Wednesday 2 November 2011

FMQ Moves Like Jagger

I`ve been a bit afraid of FMQ and particularly stipple quilting. I`ve suffered from stipple-quilting stage fright but today I took a leap of faith and decided to deal with my Red City quilt for the Duo QAL.

I watched a couple of youtube videos on how to stipple quilt, had a quick practice, put some music on...and plunged right in. Here`s the result.


Is the stitching of a consistent length?  No, not really.

The back
Is the tension perfect? Definitely not.


but for a first attempt I `m happy enough.  What would I do next time?

The front
Gloves.  I`d definitely wear gloves and turn this song to full volume!


So with the quilt ready for binding, I`m delighted to be linking up with W.i.P Wednesday - thanks as ever to Lee for hosting. Have a peak and see what much more talented people are doing and no doubt see some proper stipple quilting!

WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced

31 comments:

Canadian Abroad said...

You are a complete marvel! If this had been my first time stippling I would now be on the floor in tears and there wouldn't be anything to show to the public eye, that's for sure. Very impressive!

Cindy Sharp said...

It looks great to m, congratulations.

Diane said...

Looks great, and you will be amazed at how those little issues all wash away and you will not even see them when the quilt comes out all crinkly from the dryer!

Archie The Wonder Dog said...

Looks wonderful, well done!

Rosa said...

To me it looks wonderful,well done!!

Catherine said...

get you! It looks fantastic!! I only did half of mine because suddenly things started to go wrong (I will finish it) yours looks fantastic, well done

Prof. S (the enchanted bobbin) said...

You did beautifully - especially for a first try! And Diane is right: a first washing will completely change your perspective :)

One tip: to make stippling or meandering look as organic as possible, I would avoid working in long strips, or in distinct linear segments (I think that's what I'm seeing in some of these shots). Of course, if you want to explore the effect of long strips of FMQed squiggly patterns, that could look very interesting in and of itself! Really, anything goes, which is one of the nice things about experimenting with FMQ.

Have fun!

Jessica said...

I know how you feel about FMQ! I find that every time I do it, I get a little big better. :) Also, I laughed at your post title =D

Sarah @ FairyFace Designs said...

Fab job on your stippling - it looks really great! And we love that song in this house - the kids & I just jumped around the kitchen to 3 straight renditions of it. I'm knackered!

Janine @ Rainbow Hare said...

Your stippling looks great! Well done for taking the plunge. I haven't been brave enough to fmq a 'real' project yet :)

Pat Merkle said...

Yahoo! Great Job!

Mrs Flying Blind... said...

Oh well done you!!!!!!
It looks terrific. And now I am singing to song!

pasqueflower said...

You are very brave -- and I think your machine quilting looks GREAT! I would never have guessed it was a first attempt. I'm still afraid to abandon my walking foot and take the FMQ plunge.

Anonymous said...

the quilting look fabulous!!

Katy Cameron said...

Oh that looks fab, WTG! I have that song stuck in my head now too, but it might be better than the Bananas in Pyjamas that Fiona got in there earlier ;o)

Rhonda the Rambler said...

You did amazing. For you next quilt I would try loops. They are fun and a great learning experience too!

Sheila said...

Oh that is such a great job Annabella - brave to jump in like that.

Ellie said...

Not that I know very much but I'd say you done a great job with that, well done!!!!

Anonymous said...

the quilt is so beautiful annabella. i love the patterns and colours. sigh...adam levine. enjoy your day. xo.

Laura said...

Well done! Looks great. Practice makes perfect! Wanna join a FMQ quiltalong next year? :) will binding be on for tgiffriday? I am hosting this week so join in if you have a finish!

Jill Chapman said...

It looks fabulous to me x

Toni said...

I am so impressed!! It looks great and I would never guess that it was your first try!

Leanne said...

Beautiful quilting, wait until after you wash it, it will look totally perfect!

Debbie said...

Very cool! Congrats - you are ON your way!

Geri said...

Wow, What a beauty!

Cindy said...

Good for you! Good for you! This is so exciting :)

Kelli said...

I think it looks great! Good for you on jumping in. It's not as scary as you think it will be, huh? Keep it up and you'll be a star that other people look to for advice!

needle and nest said...

This is beautiful! Your FMQ looks awesome! :)

Anonymous said...

I'll be singing that song today! It looks great! I think your FMQ is fantastic.
Thanks for linking up @ This Week!

Sunnybec said...

Your FMQ is lovely and so is the quilt!

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

Beautiful quilt and a wonderful job stipple quilting, I hope you really enjoyed doing it!
Quilting by the River