Wow, such great information. I am such a baby when it comes to having my finger pricked, for this reason I have only tried a few stitches. I thought to myself it would be so much easier if I could just have the fabric loose and now I see the quilt police won't come and get me if I do loosen it. I think I will have to get one of these and try again. I just love the look of hand quilting and it just seems so much more personal. I live probably and hour or so away from the fabric shack so I"ll make a trip. Thank you again.