My goal for April was to practise and improve my FMQ with Lori Kennedy's QAL. This has now been going for 6 weeks, and I've been quilting every day, well, almost every day for the last four. Some days I spent so much time doodling motifs that I didn't get to doing the real thing! According to Lori, doodling is an important prelude to quilting, and I agree! (Who am I to disagree?)
I didn't set a landmark date for this goal as the course is due to continue for another couple of months and I plan on continuing the course right to the end, even if it takes all year! For this month I have achieved what I set out to do: improve my FMQ
I'll spare you the doodles, but here are my quilting attempts so far, in chronological order:
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| 1. starting point: no lessons yet, just quilting and tension check (31/03). |
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| 2. 1st assignments: loops and scallops. Also general practice for following assignments. |
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| 3. Assignment: Sailing boat sampler. This took several days; 2 rows per day |
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| 4. A posey, in a frame with text (W.H.Davies) |
I see some progression between 1. and 4. What the photos don't show is that I no longer finish a row with my shoulders hunched up by my ears; that's progress too.
Anyone who is not satisfied with their attempts at FMQ should definitely try following this course, for free on Lori's blog. She also explains a lot about related topics, like choice of needle, adjusting tension, choice of thread, and, most importantly, she explains why they contribute to a good result.
I'm linking to
Click on the button above to see more goals achieved.
Stay safe and healthy
Happy sewing
Marly.
8 comments:
Lovely work! You must be really happy with what you have achieved. Your practice pieces are looking really professional.
Not hunching your shoulders is a big deal! That's great progress. I admire your dedication to this practicing! Nicely done and it shows.
I'm loving those fish blocks!
I have trouble with FMQ...very tense and my results are not good. Other than stitch in the ditch I stick with hand quilting. And big Kudos to you for trying this and improving so much in such a short time!
You work looks great. I'm am particularly impressed with the writing! I've tried only once or twice and mine looked horrible!
Your machine quilting samples are exciting! I don't think I could attempt the beautiful patterns, congratulations Marly!
There is a lot of progress even between samples one and two. Lori is a fabulous teacher. I also set myself a FMQ goal a few years ago and regular, short practice each day is definitely the way to improve. Congratulations! Christine xx
Great work. I've been working on my FMQ skills this spring and also have seen vast improvement. I agree about the value of doodling!
These look great! Thanks for linking up with Elm Street Quilts One Monthly Goal and congrats on your finish.
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