So I did the same center saw-blade design but this time I made it the center of a chrysanthemum-like flower.
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| Front |
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With the back and forth emails with a few blog commenters, I came to the realization that the main thing to doing free motion quilting is much like getting to Carnegie Hall -- PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE. I know that all the practice on the other quilt with "travel stitching" helped when I was sewing on a drawn line. I also know that practice builds confidence.
One more big thing - don't be a perfectionist!!! If I were a perfectionist, I wouldn't have anything to show you most days. You get to see both my mistakes and my triumphs - sometimes in the same piece!
It is okay. Unless you are making a show quilt you don't have to be perfect. Just do it. The funny thing is - by just doing it (and trying your best) you will get better from the practice. Dont' be afraid to laugh at yourself. It is very freeing to your creative spirit. And a free creative spirit will amaze you. You will look back at things you have finished and say "Wow, I did that!"
And one final thing - try to quit being your own worst critic. It is a natural tendency, but don't point out your mistakes when you show a piece to your neighbor or cousin or spouse. Just let them look and be happy when they say "You did a great job."
Okay, "mama" Gene is through with the pep talk for today. (it is as much for me, as it is for you. Seriously. )
Edited to add my weekend plans:
I have more weekend creative plans than time. I plan to:
a. bind a quilt -it needs a teeny bit more FMQ...so that is part of this plan
b. mount 2 art quilts to get them "gallery ready"
c. start on a new quilt top (or three - sigh -I will have to pick one)
d. organize some craft/sewing materials.
Comments are welcomed. I will reply when possible unless otherwise stated.
10 comments:
Gene you are so righ about practice. It seemed tome for awhile all i could do was get fluster so I woul djust stop and give myself a pity party. Non I am not going to say I still don't do that any more but i can sy I do it less....because of practice, practice, practice....If really is a very pretty design...kudos to you
It is looking pretty darned good! Keep practicing!
I agree with you about practicing. It really does work. I always have to remind myself that when I see pictures of fantastic quilting online, I don't see all the hundreds of hours this quilters have spent to get to that level of quilting. Keep practicing! PS: Circles are hardest!
The mum is really pretty, but I liked the idea on the first block too. I'm so impressed with what you're doing.
Gene, you're doing wonderfully!
LOL Thanks for the pep talk! And you are so right! I wish I had more time to practice my FMQ. I'm getting a little bored with stippling, but I am a perfectionist, so I needed to hear this! I will take my next opportunity and branch out into something new....
Love your mum - great job!
Your block looks wonderful. I need to start practicing again - lol!
I like them both! A show quilt??? Why would I ever do that, not moi.
Way to go. I like both of your practise pieces. I am with you on the practise, practise, practise. So many projects so little time. Definitely not enough time to spend being critical.
Cool!! Looks great!!
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