IBQLTN

Don't laugh! If you're left handed, try quilting in the opposite direction that the book shows, i.e., right to left instead of left to right. It seems to flow a little better for me.

Peggy
Sunny, Windy Fla!

katier825

Don't give up! It takes a lot of practice to feel comfortable doing it. I've gone thru many practice sandwiches before attempting on a "real" quilt. I think stippling is one of the hardest things to do well. I find that I do pretty good with loops, curliques, wavy lines. I can do straight lines now if I turn it so it is forward/backward. I don't do well with diagonal lines. When you practice, notice which types you feel most comfortable with and do lots of those. Once you get the hang of that, move on to other things. When I first started, I couldn't follow a pattern well at all. I'm much better now. Keep trying! And relax, it's supposed to be enjoyable! :)

feffertim

My neck and shoulders got so stiff !

katier825

Yes, that's common. You need to take frequent breaks and stretch. Being tense while doing it makes it worse. Try to relax and enjoy! It really does get easier. :)

carolaug

What happen...just try and have curvy lines and do not have the lines touch. Don't be afraid to take many breaks. Very important to be relaxed...a glass of wine...LOL here are some videos that you may find helpful http://www.thriftyideastoday.com/201...-quilting.html

rb.

My first practice was stippling, and a major fail. My second and third were actual quilts, meandering, and I did far better. Maybe try bigger for a bit to build skills and confidence?

Stitchnripper

Don't give up! It takes lots of practice. I am getting better, but still have a ways to go. I really enjoy it though and I think you can finish a quilt faster using meander (big stippling). You will get the feel of the speed of your machine and the movement of your hands.

maryb119

Dont be discouraged. It takes practice. Remember to put down the presser foot. That was the mistake I made when i started.

SuzanneG

Stippling is more challenging than it looks. It can help to trace with your fingers on paper a stippling pattern. It helps "set" it in your mind and your hands will do a much better job when you move back to the fabric and machine. But really, it's like many things in life, the more you do it the better you get. Good luck and I know your FMQ'ing will just keep getting easier and better! :D

feffertim

Thank you, those are great videos, she makes it look so easy (which it's not) Going to buy a new bottle of wine tomorrow LOL