Guest Post by Fluffy Sheep!

Cindy of Fluffy Sheep Quilting inspired so many people last year with her learn to FMQ linky party. I wasn't going from total beginner, so I didn't join in, but I followed with interest. And corrupted Cindy by suggesting she try wine before FMQing to loosen the arms and nerves... She took that idea up enthusiastically. ;)  I thought it would be interesting to kick off our FMQAL with some tips from Cindy on what she learnt going from total novice to confident FMQer. So over to her!

Thank you, Laura, for the chance to give FMQ hints to kick off your QAYGFMQQAL.  This is a fantastic opportunity for FMQ-ers to learn and grow from one another by sharing their skills.  I wish you all the best of luck!

I am a newbie FMQ-er.  One of my 2011 goals was to break that barrier and give FMQ a try.  It’s hard to make that leap, but you have to just sit down and start somewhere.   Know that your first try will not be pretty, but you will get better with time. 

Fabric Requirements

To get a good feel for FMQ, you a quilt sandwich large enough that you can push/pull around your machine without getting your fingers near the needle.  I tried little charm squares, but that did not work well.  I was always falling off the edge.  Instead, take a FQ and cut it in half.  Make a sandwich out of it with left over wadding scraps.  This is a reasonable size to freely stitch without getting too close to the edge.

As for the fabric, I found that a solid, dark (black if you have it) fabric and a light thread worked well for me.  I could clearly see where I was stitching and where I was trying to go, as well as see the individual stitches to assess thread tension and the speed of my needle or push/pull.  If you can make your FMQ look good on solid black fabric with white thread, you are in fantastic shape to quilt a mug rug where your stitching would not be anywhere near as obvious.

Machine Setup

I am not the girl to tell you how to set up your machine.  Read your manual and putter around.  Don’t be afraid – you won’t break it.  I found keeping a normal sewing tension, 0 stitch length and feed dogs down worked for me, but you need to find the combination that works best for you.  Stitch systematically so that with each pass of the FMQ sandwich you adjust your tension or your needle speed.  You’ll find the combination that suits you and your machine best.

Resources

Leah Day has the most spectacular FMQ blog, The Free Motion Quilting Project, that you absolutely must check out.  She offers great videos for the beginner, helpful ideas for FMQ patterns to try.  This is the best instructional and inspirational resource I could find.  Check. It. Out.

Equipment

I was very anti-accessories for this FMQ adventure.  Why spend more money on supplies when I already spent tons of a sewing machine, fabric, etc?  Although additional equipment is not absolutely necessary, a few bits might really help. 

Gloves are your friend.  You can splash out on Machingers (which are great, by the way) or you can use gardening gloves or those post office fingertip thingies from your office supply store.  You will find them helpful to better grip your fabric.

The Supreme Slider and Little Genie Magic Bobbin Washers are used regularly by FMQ-ers, who seem to continually sing their praises.  I still have to test these out before giving my honest opinion, but you cal learn more here: www.freemotionslider.com.

Practice

What more can I say?  Practice.  A lot.  This will be your path to happiness.  Promise yourself that you will practice for a short 10 minutes before you sit down to work on any other project.

Practice with your friends.  Encourage one another; be supportive and generous when offering help and suggestions.  The QAYGFMQQAL is the perfect opportunity to either start FQM-ing or to expand your skills.  Do not be bashful when your FMQ does not go well.  Photograph your grief and post it on your blog.  First off, this will be a great laugh.  (Laugh at yourself often.)  More importantly, when your QAL buddies are blog surfing they will give out valuable suggestions and tips. 

Some folks say doodling your design (over and over) helps before starting FMQ.  I never tried it, but should have.  Their stitching was always better than mine.

Relax

You absolutely will find yourself FMQ-ing with your shoulders up to your ears.  Relax.  Adjust your seat so that your elbows are at right angles to your project.  Otherwise you will feel those stressed muscles the next day!

I have two tips to help you relax: wine and lullabies.  One might work better for you than the other.  A glass of wine with dinner before FMQ-ing will do wonders.  Not too much, though!  You have to watch those fingers!  Humming lullabies works equally as well.  This is the option I turn to regularly.

Beyond that, I wish you the best of luck!  Be kind to one another, offer encouragement and support.  Do not be afraid to ask questions or show your FMQ disaster as it is the only way you will learn and get better.  Finally, have a fantastic time! 

Cindy

fluffysheepquilting.blogspot.com

fluffysheepquilting@gmail.com