Doda

Thank you all for your words of encouragement. I will get started this weekend. I work full-time during the week so I
want to be rested and refreshed when I start this venture. (lol)
Its time.

Again thank you all.

Shemjo

Go for it! I am a hand quilter experimenting with FMQ. It takes lots of practice.

Shirley41

Just go ahead and do it. It's the only way to learn. We all started that way. Once you've done the first, the second will be easier..trust me. I agree with stitch in the ditch or 1/4 in from the seam for a start.

iamsogone

just go for it i am not an expert but i do know that feeling of fear so i just go forit and it isfine you will bring a whole new meaning to it when you get done

Greendragon6889

It can be very intimidating just thinking about it ..That's my least favorite part but can't afford any one else to do it for me so have to do it myself. I've learned to not sweat the small stuff and to believe my quilts are unique, not perfect...So go for it...you'll be fine.

Boston1954

I was not new when I finally decided to start hand quilting. I just got so tired of making nice tops and then finishing them with little ties. So, one day I just got out the needle and jumped in. My stitches were not small, and they were not even, but they were MINE. Over the years, (this was 2003) they have become much better.

Now if you are shy about starting on a nice top, and scared of wrecking it, just take a piece of fabric and make it a test subject.

pins4

To gain a little more experience trythis trick. It is how I learned to freemotiion and really a big help. Take the thread from you machine , work with an empty needle, put the "darning foot" onthe machine, drop the feeddogs and use a piece of scrap paper. just start stitching on the paper. move it around to get a feel for it. Keep trying until you can make the "holes" about the same distance apart. I did this for a few weeks every chance I got. when I could get the needle holes close I started to make definite shapes like fancy L or lower case e or just meander for puzzle shape. The fear is gone because you are not wasting anything but using scrap paper. Then put scrap fabric together with the batting, about 12" x 12" add thread to your needle and bobbin and just do the same thing you did with the paper. there is a different feel to using the fabric but you will get it faster now. Try a written L shape or lower case e or just meander around like a puzzle piece. before you know it you will have your favorite shapes and be off and quilting.
Also a great tool is the SUPREME SLIDER. It is 100% teflon and the fabric moves so easily when you are working on a quilt. It sells for around 30.00 but is worth every penny in the relief it gives your hands.
Have fun
Barbara

mystoflaura

I loved this question and the answers were so informative. Thank you Doda.

bibiche

Good luck this weekend. I just made my first quilt in late October. Everyone in the local quilt shop recommended that I just stitch in the ditch, but I think that can look really sloppy if it is not totally accurate and so is more difficult and frustrating for a beginner. If your top will look nice with it, I recommend stippling as a first quilting project -- it is really really fun and exhilarating (and masks mistakes pretty well, too ;)). But careful, it's addictive!!

GladGrams

Buck up Buttercup, you are well on the way to success! Be proud of your accomplishments!

You are a step ahead of me, I thought putting the pieces together for the top WAS QUILTING! You can only imagine my surprise when I realized I have only half finished!

Practice and relax is the best advice I can give. The longer you practice the easier it gets and the more fun it becomes.

Good luck and keep on quilting :)