6.16.2009

quilt along week 4 1/2

Week 4 in the quilt along is a big one, the one where we actually quilt! So I am calling this 4 1/2 because I have to take a pause and breath before I move along. I have never really done any real quilting so again I find myself learning something new. I am practicing, practicing, and practicing some more. I don't usually showcase my crummy sewing on my blog, but I know there are a lot of people who are just like me and this free motion quilting step is new. It is not easy, it is still fun but it is a learning process! I am not entirely convinced that I will conquer my quilt with this and may still opt to do some straight line quilting instead. We shall see.
So far I have gotten some super tips online. In case you find that you could use these tips, here they are!
oh, fransson!
flickr discussion
dog named banjo tutorial
Old Red Barn Co. video


I have read a bunch on these posts and am getting a better idea of what I am supposed to be doing. I have found that the practice and getting the feel is really what it is all about. I used some old fabric to make a pretty good sized quilt sandwich and began there. I think I will do a few more. I have loads of mishaps and the back has some bad spots but it is not horrible for my first attempt.
Those of you that quilt and have bothered to read this whole post : is it horrible? Any other hints for the rest of us?

So the rest of week 4 is actually going to be full of completing my back, which I am piecing with strips from the front and pinning my quilt together to be ready for the real quilting!

11 comments:

brown robin said...

It looks awesome!!! You can do it! You should go for it on your quilt! I have a video and a book you can borrow if that helps... let me know... I'll bring it to the pool.

Dana said...

Liz -- are the pictures you are showing of mistakes? I'm having a hard time seeing them if they are there. I think they look pretty darn great!

retirednana2008 said...

Liz...

Great job!! I've been practicing forever (it seems) and this is so much better than mine.

liz @ longview builders said...

thank you for the nice comments! Can't wait to get the top done soon!

karen said...

Hi there

I came by from flickr Old Red Barn group and had a bit of problem with your link so just typed in the address and here I am. Glad I came by - I need some encouragement to start the stippling,,,have been procrastinating and putting it off but today is the day.

You have a rally nice blog and I will be back

Treasuresofjoy said...

Looks sew pretty! I think you can do it!

Lynz said...

Dude. You are nuts if you think this is rubbish! Admittedly I'm a total beginner, too, but I'd be chuffed if this was mine!

peaknits said...

Your free-motion is looking good! I have started mine too and have found it tricky to move the bulk around and my machine has had a few tantrums, but I am excited! Good luck!

CJ said...

This looks really good!! I say put the practice aside and get going on your quilt...really! It looks great!

machen und tun said...

yes, it looks great, you can totally do the big top!!
i had to smile a little - that´s how it is, isn´t it?? nobody but oneself sees those little things that did not turn out 150% perfect..
so: believe us all, it really, really is great!!

Sooz said...

It looks great! Go for it! You have the technique down it looks to me. Thanks for sharing! (haven't started mine yet...need to get to Joanne's for my darning foot!)