Thursday, November 13, 2014

Free Motion Quilting For Beginners (and those who think they can't)

I've had the chance to review the book Free Motion Quilting for Beginners (and those who think they can't), by Molly Hanson. I love that title!
I'm a big proponent of quilting your own quilts, as you know, and I've read a lot of books about free motion quilting. I like how everyone presents the information in their own personal way....there is always more to learn! This book presents all the practical information you need to get started. More importantly, it gives you the confidence to jump in and give free motion quilting a try. There are 15 projects in the book that encourage you to start small and increase your comfort level with free motion quilting before you tackle something larger, like a quilt. What I love most about this book is Molly's tone of encouragement throughout the text and the projects. She is great at guiding you though the entire process!
I've done a lot of free motion quilting and I love how relaxing it can be. I also know how easy it can be to get in a rut. I challenged myself to get out of my box, so to speak and try some new-to-me, designs. I gave this squared off stippling pattern a try and it went pretty well! I had to slow down and think about where I was going from time to time, but it was fun! I could see doing this all over a whole quilt.
I also quilted a few swatches of different designs and I turned them into a set of coasters. Binding them was a little fiddly, but totally worth it! (I can say that now that they are done. Ha!) These are great because I not only used scraps of fabric, but scraps of batting as well. Hurray! I'm happy to count these as scrap project #94/101.
 
If you would like the chance to win an e-book copy of Free Motion Quilting for Beginners, please leave me a comment in this post. In your comment, I'd love to hear what your favorite go-to FMQ pattern is. Or, if you are new to FMQ, I'd like to hear what pattern you would like to master. I will pick winner in a few days!

356 comments:

1 – 200 of 356   Newer›   Newest»
bunbear said...

my favorite go to quilting is loopy loops! like you, though, i need to step outside of my comfort zone and do different designs.

Natalie said...

I love that squared off pattern! I'm very new to FMQ...most of the (very few) quilts I've made I've used my walking foot. I would dearly love to be able to stipple even half as beautifully as you!:)

Ruth said...

I just free motion quilted my first baby quilt. It took me months to get up the nerve to even begin! I must confess that I did use a stipple-pattern stencil. It turned out great and I would love to find some new patterns to try without a stencil.

Verena said...

I am still a beginner free motion quilter, the only design I tried so far is simple stippling. The next design I would like to learn is pebbles.

Veronika said...

I want to learn the spiral circles and the wood grain pattern - this book looks so perfect!

Neese Family said...

Wow! That is amazing. So much fun. I am really new to doing my own on my machine. I need some practice. I do it from time to time, but nothing like you do! What beautiful work Amanda Jean! Thanks for sharing.

JustPlainLaine said...

I struggle so with quilting my own quilts. I love every opportunity to learn something new and develop my skill level. I always use the go to stippling unfortunately. Would love to increase my design library.

Josie McRazie said...

I'm a loopy squiggle gal!! I find with that I can get out of even the tightest jams! More so than if I just do a basic stipple!

Hollie @ Just a Mom who Sews said...

I love the satisfaction I get when I quilt my quilts, but I get very nervous and have to muster my courage to do it each time. Spiral quilting is my favorite, but would LOVE to learn swirls.

Spring Robinson said...

I have, one time, attached my free motion quilt foot to my machine, but that is as far I got! I want to be able to FMQ so badly; therefore, I need this book!! :) I like every pattern I have ever seen, but I wan to master the stipple first. Thank you!!

Judith said...

I've been trying to expand beyond the meander. On my last quilt, I did a did a sort of loop, but with 3 loopy bits, sort of like 3 petals on a flower. Sounds odd, but looked really pretty. Next time, I'd like to try the pretty motif you used on your coaster (front left). Thanks for the chance to win.

Unknown said...

I love pebbles and feathers but am trying to learn a new FMQ design with every project. Your coasters have inspired me to go practice! Thanks for the chance to win.

Nine Kids and Not Counting :) said...

I am new and have only done loops and cusive f patterns. I do doodle flowers and maybe the recipient's initials into some quilts too. I would love to get better. Unfortunately for me, it takes the challenge of a real project in front of me to practice. I can barely stand to do it on practice pieces. I need the extra pressure I guess. Thanks for a chance to win!

Emma said...

I stippled a baby quilt last year but that's the extent of my FMQing. Would love to do some more - thanks for the giveaway.

Lisa said...

Hi Amanda Jean! Those coasters look like wall art to me...how about hanging them? I have not done much FMQ. I would like to become more skilled at feathers, pebbles and swirls.

MaryAnn said...

I have been doing some loopy loops and a wavy grid. I could love to be confident enough to try something new.

Brecka said...

My favorite right now is the dogwood leaf pattern. I would love to learn to better control my stitch lengths as I go.

Judy said...

My FMQ resembles amoeba looking creatures. I think I need to be a bit more daring and get out of my box!

Carie @ Space for the Butterflies said...

I tend to do squiggles or loop the loops and occasionally leaves but I'd love to expand my repertoire. I think the loop within a loop looks the most tempting!

Paula Pickle said...

I am new to FMQ, having tried it numerous times and failed miserably. I would love to learn the pebbles. They look awesome!

Lisa E said...

I usually stipple, but I would love to learn to do something more interesting -- and look good to boot.

Susan said...

Mostly I have just done stippling. I have a question, on your green sample, even though it is straight stitching, you are using free motion, right? Thanks!

SusSmo said...

Looks like a great book - I admit I am stuck in a free motion quilting rut. And the coasters are a great idea for practice!

Christine said...

I can stipple, would love to learn more. Thanks!

Mari said...

I manage stipling and swirls somehow, but would love to learn to sew a lovely free motion feather. Iḿ still fighting with flaying thread and bad threadtension. Greetings from Finland from Mari (mamioja(at)luukku.com)

Anita said...

I stipple a lot and my second most used is loop de loop. I like pebbling too but man does that take forever! I can also free motion quilt feathers but not really really well. I love the wood grain you did and would like to try that as well as swirls.

Quilting Tangent said...

I'm new to free motion quilting, this book sounds wonderful. I'm planning on quilting a queen size quilt on a domestic sewing using free motion, very soon. In process of basting right now. I don't have a favorite design. This will be my first quilting and free motion at the same time. 24Tangent@gmail.com

Julia said...

My go to quilting is stipple - but not a controlled, lovely stipple - more like a crazy, insane stipple!

mailergoat said...

I have a question -- what will you do when you reach 101? Stop doing scrap projects??? (No way....)

:)
Jenny

porgecat said...

Thankyou for the opportunity to win the book.

Hannah

Lisa England said...

I have done stippling/meandering many times but got kind of bored with it. Right now I'm practicing free motion swirls and liking them very well. I want to learn more patterns but so far haven't invested the time.

Pauline G said...

Learning to stipple is great for building confidence - once you can do it it is great!

stitchinpenny said...

Favorite pattern is swirls. Not good at it, but it looks impressive to the people to whom I give my quilts.

Michelle said...

I just finished FMQing a throw for my husband that is pieced from some of his late father's shirts. I'm not an experienced quilter and considered having someone else do it with a long-arm but then decided the gift would mean more if I did all of it, however imperfectly. I love the samples you've done for this post and am inspired for the next project.

Lisa H. said...

I'm new to FMQ, still trying to build my confidence. My favorite pattern so far is loop-d-loops.

Anne said...

The only GOOD luck I've had so far is with straight lines and MARKING them as I go.....I don't find it relaxing at all....I hope to get there some day soon.

Adrienne said...

I bought a free motion foot months ago but still haven't tried it since I've got to finish my mom's xmas gift quilt. Soon! I love that woodgrain(?)/flame(?) pattern.

Celeste D. said...

I'd like to master FMQ feathers. Thanks for your kindness.

Char said...

I am fairly new to free motion quilting. I love it! I often do loop-d-loops or a combination of loops and stippling. Last week I tried a simple swirl on small table toppers. I would like to try spiral quilting. Thanks for your inspiration!

Unknown said...

I like quilting my own quilts, too. The first few I did, I sewed in straight lines up and down and on the diagonal. I've stippled a few. I also echo quilt. I did some x's in sashing and loop-d-loop. I just finished one with spirals which weren't all that round. I want to make better spirals and try some feathers and leaves. I have no long arm, but my expectations are to get close to what a long arm can do.

Ann said...

I've only ever done straight lines and stitch in the ditch on my quilts and I'd love to be doing something more. Bubbles especially, I love the look of bubbles!

Liz said...

This book looks great! fMQ scares me, but I'd love to learn. I've been practicing a loopy meander for my neices birthday quilt...

Dondi M said...

Ummm, I've done a few messes, I mean FMQ. I did some daisies on a baby quilt that were really fun because I totally meant for them not to match. I'm getting much better at the swirls, but I don't fill them in like you do. My stipples are very uneven and eventually get the job done. I'm very lucky in that none of my family quilt so to them my quilting looks great. I love your idea of trying just small pieces! I always do baby quilts and twin sized quilts where one must stick to something and get the job done. I just need to play.

Shari said...

I would love to be able to quilt some of my own projects. I took a class years ago, but could never "relax" enough to feel confident. I gave up on it, but I'm retired now and would like to give it another try. This book might be just the answer!

AdamsFamily said...

That book looks great! I am only brave enough to quilt 1/4" away from my seams in straight lines! I need to get more daring!! I would really love to tackle the faux bois!!

WKane said...

I have only straight line quilted on my machine, but i would love to master that woodgrain pattern. It's one of my favorites!

Alli said...

So far, I'm only really comfortable doing little loopies, which is my not-stippling pattern. :}

magistra said...

Well, I am definitely new to FMQ and am pretty new to quilting altogether. I like the idea of being able to complete my project on my own. The designs I like are swirly, circular type of designs, so I would love to learn the pattern you made on your bottom left coaster.
Magistra13 at yahoo dot com
Beth

Wata said...

Thanks for the chance to win. I like all the patterns but may be loops are my favourite .

Lcrrkhs said...

I would love to master the stipple or simple loops. I try and try and try and oh boy it's not good! However, they say it takes hours of practice and I certainly have not done hours, I hope it;s just a matter of time and practice.

Liz aka Fibergeek said...

I am new to free motion quilting and still trying to get the mechanics of making even stitches. I know the answer is practice! Wish there was a faster way.

Mary Ann said...

I tried some last fall when I got my new machine and then got caught up in other projects. I have trouble balancing my time between quoting and garment sewing! I want to get a few basics down like stippling and some version of feathers

cheeky monkey said...

Thank you! I am still to scared to try it and do only straight line quilting but with Christmas coming upt this might be a good time to get started!

Nick seeg said...

I would love a copy. Im still figuring out how to make a perfect quilt sandwich.

Unknown said...

I love FMQ but I don't really have a go-to design. I like to do custom quilting that accentuates the fabric and style of the quilt. Sounds like a great book with lots of amazing tips!

snosrap5 said...

I've only done two FMQ designs. A blanket for my son's dog and a baby quilt. I used the stippling design. I have 7 quilts to finish by Christmas and I will try to FMQ on all of them. Wish me luck!

Pedal Sew Lightly said...

I find meandering loops to be the easiest by far. They are so rhythmic. Unfortunately, that is not my favorite. Not sure what to call it but the meandering and overlapping box/rectangle thing is my favorite pattern.

Elizabeth said...

Loved the designs you shared on your coasters. I don't have a go-to FMQ design yet. Lots of finished tops but no quilts. I am hoping for some encouragement from this book. Thanks!

Karen said...

I am a big fan of the straight lines and the large meandering. I also just love reading other quilting books. Thanks.

Birlot said...

Loops that go one way and then the other in a vaguely straight line is my go to. I would love to branch out. I am trying to conquer the feathery look, but I do get discouraged when it isn't going right. Maybe I am easily frustrated! or perhaps I haven't found the right book yet to beheld me out, this one could be it!

Havplenty said...

I have tried stippling so far. I have no particular pattern in mind for my next FMQ project.

tushay3(at)yahoo(dot)com

Unknown said...

I go with stippling (my kids call it puzzle pieces). Would love to try some different patterns.

Anonymous said...

HI,I call "my go to fm design" IVY.It is trailing vines and leaves sorta in heart shapes. Thanks for your Blog+this giveaway!

msstitcher1214@gmail.com

Kathleen said...

I'd love to learn how to do this!

Lindsey F. said...

I am one of those who thinks they can't. I guess I need a copy of this book.

Carol said...

I need this book! I've tried to FMQ and it totally is NOT relaxing to me. I can do loops okay, and wavy lines...would love to learn the wood grain-looking pattern. Hope I win. :)

Jocelyn said...

Right now I only stitch in the ditch or cross hatch. I don't have a lot of confidence for FMQ. I would LOVE to make the beautiful feathers.

Susanhusan said...

My go to FMQ pattern is a meandering loop with a flower, star or heart thrown in. I need to get a little uncomfortable and try something new.

Carol said...

I've been trying FMQ for several years but never satisfied with my shapes. At Houston Festival this year, I took several classes and feel better about my progress. I'm pretty decent with wood grain (which can be water, or sky as well.) I'd like to do spirals better and learned an "open feather"this year that I would like to perfect, since regular feathers are apparently not within my scope! Pinwheels were fun and I did a decent straight line stipple like you showed. I also took a Quilt Writing class which was about writing words on quilts. Loved it. Just need to get some mileage practicing!!!

Anonymous said...

My go to pattern would be the meander, so I could use some instruction in different FMQ designs.

sbecker at oaklandcorp dot com

Leslie said...

i have tried FMQ in the past but have not had much luck....maybe it was ok but i want it to look great. i think i would like to master just a simple stipple and meander....a loose large one.

Southern Gal said...

I have never attempted free motion quilting and would love to learn the technique. Any style or design would suit me! Thanks for the chance.

Jennifer said...

I'm not sure I have a favorite "go to" design, for I love to quilt so many different motifs! But, the simple meandering is the one I have done the most of, so I guess that falls into that category.

Ang said...

I started my first quilt several years ago. When I got to the free motion phase I freaked out and havent touched it since. This book looks like it would be really helpful.
Ang

Samiya said...

I like to try different designs on each quilt. I've become a jack of all designs but master of none I'm afraid. I've recently purchased one of Angela Walters books for help and design inspiration.

Allison/Savage Pink said...

The only FMQ I have done so far is wavy lines, so I'd love to learn anything! I'd like to try wood grain, figure eights, or that square pattern in your first photos is super neat! Thanks.

ranniroo said...

I'd love to master the pebbles. I took a fmq class in the spring, but I've been too nervous to commit to trying it on a quilt.

rsb said...

I have done very little FMQ and would love to learn more. The book looks really interesting.

Heather said...

I'd really like to master the basic stipple, that's all! Nothing fancy here!

Allison said...

My go-to fmq design is stippling. What I'd really like to master is feathering. Maybe one day...

Yorkshire Quilter said...

I've moved on from stippling to spirals, but I'd love to master feathers!

Unknown said...

The only FMQ I have been brave enough to try is stippling. I am excited to learn new patterns :)

Mary Resch said...

Hi Amanda Jean, I would love the chance to win this book. I too believe that I should quilt my own quilts. I have found much inspiration to do so from your blog. I love your straight line quilting and I have had success with the spiral pattern. Now I would like to be more free motion. Thanks for all that you off on your blog,
Mary mmresch@yahoo.com

Elizabeth B. (blue.crab) said...

I'd love to master anything. I am so intimidated by it.

Granny Maud's Girl said...

Loops. When in doubt, I do loops. I am usually in doubt.

Jessica Hadden said...

I need to do more fmq, this looks like a fab resource!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi! I'm kinda new at FMQ. I've been practicing on some mug rugs and really have only done FMQ on the borders of my quilts so far. I've used a kind of loopy design. I'd love to master any real design!! Thanks so much for the chance to win :)
Debby E
samtaylorcjsmimi at yahoo dot com

Tammy said...

HI! I am a new FMQ. I love it! My go to stitch is stippling,but I try to put my own little spin on it. Every now and then I throw a loopy heart or a loop 'd loop in. With each project, I like to try something I haven't done before. I am still a beginner,but I love how relaxing FMQ is! I explained it to my daughter this way: its like interpretive dance with a sewing machine. LOL
Thank you for all the inspiration!
Tammy A
aul3ofus@gmail.com

Heidi [Banks of Frog Creek] said...

Never tried but I'd love to try just a simple stipple!

Marianne said...

I have never tried it! I love the swirly one....I have only ever straight line quilted my own quilts.

Marianne said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Katherine said...

My go to pattern is a loopy stipple. I would like to branch out into a wider repertoire. The book sounds great!

Rebecca said...

So far straight line quilting is what I use the most because I'm not to confident with free motion. I have done some smaller quilts with loops. It's hard finding time to practice with 4 kids running around.

GailM. said...

Love you hem all. Swirls are my favorite.

mb-RI said...

I like to use a stipple pattern - very serviceable and not at all fussy. I would love to try the first squarish one posted here. And thanks for the giveaway!!!!

A Robertson said...

I am new to FMQ. I would like to master swirls.

Jodi said...

I tend to do loop de loops and feel like I am in a rut. I would love to master swirls

Jeanmarie said...

I am also new to FMQ. I have so far only done meandering/stippling. I would love to master swirls and pebbles!! Thanks for the giveaway.

Dona said...

If I am in a hurry I do the stippling but my favorite to do is the swirly wave like pattern. It's fun to curve around.

JoyceLM said...

My default FMQ design is meandering. I also use the wood grain design. Thanks for the chance to win.

Katsmith said...

Ive been too afraid to try FMQ maybe this book would change that. I like big open swirls

Kat said...

It's not that I think I can't, exactly...it's just that I'm intimidated to start :-) I'll get there (soon, I hope!)

my2cents said...

I'm going to FMQ my first quilt next week using figure eights!

Nana said...

I am new to FMQ, have only really completed placemats with stippling and a couple of borders that I drew first and FM over the drawn template.

Anonymous said...

I am able to stipple so almost always choose that method. I have tried loops, stars, and double loops but need lots more practice. Would love to be inspired by a book like this!

Karen said...

I'd really like to get better at pebbling!

Jasmine said...

My current favorite is pointy spirals, but for years it was a loopy line.

Anonymous said...

Hiya Amanda!!! I haven't actually done any FMQ yet, but think I am ready to give it a go---as in maybe this weekend---Yikes!!! I want to learn it all, lol. I kinda jump in all at once, and I know I'll have to take my time on this. But am gonna do it!!! Thanks for participating and having the giveaway. Blessed be, hugs!!! Pam

Unknown said...

I would love to get the hang of wood grain fmq or even an echo clamshell, but am so intimidated by the whole process! Going to have to just jump in sooner or later

Unknown said...

I would love to get the hang of wood grain fmq or even an echo clamshell, but am so intimidated by the whole process! Going to have to just jump in sooner or later

mama dub said...

I would like to master the pebble technique. I like the look and I just need to practice it!

Patty said...

I like stipple and echo quilting.

KatieQ said...

Even though I have taken 2 FMQ classes, I still have difficulty keeping my stitches even and planning the path I need to take. Lately, I have been quilting using the wave stitch on my sewing machine. The book looks like it has some good ideas about how to accomplish my FMQ goals.

Anonymous said...

I've only free motion quilted one little quilt so far and it ended up being some sort of squiggly loopy thing. Lol. I'd love to try out anything new at this point, but I love that square pattern, I've never seen something like that!

Jackie C said...

I think this book is great encouragement!! :-)

Donna J said...

I have zero experience with FMQ! I have only made a few quilts. I actually love the look of straight line quilting, but would like to try some FMQ. Starting out small of course.

Barbara said...

I am very interested in getting better at FMQ. My latest attempt is wavy line quilting with an occasional loop-de-loop thrown in for good measure. I would love to learn how to do spirals.

Nell said...

I am reasonably new to fmq. My sewing group did a class with a lovely tutor and I learned how to stipple. I was so chuffed that the girls kept laughing at how wide I was smiling! I still love to stipple but now I am getting into a bit of woodgrain and swirls and McTavishing too!

Sarah said...

My go-to patterns are the basic stipple and little loops. When I am feeling fancy, I go to the double loop. Thanks for the giveaway and review; I think I need to shake things up!

Kathy H said...

My usual designs are loopy loops. I would like to try other designs though.

RockinHairBabe said...

I keep practicing! I want to be better about spirals! Must try coasters!

lucyd315 said...

I want so much to try new designs, but I keep falling back on the basic meandering/stipple pattern. I have to get up the nerve to try something different!

Kendra Watson said...

I'm completely new to FMQ so I keep dodging starting because I'm a scaredy cat! I think I need to just practice on small scraps the same as you did to build my confidence

Anonymous said...

I love the idea of small practice projects that are actually functional.

Dorothy said...

I have been too afraid to try FMQ, but maybe a small mug rug-sized piece is just the perfect starting point.

Patsy Wilkerson said...

Just getting into FMQ. Have tried quite a few patterns but don't have one I am particularly partial too.

Barbara Konkle said...

I am mustering the courage to try loops. Never done a quilt using FMQ. Planning on it soon! :)

Unknown said...

I'm totally new to FMQ and anything other than straight lines or wavy lines would make me SO happy. Something leafy, something swirly :):)

Tracy said...

I'm learning some FMQ and one I want to learn is feathers! I've tried and I have a long way to go for the feathers to look decent!

LynneMcL said...

I've only done a little FMQ - and really just need to practice, practice, practice but I hate making things that I' plan to just toss. That's why your coaster idea is perfect! I'm going to make a set or two...

the girlfriend gap said...

I don't know where to start with FMQ Thanks for a chance to win. Janita

Shawna said...

I am not very experienced but love to learn mostly I just meander.

BrookeS said...

I'm brand new to FMQ. but I have three quilts ready to be quilted and I'm so nervous! I'd love to be able to use this book. Love all the patterns, esp the loop d loops!

Jan said...

I've only taken one class so I am very new to this, but the feather design is my favorite. Thanks for the nice giveaway.

Jinger said...

The only FMQ I've done is straight line, I'd love to learn to do more.

Cathy said...

I usually fall back on loops or a loop/stipple combo. Or straight-line and stitch in the ditch. Booooring! I could sure use the help in this book. Thank you for the opportunity!

Jennifer said...

I've never tried it! But, I love the look of the pebbles.

Isabella said...

I'm fairly new to quilting, so I've only really done straight lines. I'm hoping to get adventurous and try FMQ soon. :)

Audrey said...

Loops and pebbles are my favourite FMQ designs. I would like to master swirls over an entire surface. I can go in one straight line fairly well but when it comes to changing directions and filling a space I am stumped. Thanks for offering a giveaway.

scottylover said...

I only straight line quilt with my machine, so that would be my favorite. I so need this book! :)

Sandy A

dream quilt create said...

Your quilting looks great! I could sure use that book to give me inspiration while machine quilting!

Unknown said...

I would love to learn feathers! I only feel comfortable with stippling. Thanks!

Joyful Quilter said...

The coasters are a great idea. I've been trying new quilt designs also lately - scary ;o)

Thanks for the giveaway.

DianeY said...

I'm afraid my go to method is still stippling/meandering. I can do it pretty easily and it's fast. I have gotten a little more adventuresome but I'm never horribly comfortable

Glenda in Florida said...

I think I'm in the category of "those who think they can't", but I would love to be able to quilt feathers.

Shannon Wallace said...

I've only done stippling and loopty loops. I'd LOVE to learn the feather technique. :)

Cappy said...

Would so love to learn more free motion quilting, I haven't gotten past stippling but would love to learn more.

Sarah said...

I have never tried it with a pattern, just drew my own clouds -- one time! I thought, "how hard can it be? I don't want to hand quilt this one..." There were tears. I should probably get this book. :) sarah@forrussia.org

Dee D said...

I don't have a "go-to" pattern yet since I haven't done a lot of FMQ. I've done several baby quilts and they each called for something different when I looked at them. Thanks for a chance to win the book!

Debbie Faber said...

I have only done the stippling but I am practicing the feather pattern as that is going to be incorporated somewhere in my next quilt. Thank you for the book opportunity too.

Sewing In CT said...

I like FMQ. I try to let the quilt talk to me but my designs are still simple.
Straight lines are my fall back. I long to try the wood grain like on your coasters.

Sharon said...

I'd love to try that pebble look. Email me at colemansharon@me.com

Kristy said...

I have only done a little FMQ. Mostly just a basic stipple. I do lots of practice on paper with pebbles. I am open to try anything, I love learning new ideas.

OhioLori said...

I haven't done hardly any FMQ...just sampling things that turn in to potholders mostly! lol Would LOOOVE to learn how to Stipple, then on to loops & also flowers.

Panda Parables said...

I still haven't FMQ anything aside from test scraps. I straight line quilt everything but would LOVE to break the habit.

simple :: dream :: quilts said...

My go-to FMQ favorite is just a plain meandering and even a smaller stippling. I've also tried pebble FMQ and love how it pops after the quilted item is washed and dried. Now that I have recently received a Gammill long arm quilter I have been still doing FMQ.

CeLynn said...

So far I have only free motion quilted one quilt so far. Would love to master stippling,spirals and the design you did on the green fabric. This sounds like a super book to add to my library.

Thanks for the giveaway!

Unknown said...

I haven't sent a quilt off to be quilted. I do all the quilting myself :). I feel pretty confident with my stars and loops design. I do a star and then loop over or up to the next star. Thanks for the chance to win. I could definitely add more ideas to my fmq.

Cynwood said...

I am still a FMQ beginner and I tend to stipple a lot! I would like to graduate to swirls but I get outside of my comfort zone quickly as soon as I start missing stitches and other novice mishaps!

mac said...

Still trying to work up the courage to try free motion quilting again after a very long break.

Annette said...

I have been practicing fmq in order to use it on a quilt. Keep your fingers crossed!

Barbara M. said...

Wow! It would be great to win this e book! I have tried already fmq but I have to learn a lot. Thank you for the chance to win!

Anita said...

I would love to master spirals and feathers, now it is mostly stippling and some loops and stars.

Vicki said...

Right now I mainly do 'organic' lines. I NEED this book!

Cindy said...

My new favorite, besides straight line which to me doesn't count, is loop de loops. I'm getting the loops rounder and rounder, and more uniform. I'm starting to love it. cdahlgren at live dot com

ipatchandquilt said...

I love many FMQ patterns, but my favorites at the moment are feathers and pebbles. I love to do graffitistyle quilting but also over the top lushious feathers. Can't and won't chose which one is best! 😋
Esther

DeniseClaire said...

I'm new to FMQ. I've tried it,but can't make my stitching an even length. I could use some help!

DeniseClaire said...

I'm new to FMQ. I've tried it,but can't make my stitching an even length. I could use some help!

Unknown said...

I am new to quilting and have yet to finish a quilt to FMQ but love the leaf pattern and the loops

Bouts Choisis said...

My biggest problem with fmq is finding the time to practice and I know that practice would improve my skills no end! I love books and videos about fmq and always learn something new.

Susan said...

My FMQ skills are still at a novice level- I'd love to master the pebble look!

Sapphire said...

It's clear that's a book I'm going to need ....

Patrick said...

I love the stipple and speak, but would love to venture into pebbles, but worried it will keep my quilt from being super soft. Thanks for the give away!

Unknown said...

I am brand new to quilting, so FMQ seems pretty scary! I am hoping to try some on one of my next quilts.

jackiethompson323(at)gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I'd love to get up the nerve to even try... Generally, I make queen size quilts, and the throat on my machine just isn't big enough to let me push the quilt around much under the needle. I've stuck to quilting straight lines, but look wistfully at pebble patterns a LOT. I'd love to win this book and be encouraged to branch out!

leanne said...

sounds like a fab book - I love your square fmq and those coasters are a great idea ! I've only done two free motion quilts one was stippling and the other was loopy loops so I'd love to try swirls or feathers or any other designs :)

Gill said...

I've only done straight line quilting - I'd love to master feathers!!

Tina Short said...

My go-to designs are straight line quilting or big swirls.
I need to practice more and I'd love this book.

alison@the chainpiecer said...

I love your coaster swatches! They look so perfect. My FMQ is awful, I keep hoping to improve but the bottom line is I don't practise enough: I'd always rather piece with the time I have available, so tops don't get finished unless I straight line quilt... Time for a new resolution/attack with the help of your recent posts and this book, if I'm lucky enough to win!

Patti said...

I would love to learn how to do feathers! Too afraid to try them!

Unknown said...

I would love to free motion quilt but knees get weak and my hands start shaking. I did get a far a putting the foot on the machine then chickened out!! So I would love just to be able to start even a simple meander or stipple!! sandybailey55@hotmail.com

Janet M said...

I know what you mean! I need to learn to feel comfortable with something other than stippling.

Anonymous said...

Amandajean,

Wow! I love what you did with your practise pieces so useful! Mollies Book looks great will take a look at it. Thanks for sharing the FMQ knowledge.

margaret said...

quilting is the hardest part for me so think I might just have to invest in this book

Judi said...

Hi, I absolutely love all the quilting patterns on your mug rugs. My favorites are the two at the bottom of the photo. The only quilting I have done is either following along the seams, or stitching 1/4" beside the seam....which I think looks real pretty as well. I want so badly to learn to free motion quilt, but am also afraid I will mess it up. I did try once, very briefly, and it was not at all pretty. :) I am afraid my failure has left me hesitant. You, obviously, do lovely quilting. Perhaps some day I will brave up and try again. I know following your work on this site has helped me tremendously over time, so.....we'll see what happens. Even if I am not chosen for the book, I do want you to know I admire you for what you do and how you offer freebies to others to encourage them in their efforts. You have to really love what you do to do that. Thanks for your website!

SewSewJenner said...

I just started FMQ and I would like to try all designs! Thanks for chance.

Sandra Louise said...

I do FMQ, but am not very confident. This book sounds like it would be a big help. Thanks!

Judy Z said...

I like your idea for making coasters. I might try making mine round, as it might be easier to bind them. Or maybe "burp" some samples and turn them inside out.

Unknown said...

I would love to work on improving my FMQ. I have done some practicing and attemped a few small projects. It's time to get serious.

Jeanine said...

I found loop-de-loops to be so much easier than stippling, so that's my first choice for now. I have been doodling a number of new designs, though, so I'm going to try those on my next two quilts. Wish me luck!

Andrea said...

I have mastered stippling, but I usually don't try other designs. maybe I will now (have a quilt to quilt next week)

Suzanne said...

It's been a while since I've done any FMQ but I tend to go to meandering. I need to branch out with an encouraging cheerleader. Sounds like this is a good book to have. Congrats on one more towards 101,

ozone3 said...

I've only done a meandering stitch in FMQ. Would love to learn more.

Thanks for the chance to win!!

Teresa @ Aurea's Kitchen said...

I try to FMQ but I need to change my sewing machine, right now I love peebles and I am trying to fmq some small pieces just to get used to.

Thanks

Sharon said...

your fmq looks great! those little coasters are so cute and a great way to try new designs. I think this is a sign, everywhere I look lately is stuff about trying free motion quilting. I need to just sit down and practice and get over my anxiety!

Stephanie said...

I am attempting to do my own quilting, and it is the most difficult thing! But I think it's time to learn to do it myself, instead of someone else finishing my quilts. Thanks for the opportunity to have this book.

Peggy said...

I am new to FMQ and have only done stippling. I would love to try the one that reminds me of tree bark! I think that would look great on some fall quilts!

Beth said...

I too love FMQ and love getting books on it. My go to design is a flower that can be small or big. Thanks

Libby M said...

I have tried to do fmq several times but struggle with getting the bobbin tension right. I've signed up for a class at my lqs hoping they can show me what's wrong. I'd like to do a looping star or flower for kid quilts.

Unknown said...

Thanks for the great idea of coasters! I am new to FMQ, but i really like the big and little swirls. ... sorry don't know the technical name. This paten looks so elegant and is really useful for all quilts. Would love to learn more and also have more patience to FMQ more!

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