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.

Over the past three days, I watched 21 quilters teach different areas of free-motion quilting, and I learned SO much.

The first video I watched at the FMQ Summit was by Mary Davis, the summit organizer. She quickly quilted a starburst design…..

You will definitely be seeing this in future border quilting designs!!

Jane Hauprich taught various types of cross-hatching. I particularly like this curved version….

Jackie Brown taught some wonderful fanciful flowers….

….and, Kat Nixon gave great ideas for making corner labels for our quilts….

There was lots more…..

……come back tomorrow for more!!!

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Check out my new, ONLINE, ON-DEMAND Free-Motion Quilting Course

CLICK TO LEARN MORE

Today is the third and final day of the FREE-MOTION QUILTING SUMMIT, and it is MY DAY TO TEACH!!

My session is “A Tale of Two Spirals: Simple Designs for Beautiful Quilting” and focuses on this quilt….

Whether you are brand new to free motion quilting or you’ve been at it for years, there’s something here for you….and registration is completely free!

Come stitch with me.

AND, even though this is the final day, it is not too late to join… REGISTER HERE

Other teachers for the day…..

• Ursula Almeida – Rainbows for Days

• Julie Piotniko – Flirtatious Feathers with a Botanical Twist

• Michelle Willis – The Art of Quilting

• Kate Nel – Quilting using Lines of Symmetry

• Adelle Pears – Snowflakes in the Breeze

• Lyndelle Newey – Let’s Take Swirls for a Spin.

Hope you join us!!

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Check out my new, ONLINE, ON-DEMAND Free-Motion Quilting Course

CLICK TO LEARN MORE

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…..

CLICK HERE to register

Hope to see you there!!

———————————————————————-

Check out my new, ONLINE, ON-DEMAND Free-Motion Quilting Course

CLICK TO LEARN MORE