Free Motion Quilting Challenge - March

I finally sandwiched the little quilt top I made way back in the second week of January this year.  I was so excited to learn how to improve my FMQ sills with SewCalGal.  Remember this cold day?

I and got busy.  March's challenge is lead by Ann Fahl.  She did FMQ before FMQ was cool!  She is a true artist with what she can do with a regular sewing machine.  I didn't pick a shiny thread or anything that stood out too much, but I did pick blue over a beige or white!  I'm still a little timid on the FMQ, but I really liked the loops and stars for this quilt.  She also suggested titanium needles.  I may try to find these the next time I am shopping for needles.  BUT I have been very successful in FMQ with jean needles.

I probably should have tried to make the stars in the blank area of the fabric instead of just at random and over top of the prints.  I wasn't thinking about the entire big picture.  But I still like it this way.

Here's a couple of pics...

For some reason this pattern reminds me of Texas... stars and lassos.  I'm happy with it.  I'm very happy with my overall stitch lenghth.  The little stars were fun, but I needed to stop and think which way I was going.  It kept me very interested.

I was also happy to read Ann Fahl's instructions on how to square up a quilt and how to get your quilt flat.  I've had trouble with this in the past.  Hopefully my little FMQ Challenge quilt is pinned enough to stay put and stay smooth.  So far, so good.