For some reason, everything this week has turned out to be harder than it needed to be. For example, both my work places are implementing new computer software this week. When I was running errands, every time I tried to pull into a parking space, there was a pedestrian ambling in my way and just when I thought I could pull in, they would do something stupid like open a car door into the space or stop walking gaze the opposite direction. And my cell carrier would give me an employee discount...but I had to print a paystub which it turns out I could only access at work (it was my day off) and my husband had to come with me to approve changing the account into my name.
In keeping with the undesireable theme of my week,
I decided to do the FMQ challenge block tonight when I got home, because I'm tired and I never have been good at feathers. Why start doing things the easy way now? Just for good measure, I used strongly contrasting thread so everyone could see how bad things really look.
What I liked: The idea of varying the feather size along the same stem and the multi-branching feather ideas. Drawing it out with pencil first gave me confidence, even though I don't believe I actually followed any of the lines.
What I don't like: The small space I have for my fingers on my traditional machine makes it difficult to make smooth curves especially on bigger petals. For some reason, I found it harder to leave space b/w petals than to backtrack. Even echo was very hard for me tonight especially on the outer edges. I also found it very challenging to make the petals from the bottom point upward to the center divot since that is the exact opposite directions in which I normally draw hearts.
So, that's it. My feather attempt for now. Maybe I'll try again after I've logged another dozen hours of FMQ and I've spent time in staff meetings doodling feather designs on my notes.
9 comments:
Well done on your feathers - it's not easy - I spent months off and on doodling feathers before I attempted my first one last Dec on the machine - I was astonished how smoothly they turned out - I'm putting a lot of it down to the lovely silky thread ;o)
lol!! I tried feathers last night too for the first time. Figured it was just scraps, so who cared how nasty it looked. I had a hard time, too, with keeping a nice echo that small. All in all, it came out better than I thought it would. But definitely have to practice feathers a LOT before I'll be ready to put them on a real project.
Excellent job! I'm still trying to get up the courage to go for this one.
Your feathers look great - far, far better than I could even draw never mind stitch!
Hey, at least you started! I took an intro to FMQ once and they suggested that before a session, you have your design that you want to use in mind and that you practice running a pencil or something along it many times because it somehow focuses you for the quilting. I've also heard of a teacher who says to try the pattern on a piece of paper with no thread in the machine. That idea intrigues me somehow...maybe it's because there is no piecing or basting involved...and no serious waste if you hate it.
I think you made a great effort during a bad week. I would rename the projec the FML just to honor the week! FML is a site where you can go to talk about a bad day, F*ck My Life. I get that way sometimes!!!
Here's to things going more smoothly in all ways.
Moving right along...your feathers are awesome!
I think they look great. I had the same challenges as far as leaving the space between petals. It's easier for me to backtrack too. The echo was more challenging than I expected as well. If you want to feel better, take a look at my horrid feathers! I still have the rest of the month to practice though!
I'm hearing you !! My exhoes were far from neat - I couldnt seem to keep that same distance away from the first line, and getting out of the idea of backtracking was difficult. But hey, we've done it.
Girl your feathers look great! I just finished mine this past w/e. I'd say making them small is the trick for me.
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