I had the pleasure of being part of the Q&A sessions on all three days of the FMQ Summit. Although I was there to help ANSWER questions, I came away with so many NEW IDEAS!!
My number one takeaway was that I need to explore more types of thread. Several people talked about using an 80-weight thread in the bobbin, noting that the thread sank into the back and provided great texture. Consequently, I got online and bought a sample box of DecoBob Prewound Bobbins
I can’t wait to try them on my next bit of free-motion quilting!!
They also talked at length about using different threads on the top…..from a 100 wt silk thread to a heavy, 12-wt thread.
Right now, I am content with what I am using, but when I have some time, I truly want to explore further and see what I can achieve with other threads!
We also talked about needles and most of the quilters are SO good about changing their needles regularly….like after 8 hours of quilting. I truly need to up my game on this!!
Someone asked a question about basting using pool noodles, and Mary Davis (sponsor of the summit) said she had a YouTube video. I checked it out…..
I love this, especially since it means I won’t have to be scrabbling around on my garage floor!!
The one thing that we ALL agreed on is that you just have to make a start, not expect to be perfect the first time, relax and ….
I thoroughly enjoyed my three days at the FMQ Summit -2026 and can’t wait for next year!!
Thanks Mary for organizing such a wonderful event.
We had a great day yesterday, learning how to quilt starburst designs, tips for learning FMQ, the art of crosshatching, free motion embroidery, whimsical flowers, quilt labels, and feathered hearts!!
Today’s lineup looks just as good.
Ruler Work from Nina Clotfelter
One Start, One Stop – Custom Quilting the Ohio Star from Lisa Calle
Thread Sketching from TJ Wright
Free Motion Curling Roses from Linda Bratten
Get Started with Free Motion Embroidery from Vania Santos
Practice Panel Pointers from Shereece Nicole
Feathers Made Easy: One Plume at a Time from Judith Kudo
It’s not to late to join and view all of these videos…..