Please Practice before doing FMQ
08-20-2011, 06:16 PM
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: New York, NY
Posts: 2,735
That is great advice. I don't think you can determine the particular time needed to learn. Some people pick it up quick and some others need hours and hours of practice. One size don't fit all here.
One detail I am always tempted to say but have bit my tongue is the detail of the machine. We tend to buy a cheap machine to learn with the intention of getting a better one once we know what we are doing. I did it and regreted it. When I took my first and only FMQ class I had to walk out in tears because my machine was not working well. I could sew a straight line, but no FMQ for me. When I was able to get a better machine (not necessarily more expensive) I was able to do it with no problem. I went back to my old one and no way I could. That only proved that the problem was the machine and not me.
It all started working when I got an older Bernina (An 807 for $100.00 refurbished). That machine still works very well, even though I don't use it much.
What I am trying to say is that sometimes no matter how much you practice, how much you adjust tension, stitch length and your speed, the problem may be external. If you are having problems and have a chance to go to a shop and try another machine, do it. It doesn't cost anything. You may be surprised.
One detail I am always tempted to say but have bit my tongue is the detail of the machine. We tend to buy a cheap machine to learn with the intention of getting a better one once we know what we are doing. I did it and regreted it. When I took my first and only FMQ class I had to walk out in tears because my machine was not working well. I could sew a straight line, but no FMQ for me. When I was able to get a better machine (not necessarily more expensive) I was able to do it with no problem. I went back to my old one and no way I could. That only proved that the problem was the machine and not me.
It all started working when I got an older Bernina (An 807 for $100.00 refurbished). That machine still works very well, even though I don't use it much.
What I am trying to say is that sometimes no matter how much you practice, how much you adjust tension, stitch length and your speed, the problem may be external. If you are having problems and have a chance to go to a shop and try another machine, do it. It doesn't cost anything. You may be surprised.
08-20-2011, 06:57 PM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Phenix City, Alabama
Posts: 881
yes, practice is a must. i dont know how many 12" squares i did trying to get it. the backs were horrible. too forever to get the tension set correctly. once i got the machine set, the fmq looked pretty good.. i wrote the settings and the needle i used in sharpie on the top of the machine so i could get to it again. works great now.
08-21-2011, 02:51 AM
#19
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Flagstaff, AZ
Posts: 2,078
Originally Posted by quilt1950
I was told that it takes at least 12 hours of practice to catch on to FMQ
The point I'd like to make here is that YOU CAN do FMQ if you are persistent enough. Practice, practice, practice, and use all the books, videos and other web resources you can find. Try lots of different methods. Try lots of different 'teachers', one person's way of doing things will work for some, others will do better with a different method.
Don't be afraid to try new things out and see how they feel to you. Just don't try out new things on a piece of work that is important to you. I always try out new (to me) designs on practice pieces before trying them on something "real". Use tons of practice sandwiches and just go for it. When something turns out well, hang it on your wall or put it in a notebook so you can refer to it later!
The learning curve on FMQ is more difficult than anything new I've tried in YEARS! KEEP AT IT if you want to improve; one day you'll surprise yourself!!!
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