you just need to put some fabric on the frame and practice practice practice. Just start with a simple meander. Once you get used to the process, you will love it. It does take so much practice. Good luck and just do it

Be Brave! I've had my set up for 3 years now and the moment I am set to start quilting, be it my own quilt or a customer's quilt, Im filled with such uncertainty I usually have ti leave it for 24 hours. So that's what I do. It's the "time for the quilt to get to know the frame" time. When I come back after looking at the quilt from different angles I'm pretty confident with what I had planned.
MaryKatherine

This is also my suggestion - it seems to take off any anxieties and pressure when you make a "practice sandwich" - it gives you a freedom to just go for it and get the feel of it - just go slow and have fun......you will find your comfort zone.

I am right where you are now! My hubby, he is the best, bought me a Avante when I wasn't ready for it and I have still not used it! I keep telling myself that I can d o this and will eventually get to it. Don't give up hope. Like the rest said, jump right in and practice, practice, practice. I am told that is the best way. Good luck.

I wish I had a mid or long-arm set up to be scared about! But I understand and really hate having to read a bunch of instructions to figure out how to use something. Just want to do it. I bet you'll wind up loving it and quilting beautiful quilts. Keep us posted.

I was the same way when I bought my first embroidery machine. It sat there for 6 months before I got up enough nerve to embroider something. Just jump in there and do something.

I wish I had a set up like that. I would be slow at first but it would not take me long to get going...YOU can do it.

I kno what you mean--I bought a Viking sewing machine and didn't use it for 2 years. It didn't bite when I finally used it and maybe yours won't either. }:0)

I felt that way with my first embroidery machine from Singer. I didn't touch it for almost a year! I got over it and now it is not a problem to use any machine now!

Just go for it, if you need to get confidence in trying it, look for Yahoo groups that use the frame and/or sewing machine. You will probably find helpful tips etc. Most people feel this way about a new setup, it can be intimidating. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will be with it. Make "sandwiches" to practice on by putting scrap squares of batting between two fabrics and go for it.