Teeler

Anne- I think you did fine for your first time out. Question: did you work bottom-to-top, or top-to-bottom with this practice pattern? I can't seem to figure out which way I need to be working. And forget about where to stop and pivot...I totally forget that I HAVE to, and just keep going until I get stuck in a corner. (Practice)

S124- nice job! How do you get "real stitch lengths" in there?! Every time I FMQ I seem to just have these teensy-weensy, almost non-existent spaces between stitches. Am I not moving it enough? (Practice)

I'm in between projects at the moment, so hope to get back to the practice mat this week (in between playing in the garden with this gorgeous weather that has finally arrived)

Thank you to the person that gave an estimate of practice time for us noobs; at least we can have a goal and perhaps be able to see real progress! (Practice!)

Oh, I wanted to mention...LOL...I practiced again this weekend, and have to say that there apparently are "off" days since I couldn't seem to get a smooth line no matter what I did. It was just all jagged and just no smooth swirls/movements anywhere- worse than even the first time I tried FMQ. So I tried the wine trick...nope, didn't work. Not better, not worse...just didn't do anything. So I chalked it up to an 'off' day, and put it aside for another day since wasting thread didn't seem like the thing to do when nothing was falling into place AT ALL. (Keep practicing!)

Another thing I noticed more this time than the first time was a real need for additional space to the left of the machine. My hand kept falling off the bed of the machine. Must go find that 'foam surround' tutorial here on the boards and make one. (right tools will make practice go better!)