So.....

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New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Welcome to my world where I try to figure out what I'm going to do next! These days, it is mostly quilting, but you never know what it might be... come find out with me!

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!

12 comments:

Janet said...

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

Lynette said...

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

Helen in the UK said...

Great job on your quilting practice :)

Peggy said...

Lovely, lovely work - all looks perfect to me!

Maggi said...

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.

Poppyprint said...

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!

Vicki Miller said...

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)

Renate said...

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

Beth said...

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.

Marjorie's Busy Corner said...

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

Kim said...

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!

Joan said...

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