My mom and I recently went to the Q-matic class for the Bernina Q24. Before the class I had not even turned on the computer. Honestly, I was having too much fun playing with free-motion quilting on the longarm. ;)
The teacher was so helpful and inspiring that I practiced on a little muslin the next day.
Then I pulled out some baby flannel to practice digital pantographs on as well.
Normally, I use the envelope method to finish the edges before tying the blanket or quilting it. I only buy a yard and a half for the top and the back. I ended up sewing scraps to both ends of the backing to make it longer.
I cheated by not using the side clamps and just kept the stitching a half an inch in from the selvages.
It was so much fun that I just kept going...
and going...
and going!
The only problem is that now I have a growing pile of baby blankets that need binding.
I could have quilted these much faster if I just free-motion quilted them. However, they were great practice for learning a new skill. Maybe sometime I will combine free-motion and computerized quilting in the same quilt.
It is probably a good thing that I practiced on these baby blankets. My nephew Mr. C just finished piecing his first quilt top. He really liked the boxy meander digital pantograph that came with the Q-matic. I may practice that on baby flannel before trying it on his quilt.
XX,
Jasmine
These look cute! How much longer do you think it takes for you to do a panto instead of free hand?
ReplyDeleteIt's always so much fun to see new quilting designs stitching out. It just spurs us on:) I am off do bind a couple of table runners right now. Believe it or not I am trying to keep up on finishing things and not let them just sit and ferment, LOL
ReplyDeleteLove it, Jasmine! Sounds like you are having lots of fun!
ReplyDeleteUsing baby quilts for practice is a great idea - not too big, not too small, just right! I can see how trying all the digital designs could be addicting. They look so different when stitched. It will be fun to see what you do when you start combining those designs with your FMQ skills!
ReplyDeleteNice pile to bind! And I "cheat" the longarm and quilt way closer than the recommended inches of excess backing all the time. I really want a computer one (um, when I get a longarm) so I can sew and quilt at the same time, although from watching at the longarm shop, it requires a decent amount of babysitting.
ReplyDeleteThe class and repeated practice at home sound like a great cement the new technique in your memory. If I were closer a I would join you for a binding party day, how fun would that be? :)
ReplyDeleteWow! Looks like you are having lots of fun, Jasmine!. That frame sure does look fun!
ReplyDeleteWow! I haven't visited your blog in a while. Congrats! on the new long arm quilting machine!!
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