Free Motion Quilting

Our group project at the Free Motion Friday has come to a close. I've learned lots during the 8 weeks it was existence but still  continue to take two steps back for every one forward.  The latest problem is that the top thread breaks just when I get going with a bit of confidence. In order to figure out why I retraced my steps.  This was easier to do than retracing my stitches as you can clearly see here. My "Pine Needles" look more like corn stalks.

  That's why I liked doing  "Stomach Lining"  better. Sewing in one direction was easier. I think they look more like flowers, don't you?

Anyway to get to the story, it turns out that back in the early weeks I was using regular 50/2 sewing thread and the trusty Schmetz H-Q 90/14( with a green dab) I use to sew with most of the time.  I love this needle because it has slim point and does the job of piercing multiple seams.  Then I decided to change the thread to the kind I would use if I were really quilting a top.   For the next few weeks of free motion practice,  I alternated between using either Superior Threads King Tut or YLI machine quilting thread both of which are 40/3.  I'd  noted that Superior Threads recommended using a Topstitch needle, so I duly replaced the H-Q. It was at this time that I began having issues with the thread.  But I figured it WAS the thread, or the bobbin, or lint in the bobbin case, or even the needle.  So I changed it, again.  And herein lies the rub, instead of the correct 90/14, I put in an 80/12 which of course has a smaller eye. Duh! No wonder the thread was shredding.

I now have a greater appreciation for needles.  So, I decided it was time to read up on them and after reading a bit more about them, I appreciate them even more. 

Did you know that the top of the Schmetz package is actually a little magnifier so you can read the number printed on the needle?

Did you know it takes 45 steps on 100 different machines to make a needle? And that one of these steps is to polish the eye so it is smooth.  

Did you know that the major culprit behind skipped stitches is a dull needle?  So change them often, especially if you are making pot-holders like me.

Sewing with synthetics like insul- brite wears down needles even faster and can cause the dread skipped stitch.  Which is the other problem I have been dealing with of late.  

H2O

I have got to admit, I wasn't too crazy about H2O as there was simply too much retracing for me. Our last 

challenge Superstar was much easier for me.  No retracing!  I plan on continuing practicing FMQ and so I ordered a Supreme Slider from Leah Day's website. She is the

SUPERSTAR 

originator of the Free Motion Quilting Project and has generously posted all these wonderful designs and video instructions on her website.  There's one for everyday of the year!  My slider should be here any day now and I can't wait to try it.  If you don't have one, I suggest you visit her.  It's a way to support small businesses this season as well as fellow bloggers.

After the Equinox - Taking Stock

I've put the garden to bed, organized my files in order to make the move from pc to mac, and packed up  projects for the upcoming quilting retreat.   It's autumn and time to take stock of my projects and maybe even set some goals for the season.  But first I wanted to show you the laptop case I made last week.


I used Elizabeth's pattern at Sew, Mama, Sew! for a Simple Laptop Sleeve and changed the orientation so that it opened like a letter envelope.  My laptop measures 9 x 13 x 3/4" so I cut the main panel pieces 10 3/4 x 14 1/2" and the flap panels  7 x 14".  If you decide to make one and the fabric you are using for the lining is directional like mine, don't sew it on upside down like I did here.

Don't you adore the lining fabric? It is  French General - Le Petite Ecole 

The main fabric is fab too - it is Kokka - Far Far Away - Three Flowers

The "clutch" fits folders 

or a book

    but is  for my mac.  Wouldn't it make a great gift for someone you love?

The Projects

I am up to date with the Free Motion Friday group at fluffysheepquilting.blogspot.com  as I got ahead of the others when I posted Week 3 - Slate Tiles too early.  One of the highlights of that blog post was getting a comment from Leah Day of The Free Motion Quilting Project.
She thought I was pretty funny when I replied that it felt like getting mail from a celebrity.
This week's lesson is Bright Star. It looks challenging. I'm sure all those straight lines are going to be hard to control.  Practicing FMQing might be the perfect thing to get my juices going when I arrive at retreat on Thursday, so a big quilt sandwich is going in my suitcase.


I'm also putting in my Joseph's Coat blocks. Alas, there are only 12 of these and they are not even completely finished.

I'm dying to see how they will look sewn together using Kellie at Don't Look Now! 's directions.  The  petals were appliquéd onto Kaffe Fassett's shot cotton.  It is woven with different color warp and weft threads so it has to be cut as if it is a directional fabric.  I love it because it has depth and luster.

they'll go together this way

This year's big quilting commitment was sewing along with Barbara Brackman's Civil War Quilt Block of the Week.  I was steadfast groupie, and didn't fall behind until August. I'm caught up now and all the CWQ BOWs are in my suitcase.  The center medallion is set and can't wait to put it on the design wall with the other 39 blocks. Something tells me they are going to get a lot of attention. 

It will be so much fun to see which are people's favorite blocks.  Which one is yours?

Even though I think I've taken this on every retreat, I think I am going to leave it home this time.   I've promised to show it at our Guild Show this spring and I am finally in the home stretch. I think I'll let it be until winter.   It'll be the perfect project for long chilly nights.