Put down the seam ripper and walk away.
This is what the sewing police would have told me if they had found me this morning free motion quilting.
I was getting FRUSTRATED!
My machine and I were having words.
My thread was breaking. My stippling was not smooth.
I was finding it difficult to FMQ a lap size quilt.
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| My FMQ practice from the Sewing Summit. Not too shabby! |
I've taken a FMQ class and took another one at the SS. I've practiced on smaller doll size quilt sandwiches with great success- I was feeling so confident, so sure that I could do this and do it well that I jumped right in (after warming up on a practice piece first) and started to FMQ a quilt that is a Christmas gift.
That's right, not a random quilt for my family, a gift. AND I surely had lost my mind choosing a plain background- go with a busy print people- it will hide your crazy mistakes!
I choose a chocolate brown sheet because 1) I wanted to showcase the FMQ - go figure! 2) I love the variegated thread I chose and wanted to showcase that as well and 3) it is a nice balance to the very busy, very scrappy front.
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| Keeping it real here people and it isn't pretty! |
Time to back away.
Take the gloves off, take deep breaths- and let's be real, leave the room in a huff, and put some distance between that quilt and me.
I know I need more practice.
I also know I am not about to take out all of those stitches. They really don't look that bad, do they?
I need to work in wider sections rather than rows.
I need something that will make my quilt level with the machine bed- so wish my machine was in a sunken table.
I need to use my Supreme Slider.
I need to remember to decrease my stitch length initially (instead of half way through quilting!)
Oh and yes, I need to remember to take a deep breath. That hopefully washing it will hide the imperfections (of which there are many) and that even though it is far from perfect, I think the recipients will still love it.
And if worse comes to worse, and I don't feel that it is good enough to give as a gift, there is still time to make another one and keep this one for us.
So, I'm going to practice, practice, practice and make it a priority. Because as much as I would love for my skills to improve overnight, you and I both know, that is not happening!
I am sure you are familiar with Leah Day and her Free Motion Quilting project. I came across this post today which was ever so timely.
Maybe I'll jump in and join Cindy's FMQ practice with Sarah, Hadley, and Annabella.
Maybe tomorrow free motion quilting and I will have had enough of a time-out that we can get along again. Because I really do want to get along. I
Wish me luck!
BTW, today is Day 10 of the 12 Gifts of Christmas! Be sure to check out Lindsay's fabulous patchwork scarf tutorial and her wonderful and informative blog Craft Buds. Don't forget to leave a comment to enter to win a $50 giveaway from Mountain of the Dragon (a really rad shop) too!
Looking for any of the 12 Gifts of Christmas posts? You can find them all RIGHT HERE as well as the $250 Fabricworm Giveaway!
58 comments:
One thing that might help is to put your machine up on the kitchen table and put ALL of the quilt up on the table too. This will take the weight off from around the needle and you can make it flow smoothly. Keep at it and it WILL get easier!!! Good luck.
Ugh! How frustrating for you!
Oh, I feel for you. I have an extension table for my machine that helps. Its 24x24 inches. And I also use my large kitchen table so the quilt weight has something to sit on instead of hanging from the machine. Thread breaking might be your tension or bobbin (bobbin case can be tightened or loosened a half-turn with a mini screwdriver). In the end it's all about your thoughtfulness in making the quilt, not that it's perfect. That's what homemade is all about. It has character. It's made with love.
I feel your pain! Most days FMQ feels like an upward slope
I'd have to say that I'm pretty proud of your FMQ! I haven't tried it, and it seems like a lot of fun to do. I'm afraid to do it, and maybe it's because I'm not quite "there" as far as FMQ goes. It would be cool to try though! :) Maybe one day! Don't let it defeat you, get right back in there and keep going! Please do show more pictures as you keep FMQing on this quilt. I'd definitely would love to see some more of your work. :)
Thanks for the share!
you are so funny! i am sorry you had a hard day but it really doesn't look that bad and to a person who does not quilt it will look perfect! we are always much more critical of our own work than others will be. keep practicing, that is my motto!
FMQ. I think the trick is to keep going. And going. Falling down and standing up again. I'm not going to comment on how I think your FMQ looks. I am sure it will get much much better!
Thank you for the link to Cindy's FMQ practice. I think I am going to join in. Looks like she is having a difficult time too ... and once a week ... yes, I should be able to do that ...
PS: I am so much enjoying the Blog Hop! I made 2 organizer basket yesterday. I hope to make the little sewing kit too soon (o:
Have a lovely Sunday.
I SO know how you feel!
I know exactly how you feel. I am new to FMQ and have gone through exactly what you are going through. I am fine on things for me but as soon as its for someone else there is a switch goes on in my brain and my hands don't work properly. I also think there is a world of difference between quilting on a small piece and doing something big...the quilt just does not move the same. I am lucky to have two tables in my sewing room so this helps with the weight and my husband made me an extension table for my sewing machine, which isn't as good as the glass ones but is better than none. My advice is just keep at, don't rip too much out, use your quilt as a practice piece (you should see mine!) Linda x
I hear you loud and clear and I know how you feel! FMQ on a bigger quilt is soooo much harder! I'm really torn whether to persist or give up. I hate the thought of all that gorgeous fabric and the effort I've put into the quilt top going to waste. I hope it gets better for you - good luck!!
Your post cracked me up, mainly because I can relate to that feeling of needing to back away from the machine before I make things worse. :) I only have one attempt to FMQ under my belt and let's just say it wasn't pretty. Your looks waaay better than mine ever did! I still haven't worked uP the courage to try it again.
The largest quilt I have FMQ was the ATSQAL that I made and I referred to that as wrestling a walrus. I don't FMQ in rows, just meander and trying to keep track of where I had been was nigh on impossible. My only suggestion to you would be to maybe try bigger loops, cover more quilt in each movement, and when you get frustrated do what you did, step away.
Well if you are feeling bad about yours, you know where to look, knowing you will always be better than me!
I think you are being hard on yourself your FMQ is looking Fine a d when you have the whole thing done you will not see little imperfections. Love the thread! Ok, I know we have the same machine and I have done a lot of stippling so here is what works for me on the bigger quilts - I have found that increasing my tension to 6.5ish is about perfect for stippling. I let the meander take me wherever it wants so I quilt really randomly to keep the flow rather than working in sections. I quilt on my kitchen table to support the weight. I have right hand on top and left hand under the quilt. Also on the bigger quilts you can keep the pattern bigger than the doll quilts so think big loops and curves. Oh - and music and a glass of wine help the flow too ;-) it will be great hon keep at it xx
Know where you are coming from as I am joining Cindy et al! But I am making progress - try drawing you pattern on paper first as that is suppposed to help too! But I don't think anyone will notice slight imperfections they will be looking at the texture the quilting gives it not individual stitches - so DON'T PANIC!
I don't think you need to pull out the FMQ that you've already done-- I think you're doing exactly what you need to do-- taking a break from it and then re-visiting it when you're fresh. I don't have any advice to offer b/c I haven't FMQd anything more than a block (years and years ago). I am so thoroughly enjoying your 12 Gifts of Christmas series-- thanks for all the wonderful tutes and giveaway opportunities!!
I was reading this post and saying out loud, `Jennifer has to join us over at Cindy`s`. My son was asking, `Who`s Jennifer?, Who`s Cindy?` So come on Jennifer, there`s room at the back of the class for a small one. You are doing just fine and as Hadley says, you`ll always be better than us! Take a breather and go back to it later but that stippling sure is a lot more difficult than it looks. I have a quilt I really want to stipple but it is just going to have to wait until I can do it.
Oh dear, sorry your FMQ conspired against you! Glad you found Cindy too, was just about to suggest that lol
Now, take a big deep breath, and go create something else before that quilt learns to fly ;o)
I'm sure that FMQ will turn me to the bottle! I know exactly how you feel at the point you want to laugh and cry at the same time :) My Meadow bubbles quilt is done with a *Very* meandering stitch and let me tell you it meandered all over the blinking place mostly to places I didn't want it to meander to! However even I can say it gets better towards the top of the quilt, so keep on at it honey it's annoying but practice makes perfect and I'm sure at one point we were all worried about piecing a quilt top never mind quilting but we got there :D
I wholeheartedly agree with everyone suggesting getting the quilt onto the surface where you are quilting. If you don't have enough room on the table, bring over your adjustable height ironing board. You can throw some of the quilt over that. Leah Day has a great tutorial on how to set up your sewing corner for free motion quilting. I also do not use any stitch length when FMing. I just turn the dial down to zero. Truly, practice is the best thing for turning yourself into a confident free motion quilter. Best of luck!!
FMQ is hard. Just step away when you get frustrated or you will give up totally. Remember that when you wash it and it gets all crinkly that the "mistakes" show less, and yes, non quilters can't tell. Keep on swimmin' keep on swimmin'....
Keep going Jennifer! You can do it!
Re --Thread breaking: Thread and needle check. Are you using a topstitch needle? Also is the needle the correct size for your thread? Go to Superior Thread's education site to check your needle/thread weight. There's good info there.
My first FMQ instructor said to practice FMQ skills on gift and charity quilts. Save the perfectionist attitude for competition pieces. Recipients will be so blown over by the thought of a handmade item they won't be critiquing the stitching.
You can do it... heck, you already are doing it! Way to go!
I don't know anything other than practice that will work. If you find a simpler solution....
I need to practice a lot too. I know I'm not going to be happy with straight lines forever. I have stippling down ok for lap size projects but haven't ventured into loops or anything else.
Firstly I love this post so much, it made me laugh and laugh especially the bit about choosing plain backing to show off the FMQ!!! Secondly, I love all the comments - I am going to read and absorb all this info!
I'm no expert but I have 3 suggestions: clean your machine well before starting; new needle big enuf for your thread & quilt sandwich; same type of thread in bobbin as on top (if cotton on top, then cotton in bobbin - same manufacturer.) Oh and NEVER rip unless you have a thread nest on the backside. Good luck.
I am so there with you! I FMQed two small table runners yesterday and I felt so awkward most of the time. Sometimes it seemed like it was going fine and then I would make a really strange little quirky messy angled circle instead of a nice smooth circle. Sigh. No one will notice, no one will notice. I only ripped out the part that was a crinkle on the back. Good luck!
My normally sweet and compliant machine does not like certain thread when I am fmq, she will burp, kick and scream if I use certain threads that normally have no issue at all. I also have to make certain I change my needle, I am HORRIBLE about that one *blush*
Good luck!!!!!!
Keepin it real girl!!! Don't stress! I've had moments like this w/ my machine too, where I was so livid, my hubby practically had to pull me off of it, spitting and yelling at it all the way! After you wash the quilt, mistakes will be WAY less noticeable, and honestly most people who don't quilt wouldnt know the difference! I love love Leah Day, but also check out Heirloom Machine Quilting by Harriet Hargrave (I used to work in her shop and have seen her quilts!). She gives great ideas on laying out your space better, so the quilt has as little friction as humanly possible. I bought it on Half.com for like $11- so worth it. Keep practicing and don't feel bad- we're all with you! FMQ is HARD!! Hoping it gets easier w/ practice...
I COMPLETELY understand - FMQ on something big is so difficult! I would go with the tips from others above - and just practice, practice, practice!
Ugh, I need that advice. Sometimes I am determined that I can "fix" what I did instead of taking it out and always end up making a bigger mess than in the first place. :-)
Aw, Jennifer, sorry it didn't go well. I can completely relate, my first few attempts were just awful. Here are a few things that helped me:
- I got one of these Sew Steady tables for my machine: http://stores.homestead.com/DreamWorld/-strse-Sew-Steady-Tables/Categories.bok I got the Large size for around $80. It's not the perfect solution, and I'm still on the lookout for something better, but it has helped a lot.
- Try NOT dropping your feed dogs. You really don't need to if you have an FMQ darning foot. That's something I learned from Leah Day's site and I think it made a difference for me.
- In our FMQ class at the Summit, Allison recommended turning your stitch length down as low as it can go on your machine. I'd never done that before, but when I tried it in class, my stitching looked TERRIBLE, especially on the back. So I stick with a standard 2.5 stitch length. For whatever reason, her advice there was counter-productive for me. Maybe that will help with the tread-breakage as well?
Good luck! I hope it will go better tomorrow!
i doubt i'll give any advice that hasn't been mentioned here, but i'll share what few pearls of wisdom i have-
-fmq is like driving a car... you have to learn how much 'gas' to give it while you 'steer'.
-with my first attempt, i broke 6 needles and lost many yards of thread. i even called my husqvarna dealer to find out if my machine was defective, and she gave me advice that fixed my problems: "slow down". duh ;)
-yep, keep that quilt supported. i don't have enough table space, so i end up folding my quilts accordion style as i go.
you can do it! we believe in you!
When I started quilting, I promised myself not tobe a perfectionist. It was hard leaving those imperfect swirls that sometimes even crossed! In the long run, I found that no one noticed the mistakes as they were so impressed with my quilts in general. Practice is key, but also accept that imperfections are part of your quilt's uniqueness and personality!
I love Mountain of the Dragon, she has some beautiful fabrics in her shop!
It took me a bit to get use to FMQ, and I usually have to pratice before I start a quilt :)
Yes, washing a quilt makes everything better (well, not scant seams, but that's not your problem), do not rip it out, it is not that bad at all! I always warm up on my old quilt sandwich and if you're not feeling it, come back later. I'm sure your next attempt will be much less frustrating!
I know your struggle and reading your post:) reminded me of my first attempts to go around a corner in my first car..I just could'nt get the knack! But we do eventually..don't we??? .
I think you're being real hard on yourself - but aren't we always our own worst critics? FMQ takes practice, definitely, but there are some things you can do that will help.
* I echo the idea that you should try quilting on a larger surface - the less you can have your quilt hanging off the edge of a table or desk, the better. I jerry-rig my sewing area in a certain way when I FMQ to minimize the hang-over bit. I bring my ironing board over, I use a stack of Rubbermaid containers, I'll use whatever I can to try to create a larger surface for my quilt to lay on. I also roll the excess parts of the quilt that I'm not working on, much like Allison talked about at TSS.
* Turn on some music. Try to chill. It's hard - but try to focus on the music and feel the groove. It will help your FMQ look more fluid.
* I totally agree with Lee - leave your feed dogs alone. Really.
* Try to tackle one block at a time, or one row at a time. Break it into bite-size pieces. It will feel less stressful that way.
Don't rip it out, Jennifer, really. I think it's all going to work out just fine, keep trying :)
It's so nice to hear that other people are struggling with FMQ. You are up on me...I've not been happy with any that I've done!! Yikes.
Melanie's little wristlet is adorable and I love the ruffles on it. Wouldn't that be a great pattern made up in a metallic or something as elegant for use when going to the prom, to a party on New Year's Eve, or any other dressy event?
Oh, I just HAD to post another comment. I just finished reading Lily's Quilt blog (http://lilysquilts.blogspot.com/2011/10/quilting-circle-game.html) and thought you'd enjoy her take on FMQ. Very opportune that it was the very next blog that I read. :) enjoy
I think we've all been there, even the 'professionals'. Sometimes you DO have to just step away for a while. I so want a drop in table too, but they are sooo pricey for anything nice and solid anyway. Hubby would have the know how, but the time is not on our side. :(
Anyhoo, that quilt will be loved and snuggled in soon!
Good luck, Jennifer! I'm too afraid to even try FMQ, so kudos for going for it. Sometimes walking away for a while solves everything. Don't give up :)
I know, I've been there too... really frustrated that something isn't coming out as nice as I'd like it to be. Hopefully some time away will help. And then, maybe you'll notice it's really not that bad after all. :)
Miss Jennifer,
Oh drat! Just gotta hate getting frustrated at FMQ- but you are good- just trust yourself! Do what feels right to you- my very first quilt was a Queen size quilt that I FMQ (I am too cheap to send them out- more money for fabrics :) hehe). I have since FMQ all of them. Love Lynne's rules, and one rule I break is NOT wearing gloves- they totally mess me up! There is a list of other rules I break too, but it helps me "feel" it and get it to look like I want it too. You still get sore shoulders no matter what you do though :) So go with your gut and have fun!! YOU CAN DO IT!! smile :)
this was so funny to read!! it really is not that bad at all. i am so afraid to FMQ anything myself.
oH, machine quilting can be so frustrating some times. I have issues with my machine too and the tension not being right.
Someone above said, to make sure your machine is cleaned and oiled really well before starting the quilting, any quilting. Fresh needle. I learned FMQ first, I didn't know there was some other kind, so I prefer it. And usually washing the quilt takes away what you think of as a mistake. We are our own worst critics, I'm sure once it is washed you will be pleased. I love the varigated on the brown!
Getting you machine down into the table would sincerely help. Maybe you can get one of those sew ez tables, and then those can butt up against a larger table to hold your quilt.
We've all been there girl! What kind of thread are you using?? I've also gotten lots of good advice from Leah Day. She obviously rocks at FMQ. I've walked away plenty of times. Usually, the next day you come back ready for battle again! Good luck!
I had issues with FMQ and finally switched out to a needle with a bigger eye and it was an amazing difference. That and I threaded the machine wrong (oops). Keep trying, you'll get there. It IS pretty tough to do a larger than baby size quilt. I have a queen size one to do and I am just dreading it.
Hi Jennifer!
I spent most of this morning swearing at my machine, too -- my FMQing was looking terrible, with skipped stitches and breaking thread! So I made a run to Joann's, bought an 80/12 needle and Gutterman 100% polyester thread, and problem solved -- it went beautifully after that! Keep practicing, and good luck. Leah's tips are so helpful, too!
I so feel for you!!! I've been there and have a quilt that is about 10 years old that (still) needs the "great" fmq stars taken out :-~ Yes, doing a full size quilt is sooo different from the nice little sandwich that you practice on:-) Good luck (and like you said, make the next quilt for you or your kids, and you'll look at it as a learning quilt!!) hugs from a quilty sympathizer :-)
Sounds like we have all been there! My first fmq had soooo many wrinkles sewed into the back I cried. Seriously. But there was no way in heck I was ripping out all those stitches!
My best advice is to get one of those plastic tables for your machine. Mine was a 100 bucks but worth very cent. It makes you have a little more room for your hands to guide the quilt. And I don't wear gloves either.. They just get in myway.
Keep us updated'!!!
I feel your pain!! When my stitches start messing up, I take out the quilt and put in a practice sandwich and FMQ on that to work out the issues.
I have the most trouble with skipped stitches (I need to slow down) and square circles!! ;-)
Hang in there, Jennifer! Your stitches are fine! Keep on keeping on!!
I definitely think that you need to do what it takes to minimize the drag of the quilt so that when you're moving it, you aren't fighting against its weight and making your loops jerky.
My first real trial of FMQ was a baby shower gift and I was super STRESSED. I just did big loops and it turned out fine. Not perfect, but remember we are making handmade quilts. It's not supposed to be perfect. Keep trying and I can't wait to see the finished product.
http://www.shrimp-and-grits.blogspot.com
Oh,do come and play with us. We'd love to have you. Stop over on Friday to see what we're stitching for next week. http://fluffysheepquilting.blogspot.com
wow...you got a lot of love on this one! I think that FMQ is difficult for all of us (clearly), but what several people said is so true: it comes out a lot better once the quilt has been through the wash! I know this is so hard for me, and FMQ still gives me nightmares, but I just finished a quilt that I literally cried over, but once I washed it, it actually looked good. The thing is as a quilter, you are looking at every individual curve and loop wanting each one to be absolutely perfect. But 99% of quilt recipients just see the big picture and those funky turns look normal to them!
A few things that have helped me (and I'm still a total novice) were to up my tension (6-6.5), increase my needle speed, lower my stitch length, and have a drink before starting :) Also, I did go the route of ripping my stitches on one quilt (I really had to) and it was painful. I wouldn't recommend doing that unless you absolutely must!
Well, it sounds like you've gotten tons of great advice here! I have no real wisdom to share since I've only done it a few times, but I really don't think yours looks too bad! You should definitely join in FMQ Fridays at Fluffy Sheep. Trying the different patterns is fun, but it is even better to be able to laugh with everyone else at our attempts! It definitely helped me not stress so much when I saw that almost everyone else's looked like mine!
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