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Monday, October 10, 2011

At Long Last

Last night, I did something I've been wanting to do, but have been scared to do, for quite a long time. I even took a class. I made a little quilt with every intention of doing it, but didn't see it through.

I.free.motion.quilted.

Yes, yes, I did. And I am soooo excited and pleased with my project, and honestly, more than a little proud of myself. Stippling it was not, but it definitely was free motion quilting.

I started out slow, first trying organic straight line, with the walking foot. So far, so good.

Not even considering another try at stippling {yet}, I tried several patterns on my sample quilt, and decided I was most comfortable with the bubbles. So I just went for it! Yeah, I went crazy out of control a few times, but I just stuck with it. Perfect? No way. But for my first try, I'm fine with it.

Feeling somewhat confident, I decided to try some loops. Not too bad either.

So anyway, I feel like I've had a life-changing experience. Totally inconsequential in the big scheme of things, but to me, today, pretty major. Cool.
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18 comments:

  1. MelanieOctober 10, 2011 at 6:51 AM

    Good for you! It took me a long time to try it, but I was so glad when I did! It's kind of fun, right?

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  2. CarlaOctober 10, 2011 at 7:05 AM

    I love the loops. Good for you Debbie. Will have to try that on a quilt sometime.

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  3. Marci GirlOctober 10, 2011 at 7:09 AM

    Yeah! I think both the bubbles and little loops look wonderful! Congrats for giving it a try and can't wait to see that first quilt that you do the whole thing free style!

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  4. KateOctober 10, 2011 at 8:09 AM

    Woohoo! Braver than me - I've taken a class and I'm still not confident enough to try it on a real quilt. I love the loops.

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  5. AnonymousOctober 10, 2011 at 8:34 AM

    You Go Girl!

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  6. SusanOctober 10, 2011 at 8:44 AM

    Thank you for sharing this with us...your practice is inspiring. Time for me to go out and buy a free motion foot. :)

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  7. Tina CraigOctober 10, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    Congratulations on taking the leap! Just keep practicing. You'll get better with every try.

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  8. UnknownOctober 10, 2011 at 10:10 AM

    So proud. So proud.

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  9. Krista SchneiderOctober 10, 2011 at 10:12 AM

    Yay! I think your stitching looks fantastic, you go girl!

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  10. KelliOctober 10, 2011 at 10:19 AM

    Good for you!! I'm in the middle of FMQing a quilt and I hadn't done it in so long it's looking a little rough in places...but my husband said "Why point out what I didn't notice?" So I'm going with the notion that it's better not perfectly quilted but in our living room than waiting till I could do it perfect and being stored in my WIP bin...
    Love your loops and your organic straight lines!!

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  11. Heather D.October 10, 2011 at 11:52 AM

    I LOVE IT!!! You are brave to give it a try. I don't even have the appropriate machine foot for it, so that's my excuse!

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  12. ToniOctober 10, 2011 at 12:49 PM

    Did you do any dancing to celebrate? I think they all look great! I really like your bubbles, and the loops look fun, too! I am totally jumping on the FMQ train as well...My plans for the evening are to make up some little quilts to practice on. Any tips?

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  13. A.J. Dub. (Amy)October 10, 2011 at 4:08 PM

    Sweet! You did awesome. If that was your first attempt, you will be a pro in no time.

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  14. LeanneOctober 10, 2011 at 9:58 PM

    Wonderful! You are a natural and will be so comfortable in no time. Just keep practicing, your bubbles and loopy loops are great already!

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  15. Heather AOctober 10, 2011 at 10:04 PM

    I think your FMQing looks great! You obviously have a good feel for it. I, too, am terrified of it but really want to make it part of my repertoire. A class will be in order for me but first I have to wait until I get my new machine ... sometime in the new year. Meanwhile, your success makes me hopeful. I hope I'm half at least half as able.

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  16. Heather AOctober 10, 2011 at 10:05 PM

    By the way ... just curious ... what sewing machine do you have?

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  17. KendasCraftsOctober 11, 2011 at 8:17 AM

    Way to go! I keep wanting to try free-motion quilting, but have yet to work up the nerve. Great job!

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  18. DebbieOctober 12, 2011 at 7:02 AM

    I've responded to you all by email, but I thought I'd answer Heather's question here too - I sew on a brother Innov-is QC1000. I confess I 'upgraded' from my 30 year old Elna 18 months ago specifically to be able to learn to fmq. So I'm glad I've made it over the first hurdle. Finally.

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