Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: Magot
Date: 01-10-2005, 05:55 PM (1 of 6)
|
I'm new to machine quilting having done very little more than stitch in the ditch so I'm branching out. I have tried out this on a cot quilt for a young boy yet to be born. (Railhouse blocks? can't remember what the pattern is called, strong diagonal feel to the traditional layout of blocks) I am pleased with the results but am so tense doing this I feel like I am wrestling the machine. Is there a good way to hold the fabric so that my moose ears flow more freely? Do you sew towards yourself or away from yourself - any hints please.
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
|
From: Skye
Date: 01-10-2005, 11:40 PM (2 of 6)
I am a novice myself having only recently started branching out into free motion quilting - another addiction I think  . Practice, practice, practice would be the catch phrase. I got an insert for my machine table and have the table up against the dining table so that I can have everything laying flat and supported - another one of my wee problems even my quilts that start out as singles end up queen size. I went to a class last year and the teacher recommended drawing freely and randomly with pencil and paper to get in the "mood" it also gets your mind going probably something to do with cross brain stuff??. Then always practice on a practice quilt sandwich this sorts out your machine thread tensions etc. One of my first practice things was a baby themed piece of fabric I spray basted it to polar fleece and practiced freeing up and got used to moving the fabric every which way and direction. I did lots of loopy loops Getting a grip on the fabric to enable this was required and so I used my rubber washing up gloves - I have since bought a very cheap pair of cotton gardening gloves with little rubber patches on the plantar surface$0.99 NZ(0.70US) and they work a treat.I saw some in the quilting shop last week $35! So feed dogs down and darning foot on (always make sure the foot is lowered down otherwise you get a lovely thread nest ask me how I know? I tend to run the machine high speed, the length of your stitches depends on how you move your fabric. Have a spare bobbin filled. I find the whole process LIBERATING and so much FUN. I am hooked, addicted etc So have fun it is scarey at first 'cause you dont seem to have control but that soon comes.Skye |
User: Skye
Member since: 09-28-2000 Total posts: 233 |
From: Magot
Date: 01-11-2005, 12:43 AM (3 of 6)
|
Thanks Skye, I am pleased with my results but it was gripping the fabric that was causing me problems - I'll try the rubber gloves, that sounds like a winning idea - I'm getting a lot of potholders out of practice pieces so guess what my frieneds are getting for easter presents.. I'm trying not to stipple everything on the quilt as it does seem to stiffen the fabric. It is addictive though. love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
|
From: Raine
Date: 01-11-2005, 11:18 PM (4 of 6)
|
Hi Jan, Make sure your quilt is not hanging over the edge of the table. "Puddle" the quilt on the back and left side of the machine. I hold on to the quilt with my right hand and just lay my left hand on the quilt. I think it keeps my shoulders from getting so tight. I quilt with the quilt moving through the machine towards me; but whatever works for you is the technique to use. Try practicing your technique by doodling on a piece of paper. My current favorite are big flowers; circles in the middle with five large petals around. Looks really cute on baby quilts. Just keep practicing. It will get easier with each quilt.  Raine |
User: Raine
Member since: 04-19-2000 Total posts: 259 
|
From: Dede
Date: 01-12-2005, 08:54 AM (5 of 6)
| Haven't done a lot of stippling but when I do quilt, I put the ironing table on my left side, same height as the table; that helps support the quilt. |
User: Dede
Member since: 03-23-2001 Total posts: 469 |
From: Magot
Date: 01-13-2005, 11:59 AM (6 of 6)
|
The rubber gloves trick is quite impressive, thank you Skye. I have finished the top now and will bind the edges with ribbon tomorrow - I like to do that on quilts for tender skin. It was fun to do and I shall definately be doing more - I can't imagine why I didn't think about using the quilting table I've got..
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
|
Visit Sew What’s Up for the latest sewing and quilting tips and discussions.
This page was originally located on Sew What’s New (www.sew-whats-new.com) at http://www.sew-whats-new.com/vb/archive/index.php/t-14663.html
Sew What’s Up is hosted by ZenSoft