Free Motion Quilting: Speed & Control

Did you know that free motion quilting and driving a car are similar?  Really?  Yes!  Just imagine that the car is a needle and you want to direct the curvy winding roads it takes. Read more by clicking the photo.

 

Page 23 Quilt Challenge

There is a first time for everything. This is the first time I am participating in a quilt challenge. My guild, VA Star Quilters, presented a challenge for the bi-annual quilt show. Click the photo to read more about my submission, Four Feathered Friends.

Free Motion Quilting with the Janome 7700

 

Free Motion Quilting

I am so pleased with my Janome New Home 7700. I exclusively use it for free motion quilting. There is a BIG learning curve for free motion quilting that includes thread and needle combinations, and matching machine rhythm to eye, hand and foot coordination, as well as batting choices. 

The 7700 arrived in February 2013 and we bonded almost immediately!  My free motion quilting has improved dramatically. I do admit,  that the arrival of  7700 came at right time in my request to learn free motion quilting. I had already made and recovered from rookie mistakes. Do not get me wrong, there is still so much I want and need to learn in free motion quilting. 

 

I have learned so much from quilters, Leah Day, and  Patsy Thompson when I first began learning free motion quilting a few years ago. Now, I am learning from Ann Petersen,  and Cindy Needham too!

Whether you are just getting started with free motion quilting or a veteran I would love to hear about your experiences with the process. Share a link in the comments to your blog post about your free motion quilting challenges and victories. I love the worldwide quilting community!  I am learning so much. Thank you!!!

Houston, we have a problem

The problem is that I miss my 16-year-old niece, Cynarra.  We just spent 7 days hanging out doing what girls do. We cooked, baked, sewed, watched Youtube videos on quilting and baking, watched two Will Smith movies, one Jane Austin movie and more. Click photo to see photos and read about Cynarra's first quilt shop visit, and long-arm quilting experience.

Guild Inspiration

 

Guild Inspiration

I joined the Virgina Star Quilters guild in March 2011.  Joining the guild was one of best things I did to advance my quilting knowledge and skill.  The wealth of talent, skill and years of experience is inspiring!  The guild has an amazing group of quilt artists. - See more at: http://livinh20.tumblr.com/guild#sthash.r3L3DAWY.dpuf

 

Virginia Star Quilters Quilt show

I will participate in my first quilt show and competition.  If you are in the area come by view over 100 quilts.

Gardening and Quilting Tug-of-War

Do you have hobbies that compete for your time? My shade garden and quilt projects both want attention and I want to give it to them. A few years ago, the answer was easy because winter and summer months were for quilting and garden was late fall and early spring. Each hobby had its dedication season. However, they are beginning to overlap. Read more about my garden and see more pictures when you click the photo.

Seven Days, Seven Projects

I am not happy unless I am juggling several projects at once. :-) A few weeks ago, I was overloaded with projects to complete for quilt show, raffle and silent auction.  See more of photos when you click the photo above