Sunday, October 12, 2014

Free Motion Quilting Fun - A Tutorial and Giveaway!

Hi all -- Happy Sunday!  I'm excited to be guest posting a new Free Motion Quilting tutorial on the Bear Creek Quilting Company blog today!

When I saw this sweet panel "Undersea Adventures", by Linda Ludovico for the Northcott Stonehenge Kids Collection, I couldn't wait to stitch it.  

The panel provides ample background area and objects to practice free motion quilting.  You can find the panel on sale at the Bear Creek Quilting Company  
** Update: This panel is SOLD OUT but there are other great panels available ** 
Panels are an inexpensive way to improve your FMQ skills, the bonus being you're not practicing on a quilt that you spent months piecing.  If you make a few mistakes -- it's no big deal!

 In the tutorial I share a bit about choosing the right threads and quilting motifs, and I give you a few tips to stitch it all up on your domestic machine.  

I had fun digging through my #Aurifil Mako Cotton thread stash to try out the heavier weight threads (28Wt and 12Wt) to accent objects while relying on the trusty 50Wt thread for dense free motion quilting.   
I'm thinking it's time to increase my 12Wt and 28Wt Aurifil thread collection - I just love how they machine stitch! 

Here are a few images to highlight how the different weight threads look when quilted.
Around many of the objects I free motion quilted with Aurifil Mako Cotton 28 Wt thread -- It put the prettiest accent on the undersea creatures!

In the background I stitched some dense free motion quilting using Aurifil Mako Cotton 50Wt thread.  The 50 Wt thread is fine enough that backtracking goes unnoticed and pretty background motifs can be stitched with out thread buildup. 
 In this image the 50Wt thread in Color #2250 (Red) blends perfectly.
You can see that I used a 12Wt thread to put a bead of white down the outside border (with my walking foot) and the yellow/green coral was done in a 28Wt thread -- Love how the 28Wt looks when machine quilted. 
 Please hop on over to Bear Creek Quilting Company Blog to read all the details and peruse the full tutorial.

*** The Giveaway is Closed *** 

To celebrate the tutorial, Bear Creek Quilting Company is sponsoring a giveaway on this post for a $20 gift certificate from their shop!  Woot - Woot! 

 With $20 you can buy the panel and backing fabric to finish the piece -- OR -- you can buy some awesome spools of Aurifil thread!  Oh Yeah!  -- OR -- you can buy anything else you find on their great online shop.  
 
*** The Giveaway is Closed *** 

Chances to Win:

The giveaway is open to domestic and international participants.

Gain one chance to win by signing up for the Bear Creek Quilting Company Newsletter (old or new). Did you know that all folks that sign up for Shari's Newsletter are eligible for a monthly Bear Creek Quilting Company $25 Gift Certificate drawing?  
Click here to sign up and then come back and let me know you did!

Gain one chance if you "Like" Bear Creek Quilting Company on Facebook.  Click here to see and "Like" their page, leave a comment and be sure to come back and let me know you did.

Gain another chance when you click over to the Bear Creek Quilting Company blog and peruse the "Free Motion Quilting Fun" tutorial.  Leave a comment there letting Shari know what you like about the tutorial and then come on back here and let me know you did.

Gain one chance each for "Liking" Aurifil Threads or Northcott Fabrics on Facebook!!

As always, if you follow Redbird Quilt Co. on Facebook, Pinterest, Craftsy, Twitter, Instagram, or the blog - leave a comment letting me know all that you follow for another chance.

Also -- share, share, share and get the word out about the Tutorial and Giveaway !  Think about the great karma if one of your friends win!!   Leave me a comment if you shared.

The giveaway is open until 8:00 pm EST Sunday, October 19th  *** Giveaway Closed ***
 Thanks for stopping by all -- and please let me know if you have any questions about the tutorial
Enjoy!

Karen  

250 comments:

  1. Wow! That was quite a tutorial. I follow you, of course, and definitely signed up to follow Bear Creek. Thank you for all the info on thread usage. Being new, I appreciate learning all I can. I love the finished product. It never dawned on me to practice on a panel! How clever.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ok, first one! :) I signed up the newsletter of Bear Creek Quilting Company Newsletter.

    ReplyDelete
  3. And I like the Bear Creek Quilting Company on Facebook. :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. I've read this amazing tutorial. It is so great done! Thank you so much!!! :)
    Greetings, Rike

    ReplyDelete
  5. I "liked" Aurifil for a long time ago. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  6. And I take the last chance to win this amazing giveaway: I follow your site at Facebook.
    Thanks again for this chance!
    Greetings, Rike

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a great tutorial! I get the Bear Creek Newsletter! thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I left a comment on the Bear Creek blog!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I follow your blog also! thank you again!

    ReplyDelete
  10. What a great tutorial! I especially like the thread discussion. I recently got my hands on some Aurifil 28 and 40 wt thread - cannot wait to try it! I hesitated on the 12 as I wasn't sure it would work with machine quilting. . . Oh man, it looks amazing!! Now I need to go shopping again ;) haha

    Thank you for the giveaway and for sharing your amazing talents!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Excellent tutorial.....you covered every step and helped make the decision making process clear. I will look at panals differently now! As for Aurifil...it is the best and I may venture out to try the heavier weight. Thanks for a great tute.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Read through your tutorial and left a comment. Thanks for the great information!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I am signed up already for their newsletter and for following their blog!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I signed up for their newsletter and blog. Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I "Like" Bear Creek on Facebook! Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I like Aurifil on facebook! Thanks again!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Fantastic tutorial!! And your tips for different thread was most helpful too! I have a panel that I can actually experiment free-motion quilting!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I already like Aurifil on FB!! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I already like Northcott Fabrics on FB!

    ReplyDelete
  20. OK it looks like I get 8 chances for the giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I liked bear creek quilting onfacebook.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Oh my, the absolute best fm tut i have ever seen. Gotta get that panel and try it!

    ReplyDelete
  23. I liked auricular threads and norun cut on facebook.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I Redbird quilts on instagram and oin febook.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Thanks for pointing out this very thorough tutorial. I already receive the Bear Creek newsletter.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I follow your blog via email: wordygirl (at) earthink dot net

    ReplyDelete
  27. I left a comment on the tutorial, thanking her for the thoroughness and noting that I'd pinned it for future reference.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I've posted but don'the see them
    oh well!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I pinned the tutorial and shared it on Twitter.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Great tutorial. I follow Bear creek as well. I am an email follower. Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  31. I "Like" BCQ on facebook. Thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  32. I also Like Aurifil threads on FB. Thanks for the opportunity on the draw

    ReplyDelete
  33. I Like Bear Creek Quilting on FB!

    ReplyDelete
  34. I follow the blog and newsletter with the email haileybarb at gmail dot com.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Quilt an extensive tutorial! Great panel to work on as a practice piece. Can you explain the advantage of using wool and cotton batting layers?

    ReplyDelete
  36. I tweeted over at https://twitter.com/MtnQuiltworks/status/521300419226902530 as mtnquiltworks

    ReplyDelete
  37. I signed up for the blog on Bear Creek quilting

    ReplyDelete
  38. I liked aurafil threads on facebook

    ReplyDelete
  39. I liked Northcott fabrics on facebook too

    ReplyDelete
  40. I also follow your site on facebook and blog

    ReplyDelete
  41. the tutorial was great I plan to give it a try.... getting brave. thanks so much

    ReplyDelete
  42. I follow you on FB, Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Instagram and your blog. Yep! I think we're pretty well connected :)

    ReplyDelete
  43. Loved the tut especially SEEING the different thread weights in the quilting. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  44. I follow your blog. Thanks for a chance.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Thank you for the breakdown and rundown of the different threads. I've seen bloggers writing about this but I never quite followed. You've cleared the muddy waters!
    I follow you through GFC and Bloglovin'.
    Thank you for the chance.

    ReplyDelete
  46. I have signed up for the BCQ newsletter!

    ReplyDelete
  47. I receive Bear Creek Quilting's newsletter.

    ReplyDelete
  48. I "like" Bear Creek on Facebook.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Just to let you know----fantastic tutorial.

    ReplyDelete
  50. I follow your blog via email and "like" you on Facebook

    ReplyDelete
  51. I get the Bear Creeek Quilting newsletter. Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  52. I like Bear Creek quilting on Facebook.

    ReplyDelete
  53. I read the tutorial! I appreciate the comments on different thred weights. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  54. I like Aurifil threads on Facebook

    ReplyDelete
  55. I follow your wonderful blog via Facebook and Bloglovin. Thanks for all the inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
  56. I get the Bear Creek Newsletter! thank you! crystalbluern at onlineok dot com

    ReplyDelete
  57. I "Like" Bear Creek Quilting Company on Facebook. crystalbluern at onlineok dot com

    ReplyDelete
  58. The tutorial was great. I love the different weight threads she used to quilt the panel quilt. crystalbluern at onlineok dot com

    ReplyDelete
  59. I "Like" Aurifil Threads on Facebook! crystalbluern at onlineok dot com

    ReplyDelete
  60. I'm a subscriber to Bear Creek Quilting Company Newsletter.

    ReplyDelete
  61. I "Like" Northcott Fabrics on Facebook! crystalbluern at onlineok dot com

    ReplyDelete
  62. I follow Bear Creek on facebook!

    ReplyDelete
  63. I follow Redbird Quilt Co. on Facebook, Pinterest, Craftsy, Twitter. I can't get instagram. crystalbluern at onlineok dot com

    ReplyDelete
  64. I left a comment on Bear Creek's blog.

    ReplyDelete
  65. I follow Aurifil and Northcott on facebook.

    ReplyDelete
  66. I follow you on facebook, craftsy, pinterest, instagram, and your blog!!

    ReplyDelete
  67. I shared on Facebook too. crystalbluern at onlineok dot com

    ReplyDelete
  68. I've signed up for the Bear Creek Quilting Company Newsletter.

    ReplyDelete
  69. I "Like" Bear Creek on FB and left a comment.

    ReplyDelete
  70. I checked out the tute at Bear Creek on FMQing

    ReplyDelete
  71. I liked both Aurifil and Northcott Fabrics

    ReplyDelete
  72. I follow R4edbird Quilt Co on all but Twitter.

    ReplyDelete
  73. I already get the Bear Creek Quilting Company Newsletter.

    ReplyDelete
  74. I already like Bear Creek Quilting Company on Facebook.

    ReplyDelete
  75. The tutorial is awesome. I left a comment.

    ReplyDelete
  76. I follow you on FB and your blog with GFC.

    ReplyDelete
  77. I signed up for the bear creek newsletter

    ReplyDelete
  78. I already get Bear Creek's Newsletter...and am a verrry Happy Customer there too! :)

    ReplyDelete
  79. I went over, left a comment for her...do loooove this Tutorial! :) Goin to be a verrrry helpful info Tutorial for me too...

    ReplyDelete
  80. So cute! Now I want all sorts of panels to work on. I signed up for Bear Creek newsletter.

    ReplyDelete
  81. And signed up for the blog. :) Already liked aurifil (great thread!!)

    ReplyDelete
  82. I am already a Follower of You, thru your Blog, Pinterest & Craftsy. ( I don't do FB, Twitter etc etc stuff tho)

    ReplyDelete
  83. Shared on Pinterest too!
    http://www.pinterest.com/pin/423619908674089123/

    ReplyDelete
  84. Very nice FMQ tut with the panel. I've resigned up for the newsletter and blog, and liked all the links on FB

    ReplyDelete
  85. What a great tutorial! So glad Bear Creek led me to you :) I left a comment letting Shari know that I appreciated her teaming up with you.

    ReplyDelete
  86. I receive Bear Creek's newsletter, which led me to you today, yay!

    ReplyDelete
  87. I like Aurifil and Northcott Fabrics on fb.

    ReplyDelete
  88. I now follow your blog on Bloglovin'

    ReplyDelete
  89. New to your site, just love the tutorial on fmq on panels. I need to go shopping! Would love to win a gift certificate to help with that :)

    ReplyDelete
  90. Signed up for your blog. Love the tutorial.

    ReplyDelete
  91. signed up for the Bear Creek Quilting Company Newsletter
    cooladam1 at live dot com

    ReplyDelete
  92. Likeed Bear Creek Quilting Company on Facebook.

    ReplyDelete
  93. I left a comment on the tutorial at Bear Creek Quilting Company blog

    ReplyDelete
  94. Liked Aurifil Threads and Northcott Fabrics on Facebook

    ReplyDelete
  95. I follow Redbird Quilt Co. on Facebook, Pinterest, Craftsy, Twitter, Instagram, and blog

    ReplyDelete
  96. I subscribed to Bear Creek Quilting newsletter and blog. kthurn@bektel.com

    ReplyDelete
  97. I liked Bear Creek Quilting Company on Facebook. kthurn@bektel.com

    ReplyDelete
  98. I read the tutorial on Free Motion Quilting and left a comment. The tutorial was very well done and I can't wait to try out some of the techniques. I also think I want to get some of the Aurifil thread in different weights. kthurn@bektel.com

    ReplyDelete
  99. I liked Aurifil on Facebook. kthurn@bektel.com

    ReplyDelete
  100. I also liked Northcott Fabrics on Facebook. kthurn@bektel.com

    ReplyDelete
  101. I emailed my daughter your website and giveaway info. kthurn@bektel.com

    ReplyDelete
  102. I followed Redbird Quilt Co. on Facebook. kthurn@bektel.com

    ReplyDelete
  103. I already receive Bear Creek Quilting's Newsletter.

    usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  104. RECEIVING 'BCQC NEWSLETTER' !

    msstitcher1214@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  105. I follow Bear Creek Quilting on FB.

    Thanks for a chance to win.

    usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  106. LIKE "BCQC" ON FB !
    ( jldouglas@wispwest.net )

    msstitcher1214@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  107. I follow Aurifil on FB.

    usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  108. HI, REALLY LIKED THE THREAD DISCUSSION SHARI GAVE IN THE TUTORIAL! THANKS FOR SHARING!

    msstitcher1214@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  109. I follow Northcott Fabrics on FB.

    Thanks for a chance to win.

    usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  110. 'LIKE' Auril on FB !
    ( jldouglas@wispwest.net)


    msstitcher1214@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  111. 'LIKE' Redbird Quilt Co. on FB !
    ( jldouglas@wispwest.net)

    msstitcher1214@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  112. I follow Redbird Quilt Co. on FB and IG.

    usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  113. I did go visit your tutorial over on Shari's blog and I left some comment luv. Here's what I said:
    WoW! What an A-maze-ing tutorial Karen!! So much information, tips, tricks and positivity! Love, love all the photos and notes. For me and many others, being a visual learner, this tutorial is awesome! Can't wait to get a panel and give FMQ a go. Thanks Shari for hosting Karen and Thanks again Karen for a super tutorial!

    Great giveaway and thanks for a chance to win.

    usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  114. Thanks so much for the tutorial--I use 50 wt Aurifil for a lot of my Quilting, but have never thought to use other weights.

    ReplyDelete
  115. I left a comment on the bear creek blog- what a fantastic tutorial!

    ReplyDelete
  116. following your blog..thanks for the giveaway.

    ReplyDelete
  117. I looked at your tutorial on Bear Creek. It was wonderful. I certainly loved the finished panel. Your quilting brought it alive! I hadn't thought of using panels to practice. I am new to Free Motion quilting and appreciate your help.

    ReplyDelete
  118. Already subscribe to Bear Creek Quilting newsletter and recently ordered the Moda "Native Sun" FQ Bundle from them.
    Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
    bluestarof2@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  119. Love Aurifil Threads, its so smooth and runs thru my machine like melted butter, and I'm only using Aurifil henceforth! And I liked on FB.
    bluestarof2@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  120. Like Redbird QUilts on FB and left a nice comment.

    ReplyDelete
  121. I shared by email w/all my quilt buddies..to include my "Longarm" lady:)
    bluestarof2@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  122. I love their newsletter! They always share something interesting.

    ReplyDelete
  123. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  124. Just signed up for your blog. Looking forward to following you!

    ReplyDelete
  125. You had some great FMQ tips and I left a comment on their blog.

    ReplyDelete
  126. I am sooo interested in learning FMQ and your tutorial is great! I signed up for the newsletter. If I win, I want to get my hands on some Aurifil thread.

    ReplyDelete
  127. I already receive the Bear Creek Quilting newsletter.

    ReplyDelete
  128. I already like Aurifil Threads on Facebook.

    ReplyDelete
  129. I left a message with Bear Creek about this phenomenal tutorial - basting to binding.

    ReplyDelete
  130. I follow your blog via Facebook.

    ReplyDelete
  131. I already get the Bear Creek Quilting Company Newsletter. I am going to be practicing free motion quilting on some panels that I have in my stash. Thanks for the giveaway and for the inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  132. I read through the tutorial. I really like how you explained using the different thread weights.

    ReplyDelete
  133. I like Bear Creek Quilting on FB as Kathy Newsom Davis.
    Kathy Davis
    kdavis1@centurytel.net

    ReplyDelete
  134. I like the Bear Creek Quilting Company on Facebook.

    ReplyDelete
  135. Great Tutorial and yes I follow you. You need Rafflecopter for these complicated entries.

    ReplyDelete
  136. I signed up for the Bear Creek Quilting Company Newsletter
    ap_lemos at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  137. I "Liked" Bear Creek Quilting Company on Facebook (Paula Lemos)
    ap_lemos at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  138. I "Liked" both Aurifil Threads and Northcott Fabrics on Facebook (Paula Lemos)
    ap_lemos at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  139. I follow Redbird Quilt Co. on Twitter, Facebook and Bloglovin'
    ap_lemos at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  140. I receive their newsletter and that's how I learned about your tut! Great idea to practice on panel. Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  141. that is it the best tutorial I have seen and I already get the newsletter to Bear Creek Quilting.

    ReplyDelete
  142. AWESOME tutorial Karen---thank you! I subscribed to Bear Creek FB, blog and newsletter! :)

    ReplyDelete
  143. Wow - very neat tutorial!! I signed up for Bear Creek and FB - great blog!!!
    mumbird3atgmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  144. I'm subscribed to their newsletter.

    ReplyDelete
  145. I left a comment on Bear Creek Quilting blog about the tutorial.

    ReplyDelete
  146. Hi Karen! I was happily surprised to see a tutorial by you when I clicked on the newsletter from Bear Creak this morning! Of course, I read it and I must say you must have worked quite hard on that lengthy tutorial. I left a message on their blog saying how I like your detailed instructions.

    ReplyDelete
  147. I am Quilting Companyfan on Facebook.

    ReplyDelete
  148. I follow Redbird on pinterest. sarah@forrussia.org

    ReplyDelete
  149. I already get the Bear Creek newsletter. sarah@forrussia.org

    ReplyDelete
  150. the Bear Creek Quilting Company blog and peruse the "Free Motion Quilting Fun" tutorial. completed

    ReplyDelete
  151. I didnt know about all the different wt I always just bought 80 wt for quilting and I need to order some yellow..

    ReplyDelete
  152. I already receive Bear Creek's newsletter.

    tushay3(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  153. I commented on Bear Creek website about the tutorial and how great of an idea to practice FMQ on a panel.

    tushay3(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  154. I enjoyed reading your tutorial on free motion quilting on the beautiful panel. Excellent info on the thread you used.
    I signed up for the blog and newsletter.
    Thanks.
    Fairlee in San Antonio

    ReplyDelete
  155. Hi there,
    I really enjoyed your FMQ tutorial!
    I get the Bear Creek newsletter!
    Thanks so much for the giveaway,
    Jacqueline in Pitt Meadows
    snausages22@yahoo.ca

    ReplyDelete
  156. So wonderful. I signed up for their newsletter.

    ReplyDelete
  157. follow Northcott Fabrics on FB

    ReplyDelete
  158. follow Red Bird Quilt Co on FB

    ReplyDelete
  159. I signed up for the Bear Creek Quilting Company Newsletter

    ReplyDelete
  160. I follow Red bird Quilt on FB.
    Thanks,
    Peggy
    peggy_verdongibbs@att.net

    ReplyDelete
  161. I follow Aurifil on FB.
    Thanks,
    Peggy
    peggy_verdongibbs@att.net

    ReplyDelete
  162. I have liked Bear Creek Quilting on FB.
    Thanks,
    Peggy
    peggy_verdongibbs@att.net

    ReplyDelete