Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Machine Quilting

Over the long holiday weekend I attempted my first machine quilting. I had done little things here and there, but nothing bigger than about 24" by 24". I knew with my husband home to watch the kids and my baby on his nap schedule I felt pretty confident I could get it done.

Five years ago I bought my Bernina and I told myself... "now you can learn to machine quilt!!" I was so excited.... free-motion quilting was something I was eager to learn. Well, over the last five years I've done absolutely nothing. Nadda! To be completely honest, I was scared of screwing up and by the time I got the top finished I just wanted to send it off to Ella and have her do all the dirty work. Not this time, I gave myself a good lil' pep talk and I couldn't be more proud!

Before getting started I consulted a few friends, watched a few youtube videos and read online about tips and tricks.

Realizing I was a newbie to machine quilting, I chose a QUILT top I felt confident with. It took me a couple days to iron, smooth, smooth again and pin. This was the scary part: what if the back is just a hot mess?!? with puckers and folds and whatnots? Luckily the quilt is just under twin size and easy enough to manage. Besides, I don't know if I would conceivably ever try and machine quilt a Queen or King myself.
In my kitchen, trying to keep things relaxed and easy going.
Because of the size of my borders and blocks I didn't have to mark the quilt. I just made sure my walking foot was in between the white fabric!
I am so excited! The quilting looks beautiful. I feel like I've crossed an invisible hurdle and can now use my machine for small simple quilts. Straight line machine quilting was perfect for this quilt. I wasn't sure how I wanted to quilt the borders so I'm taking a few days to contemplate my next stitch.

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4 comments:

Ella said...

That looks really amazing!! I love it!! And your face lift on your blog is Fabulous, LOVE LOVE it!!!

Kristin said...

Your blog is beautiful! And your quilting is terrific too! Nothing to be afraid of, everything you do seems to work out great!

Thimbleanna said...

It's beautiful Pamela -- Congratulations on jumping the machine quilting hurdle!

Beth@seasonsofhome said...

I just did the same thing with a quilt I'd spent a lot of time on, after a few weeks I'm getting used to it not being perfect. Yours looks beautiful and what a cute quilt.

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