Mgshaw- What a beautiful quilt! Your hand quilting is gorgeous. I am a new quilter and I am working on my very first quilt; a wall hanging. It is a surprise gift for my parents 40 wedding anniversary. (My mom is a wonderful quilter so I really would like for it to look at least decent!)

What kind of tips can you give me for hand quilting for the first time? Should I use a frame or hoop? What do you suggest that I do to practice before I start on the real deal? Any tutorials or books you could recommend to me to learn the technique

Any advice/coaching would be very appreciated!! Thanks!

I love the hand quilting. Did you freehand the design or use a template? Either way it's fabulous!

It is so nice - love it!

thank you dutchgirl. gosh i dont really know what to tell you. I am pretty well self taught other than watching "simply quilts" when it was on.So anyone with any advise please jump right in.
As for hoop or frame. I use a hoop, I do have a frame but I cant seem to get the hang of quilting away from myself. You will just have to see what works best for you. The main tip i can think of is keep your fabric loose in the hoop or frame and when you are rocking the needle up and down go all the way up to a verticle position with your needle, it does make a difference.What i have always heard is dont worry so much about stitch lenght at first just try to get consistant in length. Make sure you have a thimble that fits well, and again find one that works for you.)there are many many kinds out there) mostly just practice, practice, practice.I made up several small quilts (24"x24")just plain fabric and practiced on those before i did any real quilts
Again anyone else please give any info you have

kinkajou, I used a template lordy I dont have the talent for freehand but thanks!

Your quilt is just so cute! I love it! I'm a hand quilter too, for the same reason you are--my machine quilting is the pitz! But when I've completed a project, I really feel like I've accomplished something!

As much as I hate to admit it, though, I think that if quilters in the old days had had machine quilting available to them you can bet the farm that they would have used it!

I agree Harmony, on all counts.
I have thought about sending mine out to be quilted but I guess its kind of like my kids,I have a hard time letting go

Beautiful Quilt :D Awesome Quilting :D

Now that's a quilt!! From the scrappy look to the fabulous!!!! handquilting. That's the kind of quilt that got me interested in making quilts myself, and it will probably always be my favorite type. Lots of fabrics, homey, comfy, and all quilted by hand. Ya just can't beat it. :D

Thanks lin!! oooh good topic, what got you started in quilting? You could start us off.