You might remember this quilt top from a couple of weeks ago? It was discarded for a while and I kept looking at it nervously then moving on to another less scary project. I was worried I was going to make a real mess of it. I'd only free motioned using scrappy practice quilt sandwiches.
A couple of glasses for wine and a husband flicking channels between football, cricket and Tour De France (boring!) spurred me into action! I can do this! I WILL do this!
I donned my washing up gloves (great tip from Suz - rubber dish washing gloves work a treat for quilting! Thanks Suz!) and just did it. My hands and wrists ached a bit but I think that was my nervousness and I was probably gripping the fabric with more force than was necessary. I fell into a rhythm and worked out what pedal speed and movement speed was best, and before I knew it, this little quilt was done!
I used scraps for this quilt and backed it with a piece of this pink bug fabric which was given to me ages ago by a relative who was destashing. I used a self binding method and bound the quilt with the backing fabric. I've done that on a few quilts now and it's quick and looks good. I love a good cheat method ;)
You can see my free motion technique there in the bird square. Not bad eh? The stitches are a fairly consistent size.
To learn free motion I did the Free Motion Quilting a Sampler class by Leah Day* from Craftsy. I was about to publish this post then I got an email saying that Craftsy are having a huge sale* - WIN! That exact class is only $10 for the next day or so. Total bargain! The specials are rotating so there will be different classes for sale each day.
This quilt has already hosted several My Little Pony picnics and covers which ever toy is sleeping in the doll's crib in Anna's room. Totally cute and nice to see my fabric scraps being put to good use!
*I am a member of the Craftsy affliliate program.
It's beautiful...I really have to try it I guess and thanks for the rubber gloves tip :)
ReplyDeleteYour free motion stitching looks very neat, Ros!!! A great idea to do it first on a doll quilt. I'll have to remember that when I learn the technique.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous little quilt - you definitely have worked hard on conquering the free-motion technique...love it!
ReplyDeleteWow Ros! I am so impressed! It looks gorgeous :) You are going to be an expert in no time. Mmm some freemotion sewing machine covers?
ReplyDeleteLooks beautiful Ros. Thanks for the links to. I have not done any quilting before but am itching for one :-)
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful Ros! Well done x
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely, Ros!!! You've learned a wonderful new skill well and it shows!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Kristina!
DeleteReally cute, glad the little ponies approve. The free motion needle thingy looks scary on my mums machine but I think free motion quilting looks amazing!
ReplyDeleteI know nothing about quilting but I absolutely adore this effect. The result is so beautiful and organic...I can see how it would be a bit scary to do but that would be part of the fun ;)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous, encouraging and inspiring! Thank you !
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Linda!! x
DeleteIt's fun, isn't it? I don't know why so many of us are scared to try it--I'm not sure what we imagine in our worst-case scenarios, but I've never seen an example of anyone totally ruining her quilt! Once it's washed, the imperfections are pretty negligible anyway, IMO!
ReplyDeleteYou shall now also be called "addicted" lol. Good job!
ReplyDeleteFMQ is so much fun. It looks great x
ReplyDeleteYay! well done. I find quilts so hard to finish. well done on 'pushing on'!!
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