Thanks, Peckish-that really explains it well. That is what was happening to me when stippling-I have always hand-quilted my quilts, but decided to make some small crafty-projects last Xmas (toaster covers, etc), and that was exactly what was happening to me! I fiddled and fiddled, but just couldn't figure what was wrong-IT WAS ME!! Thanks for that, now I might give it another try!!