Originally Posted by feffertim
My neck and shoulders got so stiff !
Ahhh ... that's why everyone said "relax" (honestly - it wasn't just a cliche!). Not only will you be sore, but it won't do the quilting a bit of good either.
So, relax the shoulders, put a practice piece down, and just sew. Don't try to sew pretty, don't try to sew "anything" - just practice moving fabric around, forward, backward, side to side, with your shoulders RELAXED. Get that part down pat first. Complete perhaps 3-5 10" sandwiches full of nonsense quilting all completed with relaxed shoulders. THEN try to practice something planned.
Some people use a harness for their shoulders/neck and it has adjustable weights that hang from the harness on your back - supposed to help relax your shoulders. Obviously if there's a device to prevent this, your not the only one with the problem. Try to work through it on your own.
Oh ... and breath. Honestly. I'll bet you hold your breath without knowing it. Well, I did, and apparently it's a common reaction.
repeat with breathing - shoulders - inhale - shoulders - exhale - shoulders - inhale ....
music helps too.