Modern Machine Quilting: Free Motion DVD Blog Hop: Day Five

Happy Monday!

The start of a new week and time for day five of our blog hop. We’re half way through already and I hope you are enjoying meeting new friends and maybe picking up a few free motion tips and ideas along the way. Lots of you are leaving comments which I am loving reading. Keep it up and perhaps you’ll be the lucky one to go get one of those DVDs or maybe even the Stella lamp and Hexie Love ruler! There will definitely be a winner… no rollovers on this drawing…

Today we are welcoming Kim Niedzwiecki to the blog. I met Kim through a small Facebook group I have been a part of. We were making blocks for a block swap but unfortunately life got in the way and it’s been a while since anyone has posted.UnknownKim works for Aurifil, USA as the Social Media Content Coordinator and Quilt Guild Donation Coordinator so we have met IRL* at Quilt Market several times.

If you were to watch my DVD closely you would see that I have Aurifil on my machine for all my stitching demos. The 50wt. cotton is my go to thread for free motion quilting. It’s a 2 ply thread and adds all the texture I’m looking for and just enough color. And it’s great quality so it’s problem free with very little lint or breakage. Super!

BTW I have heard a rumor that there will be a thread giveaway over on Kim’s blog at Auribuzz today, as if you needed an incentive to get over there?

Moving on from loops and swirls today’s place mat is finished with chrysanthemums, flowers and what I refer to as snail trails… as I stitch into the center of my shape I’m thinking of a snail shell although I’m not making circular shapes. Suggestions for a new name for the motif on the blue stripe are welcome!IMG_4898

The chrysanthemum stitch adds almost the same texture as pebbles without quite so much effort. They are different as you can see in this next picture,IMG_2459but if you just want an all over circle type texture you’d get it done in less than half the time with the chrysanthemums. Something to consider?

Did you notice the variegated thread in that picture? It just adds a subtle hint of color for extra interest! It’s color 4651 (Sunrise) if you’re interested. My most favorite Aurifil variegated thread is 4060 (Silver Moon). It is a tone on tone light grey to white which looks so good on a shades of white background. It’s what I used on the featured image at the top of the page.

Choosing the right thread to complement your quilt top makes so much difference to your finished quilt!

For your enjoyment here’s the list of bloggers again. If this is your first time here it’s worth checking out some of the previous posts so that you don’t miss anything.

Thursday January 7th Me!
Friday January 8th  Faith Jones
Saturday January 9th Bonnie Hunter
Sunday January 10th Svetlana Sotak
Monday January 11th Kim Niedzwiecki (Aurifil)
Tuesday January 12th Julia Wood
Wednesday January 13th Susan Brubaker Knapp
Thursday January 14th Jenny Lyon
Friday January 15th  Kathy Matthews 
Saturday January 16th Me again!

 

Comments do win prizes… I’ll be drawing at least three names from all the comments left on my blog between the 7th and the 16th on Sunday 17th to win a DVD. The grand prize winner will also receive a brand new Hexie Love ruler AND a Stella task lamp from Stella lighting. Definitely worth trying for? I am reading all the comments. They are moderated so if it’s your first time commenting and you don’t see yours coming up straight away I will get to it as soon as I can…

And if you’re not lucky, or you just know you can’t wait? The DVD or digital download is available at the Interweave store by clicking on the widget at the right hand side of the page.

See you again tomorrow!

*In real life!!

145 Comments

  1. Kate K said:

    thank you for the opportunity to sign on for the DVD training. It would be ever so wonderful.

    January 11, 2016
  2. Toni said:

    Another beautiful design! This really has me hoping!

    January 11, 2016
  3. Rita S, said:

    Love the flowers. Thanks for the chance to win!!

    January 11, 2016
  4. tootsie661 said:

    Your creativity excites me and makes me want to free motion quilt more. Thanks for the tips and incite on why you use different thread and how to achieve texture.

    January 11, 2016
  5. Sandy Belt said:

    I so want to be able to machine quilt..thank you for sharing..new to quilting would love these prises

    January 11, 2016
  6. Fred Erique said:

    Beautiful Aurifil variegated thread! Very nice with your great designs

    January 11, 2016
  7. Donna said:

    Wow is what I say, the variegated thread is so gorgeous. The chrysanthemum is stunning. I must try to doodle it. Your DVD would give me confidence to try to FMQ. Thanks so much for giveaway.

    January 11, 2016
  8. Vicki in MN said:

    I have not tried Aurifil thread in my longarm, will have to put that on the list 😉

    January 11, 2016
  9. Karen Miller said:

    The stitching shown on the placemat is just cool! I would love to win the DVD to try this for myself. Tired of just doing meandering and stippling on my quilts because I’m too afraid to try anything else

    January 11, 2016
  10. Carol Koehn said:

    So neat!

    January 11, 2016
  11. Ashley said:

    Great idea on the chrysanthemums! Pebbles are great texture but take SO long!

    January 11, 2016
  12. Eileen Foley said:

    Your work is beautiful! And what a great idea to make placemats for practice pieces!

    January 11, 2016
  13. Tresha Cottrill said:

    If your blog posts are any indication of what is on the DVD it has to be good! Thanks again for a chance to win!

    January 11, 2016
  14. Kim said:

    So, I started this journey of reading your blog because of the opportunity to win the DVD but the tips I have picked up already after 4 blog posts tell me that if I don’t win I MUST purchase your DVD. I am still a beginner quilter, but your talk about thread has encouraged me to try something more than what I have been using… which is just run of the mill polyester thread.

    January 11, 2016
  15. Sandy Belt said:

    Help too many comments Ned to change my settings..

    January 11, 2016
  16. boilermom27 said:

    This is just what I need, great examples!

    January 11, 2016
  17. April said:

    Love the quilting! Thanks for the opportunity to win the DVD!

    January 11, 2016
  18. Louise said:

    Thank you for the opportunity to win this great inspirational video. So glad I saw the post on Bonnie Hunter’s blog

    January 11, 2016
  19. Gail said:

    I actually like the snail trail name and maybe I can actually fmq it since it wobbles like I do!! Thanks for the thread colors too. Looking forward to winning the DVD!

    January 11, 2016
  20. Sharon Coleman said:

    You are so talented. Got to check out that DVD.

    January 11, 2016
  21. Kim Behm said:

    Great tip on variegated thread!!

    January 11, 2016
  22. Lynne Stucke said:

    oooh! I will have to try that! Never thought of replacing pebbles with something so similar, yet MUCH simpler. Thank you!

    January 11, 2016
  23. Lori Smanski said:

    i love how you did the different FMQ on the placements. thanks for the tips

    January 11, 2016
  24. Keysha Pryor said:

    Thank you for sharing your knowledge with newbies like me.

    January 11, 2016
  25. Jayne Willis said:

    I cannot tell you how much inspiration I’m getting! Beautiful work!

    January 11, 2016
  26. Ann D said:

    It is one of my goals to get better at FMQ. Having your DVD would help a great deal.

    January 11, 2016
  27. Holly Harvey said:

    Such great designs!

    January 11, 2016
  28. Susan Earl said:

    Love variegated thread for quilting. A now out there best kept secret.

    January 11, 2016
  29. elizajane120 said:

    Machine quilting is a challenge for me but I keep practicing. Your work is beautiful!

    January 11, 2016
  30. KJ said:

    It’s so nice to see a variety of stitching in one example. Thank you for that.

    Seems like a really good DVD. Thanks for the chance to win it.

    January 11, 2016
  31. Maggie Nichols said:

    Would love to win your dvd!

    January 11, 2016
  32. Edwina parsons said:

    Love this design, thanks for a chance to win a great video.

    Thanks
    Edwina parsons

    January 11, 2016
  33. Trish said:

    I just started free motion quilting..it was not as fun or easy as I had hoped..I think your DVD is going on my wish list with a gaggle of aurifil.

    January 11, 2016
  34. Jennie B. said:

    I am new to all of this and having fun learning. Thanks for the chance to win this great DVD!

    January 11, 2016
  35. LJ said:

    I love the look of varigated thread, too. Subtle but beautiful. When I looked at the design for which you need a name, I thought it looked like a maze to me so…’maze’ is the name I’d suggest. I’m having great fun on this hop.

    January 11, 2016
  36. Deb McClanahan said:

    So happy to have found you again. I had computer issue and lost a lot of sites. Enjoy your work so much.

    January 11, 2016
  37. Shari K. said:

    Thanks for the chance to win your DVD. Your quilting is gorgeous!

    January 11, 2016
  38. Jo N. said:

    Would love to win the DVD. Am enjoying the blog hop

    January 11, 2016
  39. Quiltsue said:

    Sounds like this DVD is just what I need as I am trying to learn FMQ at the moment.

    January 11, 2016
  40. Angela said:

    Great designs

    January 11, 2016
  41. Marianne said:

    Beautiful stitching on that placemat! Thanks!

    January 11, 2016
  42. Susan Stanton said:

    I can always use help with FMQ. It’s so nice to see what others do so that we can use their hints and suggestions to improve our technique. I’ll keep practicing, practicing, and practicing some more! Thanks for the variegated thread hint. I’ll have to try some.

    January 11, 2016
  43. Amazing stitches. I am overwhelmed by the different types of stitches that can be FMQd.

    January 11, 2016
  44. Jean Hope said:

    Thanks for the chance to win.

    January 11, 2016
  45. suz.C said:

    Thanks for the chance to win your DVD. It looks excellent.

    January 11, 2016
  46. Joanne Donovan said:

    It’s only Day 2 for me, but I’m still getting excited!! I love to free motion quilt all of my own quilts on my domestic machine. King size to boot!! Really hope I win the DVD, as I can always use more training!! Joanne in N. Charleston, SC

    January 11, 2016
  47. Donna W said:

    Your DVD looks fantastic and a must have!!

    January 11, 2016
  48. Teri said:

    Thank you again for the chance to win your DVDs and for sharing your amazing quilting.

    January 11, 2016
  49. Katherine Schaffer said:

    getting interested in machine quiltimg — this may be the last little oush I need to try it!

    January 11, 2016
  50. Barbara said:

    Thanks for the opportunity to win the dvd.

    January 11, 2016
  51. Cindy said:

    Love all the information I’m getting from your blog hop/giveaway. So much to take in.

    January 11, 2016
  52. Catherine Perrin said:

    Catherine beautiful chrysanthemums!
    Been a fan of Aurifil thread for many years, will have to give the Silver Moon a try .

    January 11, 2016
  53. Cindy said:

    Oh, and the quilting in that strips reminds me of sticky buns. Yum!

    January 11, 2016
  54. Robby said:

    I thought the meal time words were clever, and laughed out loud when Kim mentioned hobbit eating habits. At our house, that would be a certain feline’s eating habits, but even she could use a placemat to tidy up her spot.

    January 11, 2016
  55. Barbara Bailey said:

    I envy your talent and would very much like to win the DVD. Beautiful work!

    January 11, 2016
  56. Renata said:

    I am excited about your DVD. Love the texture of the pieces

    January 11, 2016
  57. Tamie said:

    I’m seeing more and more techniques that I would like to try.

    January 11, 2016
  58. Diane said:

    Thanks for the great giveaway. I like the way you have used a placemat to demonstrate. It looks like a good way to practice, and still end up with something useable.

    January 11, 2016
  59. churcae said:

    Thanks for the wonderful ideas!!! Looking forward to your visit to Auburn!!!

    January 11, 2016
  60. MarthaB said:

    I’m amazed at the different designs of FMQ you are sharing in your blog during this DVD tour.

    January 11, 2016
  61. Debbie W. said:

    I love the textures achieved with the free motion quilting. Thank you for the opportunity to win the DVD.

    January 11, 2016
  62. hydrangia said:

    Each day, I love the samples you highlight more than the day before. What wonderful eye candy! Thank you so much for the opportunity to win your DVD. I found you on Bonnie Hunter’s Blog. Betsy

    January 11, 2016
  63. Erica in Alaska said:

    Love how that chrysanthemum design flows into all the others. I’m going to try it on my next project.

    January 11, 2016
  64. infopubs said:

    I heard you speak in Houston at the machine quilting round table. Thanks for sharing your expertise!
    -Louise

    January 11, 2016
  65. Lyndalee said:

    I love your samples. I try to quilt up a sample to keep as reference. I like looking thru them for inspiration.

    January 11, 2016
  66. Gata said:

    Loving all the blogging! Entering the giveaway! Thank you.

    January 11, 2016
  67. Maryellen said:

    Great inspiration, and I adore Kim and Aurifil.

    January 11, 2016
  68. patty said:

    The mum, pebble, stipple combo is interesting.

    January 11, 2016
  69. Chris said:

    Love the mum 🙂 thanks for the inspiration!

    January 11, 2016
  70. MoeWest said:

    I like the chrysanthemum motif! I think it’s important to use good quality thread on a quilt. After all, the fabric isn’t cheap so the thread should be great too and Aurifil is lovely.

    January 11, 2016
  71. Judy said:

    Beautiful work!

    January 11, 2016
  72. Marlys said:

    Saw this at Bonnie Hunter’s blog, looks so great! Thanks for the opportunity.

    January 11, 2016
  73. Jennifer said:

    any help with machine quilting is a blessing in my book! Thanks for the chance!

    January 11, 2016
  74. Donna Koenig said:

    Love Aurifil thread. Use it all the time. Thanks for sharing your beautiful work!

    January 11, 2016
  75. quilterpt said:

    Your quilting is so wonderful. Thanks for sharing!

    January 11, 2016
  76. Candy said:

    I love your chrysanthemum quilting! Thanks again for sharing!

    January 11, 2016
  77. Kimberly said:

    I am really enjoying this blog hop. So much eye candy.

    January 11, 2016
  78. Michael B. said:

    I’m a beginner quilter and fascinated how you accomplish those beautiful patterns freemotion. I have yet to get the courage to ruin a quilt top and will work on my technique with samples and small projects like placemats and table toppers first.

    January 11, 2016
  79. Sandy A in St. Louis said:

    Thanks for sharing the thread colors you use. I wouldn’t have known the thread was variegated if you hadn’t said something!

    January 11, 2016
  80. Marcy said:

    Your work is really inspiring!

    January 11, 2016
  81. Annie Green said:

    What beautiful inspiration- I hope to improve my machine quilting skills this year!

    January 11, 2016
  82. Thanks for the opportunity to win such a fantastic prize!

    January 11, 2016
  83. duchick said:

    I am so very interested in this DVD and learning the details of FMQ! I have tried and tried and my work just doesn’t please me. I feel I could learn so much by watching an expert in person….the DVD is the next best thing!

    January 11, 2016
  84. Cecilia said:

    I’m enjoying all of your tips about FMQ and thread. I use Aurifil for piecing and quilting.

    January 11, 2016
  85. Frans said:

    Wow, I am so going to practice; RIGHT NOW! And this week I am going to buy some Aurifil thread.

    January 11, 2016
  86. Rochelle said:

    Your quilting is beautiful and I certainly could use all the hints you offer on the DVD. thank you for opportunity to win.

    January 11, 2016
  87. Jennifer said:

    Beautiful quilting! And your DVD looks wonderful.

    January 11, 2016
  88. Sandy F said:

    So excited about learning new machine quilting tricks!

    January 11, 2016
  89. Liz Dyer said:

    I love your quilting. I will definitely be buying your new DVD. This blog hop is fun and I am learning alot.

    January 11, 2016
  90. Kris Friederick said:

    Thanks for sharing the Aurifil thread colors, it helps to know what they look like off the spool. I like the pale flesh when I don’t want to call attention to my quilting.

    January 11, 2016
  91. Vicki h said:

    I’ve got to get practicing! I love your quilting.

    January 11, 2016
  92. Doris McCarty said:

    Thank you for the chance to win!
    Dmac5958ataoldotcom

    January 11, 2016
  93. Amy said:

    I love how the designs just flow beautifully into the next design.

    January 11, 2016
  94. Leslie H said:

    Such gorgeous samples! I would love to be a winner! 🙂

    January 11, 2016
  95. Karen said:

    Your snails remind me a little of a geode or maybe a rolled pastry like rugelach 🙂 Thanks so much for all the inspiration!

    January 11, 2016
  96. RachelReid said:

    Thanks for the opportunity to win!

    January 11, 2016
  97. Would love to win your DVD! I’m a beginner @ free mo—so my quilting and unfortunately my cooking may be a bit askew (or rustic?). Hence my suggestion for your new motif on blue stripe is squished cinnamon rolls or sushi rolls!

    January 11, 2016
  98. Sandi B said:

    Beautiful quilting!

    January 11, 2016
  99. Wendy Bain said:

    I’m enjoying seeing all these other blogs. I’d sure like to win your DVD!

    January 11, 2016
  100. Diane said:

    I just found your blog today and your DVD looks like something I can really use. So far, I’ve only used my walking foot for quilting. The one time I tried to FMQ on a real quilt, I spent almost a day ripping it all out. I’ll be jumping to the other blogs for some more tips and inspiration. Thanks!

    January 11, 2016
  101. Chris said:

    I am not ready for a variegated thread. I still use threads that blend in. I think I will need to get your DVD for more help. Your work is beautiful.

    January 12, 2016
  102. Susan said:

    I can see designs in my head but when I try to transfer them to my quilt I am totally all thumbs:)

    January 12, 2016
  103. Kezzamac said:

    I am just a couple of steps ahead of being a ‘beginning beginner’. The visual stimulation gained from videos, blogs, online classes is invaluable – I am excited by the prospect of your DVD to motivate me into even more intense practice. Thank you for all that I have gained from your site.

    January 12, 2016
  104. Mary said:

    You make it look so easy but it’s not. I need to practice, practice, and then go practice some more.

    January 12, 2016
  105. Marian said:

    I have so much to learn!

    January 12, 2016
  106. Cathie d said:

    I love Aurifil thread as well. I will look for the variegated grey next shopping trip. Thanks for the chance to win.

    January 12, 2016
  107. Debbie Wanzer said:

    I learn something new almost everyday! Practice makes perfect as they say and I need a LOT of it.

    January 12, 2016
  108. Glenda said:

    Thanks for the giveaway. This is what I need to get me out of my stupor of thought. Your work is beautiful.

    January 12, 2016
  109. Cathy said:

    I love your chrysanthemum stitch! Beautiful quilting! Thanks for the give away!

    January 12, 2016
  110. Sara Jane said:

    Learning to machine quilt my own projects is a goal I set for 2016. I can certainly use your help! Would love to be a winner!

    January 12, 2016
  111. I love blog hops! You get to see whats going on in the quilting world, find new people to follow, and I get to see 8 other reviews regarding the DVDs. Thanks for the giveaway!

    January 12, 2016
  112. Margo said:

    This is my first time visiting! Am I ever glad I did! Thanks so much for all the info! I am a newbie at free motion and far from being proficient. I mostly swear a lot and toss it to the side! Ha ha! I know that practice helps, so I am going to keep trying!

    January 12, 2016
  113. Jen Beatty said:

    Thanks for sharing great info & ideas w/us!

    January 12, 2016
  114. Bev Gunn said:

    Interesting textured pattern-enhanced by the varigated thread.

    January 12, 2016
  115. Claudia said:

    I am greatly impressed by the machine quilting in the top picture. It reminds me of my mother’s hand quilting. It is beautiful.

    January 12, 2016
  116. Sherry Moran said:

    I am so ready to learn how to machine quilt! I was given a Brother VQ 3000 for Christmas and quilting was the main reason. Hope I can win!

    January 12, 2016
  117. Priyanka said:

    The small bumps do look like tiny pebbles in a mini garden 🙂 would love to win the DVD 🙂

    January 12, 2016
  118. Lori Morton said:

    LOVE all the examples! This DVD is Amazing! Thanks for chance to win! 🙂

    January 12, 2016
  119. Carol said:

    I love the gray on gray variegated thread in the top picture​.

    January 12, 2016
  120. Norma couture said:

    I have been wanting to learn fmq. You dvd would be a blessing.

    January 12, 2016
  121. Becky Heath said:

    I love the extra texture the variegated thread gives. Great tip!

    January 12, 2016
  122. Pat Egan said:

    Hope I am one of the winners. Thank you

    January 12, 2016
  123. Your work is so beautiful! I wish I could learn just a little of what you teach!

    January 12, 2016
  124. Julie Robbins said:

    Aurofil is my favorite thread, I’ll definitely check out her blog!

    January 12, 2016
  125. Pam said:

    I am so happy I found your site. Your free motion flowers in your quilt are beautiful and you are so inspiring that I am going to do this. Thank you. Great tips.

    January 12, 2016
  126. Barbara G. said:

    Love the place mat and would like to win the DVD.

    January 12, 2016
  127. Pauline said:

    What great design ideas – I love trying out new quilting patterns on spare blocks

    January 13, 2016
  128. Karen Downing said:

    Love your ideas and photos of free arm quilting. Just getting started in all of this so I’m glad to study all I can. Thank You

    January 13, 2016
  129. Brit Schjelderup said:

    Your quilting looks very interesting, with lot’s of new inspiration. I would LOVE to win your DVD

    January 13, 2016
  130. Joanne B said:

    I’m inspired to try some new ideas, thank you!

    January 13, 2016
  131. Kara said:

    I always enjoy visiting with you on your blog and seeing your new creations! You’re such a natural teacher and gifted artist. Winning your DVD would be a treat, and meanwhile I am enjoying each project you share.

    January 13, 2016
  132. dljc1071 said:

    I’d LOVE to win a copy of the DVD – It looks great!!

    January 14, 2016
  133. I never realized how a chrysanthemum pattern can mimic pebbles, and yes, they’re definitely easier/quicker to do.

    January 14, 2016
  134. Catherine said:

    Your creativity is so inspiring! Great blog hop……….such talent.

    January 14, 2016
  135. Kathy Cummings said:

    Gorgeous ! Looks daunting ! Will try .
    Thank you.

    January 14, 2016
  136. Carol Sc said:

    I have enjoyed the exposure to the different stitches — I like the effect of the chrysanthemum stitch and the fact that it is faster than the pebble stitch.

    January 14, 2016
  137. Jean Keeter said:

    Beautiful stitches and quilting.. Hope to someday be as gifted as you. Thanks for chance to win DVD.

    January 14, 2016
  138. Maybe you could call the stitch in the blue strip, the snail, that’s what it reminds me of.

    January 15, 2016
  139. Jill B said:

    I’ve used pebbles a few times, and would love to learn this chrysanthemum design!

    January 15, 2016
  140. Jessica T said:

    I’m really enjoying reading your blog. I struggle with machine quilting so anything that can help me is greatly appreciated.

    January 15, 2016
  141. Jane said:

    I’d love to win or buy a copy of this DVD. I always have trouble moving to the next space to quilt and how to get there with only a few limited thread breaks.

    January 15, 2016
  142. Lynne said:

    I’m so glad I found your blog. Your quilting is beautiful.

    January 16, 2016
  143. Debbie P said:

    The chrysanthemums look so pretty but also seem complicated – I would like to try them though because they add so much interest to a piece!! Thanks!!

    January 16, 2016

Comments are closed.