I mean, if free-motion quilting (FMQ) is highly planned, can it really and truly be called FREE-motion quilting? I doubt it severely. I mean, yes, I used all the same settings on the ol’ machine, the darning foot, machingers et al… But I designed the above quilting pattern – the quilting is represented by the coloured bits, not the black bits. And then I marked my Dresden placemats with a slightly improved version of this design before proceeding with the quilting. So with all that prep work, does this still qualify as FMQ? And if it’s not FMQ then what, pray tell, is it? Please educate me on this question if you could. I really need to know. Like, really really really. Like, yesterday if at all possible. Thank you.
Furthermore, despite the plan to have these done by March 25th (of this year), I’m still weaving in ends and sewing the binding on them, tarnation. So no finished placemats to show yet, blasted. Maybe they’ll be done one day when we’re all living on the moon and we’ve all learned to play the steel drums ’cause that’s the only instrument you can make from moon dust… But no. No placemats today. Sigh…
FMQ'ing (in my opinion) simply means YOU are the one guiding the quilt, and not using a walking foot.
I agree with the other commenter. Freemotion refers to either dropping you feed dogs and/or not using a walking foot. You are guiding your quilting.
Fantastic creativity.Your work protected exactly what was needed.I have never seen anyone making anything like this with such accuracy.
OMG! It looks fabulous free or not free , if you know what I mean:)
I would LOVE to take part in the craft along , but am afraid to say it straight out fearing I would not have time to dedicate myself to it appropriately / completely!
Yes, you are free motion quilting. Free motion quilting is about the ability to move the quilt backwards, forwards, or side to side freely. You are not restricted in your direction. This allows you to make that amazing design on your place mat. Your doing amazing work. Keep it up!
This is as Free as Free Motion Quilting can be. You’ve made the design! Wow, you are amazing!
A craft-along sounds wonderful Michele, hope I will be able to take part!!
Craft-along? I'd probably be in. Need some sort of motivation to get back on the crafting bandwagon so that would be good.
I think you don't have to worry if this is FMQ or not. Isn't it all about coming up with a pattern that works well with you quilting project? If yes, then I'd say your pattern is A+! Good luck with finishing them, even if we'll be on the moon then! Teee-hee-hee! You know I love paper play, so a craft-along sounds really fun. I know people have those "linky-parties", but I'm actually not too fond of them. But some sort of group connection or theme or challenge would be fun to have.
Sure it's free motion quilting!
I love the idea!!!!
Count me in!!!!!
xxxxx Ale
I agree with the others about free motion quilting, it's dropping the feed dogs so that you are the one moving the material around and not the machine. Love your pattern on the mats and am certainly up for a craft along!
Count me in for a craft along. Sounds fun.
The conundrum of etymology – whatever it is it will look cool when it is done – FMQ or not…
too funny! I tend to think about these things, too, so of course, I have an opinion. I think of it as machine quilting when the idea is planned and marked. If I am quilting in a more random fashion, I think of it as free motion quilting. Main reason for this thought process is use of the word "free". But what the heck, it really does not matter! Your design is beautiful.