For your first try, it is a miracle of consistency! Be kind to yourself. You are doing fine!
My first recommendation is to match the thread to your fabrics until you get more control. Then, it will look better on the front and eventually on the back.
I use thimbles on both hands - middle fingers-- and use a small quilting frame to give the fabric "bounce."
My stitches are 10-12 per inch (counting top and bottom.)
First control stitch angle -always straight -and distance from edge. (allow for seam allowances underneath.) Mark with ruler and washable pen/pencil if needed.
Once you control the stitch angle and distance, work on the consistent length. Even if it is half an inch long, make it always an half an inch in that quilt. Take it out and redo, if it gets out of whack. It will make you feel better, I promise.
Bury your knots in the batting.
Then try for smaller and smaller as you do more and more projects.
Eventually, speed will come.
I have been hand-quilting and sewing since I was a child. I am 62. And THANK YOU for continuing a wonderful hand-work art.
I earned my consistency. YOU can. too.
Last edited by laffygiraffe; 06-20-2012 at 09:46 AM.