Free Motion Quilting Challenge

I didn't manage to get November's challenge done last month so I was determined to get mine done this month....

This month at QuiltShopGal we had Wendy Sheppard from Ivory Spring.  I have read her blog for some time but then lost (and forgot) the link when my feedly disappeared - so I'm glad to find her again.

Last weekend I sorted out to practice some new quilting and make up the cushion...  Wendy showed Jester's hat quilting. ( I did quite a lot of doodling on paper which they say is good but really it doesn't help me practice - I find it quite a different movement when quilting)

If you see the bottom right the shapes are a bit wide and wobbly but definitely improved as I went along.  I think I will do some more of this as its a great filler. Thanks Wendy for the clear instructions and great tutorial and thanks Darlene for hosting these very welcome tutorials..

(Wendy has heaps of ideas and help HERE on her Thread talk)

Since I had not managed to do Novembers I used that tutorial (by Sarah Vedeler) to make the back of my cushion.... These swirls are lovely and will be great for borders and sashing... I do need lots more practice to get the gaps between the lines a bit more even.  Thanks Sarah for the clear instructions for this one.  If you are a machine embroiderer I think you will especially like to look up Sarah's page.

So here is my cushion --- the December side....

... and the November side....

I like a soft not very full cushion behind my back when I sit at my chair and handstitch so this is my new cover (the old one was very daggy!!!)

That's the end of the year for these challenges but if you like linky parties and getting ideas from others keep your eye out at QuiltShopGal.. there is always lots going on there - and many times she has sponsors with prizes!

Righto, Gotto Go..... it's the last morning sewing day with the Thursday gals at The Quilters Angel for the year and I can't miss that!