There is nothing more effective for making you realize how tense you are than machine quilting.
I got a notion to practice my machine quilting this week, and it was quite an eye opener. I had two pieces of wonky strips I had stitched together awhile back, and thought they would make cute table runners. I spray basted them to batting and backing and thought they would be perfect vehicles for machine quilting practice.
Cute, huh? This is an old Sandy Gervais group (I think), correct me if I am wrong. I had a jelly roll, and after seeing how adorable Sara's Pickety Sticks quilt was, I started playing around with sewing strips in a wonky manner on a piece of muslin. (Pickety Sticks is a Heather Mulder Petersen pattern). This is another sign of how uptight I am–my wonky strips are practically straight. Trust me, it is a much cuter look if the the strips are much wonkier.
So, about mid way though quilting the first runner, I realized I wasn't breathing, my shoulders were totally hunched and tense, and my little squiggles were teeny tiny tight loops. I also ran out of bobbin thread TWICE while quilting this small piece.
I managed to get through the quilting on the first runner, and took a couple of walks around the yard, breathing deeply. My next try was more successful. I concentrated on keeping my loops larger, and remembered to breathe and not sit all cringed over the machine. At one point I even had a fly pestering me, which landed on my nose. But did I stop quilting and bat it away? Heaven's no. I certainly did not want to lose my rhythm. I maintained a Zen state of mind regardless of the circumstances. This runner turned out better than the first one, and I only ran out of bobbin thread right at the end. I was going to show you some photos of the back, but my ego isn't quite ready for that yet. My nerves are only a little shot from the whole fly episode. Ick.
Do any of you struggle with machine quilting? Does it get better with time and practice? How much time? lol
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BTW, thanks to all of you for your helpful suggestions regarding my Fig Tree cream fabric. I tried to email Cheryl of Fig Tree Studio, who was so kind to write me with a suggested Bella Solid dupe, but my email bounced back! So, thanks ever so much Cheryl, your advice was much appreciated!
44 responses to “Uptight Much?”
I’m a long armer so rarely quilt at my own sewing machine. I find myself moving my jaw in cirlces as I quilt. Quilting friends suggested sucking on a tootsie pop while I quilt and it helps. Of course all that sugar doesn’t help, but the pop lasts a long time and it not only keeps me from moving my jaw but also makes me not hunch so much.
I’m a long armer so rarely quilt at my own sewing machine. I find myself moving my jaw in cirlces as I quilt. Quilting friends suggested sucking on a tootsie pop while I quilt and it helps. Of course all that sugar doesn’t help, but the pop lasts a long time and it not only keeps me from moving my jaw but also makes me not hunch so much.
I know exactly what you mean about a tense machine quilting session – it’s no fun! I haven’t found a solution yet – only that I have to be in the right frame of mind.
I know exactly what you mean about a tense machine quilting session – it’s no fun! I haven’t found a solution yet – only that I have to be in the right frame of mind.
I get all bunged up when I try to machine quilt but think part of my trouble is my chair is old and is too low.
Love Debi’s suggestion of the tootsie pop and love your table runners, wonky enough or not!!
Hugs!
I get all bunged up when I try to machine quilt but think part of my trouble is my chair is old and is too low.
Love Debi’s suggestion of the tootsie pop and love your table runners, wonky enough or not!!
Hugs!
I keep on practicing and yes, I do think it gets better, but I have a long way to go. Don’t give up Nicole!
I keep on practicing and yes, I do think it gets better, but I have a long way to go. Don’t give up Nicole!
Oh I definitely get tense when I machine quilt…I have to make several goes at it usually…and always CONSCIOUSLY tell myself to relax my shoulders… Yours looks great! Oh, and glad you got a response from Cheryl…and maybe a solution! I looked for Bella when I got home, and realized that all of mine were the creams that were part of fabric lines…
Oh I definitely get tense when I machine quilt…I have to make several goes at it usually…and always CONSCIOUSLY tell myself to relax my shoulders… Yours looks great! Oh, and glad you got a response from Cheryl…and maybe a solution! I looked for Bella when I got home, and realized that all of mine were the creams that were part of fabric lines…
Where did you get that huge cutting mat? I need that! I have only tried machine quilting once so far, and I’m not done with that quilt yet. I think it was a bit too big for my initial try, but I will persevere! I found myself rushing it and not caring how straight my stitch in the ditch lines were, so perhaps just the free-style wiggles would be better!
Where did you get that huge cutting mat? I need that! I have only tried machine quilting once so far, and I’m not done with that quilt yet. I think it was a bit too big for my initial try, but I will persevere! I found myself rushing it and not caring how straight my stitch in the ditch lines were, so perhaps just the free-style wiggles would be better!
I have been machine quilting for a couple of years now, and definitely find that things are improving with practice. I am generally a klutz, and the fact that I can do some pretty nice free-motion quilting comes as a big surprise to me. Not only that, but I have quilted a number of customer quilts, which is completely unexpected!
When I was first starting out, I found that putting on some soft music helped to relax me, and also about 1/2 a glass of white wine. I don’t need the music anymore, but every once in a while, especially when I’m trying a new design, the wine is still a help. Also, taking periodic breaks to get up, breathe, and walk around a bit. When you find your shoulders up around your ears, it’s time to take a break!
Good luck with your quilting, and pat yourself on the back for learning a new skill. It’s an amazing thing when we grandmas can do that!
I have been machine quilting for a couple of years now, and definitely find that things are improving with practice. I am generally a klutz, and the fact that I can do some pretty nice free-motion quilting comes as a big surprise to me. Not only that, but I have quilted a number of customer quilts, which is completely unexpected!
When I was first starting out, I found that putting on some soft music helped to relax me, and also about 1/2 a glass of white wine. I don’t need the music anymore, but every once in a while, especially when I’m trying a new design, the wine is still a help. Also, taking periodic breaks to get up, breathe, and walk around a bit. When you find your shoulders up around your ears, it’s time to take a break!
Good luck with your quilting, and pat yourself on the back for learning a new skill. It’s an amazing thing when we grandmas can do that!
Hi Nicole,
The runner looks great. One thing I will say is practice, practice, practice. I invested in a class at Asilomar about 3 years ago with Diane Gaudynski and now I can say it was worth every penny I paid for it. She suggests that you always take a practice piece out before you start your project and warm up for about 10 minutes. This helps your brain get the image intact and makes your beginning a bit smoother. I do like the candy idea. I also use a kitchen timer and set it for twenty minutes and get up and walk around for a minute or two. This lets your shoulders relax frequently. I get so tense and I don’t even realize it until I stop. I have saved a ton of money quilting quilts myself in the past couple of years and with grandkids an all over pattern is a breeze now on their quilts. I just finished a quilt for my sister’s 60th birthday this summer. I custom quilted it. It took forever but was worth it. I can’t wait to give it to her this summer. It does get easier. I promise.
Mary
Hi Nicole,
The runner looks great. One thing I will say is practice, practice, practice. I invested in a class at Asilomar about 3 years ago with Diane Gaudynski and now I can say it was worth every penny I paid for it. She suggests that you always take a practice piece out before you start your project and warm up for about 10 minutes. This helps your brain get the image intact and makes your beginning a bit smoother. I do like the candy idea. I also use a kitchen timer and set it for twenty minutes and get up and walk around for a minute or two. This lets your shoulders relax frequently. I get so tense and I don’t even realize it until I stop. I have saved a ton of money quilting quilts myself in the past couple of years and with grandkids an all over pattern is a breeze now on their quilts. I just finished a quilt for my sister’s 60th birthday this summer. I custom quilted it. It took forever but was worth it. I can’t wait to give it to her this summer. It does get easier. I promise.
Mary
Love your table runner! I tried free motion machine quilting a couple of times and it was a gastly mess. So I stick with stitch in the ditch or diagonal straight lines on the stuff I do for myself. Otherwise it goes to the long-arm quilter. I enjoy the piecing SOOO much more! 🙂
Love your table runner! I tried free motion machine quilting a couple of times and it was a gastly mess. So I stick with stitch in the ditch or diagonal straight lines on the stuff I do for myself. Otherwise it goes to the long-arm quilter. I enjoy the piecing SOOO much more! 🙂
I’m glad to hear the info. was helpful to you, so sorry for the typo in my email address (I corrected it)… I quilt much better than I type! The new line being presented at Quilt Market next week is “Tapestry” it has the yummiest cream in it, we all agree in the studio, it will be available in September. If you like you can get a sneak peek of Tapestry on Fresh Figs blog, it’s already become one of my favorites.
I’m glad to hear the info. was helpful to you, so sorry for the typo in my email address (I corrected it)… I quilt much better than I type! The new line being presented at Quilt Market next week is “Tapestry” it has the yummiest cream in it, we all agree in the studio, it will be available in September. If you like you can get a sneak peek of Tapestry on Fresh Figs blog, it’s already become one of my favorites.
Nicole, The quilting on your runner looks wonderful!!! I love the fabric too, way cute and cheerful. I have been learning to do my own quilting too and I found that Leah Day had the best Tutorial series for that I could find so I wanted to share the link with you. I have learned so, so much from her and if you haven’t watched any of her videos I hope you will check them out. You will find her Free Motion Quilting Project, that is designed specifically to help us beginners get a handle on it. Let me know what you think, Hugs… http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/
Nicole, The quilting on your runner looks wonderful!!! I love the fabric too, way cute and cheerful. I have been learning to do my own quilting too and I found that Leah Day had the best Tutorial series for that I could find so I wanted to share the link with you. I have learned so, so much from her and if you haven’t watched any of her videos I hope you will check them out. You will find her Free Motion Quilting Project, that is designed specifically to help us beginners get a handle on it. Let me know what you think, Hugs… http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.com/
Michael Buble and a glass of wine works wonders I find. Marilyn
Michael Buble and a glass of wine works wonders I find. Marilyn
Practice, practice is right. I would much rather free motion quilt any day than stitch in the ditch – much more relaxing. But I’ve been doing almost all my own quilting now for the last 20 years so it’s a lot easier. It comes with time.
Now I’m trying more custom quilting and I find I have to slow down and breathe. One thing that helps is to take a slow, deep breath in just before you start stitching, then slowly let it out as you begin. Then you start out nice and relaxed and it’s easier to stay relaxed. Good luck! (Contrary to logic, the first thing I free motion quilted was a 90X90 single fabric quilt – it forced me to keep going until all done. That was a lot of practice! Now it’s a picnic quilt)
Practice, practice is right. I would much rather free motion quilt any day than stitch in the ditch – much more relaxing. But I’ve been doing almost all my own quilting now for the last 20 years so it’s a lot easier. It comes with time.
Now I’m trying more custom quilting and I find I have to slow down and breathe. One thing that helps is to take a slow, deep breath in just before you start stitching, then slowly let it out as you begin. Then you start out nice and relaxed and it’s easier to stay relaxed. Good luck! (Contrary to logic, the first thing I free motion quilted was a 90X90 single fabric quilt – it forced me to keep going until all done. That was a lot of practice! Now it’s a picnic quilt)
Free motion machine quilting does tend to make me tense, but if I would do it more maybe I would get more comfortable. Only problem being – to do it more, I have to finish more to the quilting stage.
Free motion machine quilting does tend to make me tense, but if I would do it more maybe I would get more comfortable. Only problem being – to do it more, I have to finish more to the quilting stage.
I can mess up a perfectly sewn project with my horrible machine quilting. But I am determined to learn. I keep doing small table runners or mini quilts in straight lines because I’m afraid of the machine quilting. I have a pinwheel baby quilt top ready to quilt, but I have a good excuse not to do it because my machine is still missing. Getting ready to pull it from that shop and take it elsewhere!
I can mess up a perfectly sewn project with my horrible machine quilting. But I am determined to learn. I keep doing small table runners or mini quilts in straight lines because I’m afraid of the machine quilting. I have a pinwheel baby quilt top ready to quilt, but I have a good excuse not to do it because my machine is still missing. Getting ready to pull it from that shop and take it elsewhere!
I think my shoulders are perpetually in my ears! I can’t afford to send my quilts out so I have to suck it up and do my own. I’m getting better, but my shoulders are not very happy. I’m going to try the tootsie pop idea as my jaw works very hard when I’m quilting! Now if I could find something for my shoulders to do!
I think my shoulders are perpetually in my ears! I can’t afford to send my quilts out so I have to suck it up and do my own. I’m getting better, but my shoulders are not very happy. I’m going to try the tootsie pop idea as my jaw works very hard when I’m quilting! Now if I could find something for my shoulders to do!
I’m still practicing and trying to keep my shoulders down but every so often I hear inside my head, “Lord, give me patience, and give it to me now!” You are an inspiration, so I will keep trying.
I’m still practicing and trying to keep my shoulders down but every so often I hear inside my head, “Lord, give me patience, and give it to me now!” You are an inspiration, so I will keep trying.
I’ve practiced and practiced and get so frustrated trying to move my quilt around under the small opening that I’ve given up and send everything to my long arm quilter to have them done. I’ll still do really small items, but nothing very large.
I’ve practiced and practiced and get so frustrated trying to move my quilt around under the small opening that I’ve given up and send everything to my long arm quilter to have them done. I’ll still do really small items, but nothing very large.
I’ve tried machine quilting a little & always get frustrated with it. I took a class a few months ago & told my long arm quilter that he wasn’t in any danger of losing my business.
I’ve tried machine quilting a little & always get frustrated with it. I took a class a few months ago & told my long arm quilter that he wasn’t in any danger of losing my business.
Hi Nicole,
I think your table runner looks great! I think we are too critical of our own work and we instantly focus in on any mistakes, but other people don’t see them. I really need to try to machine quilt, I even have the BSR for my Bernina, so what is my excuse? Well, I am scared to mess something up! I enjoyed reading everyone’s comments, lots of very good suggestions. I think a glass of wine and good music would definitely help me!
Hi Nicole,
I think your table runner looks great! I think we are too critical of our own work and we instantly focus in on any mistakes, but other people don’t see them. I really need to try to machine quilt, I even have the BSR for my Bernina, so what is my excuse? Well, I am scared to mess something up! I enjoyed reading everyone’s comments, lots of very good suggestions. I think a glass of wine and good music would definitely help me!
I like the tiny loops. Stippling is a nice look too. I have stayed at it and am improving with a lot of practice behind me. I find that slowing down helps. Also drawing on paper before I start helps me.
I like the tiny loops. Stippling is a nice look too. I have stayed at it and am improving with a lot of practice behind me. I find that slowing down helps. Also drawing on paper before I start helps me.
One of my all time favorite bright color fabric line – Fresh Squeezed. I’ve made a couple of quilts with that fabric. Your table runner looks wonderful!
One of my all time favorite bright color fabric line – Fresh Squeezed. I’ve made a couple of quilts with that fabric. Your table runner looks wonderful!