Tuesday, October 01, 2013

first steps to free-motion quilting

Today I'm happy to be a stop on Christina's blog tour for her new book First Steps To Free Motion Quilting. When I teach FMQ classes, I refer to Christina's blog as a resource. Now I'm thrilled to be able to recommend a full book written by her on the subject! This isn't just a book for beginners, though. No matter how long you have been free motion quilting, there is always more to learn. I personally love the reassurance that she gives that it doesn't have to be perfect! I can always, always use that reminder.


In this book Christina covers the necessities, the basics, tips and techniques, LOTS of quilting designs (about 23 pages, with multiple designs per page) and 24 fun projects to quilt up. There is also a comprehensive section on troubleshooting. It's nice to have a list to run through when you are ready to throw in the towel or pull out your hair. :)

The strip quilt pictured above is one of the projects in the book and I have added it to my to-do list. Each strip is quilted in a different design. SO many fun possibilities and such a great way to try/practice new designs.
There are several smaller projects in the book, too, and I was immediately drawn to the loopy bucket. Linen plus scraps? Sign me up! It was a fun and quick sew....easy to start and finish in one afternoon. LOVE that! (I am also pleased to be able to count this as scrappy project 15/101.)
I re-discovered how FUN it is to quilt on linen! I've used this loopy design on a few quilts in the past and it's a favorite.

I also wanted to challenge myself a little bit, so I picked out this design from the book and gave it a shot.
Here's my trial piece on muslin. Not too bad for a first try! Not exactly the same, but it doesn't have to be. I'm excited to try more. It's good to branch out!
So, there's just a peek at the book. Christina did a great job on it! Be sure to visit the other stops on the tour to see what they have to say about the book, too.

9/25: Allison Rosen at Stash Books Blog 
9/26: Jessica Alexandrakis at Life Under Quilts 
9/27: Monica Solorio-Snow at Happy Zombie 
9/28: Susan Beal at West Coast Crafty 
9/29: Kathy Mack at Pink Chalk Studio 
9/30: Angela Walters at Quilting is my Therapy 
10/1: Amanda Jean Nyberg at Crazy Mom Quilts 
10/2: Megan Dye at Megs Monkey Beans
10/3: Victoria Findlay Wolfe at Victoria Findlay Wolfe Quilts 
10/4: Katie Pedersen at Sew Katie Did 
10/5: Christina Cameli at A Few Scraps

If you would like to win a copy of the book, compliments of Stash Books, please leave a comment on this post. In your comment I'd love to hear your thoughts on FMQ. Do you love it? Hate it? Have you made great strides in this area? Please, only one comment per person. A US winner will have the choice of either an e-book or a hard copy. An international winner will receive an e-book. I will pick a name randomly on Friday, October 4th.

417 comments:

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Anonymous said...

I've taken a FMQ class recently. I like like what I've done so far and look forward to improving my skill. -- soparkave

DeniseClaire said...

I really want to learn how to FMQ. I've looked at a couple of uTube videos on it, but haven't taken the step to actually try it.

Mary Jo said...

This looks like a book I need right now. Thanks for the chance to win. Thanks for your inspiration as always.

Lisa said...

I am challenged I must admit! I am hoping this book might help! I have the other tools now I just need the great book!

Heather A said...

I MUST start FMQ. I dread it. I'm scared of it. I took a 3 hour class and left rather rattled. And intimidated. I decided I just need to sit all by myself with my machine and work at it. But still ... I avoid it. Perhaps this book would give me courage.

Ірина Шахрайчук said...

I really want to learn how to FMQ! This book is gorgeous!

Linda Fleming said...

Wonderful book!
Just what I'm needing to help quilt my own tops.

Swedish Scrapper said...

I've had a terrible time with fmq, I won't lie. But I recently, after having my used machine for a year, found that my needle post hss been crooked! I haven't tried fmq since I adjusted it, but I've already noticed that even simple curves are really easy now, so I'm hopeful. An e-book would be fine with me, this just looks like a really refreshing way to learn fmq!

Emilyplays said...

I love to fmq, but it always takes me a while to get my groove back when I start to quilt a new quilt. I think if I kept my hand in it with smaller projects, things would go more smoothly

Sarah said...

I really like the look of FMQ, but I haven't yet gotten the feel of it. I did buy a small pack of batting and one day soon, I will spend a weekend afternoon giving it another go.

Lydia said...

FMQ is so intimidating and the results so visible when you mess up. My desire to quilt is bigger than my skill. Concept of this book is really simple and nice, to practice on small pieces first, before attempting the big large expensive quilt.

justinemalinski said...

I am taking a FMQ class tomorrow in Madison WI!

babiesdoc said...

I want to like FMQ but, so far, not so much!

Unknown said...

I have no dared to venture into the world of FMQ yet - but I'd love to! This book would be a good kick to start!
ltenhage@gmail.com

Molly said...

I am finishing the binding on my first quilt, and starting the top for a second. I would love this book to learn more FMQ techniques and patterns. Your blog inspired me to quilt!

Gram999 said...

I have quilted projects like potholders, notebook covers, etc., but have only been brave enough to stipple quilt one full size quilt. I would love to this book. It looks like just the help I need to gain confidence. Thank you.

junacreationsuk.blogspot.co.uk said...

I was so frightenend of trying FMQ that I used to only 'tie' quilts, but then I decided to have a go and I haven't looked back, so far I've used stippling, looping and roses - I love them all.
Best of all I love the way it makes a quilt feel.

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