What do you want to learn in 2016?

by Nicole
As the New Year approaches, I’m beginning to think about what new technique I want to learn. For me, it’s hand quilting. I love the look of the hand stitching on quilts. Maybe 2016 will be the year I learn?!?
I was curious about what my readers were interested in learning so for the Sew Mama Sew Giveaway Day, I asked: “What is one quilting or sewing technique that you’d like to learn in the New Year?” 
Here are the results of my not-so-scientific poll:
What Mama Love Quilt Readers to learn
Almost a third of readers want to learn free-motion quilting (29%). 
Another third want to master garment sewing (12%), paper piecing (10%) or applique (8%). 
Learning curved piecing (7%) or English paper piecing (7%) were other popular techniques. 
Some people want to learn new binding techniques (3%) or quilt-as-you-go (2%). 
The rest of readers – 22% – want to learn a variety of different techniques – 26 techniques in all. Some of the techniques in this “other” category were thread painting, trapunto, hand quilting, installing zippers, and ruler work on a domestic machine. 
Did any of these results surprise you? 
I was surprised that free-motion quilting is so popular and that many readers are interested in garment sewing. Whodathunkit?!?
So how do you reach your goal of learning something new? 
I’m glad you asked. I recently came across an article on a foolproof way to achieve goals. Think systems, not goals is the answer. Read about it at Inc.
Whatever you want to learn, I encourage you to go for it! A New Year is a perfect chance to learn something new. 
As for the results of the SMS Giveaway Day, thank you to everyone who participated and for Sew Lux Fabric for sponsoring the giveaway. Random.org selected #187 out of 515 entries. Please join me in congratulating Saija! She has a $25 Sew Lux gift certificate coming her way! 

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6 comments

margaret December 14, 2015 - 6:41 am

I am not surprised FMQ came out on the top and here in the UK garment making is very popular at the moment due to The Sewing Bee which has been running on tv the last 3 years. I used to make all my clothes but since discovering embroidery in 90`s have made none

wish2stitch December 14, 2015 - 11:53 am

Free option quilting is what I am trying to master at the moment. I think I will still be trying to master it in 2016;)

Paige December 15, 2015 - 12:39 pm

I can always improve my free motion quilting and willing to take any class to help with it.

Saija December 15, 2015 - 4:29 pm

FMQ is just what I want to learn! Thank you so much for picking me as a winner!!!

Jake December 15, 2015 - 6:41 pm

The only way to reach your goal of what you want to learn is to commit to just do it! Me personally, I've gotten pretty good at FMQ…but I've never done curved piecing, so I'm in the seven per cent there. And how will I learn it? The same way I learned to sew bias edges, the same way I learned hand sewing binding, the same way I learned zippers, piping and bag making…I just did it…and they were all easy, it just took taking the time to do it. That said, there is definately a bigger learning curve to FMQ than other techniques, like partial seams (also conquered!), but once you delve in and do it, you just keep getting better!

Melanie December 26, 2015 - 2:14 pm

Thats a fun "not-so-scientific poll". I am in the main group as well. Though not as a set goal for 2016 but I will try it out sometime – when the time and mindset is right.

But what I really wanted to tell you: Thank you for the link. That's some great article to think about!

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