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Monday
Apr042011

Project Simplify - Day 4

The bad news: 

Grrr #1 - I hate it when this happens (the edge of the quilt got caught underneath while I was top-stitching and I had to take the stitches out and redo that little bit).  If this has never happened to you, I'm totally jealous.  If you know how to stop it from happening, please tell me!  It happens to me too often.

Major Grrr #2 - Not sure how this happened - probably when I had my piles lined up on my sewing table.  We would have FOR SURE noticed these two blocks with the same square of fabric next to each other while we were doing the big layout on the floor - my helper was very diligent.

The good news: 

Yay #1 - Thank you so much everyone for your advise and tips.  They really helped.

Yay #2 - I did it!  I free-motioned the entire quilt!  Wohoo!  It was so much fun, once I just relaxed and found my groove.  Apparently, part of my technique requires my tongue to copy the movement of my hands - outside my mouth.  Or for my lips to purse tightly and prevent my tongue from escaping altogether.  Who said quilting was attractive?

(One of several little oopsies that I'm daring to show you.)

While I was machining, my girls noticed right away that I was doing something different and they were quite interested.  I even had a little audience for a while, which was nice.  "It looks like you're scribbling with your sewing machine," they said.  I agreed.  It felt like I was scribbling.

But now in my house "Loops" is officially renamed as "Swirly Twirly".  THAT'S a great name.  Thanks, girls!

This block is in the last part of the quilt that I "Swirly-Twirlied" so it's much better than the first corner (above). 

It reminds me of the quilt I made when I was learning how to hand-quilt.  You can really tell which was the first block I did and which was the last. 

I like the "historical" aspect of it - seeing where I began and where I ended up.  Do you have a project (quilt or otherwise) like that lying around to remind you how much you've improved at something?

So, not exactly blue-ribbon-quality but a respectable job, if I do say so myself.   I'm happy to report that I'm encouraged by these results and can't wait to freestyle the next quilt!

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Reader Comments (9)

I really have a difficult time with free motion quilting. I usually have tons of oopsies. I think it is a matter of practice and having all of the right tools. Great job.

April 4, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterAnita

Well done!!! I have had a couple "I don't hate it" projects with the free motion. I should probably take it out and tackle something again... just get back on the bike/horse/etc. :)

Thanks for daring to share the imperfect! Can't wait to see it all done!

April 4, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterBabychaser

I think my first comment was EATEN??? I say that all the time, but it's true. ;-)

Your quilting looks great. Now, can we have a video of that swirly twirly tongue technique LOL???

April 4, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterThimbleanna

It looks great - well done on your first attempt. One way to prevent the turned-under edge is to use a basting spray adhesive like '505'. I can relate to the twirly tongue - I inherited that trait from my Mum!!

April 4, 2011 | Unregistered Commenterfrayedattheedge

It looks great Krystine, I love the Swirly Twirly's! :)
Vivienne x

April 4, 2011 | Unregistered Commentergreenrabbitdesigns

Apologies Kristyne, I got your 'Y' and your 'I' mixed up!!!!!!
Vivienne x

April 4, 2011 | Unregistered Commentergreenrabbitdesigns

Wonderful job! It feels good to face your fears (fmq in your case...and mine too) if I do say so myself. I was just talking to my friend today and we discussed our phobias ~ mine being too embarrassing to mention will someday be faced head on I promised her. Hers however may be a bit more difficult to tackle but we both agreed to help each other with them : ) Which brings me back to your post i.e your faith in showing your learning curve to BLOGLAND! Your progress is absolutely amazing! I am so impressed with your historical tale forever woven into a beautiful meaningful quilt that I know someone will cherish forever! You're so talented and very admired by me and so many others. Talk about a check mark on the bucket list!!! Hello!

April 6, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterGigi MInor

You did it you completed a free mothion quilt!!!! YAH!!!! I remember doing my first one on my grandaughters quilt it was so much fun and she does not notice any cross overs or mistakes she snuggles it every night and brings it over when she stays the night. She is now 13. My great grandma use to tell me its the mistakes that make your quilt special. I think she meant because you learn from them and and you grow.

April 7, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterCarla N

Oh, I feel like I'm intruding, but I love your quilts and the fact that I know nothing about quilting, except appreciating one when I see the workmanship and artistry in such harmony, still would not stop me from dropping you a note how much respect I have for the process and how much I admire what you do. This is gorgeous work and your blog is beyond lovely. Gosia

April 12, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterGosia

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