February 2012 FMQ Challenge

This month's FMQ Expert is Diane Gaudynski! I was so excited to see her tutorial. I've practiced machine quilting feathers before while tracing the feathers. This time I was determined to try and do it with out tracing , not that it's a bad thing, it was just a goal I had. I practiced on paper first and tried a couple of times.

My first try:

2nd try: On this try I used a silver color thread then switched to a purple thread that matched the fabric.

Last try:

I think my problem was that I needed to slow down and take breaks to figure out what I wanted to do next. I saw a definite improvement as I kept trying. I still need lots more practice on my feathers and my echo quilting. I'm loving this challenge!

Happy quilting,
Dara

January 2012 FMQ Challenge

I've took the free motion quilting pledge over at SewCalGal's blog to learn to FMQ in 2012. This month's FMQ expert was Frances Moore. I love this design. I still need a lot more practice, but I'm happy with my first attempt.

Happy quilting,

Dara

It's 2012...and i'm quilting...lol

I can’t believe It’s 2012! I’m excited for the New Year and all of my continued blessings! This year I want to join some quilt alongs to broaden my quilting“ability” and of course it’ll be lots of fun.

I’m joining Shabby Fabrics’ 2012 mystery BOM of cottages which are a combination some applique and embroidery. Every month around the 7th a new block will be released. I’m excited to see how this will turn out.

 I also want to improve my FMQ…so I’m thinking of joining not one but TWO FMQ alongs. Who says I can’t join both …right? I’m still trying to convince myself I can handle two. I really want to push myself to practice, practice, and practice!

I've decided to take SewCalGal's challenge and work each month to improve my FMQ skills. "Every month in 2012 a FMQ expert will share a tutorial with tips to help quilters learn and/or improve their free-motion quilting skills."

I’m also joining Leah Day’s (Free Motion Quilting Project) has started a new project called the "Quilt Along Wednesdays". Every Wednesday Leah will post a video, on her blog, of a design to work on, which gives you more opportunities to practice and learn more FMQ designs.

I'm excited to get started...i think i have enough to keep me busy for now...

Again, Happy New Year and I wish everyone the best for 2012!

Dara