I'm new to quilting like this so I have to practice a whole lot. My machine is an entry level Janome and is 20 years old. I love my machine and it's a little work horse. As far as doing 'fancy' was concerned - Forget it! and buying a new machine - sorry not possible.
That was until - I saw a UTube video of Lea Day and she spoke about a generic foot for quilting. I ordered one from her and WHALA!!! it fits my machine and it actually works.
(www.daystyledesigns.com)
Now for the hard part. I have 2 idiot hands when it comes to FMQ. It feels as if I'm holding a piece of paper and someone else is holding the pen and now I need to draw on this paper. Needless to say the first few practice runs were horiffic. I also bought an e-book for beginners called "From Daisy to Paisley" from Lea Day so that I could just get going.
These 4 practice pieces I made were trying to get a swirling motion right without it looking too stupid. Then when I had finished, I just couldn't throw it out, so I started going over and over the motion with other colour cottons and now, I love that Artsy look of it - wonky and all.
Now I just can't decide if it should be sewn together as a "art work" or put edges on each and use them as placemats for the BBQ table.
When I look at them together, I think of van Gough's 'Starry Night'. LOL!
Anyway, I'll get the hang of this yet!!
16 comments:
You really did do a great job as your first try with free motion, while it may not feel natural your work looks like you'll be a natural with it. Practice makes all the difference in the world.
What fun quilting! I think you did a great job.
Some things are fun to practice. Quilting is one of them. :)
Thank you for linking to Super Sunday Sync.
I think that the finished peieces look great. They will look fab no matter how you choose to use them.
That's lovely. I like the thread colors.
Great work Janeen! If it were me, and I had wall space, I would connect them and hang them. Leah has a great tutorial on piecing together your already quilted squares. Best of luck!
Gorgeous stuff. I love the relaxed flow to your FMQ.
I'd say you are doing great! FMQ is going to be my learning challenge for 2014. They really do look like an art piece when laid out.
They look whimsical and fun. Good for you for taking on a new skill.
Nicely done. I vote for sewing them together and making wall art.
Those are very pretty! The swirls are very reminiscent of Starry Night--I've been working on the swirls on my starry night quilt, so it's fun to see what other people are up to too!
Gorgeous...thanks for sharing!!
P
What a good idea, stitching over your stitching with different colors. Not only looks good, but added practice in travel stitching. I'm at the beginning of the learning curve too--can't wait for it to become as easy as it look when Leah demonstrates it! And yes, your piece does suggest Starry Night!
Hello Janeen,
These are really good pieces for first attempts at FMQ and would make lovely table mats. There is a lovely flow to your quilting. Keep on going with the the flow and it will get easier sooner than you think. Also, I am glad you have discovered that for FMQ a new machine isn't necessarily better. My machine is 68 years old.
Love from England,
Muv
Looks great. I love the look of the colors on the black!
Beautiful! Love the verigated thread on the black :) thanks for linking up!
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