Well, I just completed my first try at stippling and I have to say, It looks ok. The length of the stitches really depends on how fast you're going. The faster you travel the smaller the stitches I have discovered. I really found it fun and so fast that I got excited thinking, maybe I really will finish all these projects before Christmas. :-)

But I do have to say I find it difficult also. I just don't have the "creative" gene. I can follow a pattern but when it comes to dreaming up (and executing) something, forget it. Mine doesn't look like the pros or folks that do this regularly but I really enjoyed it and think it looks well enough to give the grand-kids.

Hang in there and keep practicing, I think it will get better.

What a wonderful idea! What beautiful quilting!

stippling is overated ;-)

I have a Bernina with BSR like you do. Stippling and all FMQ is SOOOOO much easier and better when you use a Supreme slider http://www.freemotionslider.com/ and gloves. And make sure your machine is inside a table to make a flat surface. With these two tools, I can do anything! Here's a picture of my latest which has a lot of FMQ stippling. http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-69826-1.htm

Some of it has to do with RELAXING! Not too long ago I did a stippling that's really close and tight. Just working to get the wall hanging DONE. After that, I went to a larger stippling and discovered I found it easier..........I think doing the small stippling helped a lot.

Great ideas!

I'll second the use of the supreme slider. That helps a lot.

Also, practice the smooth curves and even spacing by doodling with a pen on paper. I do this at meetings or when on the phone, and it really does help my brain/eye/hand connection.

I also find it helpful to visualize a dime or a nickel and make my curves around my imaginary loose change, keeping it close to the same size. I do a very basic stipple pattern of 3 nice curves to the right, then 2 down, and 2 to the left, then three down, and repeat. Over time, you work in a lot of variations on that.

With the BSR -- which mode are you using? I started with BSR 2, without the foot pedal, and going solely on speed of movement. As I've progressed, I find I like my results on BSR 1 with the foot pedal -- I personally have better control and more pleasing results.

If you haven't taken all your classes yet, that may help -- having an instructor show you the various modes and methods of using the BSR.

And finally -- it's really not hard, but nobody is going to deny that it takes practice. Your sandwiches destined for stockings approach is a good start, but keep going. The freemotion quilters who do the amazing work we all admire most likely put in time almost every day.

RST

ROFL I didn't want to put it down but that is exactly what I was thinking. Some relaxing music and getting up frequently might help too.

I love meandering but stippling is hard to me. What helped me most was to get a stencil and mark it on my quilt and follow that pattern. I felt more at ease with it after that. I love quilting gloves too. It helps me move my fabric.

The main thing is practice - not caring how it looks at this point. There is a rhythm to it, and when you get the rhythm it will make sense to you. Some people are good, some people are not. I am in between, when I first start it takes me a while to warm up, but when I do, I can do it.

I hope you have success. The main thing I'd advise is just do it, and don't worry about what others may think about it or your progress - then it'll turn out great ;)