ditto

so sorry about you getting discouraged while you are quilting it helps to stay relaxed and dont try to hurry put on some music that seems to work for some people
but dont stop quilting because you had a bad day at it !!!!

I feel your pain! I was embroidering on my machine what was supposed to be a birthday present for my SIL; changed colors (same needle, same brand of thread) and had massive birds nest! Luckily the birds nest was so BIG, i was able to cut it out and start that section over again. I was wipeing my brow!! Keep at it, it will come together.

Oh, and Marsye, you are such a love! Kitty is pretty smart, huh?!?

This really makes me nervous about learning how to quilt on my machine. I will be sure to follow everyone's advise, thanks to one and all.

Antoinette,
Make lots of small quilts that are easy to piece and just practice your machine quilting, give them to an organization that wants baby quilts for needy kids.
Quilting should be fun!
Sharon W.

Sometimes, and I don't know why because the guy who serviced my machine didn't tell me, but the tension can slip. My old Singer was notorous for it, and finally the tension disc just couldn't do what it needed to do and I had to retire the machine. Maybe the problem is in the tension contraption and not YOU. We all have times where it seems like it is going great and then wham! Don't be down on yourself. It could be the machine. It could also be that you might be going too fast or moved the quilt too fast.

I like your attitude ( I'm smiling)

If something like this happens...take a brake...if the quilt is not finished give a gift certifcate and write they will get the piece as soon as possible.

This is how I do it when I can't finsish the gift on time.

I am going to make a Goodie Bag with some of the left over fabric and put a pillow case matching the quilt and an IOU for the quilt and a card in the bag. I am also going to make a little book about the quilt and give it with the quilt when it is finished. I am going to take a break from the actual quilting part of things and do some piecing and make some Goodie Bags and pot holders for awhile. I wish I could hand quilt but I have tendonitis in my shoulder, elbow and hand and have not been able to get rid of it completely. I know I will feel better if I can successfully finish SOMETHING.

this past week-end I was going to whip out a new canopy for my swing. Bar none this was a disaster from start to finish!!I went to get thread and locked myself out. Got moving and the bobbin wouldn't, got that fixed and had a huge mess around so took it apart and got all the thread out. Started sewing and ran out of thread. Same day went and got more thread, ok sew, sew, sew and had a nest of thread around the bobbin. Again take it apart and couldn't get machine back together. Called my sewing shop, explained problem and asked could I come and see if he could fix it. Went over and in 10 seconds it was fixed and not only did he show me how to fix it he didn't charge me. I was glad to see it hanging on the swing. I think that sewing machines like to keep us humble and really appreciate the help they give us. We all have days so hang in there and remember you are not alone. How many people have this great amount of love and support that is unconditional!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think it depends on who the gift is for. My daughter made a quilt top as a baby gift for a high school girlfriend of hers. We explained that it was the first time we had tried free hand machine quilting. It isn't perfect by any means, but she came over to see the work and loves it because she knows how much work and love went into it. Sometimes we forget the quilt isn't actually the gift...

I am new to quilting, and I have tried doing designs on my little quilts, I am very stubern. but have learned to walk away for a couple hours or even a day. God bless. Penny

how are you getting along now with your machines for quilting?

I am putting it on hold for awhile. I finished the quilt I was struggling with, (It came out really nice for a first timer) I am trying hand quilting and I find it really soothing. I will definitely return to FMQ as soon as my current project is complete. I just needed a break and wanted to learn something new.

I know, yesterday, I started stippling my lap quilt I had planned to give to my dil for Christmas, I got half way through it and now am creating "eyelashes" darn it!!!! I could have cried, why why why???? I know how you feel, I also know, tomorrow is a new day and I will somehow find the energy to rip it all out.No fun thinking about it even! Don't give up! There will be a better day and you will learn from this. Just don't give up please! Stop and take a step back! Give it some time, and try again!