Joy
I have been free motion, and stippling for about a year now. What I found that helped me was pratice, and more pratice, before I ventured on to my quilts. First thing that I found through trial and error, is that for ME, I have to wear gloves. I use the every day, dollar store variety garden gloves, making sure they have those little hard plastic bumps on the bottom. About 1.00 a pr. Which saves a whole lot in the long run, because I don't have to use any sprays or etc, to make my fabric glide easier. I started really fast and worked my way down to about a med speed (Mind you this was on my pratice pieces). Sometimes music helped for me to keep a even timing, but it's all in choice and your own technique that you develope. I always thread 2-3 bobbins when I'm getting ready to quilt by machine, because when the bobbin runs out, I have a couple ready to pop in. I mark the spot with a quilt pin, load the bobbin, and start back about an inch where the last stitch was made. I'm sure it won't take long for you to catch on. It was fear that caused me to put it off for so long. But once I jumped and got my feet wet, I find it hard to sit down and hand quilt. Other then I really enjoy the whole process and that nothing can or ever will replace hand quilting. That is an art all in it's self. So get you a couple of sandwhich pieces, and just sit down and go. Would like to hear what helped you and what you learned on your own.