Free Motion Quilting Practice

I finished the Humbug Bag (pattern by McKenna Linn) I started yesterday. It turned out really cute. It's kind of big so I'll keep it for myself and make smaller bags for my granddaughters.

I cut out blocks for a couple more bags and did some free motion quilting just for fun. Tonight I didn't feel like change the thread colors and looking for different stitches, so I practiced some stippling, leaves, and random circles.

Here are two blocks with free motion quilting. It is hard to see because I used a thread that blended instead of a thread that contrasted.

Since these blocks are smaller than my first one (about the size of a regular piece of paper), it's very easy to sandwich them together quickly and practice new techniques. I still want to do some more couching and thread deco on one of the blocks, but it can wait until later.

Free Motion Quilting

OK, I'll be the first to admit that stitching in the ditch is a safe and easy way to quilt baby blankets and wall hangings.

However, I want to be able to do more than just stitch in the ditch, so I'm practicing my free motion quilting skills this year thanks to a group of online FMQ'rs who generously have agreed to provide some tutorials and tips to help us improve (see FMQ link on the right side).

I put together a couple of quick quilt sandwiches for practice and gave it a whirl. Man, it's tough! My machine has a stitch regulator which I tried and miserably failed at. It also has a darning foot which I tried and liked a little better, but my stitches are not even and there are some pointy spots that should not be there.

The stitch regulator would be a fantastic tool to use if I can figure out how to get my speed and hand movements coordinated enough to keep the silly thing from beeping at me so I'm willing to put up with the beeping until I'm able to perfect my stitching a little more.

I'll probably also use the darning foot just because it somehow seems more comfortable for me but the stitch regulator is calling my name and I must go try it again.

Like the little train in the nursery rhymes, my new mantra is, "I think I can, I think I can." It may take me all year, but I am bound and determined to improve my FMQ skills!!