Wednesday 12 October 2011

Footloose and Free Motioning.....

If you'd told me a week ago that taking off one shoe would cure my fear of FMQ'ing I'd have said you were nuts.    Now I have to tell you that getting naked (from the ankle down) is the most liberating thing I've done... ever!


My chubby little tootsies might not be the prettiest you ever saw but they are the most sensitive little help mates I could wish for.    They helped me do this....


and this.....

I can't believe I can stipple!!    It's not perfect but done is better than perfect... right!

And what about this......

It may be wonky but I can't tell you how good it makes me feel to finally be FREE MOTIONING!!!

Now.... I must give credit where credit is really due.....


I'd never have known that unfettering a foot could make such a difference if Philippa had kept that useful snippet of information to herself.  Her classes are fabulous.  She's a real font of information and inspiration and a really fun person to boot.   I know I've said it before but I'm going to say it again.... if she's teaching in your area (she pops up all over the world) sign up if you can.  You'll love her to bits.... we do!!

I've already signed up for a 5 day machine applique class next June..... guess I'm putting my money where my mouth is.    Heck... I'd better start putting some pennies in the kitty then...


Don't know why I painted such a big money box.... I'd have to rob a bank to fill it!! 

Thought you might like to see a photo of Loch Lomond....  it's near to where the FMQ class was held...


Sorry it's not a very good photo.  I was attempting to eat a large ice cream cone with one hand and take a picture with the other.... very messy and definitely not a recommended camera technique! 

Here's another.....

The paddle steamer is the Maid of the Loch..... you can take a trip on her if you ever visit the bonny... bonny banks of Loch Lomond.   I can feel a song coming on......

That's my cue to leave... before you do!!

Hugs
Josie 

12 comments:

LuAnn said...

I never go into my quilt room without shoes because I'm afraid of stepping on a pin....but after reading your post I'm going to get naked (feet) to try some machine quilting. Your feathers are just awesome. Love the money box, too. Maybe making it so large was wishful thinking!

Stitches said...

Can you explain..do you use the "naked" foot on your sewing machine pedal? Or do you just have a "naked" foot? I don't understand how a "naked " foot can help with FMQ but if it works for you, that's all that matters, I guess. hmmm, very interesting.

Lainee said...

I always FMQ without shoes...it depends on the season whether or not my feet get naked. Love your FMQing...I can't keep my stippling as consistantly spaced as yours, so I use stencils.

Anonymous said...

Well look at you, you rock, Girl! Beautiful quilting!

Sharon - Lilabelle Lane said...

I fully understand the naked foot! I never have shoes (well one on my right foot) when at the sewing maching and in the cooler months it's a sock that adorns my feet! I love your FMQ, there is no stopping you now :o)

Unknown said...

Thanks for the Tip..I must do that next time my FMQ could do with a lot of Improvement...
Your did a Great Job.
cheers

Lynda said...

Looks like you are having a wonderful time. I have yet to try FMQ for real....maybe a few straight lines or even wavey lines, but certainly no fance designs.

Raewyn said...

When I'm at home I'm always barefoot (I leave the gumboots at the door) but when I'm at class or a sewing day I always have shoes on --it makes such a difference; I should just be 'myself' and remove them! Your fmq is looking really great - obviously a worthwhile class to attend. And 5 days of appliqué coming up - awesome!

Wendy said...

Your FMQ looks amazing, obviously it was a great class to attend. I will have to try sewing bare footed althoug FMQ does scare me!! The loch is beautiful.

rosie said...

Just lovely Miss Josie, the FMQ, Loch Lomond... your toes!!!! LOL..
I am so envious of what you learnt.. I will have to try bare foot sewing when I next quilt..
Must be a cold thing to try in Scotland!!!!

siv hege said...

Very interesting!! I dread FMQ and zippers. The naked foot gives you a better feeling with the speed, is that it?? I think I from now on will name you "The naked (foot) quilter", ha ha

Q said...

Your FMQ is wonderful! I hardly ever wear shoes in the house, this means that I am almost always naked feet sewing, it doesn't help me at all LOL!

and one of our coins the 50c piece is quite large, so I would focus on putting the bigger ones in the kitty (because I'm like that... regardless of what it means for the value of the outcome *sniggers*)