Occasionally I will stitch layers of fabric and batting together with a hand stitch–to revisit history, or pay homage to my foremothers, or because it “suits the piece”. But my real love is hand-guided, free-motion quilting on my sewing machine.
I use my simple, straight stitch sewing machine without a stitch regulator. The “domestic” sewing machine where you sit and move the fabric under the needle. Some people liken the process to drawing something by holding the pencil in place and moving the paper underneath the point. That’s it. Except this pencil point is sharp and is moving up and down.
It did take a lot of practice to become adept at the process. But I was determined. Once I became satisfied that I was getting the hang of it, I relaxed and realized I thought of it as “dancing with my sewing machine.” Now I can stitch and talk at the same time. I can draw designs with the sewing machine without marking the fabric first. And, I enjoy it.
How did I learn to do this? By reading and watching videos. Diane Gaudynski’s books were the most helpful to me when I started this process. I watched videos of her at work, as well. Then I tried the technique myself. Once I had to have a book at hand at every step of the process, selecting the needle, remembering how to start and stop, adjusting the tension, troubleshooting.
Later on, websites like Leah Day’s 365 Free Motion Quilting Designs gave me ideas for filler designs and how to stitch them. Now, I have a file of designs in my sewing room, a bulletin board of designs on Pinterest, and a sampling of ideas in completed projects. I sometimes run downstairs to look at a quilt on the wall to examine a stitching design.
I do tend to quilt my quilts heavily. Bullet proof. Within an inch of their lives. I can spread the quilting further apart, but I’m usually disappointed in the end result. My stitches end up being about 1/4″ apart in all motifs. That’s just how I like it.
Details of photo: This quilt uses cotton fabrics, wool batting and cotton thread. The variety of textures comes from several quilting designs: a feathered plume, curved grid, pumpkin seeds, some echoing, free hand vines, and paisley loops.
Just wondering if you’ve danced with that Featherweight?? We love your new project!
Yes, I have danced with my Featherweight! I bought one of the Featherweight tables from a friend, had so much fun I took it to guild. It’s now my traveler setup for projects where I’m quilting…so much lighter than anything else!