Hi, I love to hand quilt...it is a "meditation" of sorts time for me...I lived in a very small town in Iowa where a group of quilters(ages 62---97) met weekly and we quilted on a squared frame. That's where I learned. You are right that practice is the way to perfection once you know the method. Just be kind to yourself. I don't like a hard timble so I use the kind that glues onto your tip. Also, I am left-handed so I am sure some quilters find my position different??? But it works for me. I live in Missoula, Montana where there are lots of wonderful quilts created but they are all machine quilted....not for me. keep practicing. betsylou