I had a mini quilt sandwich pinned together. It is stenciled with a design and I thought I would try. I did it. I have a lot of practicing to go but I thought it isn't too bad for my first attempt.
I did not expect to be an expert first time on the slopes. Likewise with FMQ. I have to say, though, that it is a bit easier to control the speed of the machine with the treadle vs an electric machine. I have done this before using my Viking Husqvarna Quilt Designer II. But it has a speed control. I like treading much better.
I used some machine quilting gloves to give me better grip on the fabric. The edge is hard to manage. I have to figure that out.
On the other hand, I am much better at FMQ on the GMQ frame.
I am using the Singer 66 for this project. I love the stitch it is making. I also love how much room I have to quilt ! When I used this frame with a free arm White Jeans Machine, I had a narrow quilting area. The 66 affords a much larger space. It was for that very reason that I spent SO MUCH TIME setting up the 66.
I have not tried FMQ on my treadle. I do it on my 301s. I do not like using safety pins. Whenever possible, I spray baste outside in my garage on the wall. Pins slow me down and catch. I hardly have any finger nails to shut and shut them. Anyways,I can turn the fabric easier with spray basting. Did you ever look at the Lizzie Lennard YouTube video on free motion treadle?
ReplyDeleteI use grapefruit spoons to open and close the pins. It might be better to spray baste. I have some. I will give that a try for sure. I will go right now to YOu Tube. Thanks!
DeleteActually, yes, I have seen that You Tube. I had a hopping foot, just like that one. I lost it. I think it went to Salvation Army in the pocket of some pants I donated. I am very sad. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkXJxVQHiJI
DeleteFor an early effort, it is much better than mine. At some point, it just clicks for you and you realize, hey, I'm doing this! Plus using a busier fabric makes a difference.
ReplyDeleteRight, busier fabric hides the flaws. But I am definitely more comfortable moving machine vs fabric. If I put that stencil on the machine right now I would follow the lines much better. Mostly I am playing. That's what its all about for me, that and seeing if I can improve. Which, with practice, likely will occur.
DeleteIs the wax paper to allow for better gliding? Does it help to cover the feed dogs also?
ReplyDeleteYes, Missy, the wax paper helps with gliding. The feed dogs drop on the 15-90,no need to cover them.
DeleteSo is your 66 a treadle or electric? I guess I didn't realize you could use "regular" sewing machines with a frame to FMQ. I always thought it had to be machines labeled "mid-arm" or "long-arm"
ReplyDeleteThis 66 is electric. Only way it would work on this contraption. Makes a nice stitch
DeleteHow do you lower the feed dogs on the 15-90? I have the one my grandmother (anniversary gift from my grandfather) taught me to sew on, and I know I can remove them, but I don't know how to lower them. So, do you use a regular presser foot when you FMQ on yours? What is the GMQ frame? Is that the brand or the type of frame? I also have a 66 (1951) electric, my husband bought it for me for Christmas, and it does make a pretty stitch. It was locked up when I found it at the thrift store and the cabinet looks like a$$, but after some tension rebuilding and disassembly/cleaning of the bobbin area, it sews beautifully and is so quiet when I use it. Thanks so much for this blog, it has helped me so much in my growing obsession (15-90, 66, 301A, 1280-new plastic gears, but the last machine my Granny owned). Thanks in advance for all of your help.
ReplyDelete1. Tip your machine back and look underneath. There is a thumb screw that loosens to lower the feed dogs.
Delete2. I use a darning foot to FMQ
3. GMQ= Grace Machine Quilting It is a wooden frame made by the Grace Company