#%@! Free Motion Quilting

I think I'm going to make this a regular series.... #%@! Free Motion Quilting

In my neverending quest to become proficient at free motion quilting, I supplied myself with some new materials and watched some more videos.  My last attempt at free motion quilting the owl quilt finished with mixed results for me.

I understand all the concepts so they aren't the issue.

These issues remain:

1) I have never been able to draw.  It's a brain thing.  Free motion quilting is like drawing and, at the very least, doodling so I'm going to always have trouble.

2) Free motion quilting is actually the oposite of how one would draw.  The paper moves and the pencil is stationary.

3) I am dealing with equipment issues, thread issues, and the like.

4) I'm too impatient.  I'm going to have to force myself to do the prep work, like developing a quilting plan and maybe doing some marking of the top.  I also want to see improvement.  (No, I don't have to be perfect out of the gates, but I do want to feel like I'm going to be able to get better in the near future.)

I think I have finally solved some of equipment, thread issues, and the like.  When I have quilting questions, I hit the 'Net for answers.  I found Leah Day's site awhile ago (too lazy to link...you're own your own).  I had a Supreme Slider already.  I feel that it's helpful, but I've about ruined mine sewing through it when it's come loose on my machine without realizing it so I need to replace it.  I purchased Genie Magic Bobbin Washers to help deal with backlash which I don't know if I was really experiencing to being with.  I got a pair of Machingers.  (I used other gloves and tools to help grip/control the quilt top.  The jury's still out for me as to whether or not I think they're better than anything else.)

I think all these things helped me net better quilting results for the owl quilt.  My stitch length was pretty consistent.  I didn't have many skipped stitches or tension problems.

I wasn't happy with my quilting pattern.  I tried a simple meander.  My meander looked pretty goofy in places.

I decided to practice using water soluble Sulky stabilizer as a way of marking my quilt.  I drew some designs on it with a Sharpie and tried quilting them in numerous efforts.  I don't think this method is ever going to help me.

I'm a wild quilter.  I can't trace the design.  I get too panicky.  I quilt too fast.

I'm practicing free motion quilting again because I need to quilt the Purple Quilter Eater quilt.  The quilt is a lot bigger than the owl quilt.  I don't want to just meander.

I needed more Aurifil thread for piecing.  I had to order online because freaking GAQF closed (yeah, still pissy about that!) so I decided to splurge on Isacord thread which is another Leah Day recommendation.

My Singer Confidence Quilter, the machine I use for quilting, likes it!  I did have to go buy a thread stand because the thread spool was getting hung up on the spool holder.  It solved the problem.

I should be ready to go, right?!

All of this still hasn't solved my problem of quilting a nice design.  I guess I should be thankful that I won't have everything else to worry about.  I should be able to focus mostly on learning to quilt/draw on my quilts.