Hi everyone! I'm excited to take my turn on the blog tour for Natalia's new book, Beginner's Guide to Free Motion Quilting. Natalia is a very talented quilter who blogs at Piece N Quilt where she shares a lot of her quilting along with tutorials and patterns too.
Natalia's theme for this blog tour is "It's a Family Affair" and I'd like to share a bit about my family's influence on my sewing and quilting. My mom learned to sew from her grandma, and she taught me to sew clothes and toys starting when I was really little. My Grandma Taylor also taught me and helped me with my sewing, including helping me make my very first quilt when I was 13 years old.
I started quilting 'for real" the year I got married and now my husband and I have been married 15 years and have 3 kids. I've enjoyed making baby quilts for my kids and nieces and nephews and bigger quilts for family members as well. My mom started quilting a few years ago and my kids have done some sewing too. My oldest boy is working on a Minecraft pillow, and just the other day, my nearly 4-year-old daughter started her first hand sewing project. She still needs a lot of help but she's doing a really good job so far!
Now for my thoughts on the book. I think Natalia did a fantastic job with this book. Beginner's Guide to Free Motion Quilting has a good introductory section explaining the tools you need to get started with machine quilting and basic instructions for basting your quilt. Then the main part of the book is full of various free motion quilting designs, complete with step-by-step diagrams and photos showing how to stitch each design. I'm looking forward to working some more on my free motion quilted feathers with this book as my guide.
I did try something new with my quilting after reading Natalia's book. In the center of this photo you can see the quilting I did based on the "clams" design. (This is the back of a quilt I'll be sharing here soon.) I had tried to do something similar to this after just seeing a couple of photos and couldn't figure it out. The diagrams in the book really helped me get it, and I even made my own variations/additions to the design in a few places.
Finally, I have to mention the project section of the book; Natalia has included the patterns and quilting suggestions for 6 quilts. The cool part about this for me is... I helped make one of the quilts in the book. :)
Natalia does a lot of applique in her quilt designs and I helped make this applique quilt top. (I would have made the whole quilt top but my sewing machine ended up needing to be serviced half way through the project.) I love the quilting Natalia did and someday soon I'm going to try out that swirly quilting she did in the negative space.
All right, time for the giveaway. If you'd like to win a copy of Beginner's Guide to Free Motion Quilting, just leave a comment on this blog post. I'd love to hear about a current project you're working on... or tell me something you want to make. If the winner is not a U.S. resident, they will receive the e-book version of the book. Winners will be chosen on October 18.
Check out the other stops on the tour!
Amy Webb - October 6th
Melissa Corry - October 7th
Melissa Mortensen - October 8th
Stash Books - October 9th
Amy Ellis - October 10th
Kimberly Jolly - October 11th
Vicki Christensen - October 12th
Candy Glendening - October 13th
Angela Yosten - October 14th
Gen Q Magazine - October 15th
Tracey Jacobsen - October 16th
Vickie Eapen - October 17th
Melissa Corry - October 7th
Melissa Mortensen - October 8th
Stash Books - October 9th
Amy Ellis - October 10th
Kimberly Jolly - October 11th
Vicki Christensen - October 12th
Candy Glendening - October 13th
Angela Yosten - October 14th
Gen Q Magazine - October 15th
Tracey Jacobsen - October 16th
Vickie Eapen - October 17th
Allison Harris – October 18th
129 comments:
I just finished a Granny Square quilt that have to be quilted... with a lot of others !
Thanks for the chance.
Working on a double quilt using all hst's. The blocks are 20.5" square and this is the biggest thing I have ever made. I only started quilting this summer. It's very addictive.
I just machine quilted a quilt for the first time last weekend. It's a cute crib size quilt with a tree and fox appliquéd on it, and it was for my newest little nephew. It was a little daunting but I got through it! This book would be very handy indeed!
i have been sewing lots of little projects (zippered bags and purses) not having a whole lot of time for working on a quilt... my goal this weekend is to clean up and organize so my thoughts can go to a new quilt. i've wanted to make an equilateral triangle quilt for a while, now.
I'm working on a Fence Rail quilt for my sister. I'll be doing straight line quilting ...I really need this book!
I am making a memory quilt for a friend and it needs some custom quilting. This book would be very helpful!
Ahh, I want this book! :)
Right now I'm cutting the squares to make a baby quilt for my best friend who is due later this year. I've also been collecting scraps to make a random scrappy quilt for my house/family, but that one isn't really even in the beginning stages yet. :)
Thanks for the giveaway!
Jess
jessicacook17 AT hotmail DOT com
How lovely! I started a scrappy lap quilt...but have not gotten beyond the HST's. I've squared about 1/2 of them, but life has been getting in the way. Thanks for a chance to win.
I'd like to make a Swoon quilt. I have the pattern, unfortunately I bought quarter yds, not FAT quarters. Next time I need to read the directions better. ;-> Toni Anne
I am piecing lap quilts to give as Christmas gifts. Still lots to do before the holidays!
I am completing a QOV, a Christmas QAL, and hoping to make something to celebrate the autumn season. I love the quilt you worked on. It looks great on the bed and the quilting looks just right.
I've just finished off a few baby quilts. I have a few bigger projects that I still need some quilting ideas for!
I'm making small quilts for my 3 young nephews for Christmas. I really want to do FMQ but I'm not sure how to start!
I'm working on a table runner, a round robin quilt, and quilts for Quilts without Borders. Thanks for the giveaway!
I'm inbetween projects right now but about to start on a heather ross princess and the pea quilt - pulling fabrics today!
I'm making a 'Groove' quilt and I have no idea how I'm going to quilt it!
My current project is an apple core stroller quilt for my little girl, and I'm loving it! It's slow to piece though. I haven't decided how I'm going to quilt it...I'm still scared of FMQ! haha.
- Erin
mummyquilts@gmail.com
Right now I'm working on a quilt pattern idea I've had. That I'm hoping to be able to quilt myself. This book would help!
I just added this book to my Amazon Wish List last week! Me, me, me! Pick me!
Sewing-wise, I'm not doing a lot right now because my bargain sewing machine has become very much not a bargain in recent months. Once I save up and purchase a decent machine, I'll be back up and running. All my crafting is knitting right now, but I yearn to learn free-motion quilting because I'm tired of only doing in-the-ditch quilting.
I am finishing up a twin size quilt made from scrappy granny squares in blues and browns. Just one more border, then I can take it with me to Monday's quilt group meeting and use the big tables at the hall to make a sandwich. This book looks fabulous, and with each stop on the blog tour, I'm more and more convinced that I need a copy. ~karen
I'm starting on Christmas present quilts. I know kind of a late start but I work better under pressure. Thanks for the chance to win, the book may speed up the quilting process.
Just finished a quilt for my friend's new baby!
AWESOME post! Thanks so so much! :)
Trying to work on a doll quilt for my granddaughter. Not getting very far with it. Is there such a thing as sewers block? Anyway i would love to win this book and thanks for the give away.
I am currently working on two quilts for Christmas gifts. One for my mom and one for my MIL.
I'm working on Christmas presents...mostly knitted...but I'm eyeing Olivia Owl from Bunny Hill Designs...might have to fit some time in to make that cute little owl...
I'm currently in the middle of a Mystery Block of the Month quilt using "Vintage Modern" by Bonnie & Camille, a Halloween tablerunner, and just bought the fabric to start working on a baby quilt for my niece. Love it!
I'm 4 blocks into a Block of the Month project by Marti Michell.
HELLO! I'M A BEGINNING QUILTER+HAVE DONE SEVERAL CRIB SIZE QUILTS;NOW I WANT TO MAKE A FULL BED SIZE QUILT! WISH ME THE BEST!
LOVE YOUR BLOG!
msstitcher1948@yahoo.com
I am working on several quilts. I have a square flannel quilt on the longarm. I 16 patch as a leader 'n ender project. I am doing a mystery quilt also. I'm cutting a spool quilt. I just have to have different projects to help with my physical limitations. They all do get done.
I love the apliqued quilt with the white background. Great job!
I have never tried free motion quilting but keep telling myself I will some day soon. I am thinking of working on a salmon pink with ivory contrast kid or baby quilt.
Great contest Vicki!
Terri C
I am currently finishing the binding on a zig zag quilt then working on a butterfly doll quilt :) Thanks for the chance!
I'm always looking for help with my FMQ. Thanks for the chance. I'm just trying to finish several Thanksgiving and Christmas quilts and projects that I started last year so I can actually use them.
I'm working on Bronwyn Hayes' Wish Quilt. I'd love to add this book to my library. It looks like a great book. Thank you for the opportunity.
I am currently working on a tutorial from Anna Maria Horner's site. Every time I see the cover of this book, makes me wish I had started quilting earlier!
Project, more like projects. I have two block of the months going. One is the 2012 Designer Mystery from The Fat Quarter Shop and the other also from The Fat Quarter Shop is Vintage Kansas City Star.I also have two Christmas quilts waiting to be quilted either sent out or if I get the courage to quilt myself.
Vicki - how fortunate that you worked on the quilt in this book -- it is just stunning ! My grand daughter Angelina would LOVE that quilt! She is just getting into her own room this winter and Gramma is going to make her a new bed cover. That is perfect!
I am also working on a wool table topper by Kim Diehl -- and another Fall Pumpkin table topper -- not to mention a few (4?) lap quilts and wall hangings that need to be quilted on my DSM before Christmas.
This book seems like it will give me the guidance I need!
Thanks for sharing.
Karen
Well I am SUPPOSED to be sandwiching and quilting my son's junior year quilt (long overdue) and/or taking in a cute skirt that I made for my daughter. But I'd rather be sewing my Christmas quilt or making a pencil skirt for my daughter. :S
I'm frantically trying to finish a quilted wall-hanging! LOL Thanks for the chance to win....I'm trying to do some FMQ on this project - would love to learn how to do more, and do it better!
i would love to win thanks
I am currently finishing 2 quilts. One is a sweet little baby quilt using my last scraps of Fig Tree's Whimsy. I am using the Chain Reaction pattern by Cluck.Cluck.Sew. to make a toddler quilt using Urban Circus, Alphabet Soup, Wheels, and some Chots dots from Hoopla. I just adore Natalia's work and would love to win her book. Thanks for the opportunity!
Well, I'd love to learn free motion quilting for my next project.
I'm currently working on the Farmer's Wife quilt (queen size). My LQS has a class that meets every month to work on 10 blocks. We are nearing the end so Natalia's book sure would come in handy to finish up the quilt :)
I'm working on a square in square type baby quilt at the moment but am eager to start a plus quilt for my son ... and then a granny square quilt for my daughter ... and then an hst quilt for another baby as yet unborn ... and then ...
Someday soon I want to make a quilt for our own home.
I have two quilt tops that need quilting and am working on a mystery quilt so will have another soon. I always have a million ideas swirling around in my head, just never enough time to make them all!
I am working on 10 minute table runners for the girls at work and a quilt called "bundle of 12"!
I am trying to catch up on all my bee blocks at the moment, then I have several quilts just waiting to be quilted.
I am designing a modified Amish quilt for my middle adult daughter. She wants a black background and colorful retro flowers.
I'm working on two different blocks for two swaps. There are several things waiting in the wings and some serious applique needed to complete another top.
Love that quilt.
I am working on several things. A baby quilt and a row along quilt from Bee In My Bonnet blog. Plus several other hand applique projects. thanks for the giveaway.
I am working on the "Groove" quilt. Top finished, back started and no idea on the quilting. This book would be a big help! Thanks for this giveaway!
Sitting waiting for me to resume work is my current project of a civil-war-ish quilt. A traditional quilt like this is out of my comfort zone.
I would love to be able to Freemotion quilt on my home machine.
I'm working on getting some ufo's finished. Also trying to get my fabric stash organized, seems I can get more done when I'm organized. Thanks.
I'm working on a quilt for my niece. I'm down to the free-motion quilting part and I have started. I have a heart loopy design that I'm doing, but since my experience level is beginner, it's slow going and not so pretty. Some of the hearts looks like 2 mooshed triangles shoved together. I can't wait to get my hands on this book!
I have a couple of blog hops coming up that I need to finish things for, one is paper piecing which for now is my love/hate relationship. I'm going to get it if I have to work for months LOL. I cut the blocks for a halloween quilt today and plan to cut more tomorrow and then sew, sew, sew UNLESS the weather is as horrible as they say it is going to be here in Central Missouri. Thanks.
i'm still working on my stack of practice sandwiched squares [sigh] and not making much progress on my fmq. i'm handstitching epp and pressing yardage and fqs for cutting a new project and stitch another together.
I'm always working on multiple projects, but he big one I'm working UP to is my daughter's trek quilt. I keep putting it off until I practice a little more so that it will be perfect for her.
I am working on a quilt for my grandson and several dresden plate table toppers with matching place mats. What I am wanting to make is a Lonestar quilt but, it will have to wait until after all the holidays :)
I am working on a quilt for my sister with blue dogs appliqued on it. (Her idea!) I'm also continuing to work on my free motion quilting with SewCalGal's challenge. This book would come in handy!
I thought I had entered a comment but do not see it. I would really like a copy of this book so if this ends up being a duplicate please remove and accept my apologies. I am working on a quilt for Christopher.
https://www.facebook.com/ChristophersMiracleJourney?fref=ts
I'm currently working on blocks for my 4x6 bee. But I just got fabrics to make my son his big boy bed quilt! (ooh, say that 5 times fast- haha!)
I'm currently working on a quilt for a friend going through cancer treatment. I always seem to end up doing stitch in the ditch or straight-line quilting because I'm too much of a chicken to do anything else. Thanks so much for the chance to win this book :)
Still working on my blue star quilt.
I am working on Advent Calendars for my children's family. Thank you for a chance to win this great book
I'm working on a Turning Twenty made with batiks for my daughter. I intend to quilt it on my home machine, so I would love to win a copy of this book. Thanks for the chance to win.
I am a beginning FMQer and I am in the process of quilting a charity Baby Quilt! Every quilt is a learning experience!! Winning this book would definitely help me in this process!! Thanks for the chance!
Paulette
Hi what a wonderful review for this book. I have only quilted a little on my home sewing machine but it would be lovely to learn how to actually do a great job when doing one...I am currently working on a table runner that turned into a wallhanging and I am going to try and quilt it myself with some of these wonderful tips I have been reading about..thanks for the chance
I am finishing my first all free motion quilted project, a throw sized quilt, hoping to get it done this weekend, but I can sure say I could use a good book ont he subject!
Just finished two wallhangings and fm quilted them. I've been practicing some fm this year and have a number of quilts I want to finish fmq. I have a lot of practicing needed.
I'm working on a fall themed quilt, and then a music themed quilt for my husband.
I have just started working on an outreach quilt for my guild. I saw a program that Eleanor Burns did on French Braid quilts and was anxious to give it a try, so what better way to test a new pattern to get the kinks worked out, than an outreach quilt? Plus, when I do quilt it, I will be able to "practice" my quilting and no one will care if I mess up here and there or not!!
I too am working on several things. But I have really enjoyed making house quilts. I am working on one using homespuns. Thanks for the giveaway.
I'm working on a stacked coin quilt. The top is finished, and just waiting for some other projects to be finished up before I can get back to it. Thanks for a chance to win this inspiring book! :)
I'm working on three quilts right now - one for my dad (just needs to be quilted), one for my brother (cut out), and one for my couch (I'm finally getting the hang of applique). I'd love this book... and maybe a few extra hours in the day!
I am working on four small car lap flannel quilts for my best girl friends. It gets cold in New England!
I am on the brink of trying free motion quilting... for now it is stitch in the ditch for me! Ally
Hi Vicki, you're review of Natalia's book was great. Thank you!! I'm sitting here lookinng at swirly quilting Natalia has done in her negative space and I'm drooling. I have at least 6 different bed size quilts patiently awaiting for me to quilt them but I was and still am very intimidated about trying some of these swirly quilting. I truly believe that Natalia's book will get be out of my comfort zone and into another world of quilting that I've always loved but couldn't do...or shall I say wouldn't do because I was afraid of messing up the quilt! Thank you for a great give away! PS loved reading about your children making their way into your quilting world!!
I'm working on a Storm at Sea quilt for my parents right now and I have absolutely NO IDEA how I am going to quilt it when I'm finished. I definitely need some inspiration. I don't want to do my traditional allover stippling on this one...
I'm finishing up a stacked coin quilt for a baby boy who's to be born in December. Thanks for the chance.
I am making a quilt for my #2 daughter. Black and Whit 5x5 squares with Red 10x10 all in a 9 patch. I've redesigned the whole thing several times because I all ready had a charm pack and some FQ and wanted to limit how much extra I had to buy. I think it's going to be adorable. Hope she likes it too. I've tried to machine quilt before but it was a major disaster. Please help!!
I'm working on a scrappy quilt top that was a long time UFO for me. I'm nearly done straight line quilting it, but hoping to fill in some of those spaces with free motion too!
At this moment I am working on bags and purses... thanks for the chance to win!!
I'm working on my LQS's BOM project. And I still need to quilt a postage stamp quilt.
I am working on hand-quilting a quilt for my son who is in his first year at University. Would love to have it completed before the cold weather kicks in!
I have a quilt top that my grandmother made. I would like to quilt it myself. I am a little nervous about starting it. I don't want to ruin it.
I'm working on two twin sized quilts, one wonky star and one dresden plate. Both out of vintage sheets. Both need a little FMQ!
wish me luck!
I am binding a Scrap Vomit quilt and I am sewing up some EPP hexagon flowers for a queen-sized top. Love this book - thanks for the chance to win!
You want to know what I am making or want to make. I want to make just about everything I see which is more than one person can do. I am working on a Redwork piece of Sunbonnet Sue, one for each month, for a friend. It has been great fun. Thank you for this great giveaway.
Have a super great sewing and stitching day!
I've been inspired by my email from Quilting Daily to make my own fabric for a new tennis bag from using inks on canvas. In the quilting arena, I've been very inspired by a blog that's new to me called Cut to Pieces, I love her take on a block with lots of curves so that's where I'm going next.
I am working on an I Spy quilt for my grandson. And for the backing I am using a fabric printed with roads and building on it.
I was recently at the Winchester Mystery House and there is a quilt on one of the beds that is quite similar to the one you have pictured here! I have been dying to make one like it since I saw it! I am currently working on finishing up a chevron quilt for Christmas out of Kate Spain's 12 days of Christmas and white Kona.
I would love to make a king size quilt. I've only made a twin size so far!
I so badly want to do free motion, but I'm such a chicken. Even if I don't win this book, I'm going to buy it.!
I have everything to start a Single girl quilt and am so scared to start! Lisa in Texas
First of all, I did enjoy looking over your blog! Also, that for the chance to win a great looking book. My current project is trying to get a baby quilt finished by the end of the month. I have done a little FMQ but would love to do more and improve my FMQ skills.
I finished up a houndstooth quilt in red and white not too long ago. It was a lot of cutting, but it was so worth it! :)
I am getting ready to do a braid in a day quilt as my first QAL. :) The only sewing lately I've been doing is table runners for a fundraiser I am doing in memory of my son. But...I will be busy soon enough making, Lord-willing, a quilt for my MIL and mother, and perhaps one for my son too. That's pretty ambitious for a novice like me! LOL Thank you!
I just finished the top and back of an urban log cabin. I wanted to quilt it myself but I chickened out.
I'm working on a quilt for my son that uses a pinwheel pattern, Lucy Boston's Patchwork of the Crosses that is a honeycomb shape instead of hexagons, a purse and my holiday block for my guild Christmas party. Whew! Would love to win a copy of this book to help with creative ideas to finish my quilts!
I am just finishing up a bargello quilt using the Spiral Burst bargello pattern. I made it all with oriental fabrics. I have never seen a bargello done with oriental fabrics. i want to add an oriental quilting motif, like sashiko.
I love that flower quilt - I would love to make one. I'm not currently working on a quilting project.
This month is all about the UFOs. (Though I might try to sneak in a Halloween project somewhere.) On deck is a Very Hungry Caterpillar quilt.
I am working on a quilt for a friend right now out of Tula Pink's Nightshade! I love the way it's coming together!
The quilt you help make is stunning! I am anxious to see it in the book:) I am currently working on a small reproduction quilt...one of many unfinished projects in my sewing area:)
Right now I am working on two projects. Finishing a baby quilt inspired by Pileofabric's Alyssa and a lap quilt for my daughter using fussy cut owl (for the center) log cabin blocks.
lisamcgriff (at) hotmail (dot) com
I'm working on apron panels for my d-i-l and my sister
I just started a gray and yellow flying geese quilt. I'm already thinking about how I'm going to quilt it!
One of the projects I'm working on is a quilt for my mother-in-law who will soon be turning 75. She is originally from the Netherlands so I've made the quilt in various shades of blue and white to give it a "Delft Blue" look. Delft blue is pottery that the Netherlands are famous for.
I'm working on a groove quilt...a fun pattern with lots of curves!
I am thinking about making an Irish Chain quilt with all the leftovers from a quilt that I just finished. I just can't believe how many pieces of fabric there are leftover, so I think I hear an Irish Chain calling my name.
I just finished a darling baby quilt made with Penny Lane fabric. I FMQ the medalians and it was so much FUN! I have a queen sized quilt top and bottom that needs to be FMQ, but I am scared to death!
jpshirley@ymail.com
Sounds like this book could really be a great help to me. I have several projects going, a civil war quilt, a quilt that has embroidered snowmen, an applique project, another embroidery project, an english paper pieced small quilt for my grandson, a hand pieced small quilt and a block of the month quilt. I have to cut down next year, hehe.
Thank you for a great giveaway and a chance to win a neat book.
uairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com
My current sewing project is a Minnie Mouse costume for my daughter. I think it's going to be cute, but my daughter is being very picky!
I am making a kite quilt modified from Jacquie Gering's blog/book.
Finishing a birthday quilt for my DH!
I'm not working on my project right now, but I'd like to use a nice fleece purple blanket and make a jacket to my little girl
I've always got lots of projects on the go, too many! Right now I'm working on a scrappy hunter star quilt, and a couple of scrappy stash busters.
I am currently working on two projects. One is my geese in the park quilt made from a quilt kit from a moda bakeshop pattern and the other is a quilt I have been working on for over 10 years. I may actually finish that UFO this month. Come check it out at http://jennifer.blogspot.com
I just found out that I am going to be a 1st time Grandma in May. I am making a "Cubby Chicks baby quilt in yellow, green, orange red and blue.
Let's see....I have many quilts I want to make but the one I really need to get cracking on soon is for my 4th baby. She doesn't have a quilt of her own and each of her siblings have a couple each already!
I'm super close to finishing an advent calendar for my kids. I started it last January!!! At least it will be done by December 1st!
I've been machine quilting for awhile, but just getting into free motion quilting. Most recently I finished a wedding wishes quilt made up of blocks with handwritten wishes to the bride and groom from people who were in attendance of a shower I hosted.
My current (planning stages) quilt is for a friend who is in the Navy, and has just been deployed overseas. The plan is to have it finished as a welcome home present for April!!
I am working on a bulls-eye sort of quilt for my son's Christmas gift. Next up is a Disappearing 9-patch for a nephew's wedding gift.
I am currently working on a baby quilt for my niece or nephew, expected around November 25th. I would love to FMQ this myself!
Ooh this book looks amazing - and just what I need, desperately in need of some FMQ help!!
We just re-painted my daughter's room in a "big girl" palette -- Light French Gray, Wood Violet (a deep purple), and Hot (hot pink) -- a very nice and overdue change from her little girl pink and yellow. Anyway, the wall color has inspired me to make her a quilt for her twin bed in shades of gray with large appliqué in the brighter colors. SO looking forward to finding my fabrics and now machine quilting. -- Lena S.
I've been working on a Chevron quilt, and with the left over fabric I made a pinwheel baby quilt. Not quilted yet, but hopefully soon! The books looks like it would be a great help in that area :-)
I am currently working on a quilt that uses charm squares and it goes together very fast.
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