I've been sewing for years and I'm pretty much scared of any piece of new equipment I get. I think it's more I'm afraid I'm going to do something drastically wrong right off the bat and wreck something. I let a new embroidery machine sit for 3 months once before I got brave enough to take it out of the box and set it up. My girlfriend took hers out of the box when she got it, then put it right back in. I think it's a pretty normal reaction. My mid arm setup sat for a while before I finally put a practice quilt sandwich on it and let 'er rip. That got me over my anxiety.

To get the hang of using your set up, practice on plain cloth with batting and maybe a used sheet for backing. (You can buy the used sheets at Goodwill.) That way you can get the hang of quilting on it without worrying about any mess ups. Afterwards just throw that first one out if you don't like it or use it around the house as a utility quilt.

I've had my set up for several years but there are times that I go for a year without using it. When that happens, I buy a pre-printed baby panel and quilt it to a flannel backing just to get the hang on using it. This helps me go get into the swing of quilting on one of my pieced quilt tops. This also gives me extra baby blankets that can be thrown on the floor when company comes and one is needed.

I feel the same way, I have had mine for a year and a half, only tried once.Why I am afraid I do not know, but now have decided to just do it! So what if I mess up, it's a learning curve, I will have no more fear!

Boy can I relate. I have a B-line and Juki setup which is temperamental. I rarely use it or do a big spurt and then don't use it for weeks. This habit means I unlearn everything I learned and start over at square one. My top New Year's resolution is to learn to use it. I found that using a panel helped so I could try different movements and also just a plain quilt sandwich which I gave to the neighbor for a dog bed. I drew on some shapes which I tried to follow and then "creatively" travel to the next shape. I intend to do a little bit every day or two so I don't unlearn all progress. Just a thought that might help. My system makes me nervous too, esp since I have no dealer to call for help.

Sounds like when we built our house and I was so excited to finally be able to paint some walls . . . when it came to the first room, I had everything set up and instead of opening the can of paint, I called my sister long-distance, fixed a snack, flipped through a quilting magazine . . . delayed for fear of making a mistake. Now, a few years later, there's not a single white room in the house and I fear no paint color. It's common to be intimidated by fear of failure. Believing you can is the first step. And if you don't like the outcome, try again. Just know that there are lots of us here who are cheering you on!

You are human and allowed to make mistakes...which we all do..so go for it...before long you'll wonder what all the fuss was about....You'll do great

Maybe practice on some old fabric til it feels comfortable. I did the same with a scanner for my new home sewing machine....never used it but hope to when I find where I put it :) just play with it on something not important,and you won't worry like if it was a quilt you worked hard on. Pick specific time and date so you will look at it as a date with a new friend. Good luck.

Me too! Well, I wasn't scared, but I hated it! Now the frame is in the garage and the machine is on my desk (still great for FMQ!) and just thinking about it makes me feel sick! All that money... :( I have had an ad on Craigslist, but nobody else wants it, either!

Just do it!!! You have to start sometimes. My boss has a mid-arm and after having it for a few years, she took some classes at the quilt store where they sell Gammills. She is now quilting up a storm, having a blast at all the new techniques she has learned and wondering why she didn't do that long ago. Have fun with it!!!

Don't be hard on yourself it is learning!!! make something on fabric you aren't as fond of and if it doesn't turn out , the dog will love it for a warm lovey bed!! that is what I do or use muslin practice sandwiches and enjoy the process !!! You will be a pro in no time!!! There are no Quilt police !!!