doesn't mean you shouldn't make one. I got inspired today by this discussion on the flickr quilts and quilting group, especially the video in the first response. So guess what? I finally broke down and seriously did some free motion quilting practice today. mamaFasu is a proponent of not wasting anything so I had her in mind when I decided I should use my free motion practice scraps to make something. I initially started with coasters and realized that 4x4" squares aren't good to practice on. I needed something bigger to grip and control. So lo and behold...
Yes, a hot water bottle cozy. This is going straight to mamaFasu since she uses one everyday. So what did I learn? Practice definitely makes perfect. I originally started to try to do stipple stitch, but oh my lord my hands couldn't keep up. So I decided to stick with loops and figure 8s. Muuuuuuch easier and I feel like I have more control. Another tip, going a little faster helps sometimes too.
You can see here where I started getting the hang of it. The curves become smoother and the stitches are more even.
And here we've got all figure 8s all the time.
And of course, the inside.. Yes, I missed part of the bias tape. I'll fix it.
Free motion is really fun. My loops are rather tight so I think I need to practice bigger loops and figure 8s and then hopefully I can move onto stippling. But mamaFasu doesn't need another hot water bottle cozy. Any ideas for other things I can make with my free motion practice sessions?
Comments (15)
Ohhhhhh nice! I just might have been inspired to seriously sit down and make a quilt...one of my FAVORITE scrapbook paper companies now has FAT QUARTERS!! Someone PLEASE hide my wallet! LOL
Posted by adrienne | August 1, 2008 12:04 AM
another cute project, I like the decorative stitch the most, its so beautiful
Posted by toya | August 1, 2008 2:53 AM
That is awesome! Maybe this is lame to practice with, but placemats?
Posted by Cassy | August 1, 2008 4:04 AM
place mats. pillows. pot holders. table runner. oh my!
so fun. so great. i love the hot water bottle holder. she is going to LOVE it too!
Posted by leslie | August 1, 2008 4:27 AM
I love this! You did an amazing job. I find free motion quilting so intimidating. For a next practice project, what about a tote bag?
Posted by Kelly | August 1, 2008 5:09 AM
the possibilities are endless - I love the whimsical swirls. very pretty, R~
Posted by lolly | August 1, 2008 5:18 AM
A laptop case! At first (at 7:30 a.m.), that's what I thought you were holding!
Posted by grumperina | August 1, 2008 5:49 AM
good job on the free motion. I know it can be hard and feel like you are out of control. I hope to get back to quilting in Sept/october. We will see! Can't wait to see you next quilted wonder!
Posted by Peacock Chic | August 1, 2008 7:59 AM
oh pretty. that looks like fun!
Posted by loriz | August 1, 2008 8:02 AM
i love all that stitching! it looks like it was fun to do :)
Posted by gleek | August 1, 2008 8:08 AM
Hey! What a fun project. I hope your mom loves it.
Posted by Risa | August 1, 2008 4:25 PM
Beautiful. I agree with the above suggestions, placemats, tablerunner, totebags. Practicing would be an excellent opportunity to get a lot of gifts made for the upcoming holiday season.
Posted by Barbara | August 1, 2008 6:34 PM
Neat idea! Could also make sewing machine cozy, dresser drawer dividers, pillow shams, table centerpiece thingies (like a table runner only round and bigger, to put in the middle of a table or under a lamp). Lap quilt for watching TV. If you're really ambitious, a robe or bed jacket.
Posted by mikawendy | August 1, 2008 9:23 PM
Those are great! Even with my fancy schmancy sewing machine, I can't get the hang of machine quilting. It's so true that you don't learn how to write in one day so you shouldn't really expect to learn how to machine quilt in a day - practice makes perfect!
Posted by tiennie | August 4, 2008 9:08 PM
What about either placemats or table runners for more practice? They're sizeable, but not too large, and useable, especially if they're washable cotton.
Posted by Abby Cook | August 7, 2008 6:24 AM