Saturday, March 19, 2011

Polar Bears out of Hibernation - other WIP's and FMQ

I have no idea where the days have gone since my previous post! It feels like I have missed some days... It also feels like I have done nothing, but actually, I've done a lot.

You may wonder what the first part of the heading of this post has to do with quilting? :) I believe those of you who has followed my blog for some time, remember what I'm talking about, don't you? Last year I started working on a polar bear quilt. It's a challenge, because I don't have a pattern and I have limited fabrics. The quilt - or better say the little I did on it last year - has been hibernating, because I ran out of ideas how to proceed.


Earlier this week I was looking for some fabrics in my stash, didn't find it, and continued to the shelves where the "dreaded" UFO's are. There I found the fabric I was looking for - actually fabric for the binding to the pinwheel quilt (below) as well as the plastic bag with the polar bear quilt! I pulled that one out too, and my brain started spinning..... I came up with new ideas and I think - by now - the quilt top should be done over the weekend. The "problem" is I have run out of the fabric I use for sashing, so now I'll have to go hunting my stash for something suitable.....
The pinwheel UFO is almost done! Left to hand stitch the binding and a little bit more quilting. Can't believe I did FMQ (free motion quilting) all over on that huge quilt! A couple of weeks ago - or so - I sewed around all the pinwheels, then put it on hold because I didn't know how to proceed.
I haven't done much of FMQ, so it felt a bit scary doing it on such a big quilt! My sewing machine has the standard size harp; 7.5" / 19cm (if it is measured to the needle position?), so I dreaded pulling and pushing the quilt through the harp!
I didn't have to worry! Last year I bought "Free-Motion Quilting Made Easy" by Eva A. Larkin. (It's cheaper at Amazon) It's a step-by-step instructions, practice exercises and loads of hints and tips about FMQ. I have not done any of the exercises in the book, but by reading the first pages, you'll get many tips how to get going with FMQ!
So I thought; jump into it with both feet! :)) And so I did! :))

This is FMQ "newbie-version".... I hope to improve, sure I will - by practicing. It didn't turn out that bad - did it? Do you hear the bragging?! :)) Well, I don't like to brag, but I am a little bit proud I did manage FMQ on such a big quilt! :) It won't be the last one to do FMQ.... :) It's FUN! :)
I can also mention I use the "Supreme Slider" - a teflon top that prevents friction when quilting. Here are some reviews about the "Supreme Slider".  As you can see, there are different opinions about it, but to me; it does work!
The baby/toddler quilt is almost done too. I've left to hand stitch the binding. 


As you can see, I didn't do FMQ on this one.

7 comments:

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

you should hold the quilt up so we can see the whole quilt! bet you are proud to do a big quilt with your machine - that is a lot of work for sure!!
Karen
http://karensquilting.com/blog/

QuiltSue said...

Your FMQ looks great. I have never been able to do it, so I am totally in awe of anyone who can.

Dirt Lover said...

Hey, nice job! I love the way you put the colors together.
~~Lori

Elzaan said...

WOW! You are a sewing monster!!! Great to see your progress. Well done on the FMQ. You may feel very proud of yourself - and you may brag a little :).
Elzaan

Nat Palaskas said...

I think you have done quite a lot Astrid. Your FMQ is beautiful, you should be very proud - Hugs Nat

Anonymous said...

Hei Astrid. Frihåndsquiltingen din er kjempefin. Synd du ikke bor her lenger, for da skulle du ha fått lært meg det. Jeg har aldri turt å prøve meg på det. Leker med tanken stadig vekk, men det blir gjerne med det :-)

Anne-Kristine

Fleurette said...

Your FMQ is wonderful, well done!:)