This is how long to practice .....
 

I just bought a new book ("Mastering machine applique" 2nd edition, by Harriet Hargrave) and in it I found the following statement:

"A study at Johns Hopkins University found that it takes six hours to permanently store any new physical skill into your memory. If the storage process is interrupted by learning another new skill, the first lesson may be erased. The study showed that time itself is a very powerful component of learning; it is not enough to simply practice something, you have to allow time for the brain to encode the new skill. "

I equate this to what a lot of people refer to as "muscle memory". I did a quick think about how long it took me to "get" FMQ stipling, and if I think about the hours of JUST stipling, it's about right.

I didn't double check the reference to Johns Hopkins, but I have no reason to doubt it.

Thought it was interesting enough to pass on.

Thank you!

Well it sure takes my stomach a long,long time and a lot of crunches to "remember" being flat. So I guess that's true!!

Yes, that sounds about right. Thinking back on the stuff I am learning about FMQ, it has taken approximately 2 hours of continuous practice to get my curves smooth, then another 3-4 hours trying to get the pattern down I am FMQ'ing so that it flows smoothly when I work on my poor Featherweight (poor in that it is the only machine I can successfully use to FMQ in my house).

It does take awhile, but boy is it worth it. The recent quilts I have FMQ'd are really looking good now. It's taken me about 40+ hours over the last year to get the work to look somewhat decent. I don't do much stipple, just a curvy line and occasional loop or ivy leaf or monkey face.

I appreciate the info!

hahahahahahahahah!

6 hours in a row with no other interruption? Not this gal. 2 here, 2 after a while, and 2 later------------that I can manage.

Hmmm - food for thought. That would explain why I don't learn new techniques forever, since I tend to jump from one type of project to another frequently and was telling myself it's multi-tasking.

I have Harriet's book - it was my first purchase regarding FMQ. I can assure you that some "slow learners" take a lot more time to stop from sewing too fastly or too slowly...then all of a sudden it was like a light switch being turned on and now it just 'happens'. I found out about dissolveable thread for the first time by reading her book and there were lightbulb moments throughout my reading of it. One of the better purchases that I have made.

I agree, it takes hours of doing the same thing before I can get it ingrained in my mind!!!!!!!!!!!!!

that's quite interesting. thanks for sharing

that explains the struggling all the time. Too many interruptions.

Wow 6 hours, I do practice on a scrap piece each design first, but never 6 hours make 15 give or take a little. I guess more time will make improvement.

note to self*
resolution before the new year....take a day...make lunch the night before.....if you have to pretend you are in a sweat shop////so be it.......do the 6 hours

remembering it took about 4 hours to do smooth curvy butterflys, my favorite

Good to know, thank you.

Thank you for passing this on. Now I don't feel like I am totally hopeless.
Robin in TX

LOL...my stomach has "challenges"!!!
thanks for the 6 hour info...I'll know to be patient with my brain, lol!

Got to love when "research" starts to really apply to our everyday lives!

Thank you. Need to give myself a little slack for not learning and retaining new skills. I'll be more gentle with myself.

Interesting - not surprising, actually, and that "erasing" sounds waaaaay too familiar.....!

If that's the case then how come there is an over abundance of bad drivers- with all the hours they put in behind the wheel swirving, honking and flooring it they should be good right?

Great!!! Now I don't feel so bad. :)

Ummm was there an age mentioned because I think for every 10 yrs I've aged I've had to add and extra hour on to that learning curve/time since I was 30...so let see for me it would be 9 hrs and that's about right.

Yes, thanks for sharing. I'm about to tackle this new skill....

Thanks for the information!

Very interesting. Now I can see the end of the tunnel when it comes to FMQ. Thanks!

That's interesting to know, thanks for posting!!!