Just quilt it already!

This post is about my journey as a quilter.

Echo & Stipple on DSM

I started quilting my own projects many years ago on my DSM (Domestic Sewing Machine).  I even took a course at a local quilt shop.  Over the years (and it took YEARS), I built up my skills and finished many projects myself.  I became pretty good at stippling, echoing, and even stitching in the ditch (FMQ style). 

Let's talk a little about the learning curve involved in FMQ.  It takes a LONG time to "master" even the simple stipple and every time you try a new shape/design/pattern its like starting all over again.  I can tell you I have the utmost respect and admiration for those who have truly mastered this art.  Though I'm confident enough to complete my own projects and proud enough of my skills, I only dream that someday I will consider myself a great quilter.  Right now I'd call my skills fair.

More Echo and Stipple on DSM

I bought a Sweet Sixteen sit-down long arm machine a little less than a year ago.  As far as learning curve, it was pretty much back to the drawing board.  I believe I had a HUGE head start since I had done so much quilting on my DSM, but learning this machine has definitely been a challenge.

Kitty Cat Table Runner, Quilted on Sweet Sixteen

When I started I had major tension issues.  I thought it must be something with the machine, but after time, the tension improved only to show that it was something w/ my crappy technique causing the problems.  After several months with the machine, I can keep my tension in check.  I also had major trouble with the stitch regulator, which was unfortunate as this was a very pricy option on the machine.  Because of my relatively poor skills and the crazy learning curve, I didn't think I should quilt anything good, or anything for another person.  I mainly stuck to things of my own, kitty cat placemats and such (my cats think my quilting skills are AWESOME!).  I'd even send quilts off to my mother to quilt (she's got a computerized long arm machine and quilts for a living) because I just wasn't good enough to quilt my own work.

Center of Paper Pieced BOM quilt

Now I'm getting to the point and the title of this post....
My last project was a paper pieced BOM.  I'm really proud of it and think it came out very nice.  I really wanted a beautiful custom quilt job to make it stand out.  I debated sending it to my mother.  Eventually, I said screw it, I'm going to do this myself.  I wanted to also take charge and finally learn how to successfully use ruler templates with my machine, so I went to the quilt shop and bought half circles and football shapes to work on this beauty.  Again, since I had never really used these very much, there was a learning curve, there are plenty of large stitches, and places where my brain and hands didn't communicate properly and I'd drift completely away from the ruler.....I ripped out more stitches than I can count.  Though after just diving in and taking this project on, I think it actually came out pretty decent.  Unless you really stare at it up close, it looks pretty awesome.  And if someone does stare at it up close...hey, I'm a beginner quilter, what do you expect...I've got to learn somehow!  I'm not entering my work into a national quilt show and my skills are only going to improve by practicing, so here I go!

My Latest Quilting Project - Rulers, FMQ and Stitch Regulator

The moral of the story is that quilting really well takes a LOT of time to master.  Unless you really want to spend all your time (years!) quilting projects for you cats in order to become really good, just grab a project and start quilting it!  I'm not saying to start working on an heirloom quilt your first day out, but once you consider yourself a fair quilter, get out there and start really challenging yourself and work on some of your nicer projects!

My latest project incorporates FMQ and use of rulers, but this time I also decided I'm not going to let that expensive stitch regulator go to waste.  I took my time and used it pretty successfully.  It still gives me a small headache, but I feel much more comfortable using it now than ever before.

After I finish my current project, I'm going to dig a couple quilts out that have been waiting for well over a year for my skills to improve enough to quilt them.  I could be waiting forever if I wait to become awesome before quilting them.  I'm good enough now and I'm only going to get better by tackling them head on!