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Sunday, January 29, 2012

2012 Free Motion Challenge - January

I like Free motion quilting, and I like to practice as much as I can, which, unfortunately, isn't always as much as I would like!  The first month of SewCalGal's 2012 Free Motion Quilting Challenge is done.  Frances Moore provided a couple of tutorials as well as some tips - it was a great first month, and I am looking forward to the next 11 months with great anticipation.
Here are my practice pieces for the month of January:
first practice piece
I get really bored, really fast just working on quilt sandwiches, so I always try to have a donation quilt handy to do my practicing on.


under the needle
in progress
texture
quilting done
Frances showed us a variation on this leafy design which incorporated a swirl - I really liked the look of this one as well, and just happened to have another baby quilt needing something in a border - perfect!

border
swirly leaf - fancy heart!


Thank you Frances!  Now, to get all set for Diane Gaudynski and her feather plumes!


Today, taking a cue from Leah Day's Free Motion quilt a long, I decided to practice my straight line free motion quilting - no matter how many swirls and feathers you do, you still need to be able to follow a line, and Stitch in the Ditch (SID), so I finished SID the squares on the loooooong runner, and did some straight line quilting, all FMQ.  Definitely a slower go than quilting leaves and feathers, but I'm very happy with how it has come out.  I used my hera marker to mark a guide line, and then used the side of the hopping foot to space my lines.
FMQ straight lines
SID & Straight line FMQ
I think it still needs more quilting if it's going to be used as a table runner.  Maybe next month will provide some more inspiration!


Happy quilting!
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12 comments:

  1. JanetJanuary 29, 2012 at 6:26 PM

    Your quilting is lovely. I really like the leaf with the swirl in the borders.

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  2. LynetteJanuary 29, 2012 at 9:39 PM

    Love the hearts with the swirls. How did you get such good straight lines?? ;D

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  3. Helen in the UKJanuary 30, 2012 at 12:11 AM

    Great job on your quilting practice :)

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  4. PeggyJanuary 30, 2012 at 7:48 AM

    Lovely, lovely work - all looks perfect to me!

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  5. MaggiJanuary 30, 2012 at 8:09 AM

    Lovely to see the FMQ challenge on a real quilt. I need practice on straight lines. Hadn't thought of using my hera marker as a guide, thanks for the tip.

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  6. PoppyprintJanuary 30, 2012 at 9:14 AM

    Wow, Janet. Honestly, you could be teaching some of those tutorials! Your FMQing is stunning. I am so impressed with the straight lines - I think that is the absolutely hardest thing to do FM and I always chicken out and use my walking foot. Beautiful work!

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  7. Vicki MillerJanuary 30, 2012 at 9:37 PM

    I have said it before, that your quilting is lovely, and this is no exception. makes mine look like scribble (which it often is, lol)

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  8. RenateJanuary 30, 2012 at 9:40 PM

    Wow Janet! Your lines are so straight. I've just gotten used to practicing FMQ doodling, leaves and other things. Straight lines? Oh my! I'm a chicken too like Poppyprint and resort to the walking foot. yes, yes I know! Practice, practice, practice

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  9. BethJanuary 31, 2012 at 6:41 AM

    Last day of January and I haven't started practicing yet. Where does the time go.
    Your quilting is fantastic, I love the leaf with the swirl. I too use my walking foot for straight lines....your FM lines are awesome.

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  10. Marjorie's Busy CornerFebruary 1, 2012 at 7:40 AM

    Hello....Peg sent me over to see your blog...love you FMQ; I'm taking this challenge also, but not up to your standards. I am a hand quilter wanting to get comfy with FMQ

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  11. KimFebruary 1, 2012 at 8:34 AM

    Thank you for your kind comment on my quilting efforts, but good grief, look at yours! I am both intimidated and inspired to free motion quilt again looking at your work- a heady mixture!

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  12. JoanFebruary 4, 2012 at 1:14 AM

    You are doing a great job with your quilting Janet. The tutorials are wonderful arent they ??

    ReplyDelete

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