The Journey into Free Motion Quilting 1

Well I have my new machine set up and could hardly wait to use the Bernina Stitch Regulator.  I am not real sure how I feel about it.  It is quite foreign to me at this point.  I know that with the help I got from Leah Day http://www.daystyledesigns.com . I will get this whether or not I have a stitch regulator.  I have the first picture which was done on my Janome MC 4400.  It is very basic but it took me a long while to get the flow on it and because my machine is having mechanical probllems it was very frustrating to say the least.

 

It isn't the greatest thing but it is far better than when I started out!  This next picture is done on the bernina.  Mind you I don't have a feel for this machine.  The foot peddle is not as touchy as the other machine.  But heck I just jumped in!

 

This one is a good one to start with.  I wasn't the greatest but for starting out it isn't too bad.  I am sort of embarrassed to show these things because I totally suck at it so far.  My intention is to show my journey as I learn so that others who desire to learn realize that it does not come automatic.  It is a learned skill.  As we go through this journey you will see how I progress.  If you have any questions or tips for me I will always answer and of coarse tips are always appreciated.

 

 

This one is really bad!  I tore it out several times and then I said heck with it just let her fly.  I sure hope I get better soon. 

 

 Now here is where the fun begins! I just did this.  It is obvious I need to always warm up before starting.  Just loosen up a bit.  This was so bad I didn't want to finish it.  This is a keeper though because it will remind me of my humble beginning! 

New piece of fabric.  Set up with hands in desired position.  I slowed down a bit.  I am very very very nervous at this point.  I am learning so it is normal.  I can only take this for a short time at this point because I am so tense.  As I go I will loosen up.  It is better than the first one but I am not up to speed and it shows.

Well that is all I have done this far.  I can hardly wait till this becomes a part of who I am.  I have a lot of desire that is for sure.  I will look back one day and probably laugh at this.  I hope!

Free Motion Quilting

Time to have happy feet! Yesterday I bought a used Bernina 200/730 with a stitch regulator.  While it is being shipped to me I am still working on free motion quilting with my old Janome MC 4400.  I have struggled with that machine for about a year trying everything to get it to work right. I was having bobbin problems, threading problems, and a hosts of things I don't want to think about now!

Free motion quilting is an art in itself.  You are quilting a piece of fabric as you are drawing on it with thread.  I have some very favorite people that do this and I aspire to do my own style but I know I need to learn some basics first.  Techniques will help me do that.

I was extremely excited a few weeks ago when I found Leah Day online. http://www.daystyledesigns.com I quickly looked at all of her advise and it has made all the difference in the world.  I am going to go through her 365 days of free motion quilts and completed my first one last night with great pleasure. I have some of her products she sells now and it helps tremendously.  I have the bobbin washers, the supreme glider (what a help that is!) and the Machingers quilting glove. 

I feel like I have hit a mile stone running.  My machine however has not.  I am having huge problems with the first thread area clamping down onto my thread and not letting it run smoothly so I am constantly re threading.  I feel it is a machine problem and along with a bobbin problem I am constantly readjusting everything. 
It needs to go to the shop to be repaired.

The day before yesterday I found the machine at the right price for me and something I have always wanted.  I am excited I could hardly sleep thinking about it.  Of coarse with a new machine there is a ton to learn.  I spent the day yesterday looking at all the presser feet!  It amazes me how many there are.  I am anxious to get started learning. 

There will be pictures to come as I go through this 365 days of free motion quilting.  Time to go practice now!

Today my machine came in 07/24/2013  So let the fun begin!