I choose the Sunflower pattern from the Free Motion Quilting Project.
And I had mixed results. Also, FMQ seems to be tough on my hands (I occasionally have carpel tunnel issues) so the going is slow. But I am getting a little better at it. The hardest thing is regulating stitch length.
I have chosen to space the sunflowers out and using a traveling vine to go between. I'm also using a variegated thread which doesn't show up very well on the front of the quilt.
Ah well, live and learn.
The sunflowers look really good! The fact that there's not a huge contrast between the fabric and thread can make the cool bargello piecing stand out more.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement! And I think you are right; the bargello pattern is the focus of this quilt, so muted quilting is preferred. :)
DeleteThis bargello quilt caught my eye as my first ever class in quilting was a little bargello wall hanging. I actually finished it and have it hanging! I've not quilted much to actually have lots to hang and view so really like my little bargello.
ReplyDeleteI like the sunflower FMQ with the vine between the flowers... I am new to FMQ and have just jumped in starting on a quilt for my granddaughter, I just finished Wednesday evening! I had carpal tunnel and trigger finger surgery in October so could not do hand quilting. Due to this and wanting to get the quilt finished and soon, I watched several of Leah's FMQ videos so I could learn to freemotion. I felt that my hand stretched out flat holding and guiding the quilt sandwich would do better than holding a tiny needle! I rested my hand often, but eventually am able to do for longer periods of time.
This is my first FMQ, really the only other thing I tried was a mug rug. Do you have any tips for reducing the strain on your hand?
DeleteI also have carpel tunnel. There is a product called BioFreeze that is a cream. I rub that on my wrists before I start it helps, but like you I have to rest often.
DeleteI loved variegated thread also. I learned from a craftsy class that different brands have a shorter color change and work better. She said the one that are about 1 inch color change work best.
I made a fmq sampler in a Craftsy class and was not happy with the results because so many areas faded out with the thread color change.
Your flowers look great! I would suggest the machingers (i think that is what they are called). gloves in a snug size, they always make my hands feel good and keep them warm in the cold days. I also agree keep your hands flat and sometimes it's the chair height and how your arms rest on the table.
ReplyDeleteWhat every free motion quilter needs to remember is one thing. Today you expected perfection...first try out? Well tomorrow you will take another look at your work and say WOW! I did that?. (I looked at your work and thought "wow wish I had done that well on my first attempts".). Somehow walking away and coming back to your work changes your perspective. Trust me. I beat myself up everyday only to come back the next day and find I like it after all. Ditto on machingers...they are a godsend when free motion quilting and if you are not using Sewslip or something similar product you should give it a try. Your fabric will move much better as you quilt.
DeleteHave you ever tried spray silicone? It was recommended by someone doing a tutorial on youtube but I wasn't sure I like the idea of getting that on my quilt. They said it washed right out but...
DeleteI think your flowers turned out great! One thing I think experience brings is knowing when it's worth it to put a lot of time into an elaborate quilting pattern and when to keep it simple and let the piecing shine. I'm not there yet, but am definitely starting to learn which quilts deserve that intense effort.
ReplyDeleteThanks to everyone for all the advice and encouragement! I'm about 3/4 done and had to put it aside because my thread kept breaking (very frustrating.) I should be able to finish some time this week.
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