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Thread: FMQ question

  1. #11
    momtutor's Avatar momtutor is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: FMQ question

    I always do a practice sandwich with each project. That being said, the practice sandwich is the same fabrics and batting and thread which I plan to use on my project. I do this to not only warm up my FMQ technique, but also to test the tensions, look of thread with fabric and get the feel of that fabric under my machine and hands.
    I agree, a sample does not handle the same as a project, but I feel it is a great habit for checking last minute settings and adjustments.
    Michele

    She who dies with the biggest fabric stash wins.....

    Life just seems to get in the way of quilting.

  2. #12
    Kgrammiecaz's Avatar Kgrammiecaz is online now Senior Member
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    Default Re: FMQ question

    Quote Originally Posted by momtutor View Post
    I always do a practice sandwich with each project. That being said, the practice sandwich is the same fabrics and batting and thread which I plan to use on my project. I do this to not only warm up my FMQ technique, but also to test the tensions, look of thread with fabric and get the feel of that fabric under my machine and hands.
    I agree, a sample does not handle the same as a project, but I feel it is a great habit for checking last minute settings and adjustments.
    This is a good rule to live by in fmq
    Karen
    Life is short - live it up while you can

  3. #13
    bubba's Avatar bubba is online now Senior Member
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    Default Re: FMQ question

    I did half a dozen sandwiches then started doing tote bags. I still get nervous when doing a quilt, but it's not so bad now that I have Matilda.
    pat.

    No rain....no rainbows!



  4. #14
    Davidsgirl08's Avatar Davidsgirl08 is online now Senior Member
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    Default Re: FMQ question

    I just dove in once I tested the thread and needle

  5. #15
    SisterDi's Avatar SisterDi is offline Senior Member
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    Default Re: FMQ question

    I made one hilarious and horrible quilt for my mother's dog. The first 3/4 of it looks like the top of a Hostess cupcake at best, a child practicing scribble cursive at worst. I felt like I had jumped on a motorcycle full-speed and had no idea how to use the brakes! The eyelashing is so bad on the back that the quilt winks at you when you walk past.

    By the time I got to the last 1/4, I had some sections that I was proud of. Nice loops and curves, flames and meandering.

    I jumped right in on my next big quilt, and have done okay since. I should practice more, but I'm a real tightwad when it comes to "wasting" any materials on anything that isn't a full project.

    I really think that getting your foot and your hands moving at the same speed are the first hurdle, and then doodling designs on paper (or a dry erase board) to create muscle memory for creating shapes is the next. And watching lots of Leah Day and other YouTube videos.

  6. #16
    dwil23 is online now Senior Member
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    Default Re: FMQ question

    I jumped in head first - no practice at all on my very first quilt. Perfect? No. But, I learned a lot. I just finished one for a Christmas gift about 10 minutes ago that is far from perfect it it is DONE!!!

    Of course, I'm not saying don't practice - it's the wiser thing to do, but don't stress over it either. I would recommend starting on a smaller quilt than I did - mine was 64 x 64.

    Good Luck!
    Donna

  7. #17
    ajflenar is offline Member
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    Default Re: FMQ question

    I practiced on small sandwiches too, but for my first actual quilt (which was a small wall-hanging quilt), I used nylon thread so that even if it was really bad, no one could actually see it unless they looked closely.

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