Keeping a record (sketchbook)

As a free motion quilter, I found that when I face a blank quilt surface, I struggle to determine what designs to use.  I have taken several classes (mostly through Craftsy) on free motion quilting and learned lots of designs.  But that blank surface seems to be destructive to my memory.  
So I have started to  keep a diary/sketchbook of designs that I like.  


For example, this is a sketch of my design Kaiser Roll. (demo available on my YouTube channel: Queen of Remnants.)  I add my own designs only after I have tested them, as the potential designs may change as they get translated over to actual stitching, rather than sketching.  


This is a sketch of my design Shamrocks. (demo available on my YouTube channel: Queen of Remnants.)   The original design idea included a large pebble ringing each of the shamrock units.  But when I actually stitched it out, I found I preferred this version of the design.  


If  I learned the design from a class or someone else's videos, I make a note of whose design it is.  I was introduced to this design from a Angela Walters video.  (She has several great classes on Craftsy and her YouTube videos are both entertaining and educational.)   I also note some possible variations on the design in my sketch.



This is a design from Christina Cameli.  She also have several great classes on Craftsy and a YouTube channel (afewscraps)  




This pattern is from Leah Day.  It is similar to a wood grain pattern.  Leah Day started the Free Motion Quilting Project and designed several hundred quilting designs.  She also has classes on Craftsy and videos on YouTube.  I have to confess that I pretty much learned my early FMQ through Leah Day's videos.  


When I come to quilt one of my tops, I look through the sketchbook.  Sometimes I find just the right design for my project.  Sometimes I don't, but I am reminded of available resources that I can look to for inspiration.  If you are serious about doing your own FMQ, you too may want to keep a sketchbook of designs.

BJ, Q of R









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