Monday, June 15, 2009

Quilt Along Week 5 Free Motion Quilting Tutorial -- Stippling

TIMES UP. SEE NEXT POST FOR WINNER!

If you have made it this far with me in the quilt along then . . . well . . . er . . . um. Bravo! You are over half way there! Over half way to a completed quilt. Over half way to winning the brand spankin' new Janome 6600.

Let's talk quiltin'!

A quilt is composed of a quilt top, a layer of batting, and a layer of fabric for backing. The term quilting generally refers to the sewing together of these three layers. Securing them together. Making it so that when you wash the dang thing the batting doesn't get all bunched up and lumpy inside.

There are several ways to turn your quilt top into a quilt. There is hand tying, hand quilting, machine quilting and long-arm machine quilting. I am no expert on the first two. . . ok, on any of them . . . so if you choose to hand tie or hand quilt your piece then I won't be of any help whatsoever. That in no way minimizes the effectiveness of those methods. It merely means I don't know squat about them. If you want to hand tie or hand quilt then I would visit a local quilt shop near you and ask for some guidance.

Although I've only recently started machine quilting, my Janome 6600 makes it sooooooo easy. Like butter really. Easy peasy. So easy that it makes me cringe thinking of all the hours I spent on my 1950's Kenmore trying to free motion quilt.

As an aside, if you still brand new to sewing, check out this article for more comprehensive information on the actual sewing process.

Anywho. Here is what I know.

You will need:

- your completed quilt top
- batting (Warm & Natural 100% cotton batting is my constant choice)
- backing fabric
- masking tape (or blue painters tape)




- quilting safty pins
- scissors




-thread (You will want to go ahead and fill several bobbins full of thread to begin with. The larger the quilt the more bobbins you'll need.)



-darning foot (or a free motion quilting foot -- NOT a walking foot for this type of quilting. That's different. I'm sure this will come up in the Flickr group so if you have questions please go there.)





And let's see . . . what else? Oh yea! A sewing machine.






Here you see the special foot on the sewing machine. Totally different than your average sewing foot.



Oh. And before I forget. Make sure you lower your feed dogs. And check your sewing machine manual for the tension settings and such that you need to use for free motion quilting. If your manual doesn't tell you . . . well, then you'll have to play around with it. Practice and practice and practice some more.





To ready your quilt for quilting you will need nice open floor or work table space. Preferably a smooth surface but you could make it work on carpet. You'll just have to be careful when it comes to pinning that you don't accidently pin it to the carpet.

Take your freshly ironed quilt back and smooth it out flat on your work surface. Use your masking tape or painters tape to tape the backing fabric securely to the floor. Like so.







Then lay your batting on your taped down backing. You will notice that the batting is a bit smaller than the backing. However, both the backing and the batting are larger than my quilt top. Why? Cause I just always want to make sure that they are big enough and that I don't wonk it out and have batting showing when I'm done quilting and notice that it wasn't positioned right in the first place. If the backing and batting are both bigger then I can't make that error. Know what I'm sayin'?






Then down with the quilt top.

I'm demonstrating with a smaller quilt that I made with the extra 7"x11.5" inch blocks left over from the bigger quilt. I could have demonstrated with the larger quilt but I'm having that long-arm machine quilted. By Russ. Cause it is impeccable. And beautiful. And mostly because I'm out of town for a bit and away from my beloved Janome. I only had time to do this little bit before we hit the open road.




Now you will use your handy quilters safety pins (they have a slight bend in the under portion of the pinning mechanism that makes pinning the three layers together easier) to pin all three layers together at about every 6 inches or so.

There are other methods. Basting stitch. Spray adhesive (specially for quilting). Um. That is all I can think of right now. But I like the pinning method. Choose your poison people. They all achieve the same result . . . keeping the layers together smoothly and securely while quiting.



Can you see the pins?





The whole thing is pinned. Then, if the backing and batting were lots bigger than the quilt top I usually trim them down a bit. You don't have to. I just like to cause it means less bulk trying to wrestle with through the machine. Plus it makes it prettier. I'm all about the pretty.





Now here is a video presentation of actual free motion quilting. Someday when I win an Oscar (or would it be Emmy? Or perhaps a Webbie?) for this masterpiece I'll be sure to thank the cinematograper, my lovely husband, Razor. You'll see I make a mistake in about the middle of the video. Since the feed dogs are lowered and therefore not pushing the fabric through the machine, all of the movement of the fabric is up to me. Part of mastering free motion quilting is getting the speed of the actual sewing and the speed of the movement of the fabric through the machine to be in perfect sync. Harmony if you will. And in the video you will see that I screw that up a bit. Just a small bit. And not a big deal bit. Just a bit. And I bet when the quilt is all done and washed and dried and given to it's new owner they won't notice it at all.

And if they do. Well. I'll. Um. I won't really care.






I haven't covered everything. You will have more questions. I know you. You'll have questions. So go to the Old Red Barn Co. Quilt Along 2009 Flickr group and get your answers fast. And speedy. And from the nice people that are so helpful there.

Da-da-dahhhhh!!


How about a giveaway.




The Back Porch Quilters (a.k.a Russ and Rhonda) are giving away 1 free long arm machine quilting service. Ya-hoo!!!

And get this. They are offering all of you $.01/square inch pricing plus only $5 shipping. Just mention Old Red Barn Co. when you contact them. You won't be disappointed. Guaranteed.


Leave a comment here to this post before 7:00 pm US EDST on Wednesday, June 20, 2009. I'll pick a winner by random draw soon thereafter. Only one entry per person. International entries welcome.

And I get this question alot. So I hope you're still reading. Some of you aren't reading and will ask me anyway. That's ok. Yes you can still enter the giveaways, ANY OF MY GIVEAWAYS, even if you are not making a quilt. Participating in the quilt along earns you extra entries. But you still can enter. Leave a comment. Only one comment per person counts. Comprende?


More cool stuff next Monday.

Ten-four.

Big buddy.

Over and out.



-dana

438 comments:

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Annieofbluegables said...

Oh my goodness I LOVED this post. I loved the demonstration. I have been trying to get up my nerve to try this FMQing and have been studying every single post I can find on it. I had a terrible time the first time I tried and and the quilt was a gift. Time of essence, I called my local long arm quilter and she did it for me for $100. yikes. It is more than I anticipated, but she did a beautiful job. I just hope by the next time I need a quilting job I can try this method. holding my breath. . .crossing my fingers. . .I wanna win the Janome. . . or this week's drawing. that sounds great too.
Thanks for the fun quilt-along
~a

pescbrico said...

I loved your little video! I will have to try this! I'm hand quilting but I will have to try that!!

Unknown said...

Such a joy to look at that free motion quilting, something I don't think I will ever learn... and I just love the little giggle when you made your little mistake hihi! Makes me giggle with you!

peaknits said...

I got my quilt sandwiched and have it 1/6 (!) free motion quilted - just a large stipple. My machine is apparently not very happy I haven't quilted on it for 8 years because there have been several tantrums. We have a quiet talk and then she works like a charm a bit longer. :)

Trudi said...

Dana, I'm having a ball with this quilt along! Thanks so much. As for this give away... count me in, I have just the quilt top waiting! I have just the right pattern for my top, I just need to finish the one on my frame first! Happy quilting!

Emily Cole said...

Oh- I am SOO excited!!!! I'm not finished putting the top together, but this is SOOO exciting! I'm hoping to get the batting tomorrow afternoon, then getting the top completed! I am so in love with my fabrics.... although I really like yours too - I think I will have to do another one with the turquoise and red theme soon.

Marie said...

Ok, so I'm still working on week 4, but I'm halfway done and it's turning out ok. I'm actually not too stressed out about my points not all matching up perfectly. I'm thinking that I might send my quilt off to your long arm quilter guy...that sounds like a better idea than me attempting to do it on my own for my first quilt. Can I get warm and natural batting at Joanns? Thanks for all the fun!

Vicki said...

My top is done and I am ready to machine quilt. All I have ever done is stitch in the ditch, am nervous about free motion on a whole quilt. Took a class and have practised a little, I think its time to take the plunge, and win the long arm for backup!!! Thanks so much.

Molly said...

I can't wait to make my quilt sandwich!! I'm so excited I can't wait to see the finished product. I can only hope it's half as beautiful as one of your quilts!!

Shrinkie said...

Thanks so much for the tute! I can't wait to get home tonight and have a look at the video. I have only been game to straight-line quilt myself but I am gearing up to give free-motion a try!

Cindy said...

Oh....Wow....I am so far behind that I might just see myself going around the corner! Oh well -- will try to catch up -- I'm still cutting my squares. Have to work on the kitchen table which means taking everything out and putting it all back away every time I want to work on my quilt-to-be. Which also means I am usually just starting at around 9:30 or 10 pm. and then working till 2 or 3, then nursing the baby then trying to sleep while thinking about working on my quilt...sigh.

I'm hoping to get my quilt done as a gift for my mom - I'm visiting them on the 21st of July - so must get some serious work done! This is my first ever attempt at a quilt, so taking my time and fretting over each cut and stitch.

Thanks for the quilt along and the great giveaways. now -- off to make dinner and think about cutting more squares!

Judy said...

wanted to always make a quilt but didn't know how I would finish it...what a great thing!

Tara said...

Oh, but I'm so far behind! Strips cut and nothin else done! However--it'll happen. Eventually! Great price on the long arm quilting!! Thanks for the chance to win! If I win I'll have to make a really big quilt!

Can't Believe I'm Sewing said...

Love the idea of having a professional do the quilting!

Lisa said...

My daughter is at day camp all week, my boys are at scout camp all week, so I'm hoping to get all caught up :)

Marianne Penner said...

Thanks for doing this quilt-along, it is so much fun.

Anonymous said...

Yeah!!! Please enter me in the drawing, I would love to have someone with much more talent than I do the quilting! Thanks bunches!

Meghann said...

This is a very generous giveaway as well as the quilting price being offered to those who don't win. I'm enjoying this quilt along and hope to get caught up over the next week or two:)

Thanks again!!!

oversewn (Raven) said...

yeah for Dana
I'm cut and about to start sewing, yeah for nap time!!!
would love to make a queen quilt top and have someone else quilt it, awesome!!!

Oblivionsunrise said...

That's an awesome giveaway and unless I win I may just have to take them up on the deal they are offering everyone here. :D

amylouwhosews said...

My mom was looking through the Flickr group and commented, "maybe I need to get on here and do one of these!"

I have to get my top sewn together. I keep messing up the rows because I can't leave them on the floor and just take them up as I need them. Grrr. I think I'll try and get it done tonight!

Sudi-Laura said...

While I am very far behind I am loving watching all of the quilts unfold! A real treat!

Cindy @ Creating at Home said...

I'm really enjoying this quilt along! My blocks are done (with a twist) and now I need to arrange them and sew them all together.

Nicole said...

The quilt looks great......and maybe I will branch out to free motion for this one........maybe :)

Gene Black said...

The quilt I am making (not the quilt along quilt -sigh) is coming along nicely. I wish you had posted the "getting it ready" section a few days earlier. I made a couple of boo boos. but I will get it all sorted out in the end.

Thanks for letting those of us not participating in the quilt-along in on the giveaways.

Solidia said...

Cool giveaway!

calamity kim said...

Dana- I am leaving to go to Pittsburgh for two weeks- my sister is having an operation and I am going to hang out with her and hold her hand and feed her chicken noodle soup. When I get back I will be quilting mine and putting pictures in the Flickr Group. I am taking my lap top with me- and would take my quilt to work on but my sis doesn't have a machine and it ain't that kind of party. Anyway- I just wanted to thank you for doing this quilt a long- I have had so much fun and lost my fear of big a** quilts! Thank you! Thank you!
xo,
kim

Chris and Abbie said...

Ok, this is the scariest part to me! I don't know if I can get the gumption to do it, or not. But what a great giveaway and deal from The Backporch Quilters - thanks guys!

Kimberly said...

I love the fabric you chose for your quilt. All of your instructions are sooo easy to follow. Thanks for taking the time to do this. I so wish I had something like this when I started quilting a few years ago!

Laura said...

Ooo! Ooo! Ooo! Pick me! I have the perfect quilt waiting for long arm quilting. That sound so neat. Thanks for this fun quilt along. I haven't gotten to making my own (because of working on other stuff), but have been enjoying reading along. ;)

Dianah said...

I would love to win free quilting. Especailly since I just paid to get a queen size done, OUCH!

imquilternity said...

I'm making two quilts and will definitely quilt one of them myself. Dana, this has been such fun and with just the right amount of time for each part of the project! Your giveaways are truly generous!

Steph said...

I've been so excited waiting for this week's demonstrations! Thank you!!!

kinseyfriedrichs said...

would love love love to win :)

Jill said...

Love your quilt, and I am pretty much on track! Yay! I bought the backing today and am ready to start putting it all together.

Alice Regan said...

Oh, such excitement! Half-way through the process! I'm having so much fun seeing what everyone is doing on the Flickr group! It just like one big old quilting party!
I do hope that little random counting thing-a-mig-jig picks me! I so want to have my quilt long arm quilted by Russ!

Tracy said...

Checked out the quilting website, love that popcorn pattern! That's what I'd choose!

CarlaB said...

I can't wait to get to this point!

Erin said...

I'm still trying to finish my quilt top. Apparently, I didn't cut my blocks very well, so I have to do some tweaking. I would love to win the quilting service.

Erin @ Why Not Sew? Quilts said...

thanks for the video! I liked how you giggled at your ooopsie!

Unknown said...

I love putting together quilts but as soon as I actually start to quilt it I always seem to ruin it. Here is hoping this time will be better!

Pumpkin Head Baby Co said...

I'm a little behind but I am getting there! The free long arm quilting would be awesome!

Anita said...

Woohoo! It's nearly a quilt. The quilting always make the whole thing come alive. And that's the best part. Thanks for all your lovely give-aways!

Sara said...

Yes, I WAS going to quilt this one myself. Then I really looked at 90" x 100", and I carried the top and the matching backing over to my LA quilter this afternoon. She was about to load a different quilt of mine, so we switched this one into her schedule instead.

"Summer Sunshine" will be done in time for July!

Of cousre, I would like to win a free LA quilting.

Rebecca said...

I am excited to try my hand at free motion quilting! I have my darning needle in hand. now I just need to pick backing fabric!

Kimberly White said...

Your quilt is looking fabulous! Thanks for the great instructions ... I'm so inspired!
Kim

Mae said...

Thanks for the free hand video. I really had many ?'s and you answered alot of them.

Please enter me in the drawing.
:)Mae

Midnight Purls said...

You make stippling look so very easy. I think I'm going to give it a try on my quilt I'm working on now.

Kathy said...

You NEED to get a teflon sheet for the machine - has a HOLE for the needle - oh they are to DIE for!!!

Paige said...

Oh pick me pick me! :D


Need to catch up on the Quilt-Along, I'm a tad behind!

SK said...

Love the video of you quilting ~~~ I have made only one quilt, and my mother in law hand quilted the WHOLE huge thing!! Love it. Now I am working on this one, in greens and purples... I am really far behind, but I dont care... you have really inspired me!

Misty.Creek said...

Ohh, I could use this!

Adina said...

hi dana,
i've never used a quilting service but that would be so fun!
thanks!

Jill said...

What a great giveaway, I would love to win this.

School of Crafts said...

Oh I love this giveaway! I have been following along everyones quilts on flickr. I really hope I win!!
:)

GloJoeSews said...

OMG--you're awesome! Great instructions, awesome giveaway, and awesome discounted price!

Terriaw said...

I finished my quilt top last week and ordered my backing fabric on Sunday, so I'm stuck until that arrives. But I'm excited to do free motion quilting all over. How fun is this!

Sherry said...

I'm so glad I decided to follow your quilt along. Can't wait to get started quilting my top but I've got to get my backing picked out or pieced. Thanks, it's been easy to follow your instructions & a fun project. Thanks too for the video!

brown robin said...

Aren't you just the best? Yeah... you! Go ahead and pat yourself on the back, Dana!

retirednana2008 said...

I got my backing done today & it's now ready to pin together for quilting. I 'stink' when it comes to stippling, so would be really great to win the free quilting job!!

Jody said...

I would absolutely love to win this giveaway since I am so surprised at how huge my quilt is actually going to be...I must admit it's a bit intimidating since I have only stippled one other quilt! I enjoyed it but I really wonder how I would manage quilting it in my machine!!! Your giveaway is perfect! I'm crossing my fingers!!!
jodym7@yahoo.com

Natalie said...

I'm *almost* caught up. I just need to put my blocks together. Unfortunately, I'm away on business this week but hopefully I'll find the time this weekend! Thanks for the inspiration!

Dawn said...

I made my top and am *almost* ready to quilt. I need to piece together a backing and maybe add width to my two twin quilts (I divided my squares into two instead of one figuring I may be able to quilt it myself???) If not, I would LOVE to have it done for me :) May take them up on the .01 cent offer. Thanks for inspiring me!
Dawn

Angela P said...

Ohhh. I've been inspired and I'm working on my first quilt. Not doing the same pattern as you but I'm already half way done with the quilt top. Thanks a bunch for making this so easy.

Jay in Nebraska said...

I wish my machine could stipple, I wish it could machine quilt. But my 50's Singer just won't do it. Maybe I should hurry and catch up and enter, hmmm so much to think about, about that Long Arm quilting service would be so nice too.

jay

Unknown said...

Oh please oh please pick me, I soooo need this. i have a quilt just sitting waiting to be quilted and I don't dare do it myself yet. I'm trying to learn how to quilt by doing some placemats, but after reading your post, i realize I'm using the wrong foot! Now I need to go buy a new foot and learn how to lower the feed dogs. SO helpful - THANK YOU :)
Enjoying the quilt along greatly!

Mandalin said...

oh geez, your writing make me laugh. I haven't seen the video, I'm saving that for this afternoon! Thanks for the quiltalong, I'm enjoying it immensely.

KittyAnn said...

WoooooHoooo! This is way too much fun! You write the BEST instructions and they're entertaining too - and FREE?! Wow, can't beat it. THANKS SO MUCH!! Best,Ani

Lois0607 said...

I am so far behind but I am confident I will be caught up by this weekend. Your instructions are very clear and fun to read. Thanks for doing this !

Mia's Cottage said...

Wow... this is so great, first a really fun quilt along then these awesome giveaways!! Love it. Donna

kira said...

I keep trying to finish some UFO's so I can try this quilt! I promised my husband I wouldn't buy any new fabric or start any new projects until I finish at least ten ... but all bets are off if I can win that machine! Woo-hoo!!!

Dayna said...

top done...backing purchased.... have enough W&N .... do you have any spare time? I could use some extra time to get it together and quilted.

SO I'M Anna Fogg, an eclectic kinda gal said...

so here's my comment...I seriously need to win as I have at the very least 6 completed tops that are begging a long-armer to caress them with gorgeous thread, perfect tension, lovely patterns; basically make sweetness and love to my tops so my Bernina and I wont have to!
Blessings to you and Razor. Have fun on your trip. Enjoy all these ba-zillion posts.
~anna in md, right near my hometown of DC
annafogg1@aol.com

Heather Green said...

Oh I would love to win this! I just finished a quilt top and am not the most confident quilter!

Milk Drinker said...

I would love to win! Thank you for doing this!
Vicki

AllisonF said...

Me me me!!!

scrapworking said...

What a great giveaway! Just found you a day or so ago, so it'll be a bit to catch up. I've set up the machine, pre-cooked some meals to heat up through the week and have purchased my fabric. Going to add your Sew-Along badge to my blog tonight too. Thanks!!

Anonymous said...

I am so excited. This is so much fun. I have the top made now all I have left is to quilt. The best part I am now teaching some kids how to sew and quilt.

gigi said...

Hope I win!!

Rose said...

I am so scared to screw up a really nice quilt top by trying to stipple it, I think I may start small and make some place mats for my table and stipple them. Love your quilt along, and might even go back and make this pattern :)

Angelia said...

I'm still contemplating which foot to purchase for my quilt top.
Pick me!
Angelia

Leisel said...

I love this part! I just started stippling my quilts in the last few months and I love it! I think this quilt might be my biggest yet. . .

Susan said...

I'm so happy to have found this quilt along- I'm learning a lot and having so much fun, thanks, Dana!

Knitlee said...

Wow! This has been such a great experience! Happy travels to you.

Anonymous said...

Wow. That was a lot of information in one post...you are so generous with your knowledge! And to think that after 20 years of quilting I've never thought to tape the backing to the floor before pinning. Genius. I'm a little behind on the quilt, but still progressing!

Missy said...

ack! This is the part that makes me hyperventilate...taking a deep breath. Thanks for this awesome tutorial!

Anonymous said...

Oh mighty random generator... pick me, pick me!

Wendy F.

Anonymous said...

Ooo, now I have to pick my backing fabric. Great giveaway. Count me in.

Mindy said...

I'm finding the quilt along late in the game, but I just might go back and do it on my own. Great way to knock out some stash. Fun too. Love seeing everyone's progress.

Krista said...

This is the first time I have done anything like this before. I started this quilt along and have enjoyed it thus far. I am so excited for the end product. Thank you so much.

Sandi said...

Well, hopefully I catch up by next week! I'm seriously thinking I might do free-motion quilting on this one. Just hope I don't screw it up!

wishes, true and kind said...

Your tutorials are wonderful. I only wish I had joined twitter earlier and could have entered the quiltalong. I'll be waiting for the next one, though. Your little quilt is adorable!

grace said...

finally ... finished the top now on ... :)

Brenna said...

I finally ordered my fabrics and can't wait to start this! I'm way behind, but at least it will be fun to see everyone's results! Love the giveaways : ]

Mia's Cottage said...

Yahoo! a giveaway!! Love it!!
Donna

Jen said...

what a great giveaway!!! i have two quilts that i need done.

bingo~bonnie said...

oh what a wonderful give-away - to have one of my own floppies turned into a finished quilt!! HOooRay! I sure would love to win this one Dana ;) thanks for the chance.

Love from Texas! ~bonnie

Rebecca said...

I'm excited to get mine quilted - thanks again for hosting this quilt along! I'm loving how mine is turning out!

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

How totally awesome would it be to win a free long arm quilting job on my quilt???!! WAY!!

soggybottomflats said...

This is a great giveaway, put me in please. I am so loving this quilt along, thanks for the inspiration, Elaine from Texas

Anonymous said...

thanks for video and directions on the quilting .. have never done it yet, but do want to give it a try ... karen ca

Laine said...

I'm just a little behind. One more row to sew on to complete the top. Would love to the professional quilting so please count me in.

lsandes@comcast.net

Sara said...

You make the free motion quilting look so easy.... i'm still nervous!

i'm just finishing week four, but i hope to get caught up this week!

Heather | Cookie Mondays said...

getting sooo excited!! :)

f said...

Love the quilting portion!!

zees5 said...

Thanks for the giveaway. I am following the Quilt-A-Long. I hope you do a postage stamp, value quilt, stars or hex quilt next. I love those Sizzlin' Sixties patterns too. Just some thoughts (: izazbz at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

Long arm quilting service is an outstanding prize- now if only the RNG will pick 307... I also wanted to say that your music playlist is something I open and have going when I am surfing- Love your choices. Thanks for all you do.
micheline.smith@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

Well, my top isn't done yet, but I am working on it. Borrowed a sewing machine from my husbands grandma :) So anyways, piecing away. Have to figure out the quilting part eventually. Hmmm.

Jilliene Designs said...

I'm sending mine off to Back Porch Quilters tomorrow AM. I spoke to them today and they were WONDERFUL in couching me on the prep. Wish I could do this part on my machine but my old singer isn't equipped for it. maybe I'll win the Janome 6600??

Ellie said...

This is the part that scares me the most! I would love for Russ to do the job for me professionally. Thanks for the chance!

j. said...

i've seen a lot of people posting photos of their quilts in this quilt along and i finally caved! i cut a bunch of strips today. i'm going to try to work with only 8 different fabrics and hope it still works out alright.

i don't have a machine that lets me drop the feed dogs, so i'm actually thinking about just making quilt tops and sending them out to get quilted instead. living in japan makes that an expensive task, but, either way, i'm excited about making this quilt!!

and your tutorials are SUPER easy to understand for beginners like me...thanks!!!!

Jeannie Gan said...

I am just about to finish 1 quilt top. Your giveaway comes in time if I am lucky to win it.
It's been so fun to follow your blog. Next time I will try to follow your quilt-along.

Mercedes said...

I have never got the opportunity to get a quilted quilt with those machines and it would be great if I can win this giveway. So enter me, as I did in the last one.
Oh, great pics for who are starting to quilt, I understand you because sometimes I am in the same situation and peopel ask and ask just what I just write.
Thanks a lot for your patient!

Jill in PA said...

Oh this is a great giveaway. I have a few quilt tops that are begging to be finished!
Jill in Pa

B. said...

thanks for letting us scardies enter when you've done a quilt that is too too big for us! maybe the next quilt along i'll feel good enough to try!

Megan R. said...

i have loved doing this quilt along with you. I can't wait to get it quilted

Anonymous said...

love to stipple quilt myself on the babylock ellismo .. turned out great and a perfect way to finish a quilt in weeks instead of months.

Thanks!!!! Love the tips and yours posts!

Suzanne said...

The video is great! Thanks for making it and the great longarm quilting giveaway!!

Sarcastic Quilter said...

Holy cow! I can't decide if this giveaway is better than the sewing machine or not. If I win, I'll let you know! lol I've got a top I've been sitting on for fear of screwing it up with my quilting. I'm sure we all have one of those. :)

Robyn said...

Great blog and great tutorial. your quilt looks beautiful.

Miranda said...

ok so it looks like I need to catch my quilt up a bit...lol today's project of course, but i would so love to win the free quiting service!!

miranda_lynn2001@yahoo.com

quietly going mad... said...

What a lovely contest! I am a little (well a lot)late in the game and just picking my fabrics to start your quilt along. But I am working hard on forcing my self to finish things that I have started first (and still working on that haha. Thank you for the opportunity!

Sharon Scott said...

Still adding another border, but will be caught up by thurs. Thank you Dana for everything! This has been fun!

Silvia LGD (Little Green Doll) said...

Thanks for this giveaway! It's great!! Really exciting!

annette said...

Thanks again for organizing this quilt along. I'm having a blast and am loving my quilt top. My girls are battling out as to who should get it.... looks like there's two more of these in my near future :)

Laura said...

I have been learning so much from this quilt along, and I just love seeing everyone's different quilts. Here's hoping I win the long arm quilting service!!!

Qutecowgirl said...

What a cute little quilt. I am still cutting my strips. Life didn't get the memo that I wanted to quilt.


Thank you for this quilt along. I have books and magazines all over and I have learned more and "got" more from this.
So a big thank you!!

mswillis5 said...

What a great giveaway for a new quilter.

Michele said...

Thanks for this quilt along and the great giveaways

Anonymous said...

Still keeping up. It is great to have a schedule to "push" me along :)

DCK1758@aol.com

Misha said...

The video is really helpful. It's so hard to visualize what you are suppose to do and it's so hard to find video's demonstrating the basic freemotion technique. Thanks!

Aurora said...

This is a great giveaway...thank you! I'm about a week behind, but I'll catch up eventually!

merrily row said...

Thank you for the video, as a relatively new quilter, the three most scary words in any pattern are "Quilt as desired", the rough equivalent of "you are on your own, bucko".

Andi_Lee said...

Hello Dana,
I have started quilting about 8 months ago, hand quilting has taken the life out of me! Longarm service would be AMAZING!! Thank you for your wonderful giveaways!

Always,

AndiLee

Jenn Baker said...

I love Back Porch Quilters!!! I love Back Porch Quilters!!! I love Back Porch Quilters!!! I love Back Porch Quilters!!! I love Back Porch Quilters!!!
Yes, i want to win this prize! Can't you tell! Loved your video - so very helpful! The Janome 6600 would be helpful, too....hinthinthint! :)
Thanks for everything,
Jenn Baker
handmadebyjenn@gmail.com

2miracles/Tove said...

Well, i finished my top today, and have decide to by ome saching so it is just the perfect size for my bad. It is close but not close enough. i plan to post my photos later and on my blog. But it won't be till laterer today. The fabric store calls.....

allsewnup said...

I'm a real late bloomer but don't they say better late than never? I've posted (my first post in fact)
that I am jumping on your band wagon. I 'm thinking about a baby quilt which should put me on track with the rest. I've seen some of the quilts and just thought this is too much fun to miss out! Thank you, Dana.

Anonymous said...

Great video! I am so far behind.
:-( I do have all my blocks completed and two rows sewn together. I guess if I spent less time on the computer it could be done! I love the way my top looks! It has set the redecorating theme for one upstairs bedroom. Thank you so much!

Heather said...

Your stippling video was great. I have stippled 2 quilts and just realized what my machines dogs are and that I need to lower them. They must make still pull the quilt through a little because I always seem like I am going faster that I want to be. Thanks for pointing out what dogs are. :)

Anonymous said...

I would love to have someone else do the quilting!! I will start on this one myself in the next couple of days.

Anonymous said...

You tutorials are great! I sure wish you had done this about a year ago when I first started quilting-my first quilts would have turned out a LOT nicer!
I would love to be entered for the long arm quilting drawing. I have never used this service before and would love to have a quilt professionally quilted for a change.
Rebecca O from Buffalo

Lisa L. said...

You make it look so easy! Beautiful quilting.

Michelle said...

I am so enjoying this quilt along. You make the machine quilting look so easy but it is not that easy when you first start. I would just like to tell the others to practice, practice, and practice-- and then practice some more! You will get much better with practice. I would love to win the quilting service. I have always hand-quilted or done the machine quilting for myself. I would love to have it done professionally!!!!

T@iy@ said...

I know that i am whining.. but I am soooo far behind! I will catch up someday, i know. I just want to be at the quilting part NOW! :) Then I want to take a nice long nap under it!

Kathy in FL said...

I'd love to win this giveaway! I've taken a class on LA quilting, and I'm still intimidated by it. I'm going to give free motion quilting a try next. So far, I've only machine quilted in straight lines with my walking foot.
Kathy
Jupiter FL

Kathy in FL said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jackie ♥ said...

Dana, this post rocks!! Thanks so much for posting that video..helps me soo much!! Oh, and thanks to your awesome hubby for being the "video" guy!

I'm looking forward to this next step...I've never done quilting like that before...will be a good challenge for me. :)

Megan of Fabric Love said...

Woohoo! I'm still waiting on my batting to arrive (next Monday it seems...*gulp*), but I will practice on my smaller pieces with a bit of batting I already have. Thanks so much for hosting this process, for all the time and effort you have put into it. Thank Razor too. Have fun on your trip!

Karen said...

How exciting! Thanks for the chance to win a very, very nice prize! I am sure that if you recommend their quilting, they do a wonderful job. I have a four patch posey quilt top begging to be long arm quilted.

Kelly said...

Your quilt is gorgeous! I'm working on it but still behind. my kids are on summer vacation and I'm all off kilter. hoping to get back in the swing of things soon.

Thanks,
Kelly

Quiltsmiles said...

Free quilting services would be a major plus. Yippee!

Thanks for hosting this giveaway.
Jane

Jodi said...

love watching this unfold...hope to get my fabric picked out soon...so much to do, always so far behind LOLOL love it!

JenR said...

Oh boy... free professional quilting! How awesome would that be!! And thank you Backporch Quilters for a Wonderful price break for us!

{crossing fingers and toes and anything else...}

I am Arizona; a person, not a place. said...

I'm still with you!! I'm loving my quilt, too. I'm a little behind, so I've got to light a fire under my behind and finish piecing my blocks and getting my backing pieced. And then the quilting...oh my! I really better get moving!

I'd LOVE to win the long arm quilting service!!! When I grow up I want to be a long arm quilter.

Leigh Paradise said...

I am totally behind. My sister in law just had twins, so it's been kind of insane. I've been more focused on baby knitting than quilting. I'm catching up this week.

Free quilting would sure as heck make it easier to get to the finish! :-)

Allie said...

So I'm way behind...but you know I'm dying to win free quilting! So cool!

sugarcreekstuff said...

I think this is wonderful what you are doing, walking new quilters through all the steps.
I thought I'd share with you a handy dandy tip; Wear gardening gloves (with the bumpy fingers) while machine quilting, then you can leave the quilt flat instead of trying to grab the fabric. It grips the fabric and keeps your hands warm while quilting in a chilly basement. ;-)

Kathleen said...

great and informative post....would love the chance to win the quilting service....if i did win i would offer the quilting service to someone there as the cost of shipping the quilt back and forth from australia would not really work for me ...expense wise

thanks for the opportunity to participate

Catherine said...

Eep! I am falling behind! And this step is making me feel quite novice.

Breathe in, breathe out.

Mrs. Gray's Class said...

That video is awesome - I'm bookmarking it now so I'll always have your great resource. Thank you!

Natchel said...

Ah! I'm so nervous to stipple a quilt. I have a little bit of crafting OCD so free handing anything makes me shake! Hope I can do it!

Natchel said...

Ah! I'm so nervous to stipple a quilt. I have a little bit of crafting OCD so free handing anything makes me shake! Hope I can do it!

imagrandma2five said...

I'm waaaay behind on my quilt but hope to get caught up soon. As for machine quilting, Me??? not a chance! I've already told my long armer to expect this quilt eventually. I am machine quilting challenged!

Trisha said...

Wow, what a great prize!

Valerie said...

I am thrilled with my quilt top and afraid to attempt quilting it myself! :) I would love to win!

Karen said...

Your quilt looks so pretty! I just got back from being out of town and I'm working on getting caught up! I am sewing strips, so I have my work cut out for me. I can do it! Thanks for the giveaway. I would love long arm quilting! Thanks for the quilt along too! It's fun! Oh, one more thing- I love your playlist! I play it often as I'm sewing!

Whitterbon said...

free motion quilting makes me nervous... but i' going to forgo my usual straight lines and give it a try! thanks for all the tips and guidance!

Patty said...

It looks like so much fun

Cindy said...

I spent a lot of time today just practicing on scraps. At first, I thought no way can I do this... it looks horrible! But the more I did, the easier it got and looked a whole lot better too! Not great but good enough. I'm going to do a small wall hanging though before doing my quilt.

Thanks for all the time you have spent doing this quilt along for all of us! And for giving me the courage to do something other than stitch in the ditch. lol

Kate said...

Those really are great instructions! I love the pictures to go along with them. Thanks.

mom3crazygirls said...

I am a total beginner and just trying to get all the pieces to line up properly - to have someone else do the quilting would be phenominal!!

Joy said...

I am so far behind...oh well. Life happens. I could so use a free quilt service!

Katie said...

Thanks for the giveaway! I'm working up the nerve to quilt one of the four tops I have waiting, but haven't made the leap yet - your tutorials help a lot. In the meantime...

Infanta said...

You made it seem so much less scary to try free motion sewing on the sewing machine. I think I am going to give it a try.

Lori said...

Great idea for a giveaway. I am out of town but am planning to catch up on my quilt when I get back!! You can see my progress on my quilt at my blog! www.lovehazelsews.blogspot.com

Sheila said...

What a wonderful give a way....I am really bad at machine quilting.....I like to blame it on my machine. :)

Andrea @ Knitty Bitties said...

Oh boy, I just "free motion" quilted 3 table runners and oiy, that was hard work ... a whole quilt? I don't know if I want to risk that mess?!?! I may not be able to refuse this wonderful deal to turn my quilt into a masterpiece!

Sandi Linn Andersen said...

I am a wee bit - okay, a whole lot - behind but tomorrow is my day to finish sewing my strips and cut them and sew the top together by Thursday. I can, I can....... In the meantime, would love to be entered in your drawing. Thanks so much. You are seriously a very generous person!!

Swasey family said...

Hope I win!You are doing so great at teaching all the fun stuff!

Thanu said...

I am almost there. Until now i was cool. But now i am nervous . Keeping my fingers crossed for the outcome.

beth said...

Another give-away that I would love to win.

I am so behind. Hopefully, I will catch up this week.

Gammie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Biloxi and Siber-sibs said...

Hi Dana,
I just found your site and by reading and watching your video I want to start doing quilting. I have made a 2 small ones years ago but never did "free quilting" as I didn't know how and I have a Kenmore machine from the 1940's that I have used.

Now to start picking my patterns and materials.
Dee

Pam said...

Hi Dana!
I'm making my quilt as a gift for my Mom. We had a great time picking out the fabric together. I love working on this together, she taught me how to sew when I was in 7th grade. I love how you have inspired the creative spirit in so many of us! Thank you

Gammie said...

Thank you Dana for all the time you've put into this Quilt Along. Now I guess this is where I take a deep breath (oh yeah, and remember to let it out..hehe) and practice a bit on my Kenmore. This is definately going to be an adventure. I may just have to take a trip to Tall Mouse Crafts and seek a little help from the ladies there.
Enjoy your away from home time =)

quilteddog said...

So far I've been able to keep up. That long arm quilting would be a nice finish! This has been a blast!

Candice Edgar said...

I would love to win! I have a few quilts that need quilting done! Thanks Dana!

cnydalynn said...

go number 388... I would love to win. I am trying to finish up my quilt from one of the quilting bees I am in... It is for my daughter and it is going to be big. I am going to need some quilting help. Hope I win.

Ann said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ann said...

Your quilt is looking fantastic!

Ann

www.kiddosandcrafts.blogspot.com

Sarah said...

Woo-hoo! Thanks for the tutorial; it always helps to see things done rather than just reading about them.

Kathy said...

I just started last week and finally caught up. I love how my quilt is turning out and would love to win a free quilting!

kelly mae said...

wow! thanks for the fantastic giveaway! i have a few quilts longing to be quilted by Russ and Rhonda.

Karin Schueller said...

Just so we are clear... this is the week I've been dreading, lol. ;) But I'm also excited. I would REALLY, REALLY, like to win the professionals' amazing talents though, lol. ;)

Little Bluebell (Adrianne) said...

Dana, I am having so much fun making this quilt! You have been my cheerleader at the kitchen table through each step. So many helpful tips, clear instructions, great pictures and now a video! Yahooie. My favorite part is hearing you giggle when you messed up a little bit. It reminds me not to take it too seriously and to have fun. I am tackling stippling for the first time. I am hoping to giggle through it to0... :) Over and out Chief.

Unknown said...

This is the greatest tutorial I have ever read. My 2009 goal is to make my very first quilt. I am an avid sewer, just have never done a quilt. I'm even walking my nine year old through her first quilt, but never my own. Thanks for putting this out there. Quick question. What is the purple suction thingy you used when cutting out your strips? It looks like it is MOST useful. Thanks again, and I guess I should say, "PICK ME! PICK ME!"

Unknown said...

Thank you thank you thank you for the video showing the free motion quilting. I have tried it but had never seen it done so I didn't feel it went well. Watching your video makes me want to try it again. Again, thanks!!

jonahbonah said...

I would love to win this!!!!!! Thanks for the opportunity!

jakemelissajakea@aol.com

Kim said...

Oh I am a chicken when it comes to quilting.....I just love the job my longarmer does......she makes it all look so very special.
I should learn to quilt with my new Janome 6600. You sure made it look easy :0)

Happy sewing

The original betty boop said...

I am still catching up. So I really need to win this week.

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