A couple of years ago I decided I needed to learn how to expand my free motion quilting talents beyond basic stippling. I needed some quick and easy go-to filler patterns that I could master and quilt in my sleep.
I watched their lessons, doodled on every blank piece of paper I came in contact with, and eventually started free motion quilting and using ruler work on all my own quilts!
Today, I give credit to their teachings and constant encouragement to never stop learning. I can now say I am a free-motion machine quilter.
Today, I am also quilting my 5th Stitching Cosmos quilt with full custom quilting in each block. As you can see, each block needs a different quilting design. Since I am on a deadline to complete the Husqvarna Viking Stitching Cosmos quilt, I will be quilting it without thinking about every stitch. I have to just pick a design and stitch it! Deadlines are looming.
Click here to learn more about the Pfaff, Viking, and Bernina Stitching Cosmos online courses.
Is it perfect?
NO.
But every quilt I do gets better. AND THEY ARE DONE!
Leah Day taught me to work through different designs within a small area. For each square I free motion quilted a different practice design. Some I liked, some I did not. Some turned out and others did not. But I kept at it. I never gave up.
I first “met” Leah Day through her Bluprint Free Motion online classes. (She probably has no idea who I am). I am just one of her tens of THOUSANDS of virtual students who adores her soft voice. She encouraged me step by step to keep trying new patterns and never stop learning.
Since I am not an artist I appreciated watching her first and then I could mimic her same movements.
Somedays I would just DRAW the pattern if I wasn’t near my sewing machine. Doodling had the same effect of practicing free motion quilting on paper instead of fabric.
Angela Walters taught me how to free-motion FEATHERS. This one still takes a little focus and practice but in a pinch, I can stitch out a feather or two. 😉
You might recognize Angela from the Midnight Quilt Show. If you have not seen her in one of her shows, you have to check her out.
Check out Leah Day’s wonderful 365-Days Free Motion Project. If you complete this challenge I guarantee you will be able to free-motion quilt anything when you are done!
I did splurge and buy Leah Day’s book 365 Free Motion Quilting Designs so I would have all the designs at my fingertips. I can flip open the book and start quilting any design I see! Totally worth it! Click the book below to purchase.
If you have ever said you want to learn how to free-motion quilt, the resources are at your fingertips. Set the time aside and do it.
I am so glad I did.
Happy Quilting!