2012 Free motion challange: March

This month Ann Fahl has focused on improving our skills using some simple designs. She has focused a lot on prep work too. I invested in a white board and I can't tell you enough how invaluable this tool is, as it allows you to develop a flowing motion as well as save paper. Here are my white board and fabric efforts:

Loop de loop:




Hearts:



Flowers:



Stars:



Tips I have learnt:

1- Use monofilamint for ditch quilting
2- If your thread spool is cross wound, the thread should lie horizontally on your machine with spool cap on and should not spin. If your thread is parallel wound then the thread spool should lie vertically and should spin. (Can you beleive I never even noticed how thread was wound before?!)
3- Steam your layers when basting
4- Stop stippling and try something new and put your own spin on it.
5- Keep a book of FMQ designs, here is mine:



Im still keeping up with my February challange, and I've found a new techinque for creating the plumes:



It's still not how I would like it to be on fabric, but drawing with a pen and using the needle as a pen are two different things!. I am pleased with how the shape of the individual plooms has improved though:



I'm off to loop de loop my scrap quilt, back soon!

xx