Good Morning, Quilters!
I think the vast majority of us began to learn free motion machine quilting well after we learned how to cut, piece and applique quilt tops.
THE MACHINE QUILTING MYSTIQUE
I have observed that in some circles, there is a certain mystique about machine quilting–that machine quilting is mysterious and harder to learn than cutting, piecing and applique.
I’ve been wondering….
What if we started teaching machine quilting the same day we started teaching proper cutting techniques?
Would that remove some of the fear of machine quilting?
Would quilters be more comfortable machine quilting if they practiced a little here and there while they were also learning the other fundamentals of quilting–instead of after the whole quilt is already pieced?
AN EXPERIMENT IN TEACHING QUILTING
As you know, my daughters, Faye and Nora are beginner quilters and are sharing their journey here at The Inbox Jaunt. Read Nora’s introduction HERE and Faye’s HERE
(You can also follow them on Instagram —Nora HERE and Faye HERE)
My plan is to use them as guinea pigs and experiment with two different teaching styles. Nora is going to learn to machine quilt as she learns the other lessons while Faye is going to learn quilting in the more traditional method–piecing first, then machine quilting.
I think there are valid reasons for both methods.
NORA BEGINS MACHINE QUILTING
Nora is a busy mom and she loves to doodle. She is a creative “free-spirit” and I think she would LOVE the freedom and the immediacy of machine quilting. (I’m guessing she will be an “improv quilter” someday.)
Nora had her first machine quilting lesson this week–under what are typical conditions–two little ones and very little time!
MACHINE QUILTING BEGINNER TIPS
I set up the machine and gave her a small quilt sandwich (In retrospect, the sandwich as too small–her hands were off the fabric) I recommend starting with a fat quarter quilt sandwich. (Bigger is too cumbersome and smaller doesn’t allow you to position your hands correctly.)
If you are new to machine quilting–start with YOUR doodles--they come most naturally and don’t require a lot of thinking.
Nora’s first attempt at machine quilting reveal her doodles.
Do you recognize The Shaggy Dog Quilt motif? Nora designed it!
Another of her typical doodles is the Little Girl–maybe she will design a tutorial for that too!?
WHEN DID YOU LEARN TO MACHINE QUILT?
What about YOU?
When did YOU learn to machine quilt–while you were learning to quilt or after?
Do YOU think there is a mystique about machine quilting?
Do YOU know anyone who has a fear of machine quilting?
Have YOU ever taught machine quilting?
We’d LOVE to hear what works for YOU!
Happy Fearless Machine Quilting,
Lori
PS…All tutorials, images and information are the property of Lori Kennedy and are intended for personal use only. Feel free to re-blog, pin or share with attribution to The Inbox Jaunt. For all other purposes, please contact me at lckennedy@hotmail.com. Thanks!
