Free Motion Quilters....

My Bernina experience is limited to using my mom's Bernina a few times. I never did like that machine. Because of that experience -- and the price and the fact that we no longer have a local dealer -- I doubt that I will ever own one either. However, lots of people swear by them; I just swore at Mom's. But to each his own; I'm sure there are folks that wouldn't like my Elna, either.

Julia > That's what Bernina people will tell you. I've never met a Bernina that I

Thanks - just been on a search and found one.

They also have a new fmq foot - has anyone tried that. They suggest that you have both the bobbin holder and the foot which is more adjustable than the old type, but presumably this is just sales talk although it does sound quite interesting.

"JANOME are pleased to introduce this new free Motion Quilting Foot. First launched in America at the start of 2008 this new foot has received excellent reviews from the American quilters. Smaller head for better visibility when stippling. Smoother, freer movement for superior results. The new design of this foot ensures a minimum of pressure is applied to the fabric only at the moment the needle penetrates the fabric resulting in improved stitch quality. Simple design for quieter, stable movement. The new design means no lever is placed over the needle clamp screw. Movement is linked solely with the presser foot bar rather than the needle bar resulting in quieter operation at higher speeds. In addition, the fabric layers can be moved more easily as there is no delay between the ascent of the needle and that of the foot after each stitch. The clearance between the foot and the fabric can be adjusted with the top screw so that the foot simply skims the surface without impairment. PART NO. 200442004"

Its at

Family keep asking what I want for Christmas, and it would be nice to have something to ask for rather than being rather vague as usual!

Sally at the Seaside~~~~~~~~~~~~~uk

Leslie& The Furbabies > Sally, it's specifically for the Janome machines- I *think* it's only

I don't care much for the foot- purchased with my FMQ bobbin holder. First- it doesn't hop. Maybe I don't like it simply because I'm accustomed to coordinating moving the quilt with the hopping motion. (That could just be me???) But you can adjust the pressure that the foot has on the quilt sandwich so it barely skims the quilt surface... so the hopping motion really isn't necessary. Second- the foot is a small metal circle. I prefer an opening in the foot so I can see exactly where the needle is hitting the fabric. I might use that foot for free motion embroidery (still couldn't see exactly where the needle is hitting) but not for quilting.

Do try it out- maybe you'd like it. But I am not using mine.

Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.

Thanks Denise! :-) Michelle in Nevada

Really?! I suspect a Bernina would be above my price range anyway, but out of curiosity what do you not like?

Best regards, Michelle > That's what Bernina people will tell you. I've never met a Bernina that I

Thanks for the giggle Sandy! :-)

Michelle > Howdy!

Thanks for the links. :-) I like the look of yours much better Leslie. I'm sure given some thought, we could come up with something better and less expensive than the pre-made table too.

Best regards, Michelle > Yes, having the sewing machine flush mounted makes a world of difference

...where to start as I have many machines. I collect and restore vintage sewing machines but also have several very modern ones. I can FMQ on all of the working ones (about 50) even on the little Featherweights - providing the project is small LOL

Most of the time, I usually use one of my Vikings, though - either my Viking Designer 1, Viking 1+, or Rose because any of them easily drop down into my Koala cabinet.

But I also like the Viking 6570 (from the 1970s).

An the old Singers are wonderful, too - especially the ones from the

1950s era -- the 201-2, 15-91 and 301.....all have dropping feed and gorgeous, consistant, beautiful stitches.

Decisi>What sewing machine do you use to do your free motion quilting?

You might not but your new machine can! How is that machine working out for you? Taria

I have wondered about the foot. I thought I'd try the bobbin holder first. That might be enough for the fairly limited FMQ that I do. If I don't see great improvement, I'll invest in the foot. I am really serious about trying to improve my quilting, even if it is only within my 'can do' range. Because I mainly do wallhangings, the back isn't terribly important! But there are the hospital things that do have 'open to view' backs!! . In message , Sally Swindells writes

Wow! 50 machines! How interesting. I'll concentrate on what you use most of the time--the Vikings--because I'm interested in only one. ;-)

Thanks!

Michelle > ...where to start as I have many machines. I collect and restore

Why turn? With FMQ, you can just go sideways, backwards, diagonally...

Roberta >Aha. I'm watching this thread closely and think I see something we need to

Because I am not FMQ--can't seem to get the tension right in my Kenmore. Have hideous eyelashes on the back. So I'm straight line quilting. As I said, never again. 7 blocks down only 23 to go....

Michelle > Why turn? With FMQ, you can just go sideways, backwards, diagonally... >

Re: the new Janome FMQ foot

I bought the new foot when I bought the new FMQ bobbin. They're great together. The foot is about the diameter of a nickel, but it isn't flat. I would describe it as the shape of the hat worn by Jewish men for their services. (can't spell the actual word, yamulka, maybe?)

It isn't necessary for when you FMQ a flat surface, but if your quilt has lots of patchwork, it glides over the seams effortlessly.

Does everyone need to run right out and buy either new tool, nope, but they have made FMQ a lot easier for me.

The foot came in a package of three quilting feet and included a little feed dog cover (don't need it wih my Janome 6500) In all, I think it cost just under a hundred dollars for the feet and the bobbin. Not cheap, but I hardly ever buy anything for myself, and my family doesn't exchange gifts at all, so I justified it that way, I guess.

Denise

Second- the foot is a small metal circle. I prefer an opening in the foot so I can see exactly where the needle is hitting the fabric. I might use that foot for free motion embroidery (still couldn't see exactly where the needle is hitting) but not for quilting.

---------------------------------------------------

Leslie, the foot that I use that was recommended with the new FMQ bobbin isn't at all like what you're describing. It's a solid clear plastic circle disc with slightly raised sides, I described it in another post as like a Jewish man's hat he wears for services, kinda saucer shaped.

It lies flat on the material, but because the edges are slightly raised, it glides right over thick seams with ease. It has a slot in the center for the needle. I don't remember if it hops or not.

I just went and found the package which is labelled, Janome convertible free motion quilting foot set. It contains, 1. closed-toe foot (this sounds like what you're describing, round metal circle, 2. open-toe foot (small metal U shape) and 3. clear view foot.

It's the clear view foot I like so much, it has circular 1/4 inch marks on it for spacing. I just realized, it's more the size of a quarter than a nickel as I stated in a previous post.

Denise

I bought the free motion bobbin holder and that foot with the small metal closed circle as a set- from my Janome dealer. I also have the feet you described but not in a set. I'm sending the non-hopping foot to Pat on her hill. It can drive my Big Sis crazy for a while. Maybe Sally can have it next???? VBEG I guess not. I just re-read the package and that particular foot is only for the Janome 11000 and the 6600. Sorry girls!

Leslie & The Furbabies >

I have a 15-91 in a queen Anne style cabinet, but haven't used it since I brought it home. I did some mending on it at MIL's, for her. I did read the book and ask her if she had ever dropped the feed dogs, she said no, didn't even know that it could be done. She bought it new. Bonnie, in Middletown, VA

A 15-91? Is that the total name? Thanks Bonnie!

Michelle > I have a 15-91 in a queen Anne style cabinet, but haven't used it