Hundreds of FMQ Motifs-Resources and Links
Today’s Topic: Hundreds of FMQ Motifs-Resources and Links
Welcome to Lesson 8 of our 2021 Quilt-a-Long, Even Better Machine Quilting
This FREE multi-week tutorial is based on my books available in my Etsy shop: LoriKennedyShop
Sign up for emails of the class HERE.
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Find the 2021 QAL links HERE
Find the 2020 (25 Week) QAL links HERE
Good Morning, Quilters!
Isn’t it funny how things we are blind about seem so obvious after the fact?
For example, don’t you love that Land-o-Lakes started offering butter in 4T sticks instead of 8? And who dreamed up strider bikes (without pedals) for little kids?! These simple ideas are so obvious now, I am left wondering why no one thought of them before–and darn it, why didn’t I think of them!
Nearly ten years ago, I had a personal blind/obvious experience related to quilting…
I had been free motion quilting regularly for years when I suddenly had a revelation–I could design my own motifs! It was like a bolt out of the blue…and yet how obvious! (I’m almost embarrassed to admit it.)
I did not have to stipple or stitch feathers. Nor did I have to slavishly mark other quilters’ designs and follow the lines.
I could create my own designs–whatever I wanted! Flowers, Birds, Cars, Umbrellas, Dogs, Cats...whatever suited my quilt. Soon after, I started sharing my original motifs with my sisters and a few friends via a blog called The Inbox Jaunt.
And that’s where all of YOU came in–searching for new motifs and offering ideas for still more.
I am so grateful how this small revelation has changed my life and created opportunities I never imagined! (And of course, none of this would have been possible without YOU!–so thank YOU!)
Links and Resources
Here at LoriKennedyQuilts.com
The largest selection of motifs are right here at Lori Kennedy Quilts. Check the top Menu bar–“Motifs”. Click to scroll down to the full menu by category. Each post contains step-by-step photos. Be sure to sign up for my emails while you’re on the home page!
Lori Kennedy Books: Martingale
My first two books, Free Motion Machine Quilting 1-2-3 and MORE Free Motion Machine Quilting 1-2-3 are primarily motif books. Each contains over 60 motifs with step-by-step photos in a spiral (lay flat) binding. Perfect for perusing right at your sewing machine!
Order from my Etsy shop: LoriKennedyShop, to receive a signed copy with a little quilted or doodled treat!
180 Doodle Designs and MORE
Martingale editor, Karen Burn compiled motifs from several designers in her books, 180 Doodle Quilting Designs and 180 More Doodle Quilting Designs. Four of my designs are included in each of the books. The continuous line doodles illustrate three versions of each motif: Square, Half Square and Border.
Order from my Etsy shop: LoriKennedyShop, to receive a signed copy with a little quilted or doodled treat!
American Quilter Magazine
Since 2014, I’ve contributed the MyLine column–a new motif with glossy, step-by-step photos-in American Quilter Magazine. AQ magazine offers an illustrated quilting design by the talented, Helen Squire as well as fabulous patterns and articles about new products, industry news and so much more…
Subscribe to AQ HERE–I promise, you’re in for a real treat!
BERNINA’s WeAllSew blog
I am a proud BERNINA Ambassador–I’ve been sewing on BERNINA’s since I was fifteen and currently own seven BERNINA sewing and quilting machines! You can find several of my motifs on the BERNINA blog, WeAllSew. The motif posts feature short, close-up videos as well as step-by-step photos. Sometimes a short video is really helpful!
What About YOU?
Have YOU ever had a bright idea that was only obvious in retrospect?
Do YOU create your own quilting designs?
Has a small revelations ever had a big impact on YOUR life?
What are YOUR favorite motifs?
We’d LOVE to hear!
YOUR Motif Maven,
Lori
I always enjoy your posts. Thank you for sharing.your knowledge.
Thank you!
I love how you show all the steps to creating your motifs
Step by step seems to be the easiest way to visualize and learn! Thank you!
Thank you Lori for all your generous teaching and sharing. You brought the joy of FMQ in my life and all my fears have disappeared. Wonky lines are now new experiences and do not feel like errors. What a great, inspirational woman you are😀.
Thank you! The nicest compliment to hear I brought the joy of FMQ into your life!!!
Lori thank you for all the generous sharing you have given over many years! I have learnt so much from you – thank you!
In 2012 our local council offered courses in ‘Starting a Business’ and encouraged by my husband I went along. All I had in mind was “Teach people to Sew”. It felt a bit stupid compared to “Plumbers” or “Business Consultancy” etc but at the end of the 3 days I was so encouraged that I started running my Sewing Cafe a year later. Since then many people have started to sew as a result. Two young people have gone on to study at degree level. I have no formal qualifications, but a joy of every type of sewing and always made clothes, furnishings etc and thanks to you Lori, quilting for pleasure too!
Sue-your story is so interesting! It does seem that there’s a huge desire and need to teach sewing again! I’m delighted to hear it!
Lori, I refer to your books and sometimes your blog for ideas on how to quilt different quilts. I find the variety of motifs and techniques invaluable!! Thank you so much!
Thank you Bobbie! I’m delighted to hear the resources are valuable to you!
I recently did a garden themed baby quilt and used several of your motifs in the border, nestled in a leafy vine. I needed more though, so I searched for simple outline designs on google images. I modified them to continuous line designs and practiced doodling, then on a practice quilt sandwich. They came out great and the parents love it! The baby was born last night!!
Thank you for showing me the way!!
What fun! Great way to create your own!!
I often refer to your books when I decide how to quilt a top, thank you for all you to do help me become a better quilter. My question for you is now that you have upgraded to a bigger stand up long arm will you be writing a new book referencing that vs. sit down?
We are so blessed, your generosity and great demonstration style has made my quilting life so much enjoyable. Thank-you.
Marilyn! That is music to my ears!
Trying to decide on the design has always been the hardest part for me. I have loved your big roses and used them often. For one quilt I used the leaf in the fabric to create a leaf design. Your designs inspired me to look at the fabric in the quilt to find a motif that would work.
Hi Lori, I’m so thankful for your creative spark. I don’t quilt anything without going through your books for inspiration. Your style is so approachable! Your tutorials make quilting simple. Your motifs range from elegant to fun and child friendly. You started me on my quilting journey in the Inbox Jaunt, but I still get excited when I see your post in my inbox. Thank you for all you share.