Soft Hexies - W.I.P update

I've been working on my hexies while we binge watch Downton Abbey and Game of Thrones! You can tell how many hours are spent watching the shows by how big the quilt has grown! :)

I'm happy with the progress and I should be able to call the top done soon!

It'll be a baby quilt and I think I'm going to hand quilt this one.

Gotta work the FMQ!

I got some practice Free-Motion Quilting today. I have been avoiding it but it's time now. I used to be a little nervous about it and have tried it a couple of times. I suppose all the practice you need to put in was keeping me away.

This year though - I must conquer FMQ and finish the many tops that need to be quilted.

So I spent a few hours practising my stippling. It was fun and I could see progress even in those few hours. So there is hope! :)

Some things I learned as I worked:

• Use a pillow or cushion to sit on as well as lean back on. 
• Be very aware of your body and shoulders and relax them when you feel yourself tensing up.
• Keep your hands relaxed on the quilt while maintaining control.
• Have the machine set to go fast but move the quilt slowly. I tend to move faster when the needle is moving faster but I realized that I needed to slow down to stay in control and keep the stitch length consistent. 
• Stop often with the needle down.
• Take frequent breaks. 

This is a good read if you are starting to  Free-Motion!

Free-Motion Quilting Basics by Elizabeth Hartman

And of course Leah Day's Free Motion Quilt Along is very good! 

January Goal for A Lovely Year of Finishes

 Quilt Carpenter's Star Wall Hanging

Melissa from Sew Bittersweet Designs and Shanna from Fibre Of All Sorts are back with A Lovely Year of Finishes. Always good to have goal for the new year!

So my January goal is to get my Carpenter's Star Wall Hanging Quilted.

Here's to 2015!