I got the blocks put together for the first two rows of my circle quilt. So far, I'm liking it! The first blocks on the left of each row have a little paper pinned on with the row number, to help me keep everything straight while I'm sewing. I haven't pressed any seams yet; I'm waiting until all the blocks are done and I can make sure I like the layout. Then I'll press the seams alternating "in" and "out" so the top will go together smoothly.
I have a couple of small projects I want to make for Christmas gifts and I think I'm going to work on one of those this afternoon. I might sew 6 more circle blocks together first though.
Also--I wanted to tell you about something I'm working on for January.
I'm going to host a free motion quilting challenge. My hope is that people who haven't tried free motion quilting will give it a try, and that those with a little (or a lot of) experience will maybe try something new with their free motion quilting. I'm planning on having a link-up at the end of the month for people to share projects with their new skills. Oh yeah, there will be prizes, too! I'm still working on the details, but for now if you have any questions or problems related to free motion quilting, let me know in the comments and I'll work on including answers next month, ok?
10 comments:
What a great idea! I have always wanted to learn how to free quilt, and I just ordered myself a new machine for Christmas that should allow me to do just that! My old machine (really is the mother-in-law's) only let me do straight lines or broad curves, so I'm excited to learn how to do those pretty designs you have on your quilt!
Question: Is there any special feet or other equipment that you need to free quilt? Or any particular settings on the machine?
I can't wait!
Hi Jen! Congrats on getting in a new sewing machine! For free motion quilting, you need a darning foot or free motion quilting foot, and your machine needs to be able to lower the feed dogs (although some people say you can free motion quilt with them up). Another thing that's really helpful is quilting gloves, they help you grip the quilt sandwich and move it around while you're quilting.
i'd like to be part of your fmq thingy!! i love doing it, but need to practice more. have a great Christmas with your family in the northwest. you need to see more than just the seattle area--the coast is wonderful as is our side of the mtns!!
I LOVE your circle quilt! That is sew much fun! And, I'm interested in your Focus on Free Motion Quilting! My goal for 2012 is to improve my skills, so I'm looking forward to what you have planned.
Also, your new sewing space (a few posts back) looks really awesome! Glad your getting settled in.
xo -E
Terrific idea! I'll look forward to learning some new fmq skills.
I'm also hosting a 2012 Free-Motion Quilting Challenge.
http://sewcalgal.blogspot.com/p/free-motion-quilt-challenge.html
SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com
I made a table runner out of those type of blocks, I am such a chicken with curved piecing! I love the fabrics you are using.
Your idea for a FMQ focus is brilliant! I would love to join in, I’ve been doing it for a few years, but get stuck with just stippling. It’d be fun to get some new ideas and inspiration. When I was first learning, the big thing was getting my tension right, and figuring out what needle to use, so that is a good thing to talk about.
Oh, those circle quilt blocks are so colorful, I love them! And I do think 2012 is going to be the year of free motion quilting, I saw somewhere that someone is going to have a different free-motion block each month next year. I know I could use some more practice!
I just ordered a new machine and have set a goal for 2012 to develop my fmq skills. So count me in...
I LOVE quilt! That is sew much fun in the free time! thanks for sharing.
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