January's Free Motion Quilt Challenge

Here is my final sample for SewCalGal's quilt challenge for January!

Looking at it now, I really don't like the path I took.  That's something I want to practice more!

Close up

I just posted my link on her website as my entry.. I'm entry # 291.. I can't believe that many people have done this.. That's awesome!

Fooling Around With Free Motion Quilting

So I signed on to participate in a free motion challenge for the year with SewCalGal.  There is a monthly challenge consisting of a video demonstration.. You practice at home then post a picture of your quilting on your blog or Flickr.  Then there's a drawing.

This month's quilting technique was leaves.  I have to say that as a beginner, the leaf design actually isn't too difficult.  Here's some pictures of my practice:

The black thread is my first attempt.  My stitch length is uneven, but I do like most of the shapes.  I had issues with the bottom, so I tried a different thread.  As you can see, I did worse with the pink thread.

Whiskers I found when I looked at the bottom of the quilting.  I adjusted the top tension and didn't see improvement.

I messed with the tension and got this mess with the pink thread

While attending a Philly Modern Quilt Guild sewing night, I tried a 3rd time using Aurifil thread.  My first attempt wasn't great, but after adjusting the tension once, I had a great result!

Awesome Giveaway!

There's a great giveaway going on at Such a Sew and Sew!  In fact, she's had a giveaway everyday this week!