,,sometimes I sew my self into a dead end..when that happens, I go off the edge./...than i can start over at another spot. Dont go too fast, it seems to be easier to me to go slower......and the gloves really help too, it keeps better control of your fabric. I think the main thing is doing it over and over until it becomes more comfortable.....you can always sew all those practice pieces together and make a dog bed for your dog, or for your local animal rescue organaization.
#38
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 264
Another FMQ here. I used the Golden Threads tissue paper, traced my pumpkin design - over and over and over! - Then taped it onto my border & quilted it. I was pleased with how it turned out. Need to keep practicing!
When I took a class from Sue Nickels, I learned to sloooow down. Hands & machine need to be at the same speed. It is okay to go slow!
When I took a class from Sue Nickels, I learned to sloooow down. Hands & machine need to be at the same speed. It is okay to go slow!
#39
He said:
- that anything you can draw with an artist's pencil, you can quilt.
- 30 minutes of "quilt on paper" practice a day.
- (a little more appropriate for the longarm, but still works for a domestic machine) when you go to her, say, "Oh! You're (just) a pencil! " - your brain doesn't distinguish between the movements with a pencil and a machine.
My suggestions:
Practice drawing what you like to draw. You'll build the muscle memory and quilt it easier. For instance, one of the most natural things for you to write is your name. Try it. I didn't think I could, but I did and it was legible first try.
Trace continuous line designs you like with a finger or a pencil. Over and over again. When you sit down (or stand) at the machine, it will feel natural - and look better than it did on paper.
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