Dear Future Rockstar: Notes from Free Motion Quilting Academy Students
It’s super fun to see the final projects when FMQ Rockstars graduate from Free Motion Quilting Academy, but maybe it also feels a little overwhelming. Maybe you’re wishing you could become an FMQ Rockstar, but you’re still feeling scared and doubtful about whether or not you really can face your fear of failure and learn this amazing skill. That’s exactly why I asked the Rockstars already in the Academy to share some encouragement with you.
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Have you ever wondered what the FMQ Academy graduates and students might say to their past selves who were nervous about the class or terrified of free motion quilting? Have you ever been tempted to think, “Well, those Rockstars must have already had some experience before the class-- they weren’t scared, and that’s why their work is so great!”? As the Fall 2020 cohort wrapped up, I was curious: How would the Rockstars describe their growth in their own words? Could I get a peek in their fabulously creative minds and see what has changed since they began their journey?
Curious, I posted in our Free Motion Quilting Academy Facebook group: “ Rockstars, I'm working on a special blog post for next week, and I need your help!
In the comments, please write a few sentences of advice or encouragement to the person you were when you were deciding to take this class and starting out.”
The resulting comments? Just WOW! I know you’ll be as encouraged as I was when you read a selection of their notes:
Dear Future Rockstar:
“This is THE class for you! It will help you expand on those beginner skills. You will develop the confidence to quilt complex motifs. And this is the perfect time to spend doodling and practicing those motifs. DO IT!”
- Louise Regan
“I gave up trying to teach myself how to FMQ. Then, HolyAnne Knight came into my life. WOW! Such a difference her classes have made. Learning this skill in baby steps, from doodling till the cows come home to practice sandwiches then actually quilting the real thing my progress feels monumental!”
-Jennifer Elias
“I almost didn't take this class because I have always considered myself "unartistic." I mean I literally can't even draw stick figures that are recognizable! Haha! After some encouragement from HollyAnne Knight I decided to give it a shot. The first time I saw the workbook with all 30 motifs I nearly gave up. I thought there was NO WAY I could do some (most) of them. But here I am, a short while later, with a finished sampler quilt that has all 30 of those motifs on it! Now - I know I am not great at some of them and that's ok - but, I was able to learn the skills and make progress. I've FMQ'd a couple of quilt tops already and - it was fun! My advice - take the chance! If I can learn it then so can you. Ignore that mean voice in your head that's telling you that you can never do this and take the plunge. You will NOT regret it!”
-Ann Smith
“I almost talked myself out of this class and I would have missed out on so much. If you follow HollyAnne‘s lesson plan and participate fully you will not regret taking this course EVER.”
-Lisa Moose
“I was reluctant to join the Free Motion Quilting Academy because I had tried to quilt on my home machine several times and failed. I am so glad I didn’t listen to my inner doubts. This was the best investment I’ve ever made!! It wasn’t hard yet I did work hard willingly because I was experiencing success at every step along the way. HollyAnnes enthusiasm is contagious ! She has developed a course that leads to success-- I highly recommend that you ignore your negative Nancy voice and jump right in— you won’t regret it.”
-Peggy Anderson
“Can you say Game Changer???? Never for one minute did I think I could quilt 30 different motifs on a quilt using my conventional sewing machine as well as complete a Wholecloth Project (which I didn't even know what one was!!!). HollyAnne Knight made me and so many others into Rockstars when we signed up for her FMQA. BEST investment I have made!!!! The beauty of her program is you will have the videos available to you 24/7 AND you can go at your own pace as we all have various time constraints in our lives. You will not only have HollyAnn's support online, you will have the support of so many past, present and future Rockstars who are so very supportive and encouraging. You will not be sorry, I can assure you!!!!”
-Pookie DeCocq
“This class sounds like just the thing you need to inspire and challenge you creatively in the upcoming dark days of winter. I hear the teacher is a vibrant enabler of free motion quilting success, her teaching style is supportive and encouraging. You will hear her words as you lay your head down to sleep” you got this RockStar” You will join an online community of fellow passionate quilters- they will problem solve with you, offer suggestions and ideas - and just be your all around new besties...Since beginning your quilting journey you’ve wanted to join the cult of free motion mavens, you know it’s your deepest desire. So what are you waiting for- this class will be the single most important thing you can do to achieve free motion quilting RockStar status! Hit SIGN UP NOW!”
-Jeanne McNeill
“I was completely hesitant. The cost vs. payoff. Would I be able to do it? Am I throwing my money away? I tried to do it by books and random videos, but had sooooo many questions. This class answers all your “but how do I do.......”. You can actually submit questions and They get answered. When I went to past classmates and asked “what is so different?” They honestly had a hard time answering. I totally get that now. It IS hard to answer what the magic is! But it works! I am completely amazed at how much I have accomplished and learned. WORTH EVERY PENNY!!!! I am so glad I jumped in!!! Not a single regret!!! Just completely thrilled with what I have learned and what I am capable of doing. Absolutely love this class!!!!”
-Kim O’Connell
“This class is a serious commitment in yourself: in the hobby you love, in the magic you create, and the story you will tell. It might not be easy to find the time, the guts, the money, but you are so worth it. Investing in yourself is the best gift you can give to the people around you.”
-Trish Sparling
Love, The Rockstars Before You
Closing Thoughts
Just in case you missed the theme, YOU ARE A ROCKSTAR!
One Rockstar asked a question I loved: How many more years will free motion quilting be on your resolutions, goals, or wish list?
Let’s make this year the last so that in future years you can tackle any quilt your heart desires and know that you’ll be able to finish it beautifully!
Ready to be a Free Motion Quilting Rockstar?
Enrollment is currently closed til we open doors again in 2023. Click the button below to join our waitlist and be the first to know about the next enrollment!
