Yeah for awesome quilting books and a BIG thanks to Christina of A Few Scraps for adding one to my collection! Christina’s book, First Step to Free-Motion Quilting is a new approach to the subject.
Of course Christina covers the basics of FMQing, but she wraps the concepts up into small project ideas. I don’t know about you, but this would have made my first halting steps in FMQing a lot less intimidating.
I tell students all the time that practice is the best teacher, but I think I’ll adopt Christina’s approach to the idea of playing on small projects as another little nudge.
Several of the 24 projects in the book are on my list to try, but a few really made it to the top for Christmas gifts, like this fish bowl purse!
And these low rider bowls.
My favorite part of her book, though, is the personality behind it. Many books feel stiff and prescribed, so it’s refreshing when you pick one up and know you’d like to spend more time learning from that individual (it’s good news she also teaches FMQ in Portland).
Christina sparks creativity well beyond the book’s projects, and isn’t that what a really good book should do? She got me asking what other small projects I could apply FMQing practice to, like the backs of oven mitts for an upcoming holiday gift class.
I was able to recycle a quilted panel that was originally intended for a long pillow. I had combined FMQing with straight line quilting and didn’t care for my original plan, so I applied it to her bucket idea for practice in construction. I was pleased to have an item I was no longer excited about turn into something fun and functional!
I couldn’t stop, so I made three for an additonal FMQing class at Drygoods. Thanks so much Christina for the help!
When I teach FMQ I bring a few books for students to browse though for inspiration and First Steps to Free-Motion Quilting is honestly the book I’ve been looking for to add to that pile. Because let’s face it, fearless is a great way to look at it. It’s only quilting after all.
Follow along on the FSTFMQ Tour:
9/25 – Allison Rosen: Stash Books Blog
9/26 – Jessica Alexandrakis: Life Under Quilts
9/27 – Monica Solorio-Snow: Happy Zombie
9/28 – Susan Beal: West Coast Crafty
9/29 – Kathy Mack: Pink Chalk Studio
9/30 – Angela Walters: Quilting is my Therapy
10/1 – Amanda Jean Nyberg: Crazy Mom Quilts
10/2 – Megan Dye: Megs Monkey Beans
10/3 – Victoria Findlay Wolfe: Victoria Findlay Wolfe Quilts
10/4 – Katie Pedersen: Sew Katie Did
10/5 – Christina Cameli: A Few Scraps
Win a copy of First Steps to Free-Motion Quilting! Leave a comment by Tuesday, October 8th by noon-ish PST and one lucky winner will be drawn via random.org. A United States winner can choose either an eBook or a hard copy, and an international winner can win an eBook.
Opposing Triangles Remake (photo by Sue Tamcsin)
New to my blog? Check out my quilts here and my classes here.
This looks like a really great book. Thanks for the chance to win it!
I would love to learn FMQ! And I guess that it is just practice that will do. I am also definitely intimidated by it though…
Would love to have this book. Great idea to make small projects from our FMQ attempts.
I so need this book. I haven’t mastered Fmq at all. I need to start small. Love the goldfish bowl purse!
I’m going to buy this book, but it would be nice to win it instead!
I am very excited about this book and would love to use it for practice! The class I took recommend no books or patterns past the four shown and said to practice. So far from where I want to be using FMQ! Hope to win a book for help! Thanks to you and Stash Books
To be honest, I’d never heard of fmq but it sounds fab & I’d love to try it. Think I would use it to trim up my dressmaking projects as I’ve never made a quilt (yet!!).
Sound like a very inspiring read 🙂 would love to explore it
The more I see of htis book, the more I want it, even if it is as an e-book. I love the quotation you highlighted, and those projects look so much more fun that scraps and practicing!
Thanks for the review. Great ideas to practice FMQ on your own and get beyond the meanders and loops!
This looks like a great resource book. I’ve long applied the done is better than perfect theory to making and remodeling! Thanks for hosting the giveaway.
I didn’t know about the fishbowl purse – that’s adorable! And yeah, the highlighted bits are gold. The more previews I see, the more I want this book!
Ooh. Sounds like a great book! I’ve seen it around on other blogs and it looks so good! Would love to win a copy!
That looks like a really useful book! I am trying to learn FMQ but I still find it quite daunting.
I m new in patchwork and i m so glad meeting you and all your beautiful quilts
by your blog- unfortunatly i can t follow your courses cos i live in France . But i purchase your book- quilting modern- i am keenly waiting for it.i am fan of your work.
i love freemotion quilting but i am terrifyed to try -i never do-i think i could try to practice on this fun little projects of this book.
thanks for your postsAll my nice and best whishes for you and your family
i need to do small projects in between my quilts! the book has a lot of great ideas! i’d love to win a copy!
Really like the concept of this book. The projects seem like a painless way to gain skill and put in FMQ practice instead of wrestling with a large quilt or worse, not completing a large project because of the frustration with your lack of skill.
I would absolutely love to have this book. I have been practicing FMQing for years. I still don’t feel confident, but have recently bit the bullet & quilted a quilt using the stipple stitch. This is a great idea to practice on little projects.
Wow, this looks like a great book. I would love it. Thanks,
I’ve not been brave enough to FMQ. Would love to have a great reference.
That is one awesomely simple, fun and do-able approach to beginner (?) fmq. Love it and how you took it “to the pavement” with your personal projects. Definitely must add this one to my library, also!!! Win it or buy it……either way, it will be coming to this home!!! Hugs…….
This book sure looks like fun and one which I’d love to have on my shelf. Thanks for the chance to win.
Looks like some fun projects, I would love to own this book, thanks
I know this book would be a big help to me. So many fresh ideas. Thank you for the opportunity to win.
Love it : “Done is better than perfect”. I need this book! ツn
I have always been timid to FMQ
I will have to take a serious look at this book
Would love to have this book, looks refreshing!!
Thanks
Dee dw7645@charter.net
This sounds like just the book I need! One goal for this next year is to learn free motion quilting. Actually, I just want to learn to machine quilt for starters, and this book sounds like a great help! Thanks for the giveaway!
I love your blog and would love to win this book! Thank you!
I am just starting to try free motion quilting, so this book would be awesome! Thanks for the chance to win it!
I am so excited about this book! I’m moving to a tiny little town this weekend from a big city and now won’t be able to take my quilts to the quilter down the street. I’ve decided to learn to FMQ myself so this book is coming out at the perfect time. Thanks for the chance to win!
All the great reviews have moved this book to the top of my wish list. Thanks for the chance to win!
This book looks so interesting. I’m always looking for technique books that will allow me to add to my skill set and this book would be a great addition to my quilting library!
I am always looking for more hints and ideas for FMQ’ing. This appears to be a super great resource!
I love the idea of little projects and they are adorable!! Much easier to move the fabric with confidence. Even if I don’t win the drawing I will be purchasing the book. Thanks for sharing!
I am wanting to learn fmq…looks like this book could be a great help!
I would love to win this book. I am working on putting some orphan blocks and abandoned projects into lap quilts for Margaret’s Hope Chest, and this book would help allot—I could graduate from straight line quilting done with my walking foot and painter’s tape.
Thanks for sharing the information about this book. I have been FMQ for years but this is the boost I need. I know if I don’t win a book, I am going to buy this book.
Katie I’m hooked. Thanks your book Modern Quilting I was able to finish up my last quilt all by myself. Looking forward to our upcoming Reunion Sew with you.
I think Christina has hit on a brilliant idea – quilt small projects first. But what small projects?
I would love a copy of this book! I would really like to be able to do more than stitch in the ditch but FMQ has always been so intimidating.
This looks fabulous! I could use this : )
This is the book for me! I am ready to try FMQ (I think!) and what a wonderful resource this would be! “No one will notice anyway” and “Everything looks better after you wash it” just might become my new mottos!!
Thanks for a chance to be fearless at FMQ!
Sounds like thIs book is a great approach to FMQ. I have always made a 12″ square to practice on, but resented the waste of the fabric and time. This is a real “well, duh” moment for me. Now I can practice and not feel like I am wasting fabric and time, yea!
Beautiful review and post. I want that fishbowl purse!
I need all the help I can get with my free motion quilting! I love it but think I need a lot more practise and you can never have too much information 🙂 Thanks for the chance.
What a great book ! I have not been successful with free motion quilting
….maybe this bool is just what I need ? Great review & thanks for the
chance to win a copy !
I love all the peeks into this book. It looks like a great addition to my library.
These “teasers” just keep getting better and better. This book is going to be a joy to own!
Love the buckets. Looks like lots of good ideas… Inspired.s
I’m very excited about this book! I’d love to learn how to do FMQ and I think this would be such a good resource!
I need all the help I can get with FMQ. I practice on small pieces but when I start with my project I can’t seem to do any thing but squiggles. Thanks for hosting the giveaway.
Definitely practicing on buckets!
Thanks for the sneak peek. I can always use more help in the FMQ arena.
The book looks great and I’d love a copy. I’m also curious where you get your long pillows you mention – and that I’ve seen in other photos of your home…
Hi Debbie. I buy my pillow forms from Garnet Hill.
This book looks like the one that could help me with my FMQ fear.
I adore the Fish Bowl Purse. It is so adorable. And I know that Christina is such a great instructor.
I’ve trying to start FMQing for two years now, but it’s just too intimidating. So, yes, I would love this book! thanks for the chance.
This looks like such a great book. Would love to add this to my library.
I would love to win this book. I love that goldfish bag!
This book looks wonderful, I’m trying to work on my FMQ and good books always help. Thanks for a chance to win this book
Looks like a really great book and I love the tip on finishing is better than perfection! Also, those little inconsistencies….well, no one seems to notice but I keep pointing them out! aughhhhhhhhh
Thanks so for a chance to win this Book! I’m trying to learn FM quilting and have been practicing and ready to try it out!
I LOVE the goldfish purse!
Great insights on this new book. Looks like an excellent resource.
SewCalGal
http://www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com
Christina is right, you do have great hair! 🙂 What cute projects in this book! Hope to win a copy!
Thanks for the giveaway. I am in a phase where I’m finally trying to make a dent in backed up tops and I’m on twin top number 2 in a few weeks with FMQ on my machine. It’s both exhausting and exciting.
I bought my Juki specifically so I could do free motion quilting. Yet, I am rather intimidated with the prospect, so all I have really done yet is some straight line quilting. This book looks like a great help!
I took a free-motion quilting class in the summer and I’m still a little intimidated. Thanks for the chance to win.
Thanks for the giveaway. Maybe this book could help nudge me to finish the 12 tops sitting in the closet!
I love the FMQ on the baskets. That’s so cool! I’d love to win this book.
I love your creative upcycling of an existing abandoned project.
Love the bucket idea from the book!
Love the baskets you’ve made!!!
I would SOOOOO love to win this book, pretty please? 🙂
Just starting to get into FMQ, so this book should help.
This book looks totally awesome. What a great source of inspiration. Thanks!
I have never done FMQing before, and thought I would try it on some hot pads. I also love these small project ideas! Thanks for sharing them! ~ Vickie
love it! i’m terrified of FMQ so this would be perfect
This book looks great. Would love to add it to my collection.
the final frontier in my quilting journey…my own quilting vs. quilting by cash. would love to win this book.
I love the bowls and the way you re-purposed a project into something else!
thank-you for offering this book. have ordered liberty of london fabric and picked out a patterns from your quilting book….now to learn piecing quilts and then to learn free motion quilting…its going to be an adventure!
So wanting to give away the fear and dive right in.
The goldfish bowl purse is my favorite! I love the quilted water. Thanks for the chance to win!
I know, whether I win one on this blog hop, or not, that I am going to need one of these! The perfect introduction to FMQ!
I’m glad to hear such a great endorsement for a book for beginners – it’s very reassuring to me!
I’m still working on my FMQ skills. Thanks.
I totally need this book. I love the comment from the book that says everything looks better after it’s washed. So true! Thanks for the chance to win 🙂
Oh please please please pick me. It seems like this would be anotg er useful tool for my arsenal if quilting ideas.
That fish bowl purse is awesome!!!
Some small projects with some direction seems like a really nice way to learn to FMQ, which I need to learn. Thanks for the chance!
I’d love a copy of this book, thanks for the chance to win.
Fmq–wanna, wanna, wanna . . . . .
This book sounds so great, I’d love to win a copy. Thanks for the inspiration and the chance to win.
I can understand the appeal of turning practice pieces into small bowls / bags.
Such cute projects! I’m trying to practice more to learn FMQ……..looks like this book is the one to have! Thanks for the chance to win it!
Happy Sewing
Keeping my fingers crossed on this one as this book looks great. Thanks so much for the giveaway!
Thanks for the giveaway. I’d love to win this book.
I’d love to have this book. Right now I mostly do meandering FMQ. I’m sure this book would help me try something new.
This looks like exactly what I need right now- small projects to practice on. Everything I want to do is so big, it’s difficult to make myself slow down and practice.
This looks like what I need to get myself going! Thanks for the chance to win.
Would so love to win this book!
Would love to win, thanks
Love the fishbowl purse. too cute.
These ideas would really add a little zip to my quilting!
This book looks like it would be great to help me be more creative and spontaneous in my FMQ projects.
Smaller projects take that overwhelming feeling out of fmq–and give us quilters a chance to practice and be successful with a finished project at the same time. Thanks for the chance to win this interesting book.
I’m intrigued by this book. Thanks for the chance to win it!
Oh those look like fun projects. Looks like a great book to add to anyone’s library. Thanks for sharing!
Need need need to start practicing………………
I’m a newbie sewist. I’d love this book to learn to be fearless!
I have been making quilts for years but have never actually “quilted” any of them. I have no idea how to do it and sending them off to have them done is a real expense. I think it would be wonderful to learn how!
I would love to be in with a chance of winning this book – small projects are a great way to get going on FMQ 🙂
i just starting back into quilting after only knowing how to hand quilt with my Mom as a child. I have her old singer machine now (you know that famous black cast iron model) that sews beautiful straight stitches. This book would be great to learn how to be creative on a machine that is so primitive
I’ve seen her book on her blog! Would really love to try FMQ as I’m new to quilting. Thank you for the giveaway! 🙂
Love your blog, has added you to my favourites… I’d love to win the book!
I have been making fabric buckets for charity and would love to make some different types!
Great post —- thanks for the inspiration
I would love to try free motion quilting but I hadn’t found the “right” introductory book. This sounds like it is what I have been looking for.
would love to give FMQ a go, and this book looks like the perfect place to start.
Sounds like this just might be the book to get me start FMQ. I would love to win this book!
I would so love to win this book!! I need this kind of encouragement to break into fmq-ing! Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Thanks for sharing all these wonderful projects. It helps to see what is in a book and your review of it is great. I would love to own this book as I am teaching myself to fmq
A good book for learning and inspiration! Thank you for the chance to win it!
Would love to have the book – my one try at FMQ was a disaster!
this is a great book, thanks for sharing. I like her tips about inconsistencies, so true. your round baskets are super cute!
As a new FMQ, I’d love to have this book!!
Would love to have this book! I am so intimidated by FMQ! But at the same time want to learn how so badly!!!
Love the look of this book , and small projects.
I think it is a must have for someone like me who has only attempted straight line quilting. I hope I win this book. Thank you for the privilege of reading your blog.
thanks for the giveaway – I want to try FMQ on small things!
Thanks for the great giveaway!
Love the baskets. Thanks for the giveaway!
small projects to practise on that are actually beautiful- perfect! Thank you for a chance to win this book! xBettina
Wow! You just inspired me to use one of the panels that I can’t recall why I purchased it in the first place to practice on. I might even make a baby quilt out of it. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of the book.
This book looks so awesome. What a great source of inspiration. Thanks!
Really interested in this book – would love to see it in person! I love all the projects – so it’s not a “waste” of fabric – not that I don’t have enough, but…
This book is what I need to overcome the fear of FMQ. Christina is a great quilting therapist, for sure!
I’m so glad you put up the “things that keep me calm quote”. That’s exactly what I needed to hear!
Would love to win a copy of your book. Thanks for the chance to win!
I’m dying to get my hands on this! Thanks so much for the chance.
Wow, I could REALLY use that book!
I hope that this book will be just what I need to finally get me to take the walking foot off my Bernina and use that free motion foot!
I love what I’ve seen of this book. Pick me! (:
I haven’t tried free motion quilting yet. I’d love to get my hands on this!
Love those quilted buckets! My first attempt at FMQ was not successful so I hope this book would help.
This book looks so awesome! I’d love to have an e-copy of it! the projects look really fun, not boring at all for doing the practice….
Looks like a fun book, I’d live to be less intimidated by FMQ!
This looks a great book!!
I love the goldfish bowl!
I need this book! I have a new free motion quilting foot for my machine and have only tried it once…..help! Thanks for the give away!
This would be a great start for FMQ beginners..
Great way to learn to do quilt designs. Thanks to the author and thanks to you for giving opportunities to learn.
Love the projects you made from this Katie! Christina’s class at the meetup was great, I definitely need to check out her book.
I was wondering how to begin learning FMQ’ing. This book sounds perfect!
I’ve been wondering how to begin learning FMQ’ing. This book sounds perfect!
Looks like a wonderful book. Thanks for the chance to win!
wigglypup2(at)yahoo.com
Just working up the courage to venture into fmq. Right now it’s wavy lines with the walking foot. I like the idea of the small fmq projects,,,,alot.
Love your photos of your techniques from this book – would love it
Something to add to my book collection! FMQ has always been scary. I have got to get this one!
I would love to use this book for inspiration and guidance.
That definitely sounds like a book I’d like to take a gander at!
I’d love to win this book, as learning FMQ is my next step as a quilter, but even if I don’t win, at least I’ve discovered a lot of cool quilt blogs to follow during this blog hop 🙂
I can’t wait to get a good look at this book.
I’m always looking for fresh ideas on FMQ. Thanks for the giveaway!
I love the idea of practicing on small projects! And done is better than perfect, excellent outlook.
This is the best idea for a FMQ book I have seen in a long time. Way to go Christina and thanks for showing it to us Katie!
Thanks for sharing. I am always trying to improve my FMQuilting and looking for new simple designs.
I love those wise words of wisdom: “Everything looks better after you wash it.”
This is a book I would love! I am adoring that fish bowl purse!
I would love to learn how to FMQ, thanks for the chance to win!
The fish bowl purse is too cute. Thanks for the giveaway!
This book looks like it will be a great addition to my library. I think it will make me brave enough to try fmq on a big project even…. although the small projects are very appealing!
This book really looks awesome, I would really like to win it!!
I had just decided I might have to buy this book when I saw the give away is still open. Okay, I’ll probably still have to buy it but at least I’m trying. lol
Sounds like a super book — thanks for the giveaway!
I think this book could help overcome my fear. Looks like a lot of fun. My only fear now is not having the book to have the fun!
I have never tried FMQ before, but the projects in this book look very do-able. I’d love to win a copy (e-book) and try it myself.
Perfect timing! I’m taking an intro to fmq at my local shop on Tuesday! I would love this book! 🙂
This book would not only be helpful in teaching me free motion quilting but also encourage me to do so. Thanks for the giveaway.
Love the idea of making things with your practice work. Book looks fantastic
Free Motion Quilting would be a step up for me…nothing but straight lines so far. Thanks for drawing.
I’ve got to get my hands on this book, even if I don’t win it. Thanks for the chance!
Since buying the book is not in the budget right now, winning it would be sublime!
This book sounds like what I need to break out of my stitch in the ditch rut.
This looks like a great book. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
What an inspiring post… love to hear that it’s only a quilt, it makes giving it a go a less daunting prospect! Thank you.
Also thank you for letting me comment using the FB details – have often felt frustrated that I couldn’t comment as I don’t blog! Double Hurrah today!
I’m kind of in a rut and would love to win this! Looks great!
I have done “stitch in the ditch” quilting on my sewing machine.
I am ready to move on to Free Motion Quilting. I would love to have this book as my guide. I am excited about learning from it
I looked through that book the other day at a friends house, it is a wonderful guide to machine quilting on a regular machine. I plan on getting one!