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| "Matrix" - Front Side Executed on an 18" x 18" Block |
"Matrix" was the perfect design to follow flowing lines. It is formed by creating an undulating line from corner to corner of the area being filled. The first line is the guide for creating parallel lines across the rest of the area. Once that is completed a second undulating line perpendicular to the first line, starting and ending at the two other corners, is stitched. This line is the guide for lines perpendicular to the first set. What is formed is a free flowing grid.
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| Detail of "Matrix" Practice Piece Note how I used the piecing junctures as a guide to keep my diagonal line on track. |
Even following Leah's advice to readjust my hand position every 4" or so, I find I struggle not to jerk off line from time to time. I suspect this is not exclusively a free motion quilting learning issue. I have noticed similar issues with my handwriting as I age. No matter how assiduously I concentrate, flowing smooth lines are impossible for me to achieve when writing.
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| Actual photo of "Matrix" practice piece not enhanced by cropping. Not the travel stitching along the outer perimeter of the block, thus avoiding any need to cut and bury threads. |
I made the conscientious decision NOT to follow along with Leah when it came to cutting the thread at the end of each line of stitching. My rationale was multiple fold and one that works best for me. First, my block was 18" x 18" and not a full sized quilt. This was one reason why my work wasn't constricted by the throat (the space to the right of the needle, between the needle and the machine.) Second, I opted to quilt this on my George that has a 20" throat versus my Bernina that only has an 8" throat. I have near zero tolerance for cutting and therefore having to bury thread even with the aid of a cheater needle. Instead I ran off the edge of the quilt at the end of each line of stitching and sewed to where I needed to be next alone the outer perimeter where the travel stitching would be hidden by binding. Much easier and faster!
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| Back of "Matrix" |
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| Detail of "Matrix's" Back |
Once again, I am left with a feeling of close enough. I should be able to "fake" this pattern as needed.
Gwyned, this is a perfect choice for your wonky blocks, and I don't see any jerkeyness at all. It looks perfect all the way around. Were you jerking when you hit a seam? I do that all the time. Sometimes it can't be helped;)
ReplyDeleteYou figured me out, Danielle. I purposefully selected my curved nine patch as the backdrop for Matrix.
DeleteI press open my seams, so jerking at the seams, even where they cross rarely presents a problem. The jerk tends to be spasmodic - the obstacle being fatigue and age, not seams to hurdle over. I find it happens with the most frequency when I need to travel long distances in basically the same direction.
Gwyned, I totally understand what you are referring to when trying to do a longer, flowing line in a direction. I, too, have noticed my handwriting showing such signs...especially when tired/end of the day. I try to do most of my FMQ in the mornings with the natural daylight assisting the Uber light that is near my machine. Your quilting is really lovely and I really like the "Matrix" and will use it in future fills/background. You have progressed so far in your FMQ since Leah has started this adventure!! Hugs, Doreen
ReplyDeleteBlessings for your understanding, Doreen. I feel it is important to share my experience of attempting each Leah Day assignment. Some assignments are mentally taxing, this one was taxing do to my diminishing motor skills ability. Yes, like you I quilt by a window with my Ott light shine over the quilting area.
DeleteI really appreciate the practice Leah has given me. Practice is essential to growth. We have all come far thanks to these lessons.
Your quilting is progressing nicely. That comes with practice and pushing yourself a little more each time. I think a lot of our road,blocks are actually believing THAT WE CAN!
ReplyDeleteSo true. Nothing will hold you back more with FMQ than knuckle grip driving/panic. Confidence comes with practice.
DeleteLooks to me that you put in plenty of practice. Your quilting is beautiful. And I love your site! I have learned a lot from reading your posts. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Emma. That is very generous of you to say. I do my best to explain my triumphs and struggles, hoping to help others, even it is just to relate to a similar experience. Guess it is the teacher in me.
DeleteYour Matrix looks wonderful! It was nice to be able to sew 'off the edge' with this design! I also struggle with that jerking every so often. It is frustrating - at times it seems that I am not as precise as I used to be. Ah, the joys of aging! But it could be so much worse! Happy quilting! ~Jeanne
ReplyDeleteSewing off edge is something I do frequently. I try to plan at least a one inch trim/edge for all my quilts. The upside is that you can travel without breaking thread. The down side is that it is easy to get the quilting foot caught under the top or to inadvertently turn a piece of backing so that it is doubled. Ask me how I know...
DeleteNo, aging isn't easy. I feel as though I am straddling two ages. I can feel mentally and physically strong one moment and think I'm ready for assisted living the next. I work hard at embracing my strengths and letting go of, or forgiving myself my infirmities.
Your quilting is wonderful. I intend to work more with matrix - it certainly is easier and looks cool than doing a straight line one. I too have to really watch when I stop and start. Just moving my hands shifts the quilt enough that the needle jumps when I start up again. I have found raising the needle, relaxing and repositioning so the needle will enter where I want the first stitch to be helps.
ReplyDeleteExcellent point, Moni. I need to relax my hands more frequently.
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