FMQ to the Max

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Instructions

Persevere! I have had a goal for a number of years to really learn free motion quilting. I started this class and then almost quit. My samples were horrible! I spent about two weeks on the @#$%@$^ dragonfly! But slowly, lesson by lesson, I kept on. I learned a lot about myself and my Juki TL-98Q sewing machine. Best of all, I learned I DO NOT have to wear quilting gloves! Ann Petersen's tip of using shelf liner was my "aha" moment. Try it! Persevere! I have had a goal for a number of years to really learn free motion quilting. I started this class and then almost quit. My samples were horrible! I spent about two weeks on the @#$%@$^ dragonfly! But slowly, lesson by lesson, I kept on. I learned a lot about myself and my Juki TL-98Q sewing machine. Best of all, I learned I DO NOT have to wear quilting gloves! Ann Petersen's tip of ...
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Difficulty:

Category: Quilting

Type of item: Home Decor

For: Home

Style: Funky, Traditional, Casual

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Materials

Cotton batik fabric, cotton batting, a variety of cotton, metallic and polyester quilting threads.

What was your inspiration?

I've had a goal for many years to do everything on my quilt projects. While I admire the wonderful work longarm quilters do I want to be able to say "I did it all myself". I've taken many free motion quilting (FMQ) classes over the years and, several years,ago bought a Juki TL-98Q for FMQ. I did some quilts and smaller projects but I still considered myself a beginner. This looked like a good course so I put together a top (stash fabrics - I like colors!) and started out. Trust me, there were many frustrating moments! However Ann Petersen is a great teacher and being able to follow along (and I do mean follow along ... my iPad was right next to my machine so I could see and hear) was wonderful.

What are you most proud of?

The final result - I see only the flaws but the people who have seen it go "Wow!"There were times I almost gave up and I let this sit for several months before finally finishing the borders. I learned so very much. It will never go on my wall. But it will always be part of my quilting history so I can say "this is where I came from".

What advice would you give someone starting this project?

Go ahead and take the plunge! It's not going to be perfect and it's not supposed to be. This isn't a class for experts in FMQ (though they may find it a fun project to do) but for learning. You can't learn without making mistakes and learning to get better. Have fun! Fabric and thread for samples is inexpensive. Make lots!