If I could do that one a first, second or third attempt I would be thrilled. It's beautiful.

Now this brings quite an image to mind.

Very nice well done. i like the pattern.

Thank you all for your kind comments. Actually, I am happy with my first attempt. My stitches aren't very small, however--maybe even as much as a quarter inch in spots--but they are fairly consistent. The back isn't nearly as nice. The stab stitching makes it much more difficult to get the back stitches straight and even. I noticed as I went that if I was very, very careful to have the needle perpendicular to the fabric as I stitched from back to front, I did a better job. It requires patience, however, and that has never been one of my strengths (plenty of patience with others, but very little leftover for myself).

I was a little frustrated that the instructor for my class didn't give any guidance about how many stitches per inch I should be aiming for, even though I asked this question directly. She yammered on about whether you count the stitches or the spaces, or both. I didn't care how they are counted, I just wanted a guide. Can someone answer that question for me?

To ask it more clearly: How many stitches per inch is a goal to shoot for? And when you count the stitches, are you counting the stitches and the spaces? Or just the stitches? I'd like some sort of a gauge for my progress if I decide to try this again.

You did a beautiful job.

Where's the ditto button? :thumbup:

This looks beautiful to me - If this is your 1st hand quilting, you do work like a pro already - I sure don't see anything wrong w/it.

Perhaps "rocking the needle" would be easier if you make sure not to have the quilt stretched too tight in the frame. Plus practice will definitely make it easier. Hand quilting is all I ever learned & some of my 1st tries would be something to cry over (just short of being "toe-nail" stitches), but over the years they became easier & more comfortable for me to do.

Have a blessed day & may all your quilts be filled w/love.

You are nowhere near the bottom if that is your first attempt! I can't "rock" the needle yet and I am going on 4 yrs of hand quilting. I think I do just fine with the stab method.

I think it looks great.

great job