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I spent about 6 hours FMQ'ing today...doing a wide meander. I'm having some tension issues...bird nests on the back of the quilt, but I'm learning to check the backside every few inches, so I don't have so much to rip out if I am having bird nests form. I think I need to use a different thread, was watching Leah Day videos and reading about her love of Isacord thread for FMQ'ing. I think I'll order a spool to check it out. Superior Threads are supposed to be good also.
I was having a ton of problems with broken thread and skipped stitches. I really was about to call the shop up and argue that they had done something when they did maintenance on my machine, except it only happened with FMQ. I cleaned, and changed tension, changed threads, changed needles.....microtec, quilting, embroidery, big, little , changed brands of needles and quite by accident, I had stuck a universal needle back in, that I thought was probably used up and VOILA, problem solved. I am going to try the Superior topstitching needles after watching their needle education video, but for my Pfaff, it was as simple as using the Universal needle for FMQ. WHAT A RELIEF!
That is exactly what I'm talking about. My jaw was sore before I became aware of what I was doing. I was just glad I was alone in there! Ever watch someone feed a baby and they open their mouth when the spoon goes to the baby's mouth? Same thing I think.
Yep, Guilty. Right Here. LOL I'm working on my very first project-a table runner made of three blocks of four charms which are snowballed on three sides to make a flower. (So three flowers) Anyway, I got my quilt top done, measured and cut my backing and batting, pinned the sucker down and stood back wondering what I should do now. I ordered a free motion foot for my sewing machine but it hasn't arrived yet. I thought of doing the whole thing by hand because Lord knows if I try to machine SITD it will look like a dogs breakfast. My machine does these fancy little stitches though so I chose one that looks like a leafy vine and I am pretty much just bordering around the flowers. It is just a table runner though, I can't imagine trying to get a twin sized quilt into the throat of my machine. LOL, So I really have no tips or advice for you but I feel your pain in the jaw, I've been tilting my whole body the way I am sewing and it hurts! Being six months pregnant doesn't help either. Maybe baby enjoys the rocking...Quote:
Originally Posted by EnumclawGramma
I am hoping someone answers on the STID and stipple or either...
I have used a decorative stitch when I STID'd...I did it on the seam and one time used a wiggle stitch "ununun" kind of look and also an "aztec" line thing <><><><> kind of look, both looked and worked really well.Quote:
Originally Posted by ttucsok
I personally do the same as Mrs Daisy does. I use the silicone spray, its a real life saver!!! Love it! And I use little Genie bobbin washers for the bird's nests, those are a huge help and I noticed that my bobbin makes alot of rattling noises until I began using those, now now all quiet. Music is wonderful for getting in the groove. I normally don't drink but I have found if I have a glass of wine, my shoulders aren't up around my ears when I take my breaks. I sometimes do stitch in the ditch and fmq on the same piece it all depends what my plan is. Have you taken a look at Patsy Thompson's fmq videos yet? I think between both her and Leah you can be a master in no time. Practice makes perfect but perfect won't happen the first time so don't beat yourself up about it. Just have fun. I hope this helps.
Donna