I have a mini to quilt this weekend as part of my book review for the Craft Book Month blog hop organised by Craft Buds. The one I’ve chosen to do is actually a shrunk down version of a full sized quilt from the book, but it has some fabulous regular quilting and FMQ in it which I’d love to try and replicate. So, imagine if you will, that this is actually one very large block containing rectangular frames on top of 4 large rectangles, all in solids (and if you happen to be able to guess from that which book it is, don’t guess in the comments please, I’m trying to keep some semblance of illusion that I can keep a secret ;o) ). In the original, within each background rectangle there’s different quilting, quite densely done, including pebbles, wiggly lines and a kind of tessellating snail pattern (which I’m sure there’s a more technical name for) then on top of the rectangular frames it’s the same straight line driven pattern.
Now here’s the problem. Thus far my FMQ has extended to stippling, and that’s it, but I’m determined to practice and do better, so this mini seems the ideal victim creation to try things out. I really want to get to grips with the pebbles, because I want to use that on my Prince Charming bubble quilt, and I’m also sure my wiggly lines could stand some work as it would actually push me to use one of my decorative stitches rather than only ever using straight lines! The last one though is my real challenge. I’m definitely not up to the tessellating snails, so what would you suggest? Should it be FMQ or regular quilting with my walking foot? I’m going to try the straight lines on the rectangular frames, so it needs to contrast in some way with that.
In the meantime, I’ll leave you with a picture of something I’d love to aspire to. When I grow up, I want to be Jess…
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| Totally stolen from Jess’ blog ;o) |
Jess is my hero! Good luck with the FMQ 😀
I want to learn FMQ so much. I just have to buckle down and practice
Oh you should totally try that one that Jess has done on the dark green there, the spirals AND pebbles. Cool… Good luck!
ME TOO – isnt it gorgeous, ugh I wish I had the talent/patience/motivation!
Sounds like it should be more FMQ from your description. Have seen some great quilting that looked like tree bark, would that work?
Practice with paper and pencil extensively first till you can confidently do it without thinking then go onto fabric! Good luck, look forward to seeing the finished quilt 🙂
I'm cheering you on!! I know you can do it!! fabulous inspiration piece!!
Good luck!!! I'm learning too. Her FMQ is incredible =D
Um *blushing furiously* thanks! I'd check out the free motion quilting project blog by Leah Day – she has loads of designs and a video tutorial for each, I'm sure you'd find something cool.
I love the quilting patterns. May be get a bit of calico and put some batting in and just give it a try. You might be surprised.
hugs
I totally agree with Trudi's hint. Practice over and over again with paper and pencil, the pattern you want to do. Once you can do it easily without having to concentrate you will be ready to sew it. That's how I learnt to do the quilting pattern that Kelly from Don't Look Now does on her quilts and cushions. It didn't take anywhere near as long as I thought it would to learn it and get it looking ok on a practice sample.
I thought that looked like Jess' quilt! See? Next year we HAVE to have Laura teach us all at SS!
if you believe it, you can make it.
Good advice from Trudi and Marg. I am in awe of Jess' quilting too.
Good advice from Trudi and Marg. I am in awe of Jess' quilting too.
Aw, now I want to be Jess too!
I want to grow up and be able to do this too!