Dear Blog,
You know how I yearn to be a better quilter. You know how I'd love to confidently set out and create some of the beautiful free motion quilting designs that you see on the web, in books and on other peoples quilts? You probably also know how often I have watched video's on You Tube on how these marvellous little designs get carried out. How often I've sat and read and watched the designs on blogs in pure astonishment and awe.
Have I ever really relaxed enough to get stuck in ? That would be a big No! How many books have I acquired, how many patterns have I collected and admired? All of them nicely organised on my computer. How many quilt tops are there upstairs just waiting?
This has to end!
I've bought all the threads that have been recommended...(and that's a few) I've bought calico so I don't have to be concerned about how much fabric I may destroy... but have I actually really started and got stuck in ? err! That would be a big NO!
But then I acquired this book (yes - another book) but it's entirely fitting to where I am right now.
This is Free-Motion Quilting by Angela Walters of Quilting is my Therapy.
I want to actually DO something, otherwise I'm going to be stuck in this place forever ... always wanting to and never actually doing. Yes, I know that it's only practice that will make perfect and it's only practice that will give me the confidence to just get stuck in. But I also need a little bit of hand holding...
That's is where this book resonates with me. I love the designs ... the swirls, the hooks, the leaves, the 'squarey' designs and the circles. I love the way this book is written and presented
OK - so the instructions are static (It's a book, so no surprise there.), but the little diagrams show quite clearly where to go next... how to develop the design across a quilt top and that's actually really helpful because you're not being distracted by anything else that may be going on.
Angela stresses the part about trying the design out on paper or a magna-doodle in her case, until you understand the pattern, the way it joins to it's neigbours, how to avoid getting trapped in corners. You've probably read that before but have I actually tried it ... not with any real conviction.
So, dear blog, this time I feel inspired enough to start and I am going to make this work. Each week I'm going to tackle one of these designs, practicing it until it feels fluent enough for me to claim it as part of a free-motion quilting repertoire. (My 'free-motion quilting repertoire' now doesn't that sound grand - but definitely exciting :) )
Any one want to join me? You will need the book and some fabric that isn't too precious plus threads and obviously a sewing machine with a darning foot and the ability to lower the feed dogs so that you can free motion stitch.
See you here on Friday?
Ali - it would be lovely to have you along. I need all the support I can get :)
Posted by: Julia York | August 03, 2012 at 09:26 AM
Count me in - am just going to order the book. Right now!
Posted by: Ali at Very Berry | August 01, 2012 at 09:12 PM
Andrea - It would be amazing if you'd join in. No pressure, no rules just learning something new, guided by Angela's book.
Posted by: Julia York | July 27, 2012 at 09:46 AM
Hi,
I would like to join in Julia. Just bought two books from Amazon so can I pop by here and look to see what you have done and do it that way. Free machining is really addictive once you get the hang of it!
xx
Posted by: Andrea | July 26, 2012 at 03:23 AM
Regarding gloves, I was given a good tip by Philippa Naylor - she of exquisite FMQ fame - and that was to use 2 small pieces of that rubbery/lacy stuff you can buy in poundshops, B&Qs etc. Its intended for use in drawers or dashboards etc to make things non-slip. It works a treat and means your hands don't get hot and you have full sensation in your finger tips.
Posted by: Penny Hankey | July 20, 2012 at 05:49 PM
Thank you for the encouragement.. It'd be great if you'd drop by and keep an eye on us :)
Posted by: Julia York | July 20, 2012 at 04:00 PM
Oh ...yes please join me. I'm happy to wait a little longer for you to get the book. We can keep each other going. You can practice with your lovely new sewing machine ... and I can get to grips with mine. (I've bought some quilting gloves... but will I stand them? I usually hate wearing gloves for 'worky' type tasks even gardening ...)
Posted by: Julia York | July 20, 2012 at 03:59 PM
great plan, i'll be checking into see how you get on!
Posted by: Kerry | July 18, 2012 at 04:21 PM
Just lately I have been following an online FMQ blog/website as, like you, I was scared to actually take the plunge and quilt a proper quilt top for fear of messing it up. After lots of practice I finally decided to do just that, took the plunge and finished a quilt. Ok, it was just stippling on a fairly large scale but I was really pleased with how it turned out, I even did some free hand trailing leaves and vines in the borders. This has really boosted my confidence and I now want to use some other patterns so I will look forward to Friday to see what you are planning. My best advice is to pick a top that is not too huge and isn't promised to someone other than yourself and (with apologies to that well known sports brand) Just Do It!
Posted by: Penny Hankey | July 18, 2012 at 11:53 AM
I want to paly! I can't order the book for over a week yet though because I'm waiting for payday- I bought a sewing machine this month :S
Posted by: PennyDog | July 18, 2012 at 10:41 AM