Review: More Free Motion Quilting 1 2 3 by Lori Kennedy

Title: More Free Motion Quilting 1 2 3
Author: Lori Kennedy
Pages: 144
Genre: Nonfiction, Instructional, Quilting
Source: Free ARC from That Patchwork Place

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Note: As stated under the Source (above), I received this book for free from That Patchwork Place via Edelweiss. I pride myself on writing fair and honest reviews.

As a relatively new quilter – two finished and gifted quilts under my belt, at least six more in some state of the overall process – the most intimidating by far is the actual quilting, the stitch-work that acts as glue to the sandwiched layers of your quilt and adds definition to the finished piece. My first quilt, I stitched in the ditch with a walking foot, and made a few customizations in the corners, also using a walking foot. I was pretty proud of the finished product, but it made me eager to learn more. For my second quilt, I used my walking foot once again and did minimal quilting to enhance the piecing and fabric, and I loved the outcome. But, I really, reallywant to do some more in-depth free-motion quilting on my home machine (a Janome) and have been avoiding it out of fear. As a participant in a couple of Facebook quilting groups, I know I’m not the only newbie who is equal parts excited and terrified about free-motion quilting at home. This book is going to get me over that hump!

In More Free-Motion Machine Quilting 1-2-3,author and quilter Lori Kennedy breaks down the process to simple, basic steps that act as foundations for more complex work. Imagine learning free-motion quilting like you learned handwriting in elementary school. Break it into small steps, repeat those steps until you’ve gotten comfortable, then add the next step, and so on, until you find yourself writing in flawless cursive without giving it a second thought. Excellent, clear illustrations are provided with step by step instructions for each motif. And once you grow your confidence with the basics, the book is chock full of fancier motifs, organized by seasons, celebrations and more, all broken down into those baby steps with written and visual instructions.

While this book is not designed for a first-time quilter – there is some overview early on that covers the basics at a high level – it is a book for a beginning free-motion machine quilter. If you already know how to piece and sandwich and bind but want to do more than straight lines and stitch in the ditch, this book is a great place to start.

 

15 Replies to “Review: More Free Motion Quilting 1 2 3 by Lori Kennedy”

    • I find it really calming and centering. My anxious mind is too focused on the task at hand to act up, and it feels productive, which is a feeling I’ve missed since becoming a SAHM. I’d love to share pics! I’ll definitely do that when I get around to finishing one of my current projects. 🙂

    • Yes, I wouldn’t have thought I’d love quilting books (and magazines) so much, but I love learning new things and seeing other peoples’ work.

      The approach certainly makes it less intimidating. Most quilters I know piece their tops and then send their quilts out to a long-arm quilter for this kind of quilting, either because they don’t enjoy it or they are afraid to tackle it.

    • Nothing wrong with that! My first quilt was stitch in the ditch, other than an extra detail I put in the corner squares (some stylized W’s with a walking foot, it was a Wonder Woman quilt!). My second quilt, I did walking foot, straight line stitching, and I was (and still am) thrilled with it. I’ve since pieced several tops, and have one sandwiched and awaiting quilting. I’ll probably do something similar to my 2nd quilt. One of the biggest reasons I want to learn FMQ is because I want to keep it simple. It feels closer to tradition, and I just like the look when the quilting is minimal. 😀

      • Have you ever made a paper pieced quilt? The detailed design is amazing. My mom has taught piano my entire life and I made her a black & white paper pieced quilt for her studio. It has musical things in different squares including a grand piano. That was the best quilt I ever made. I can’t wait until I retire so I can get back to quilting!

        • Not yet. I have the supplies, but haven’t gotten to it just yet. Truthfully, I find it a little intimidating, but I WILL eventually do it. Some of them are real works of art!

          It IS a time consuming hobby, to be sure. Which is why I haven’t touched my sewing machine to do anything other than hem jammy pants since school started back up (for myself AND my kids). But I’m itching to get some time in soon.

          When was the last time you were able to quilt?

          • It’s probably been 5 years. I have a large sewing room full of fabric and all the accessories. My ideas run wild when I see all the material. I made large lap quilts for every holiday then went back to work so I had to stop.

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