Honoré here: Last evening, I decided the best way to master free-motion machine quilting was to start each day, practicing - for at least 30 min. And so, true to my word, at 9 am, I had my first practice session.
First, I consulted two books - one: the sewing machine manual. Surprise, there are several pre-programmed free-motion quilting stitches. Who'd a thought?!
Secondly, using a Sharpie marker and piece of paper, I drew lines on a piece of paper to begin developing the connections and then, I tried the same at the machine. First, I tried making the stippling stitch by just guiding the quilt sandwich under the needle on the machine. Then, I tried using the pre-programmed stitches and learned I still have to guide the quilt sandwich. This first practice session took about 60 minutes longer than I'd planned because I was also checking and adjusting the stitch tension on the front/back sides of the quilt sandwich, something you have to do to create a nearly perfect stitch. Here's my first practice piece; a still life, it you will.
This was a good learning experience: I learned a little more about my machine - all the dials, settings, etc. I know I need to practice controlling the speed of the needle with the movement of the fabric. Starting the first thing in the AM is a good way for me to re-schedule my days; morning is my peak energy time and my resolve is greater. And, as I've said before, mornings in Studio A are great 'cause I get the rising sun. So, I'm feeling quite pleased with the results of my first free-motion quilting synapse building effort. And also, I've wanted to move posting to the blog in the morning, and today gave me the impetus to start that, too.
Guess I'd better hurry up and publish this if I want to make that AM post timestamp.
Cheers~