Today I'm free motion quilting a Quilt of Valor. More details on what they are below ⬇️
I call my Live & Unscripted episodes "quilting's first reality show" and that was never more true than in this episode! It felt like a series of unfortunate events - from too-short backing, to a camera failing, to thread breaks....the list goes on.
But that's what live streaming is all about, right? The reality of what some days are like in a quilting studio.
So you'll get to see
- the steps I took to deal with a too-short backing
- loading the quilt (and yes, I show the whole process on the new Bernina Q24)
- thread choice to complement the red, blue, and tan
- loading top side up (instead of my more usual crosswise) and why
- Mr Producer's grace under pressure when the close-up camera kept failing 😩
- the quilting
- thread breaks and bobbin backlash springs, oh my!
If you're not familiar with the Quilts of Valor organization, here is their mission statement:
"to cover Service Members and Veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor". Many quilters contribute their time and talents to cut, piece, assemble, quilt, bind, and give these treasures.
#machinequilting #freehandquilting #freemotionquilting
--------------------
00:00:00 Introduction
00:07:55 loading the quilt backing, including the extender and thinking through my new method
00:25:10 more details on adding an extender to the leader
00:26:11 why I have a Red Solo cup
00:32:32 floating the top
00:36:50 thread choice
00:41:32 reasons why I float quilt tops, and the first camera failure
00:42:32 basting the perimeter
00:50:27 the quilting begins!
00:52:08 stitching in "manual" mode, which removes the red glowing lights
00:55:17 easy tension check on the stitching
00:56:12 how I move my feet while quilting so I don't have to pause
00:57:19 the "foot cam" and the 2nd camera failure
00:59:13 Disaster! stitching the hopper foot into a seam
01:08:30 how to stitch over that un-done seam smoothly
01:16:21 advancing the quilt
01:21:37 lock stitching or anchoring
01:24:56 we give up on the close-up camera 😩
01:27:43 the value of KNOWING your machine
01:37:57 why use magnetic bars?
01:40:21 Disaster! The camera wires fall down 😩
01:41:24 ...and I finally notice the sagging wires
01:46:43 adjusting how full your bobbins load, and why that's importatn
01:50:59 2-second fix for sagging backing on the sides
02:01:36 showing you the Towa gauge
02:07:19 The last straw....the backlash spring pops out, and I call a halt on the day 😩
--------------------
If you're interested in beginning free motion quilting, start here:
3 Steps to Freehand Freedom (printable): https://rb.gy/vyi6fb
My favorite products:
LONGARM MEASURING TAPE - https://amzn.to/3uWcCxI
MAGNETIC BARS - https://amzn.to/3KMMxWO
9" STRAIGHT RULER by A-1 - https://rb.gy/ynzmjv
RED SNAPPER SYSTEM - https://rb.gy/qu147d
LAURASTAR PRESSING SYSTEM - https://amzn.to/3I89HYl
DRITZ SNAG NAB IT NEEDLE - https://amzn.to/3w303QB
SIDE-THREADING NEEDLE - https://amzn.to/3FfFHbc
FISKERS SCISSORS - https://amzn.to/3xgu15E
OLFA (QUICK CHANGE) ROTARY CUTTER - https://amzn.to/3Mdk0KE
ROTARY REPLACEMENT BLADES - https://amzn.to/3MnVTZM
SCHMETZ UNIVERSAL SEWING NEEDLES, 130/705 90/14 - https://amzn.to/3I89HYl
AIR-ERASE MARKING PENS - https://amzn.to/3MUmqhQ
WATER-ERASE MARKING PENS - https://amzn.to/3Fiwte3
MARKING PEN "ERASER" - https://amzn.to/3OYaOwj
CHALK - https://amzn.to/3LOB7D1
PAINTERS' TAPE - https://amzn.to/381rGBQ
SMOOTH TRACING WHEEL - https://amzn.to/3MQUPhD
These products may contain affiliate links from which I receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I know and love.
--------------------
Other opportunities for learning:
FREEHAND QUILTING MASTERCLASS - https://rb.gy/j9kfru
ADVANCE monthly subscription membership - https://rb.gy/vhkapj
This reality show is made possible by your contributions. Support us by "buying a coffee", one at a time or monthly - your choice. Thank you!
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Stitchedbysusan..
WEBSITE - https://stitchedbysusan.com
INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/stitchedbysusan
PINTEREST - https://www.pinterest.com/stitchedbysusan
FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/stitchedbysusan
PODCAST - https://podcast.stitchedbysusan.com
MASTERCLASS - https://rb.gy/j9kfru